_Wallenstein (leaning on Butler's shoulders)._ Know'st thou already? That old man has betrayed me to the Emperor. What say'st thou? Thirty years have we together Lived out, and held out, sharing joy and hardship. We have slept in one camp-bed, drunk from one glass, 10 One morsel shared! I leaned myself on him, As now I lean me on thy faithful shoulder. And now in the very moment, when, all love, All confidence, my bosom beat to his, He sees and takes the advantage, stabs the knife 15 Slowly into my heart. [_He hides his face on BUTLER'S breast._ _Butler._ Forget the false one. What is your present purpose? _Wallenstein._ Well remembered! Courage my soul! I am still rich in friends, Still loved by Destiny; for in the moment, That it unmasks the plotting hypocrite, 20 It sends and proves to me one faithful heart. Of the hypocrite no more! Think not, his loss Was that which struck the pang: O no! his treason Is that which strikes this pang! No more of him! Dear to my heart, and honoured were they both, 25 And the young man--yes--he did truly love me, He--he--has not deceived me. But enough, Enough of this--Swift counsel now beseems us. The Courier, whom Count Kinsky sent from Prague I expect him every moment: and whatever 30 He may bring with him, we must take good care To keep it from the mutineers. Quick, then! Dispatch some messenger you can rely on To meet him, and conduct him to me. [_ILLO is going._ _Butler (detaining him)._ My General, whom expect you then? _Wallenstein._ The Courier 35 Who brings me word of the event at Prague. _Butler (hesitating)._ Hem! _Wallenstein._ And what now? _Butler._ You do not know it? _Wallenstein._ Well? _Butler._ From what that larum in the camp arose? _Wallenstein._ From what? _Butler._ That Courier. _Wallenstein._ Well? _Butler._ Is already here. _Tertsky and Illo (at the same time)._ Already here? _Wallenstein._ My Courier? _Butler._ For some hours. 40 _Wallenstein._ And I not know it? _Butler._ The centinels detain him In custody. _Illo._ Damnation! _Butler._ And his letter Was broken open, and is circulated Through the whole camp. _Wallenstein._ You know what it contains? _Butler._ Question me not. _Tertsky._ Illo! alas for us. 45