[Cuirassiers _enter with drawn swords, and assemble in the back-ground. At the same time there are heard from below some spirited passages out of the Pappenheim March, which seem to address MAX._ _Wallenstein (to the Cuirassiers)._ Here he is, he is at liberty: I keep him No longer. [_He turns away, and stands so that MAX cannot pass by him nor approach the PRINCESS._ _Max._ Thou know'st that I have not yet learnt to live Without thee! I go forth into a desert, Leaving my all behind me. O do not turn 15 Thine eyes away from me! O once more shew me Thy ever dear and honoured countenance. [_MAX attempts to take his hand, but is repelled; he turns to the COUNTESS._ Is there no eye that has a look of pity for me? [_The COUNTESS turns away from him; he turns to the DUCHESS._ My mother! _Duchess._ Go where duty calls you. Haply The time may come, when you may prove to us 20 A true friend, a good angel at the throne Of the Emperor. _Max._ You give me hope; you would not Suffer me wholly to despair. No! No! Mine is a certain misery--Thanks to heaven That offers me a means of ending it. 25 [_The military music begins again. The stage fills more and more with armed men. MAX sees BUTLER, and addresses him._ And you here, Colonel Butler--and will you Not follow me? Well, then! remain more faithful To your new lord, than you have proved yourself To the Emperor. Come, Butler! promise me, Give me your hand upon it, that you'll be 30 The guardian of his life, its shield, its watchman. He is attainted, and his princely head Fair booty for each slave that trades in murder. Now he doth need the faithful eye of friendship, And those whom here I see-- [_Casting suspicious looks on ILLO and BUTLER._ _Illo._ Go--seek for traitors 35 In Galas', in your father's quarters. Here Is only one. Away! away! and free us From his detested sight! Away! [_MAX attempts once more to approach THEKLA. WALLENSTEIN prevents him. MAX stands irresolute, and in apparent anguish. In the mean time the stage fills more and more; and the horns sound from below louder and louder, and each time after a shorter interval._ _Max._ Blow, blow! O were it but the Swedish Trumpets, And all the naked swords, which I see here, 40 Were plunged into my breast! What purpose you? You come to tear me from this place! Beware, Ye drive me not in desperation.--Do it not! Ye may repent it! [_The stage is entirely filled with armed men._