_To these enter WALLENSTEIN, in conversation with the_ Burgomaster _of Egra._ _Wallenstein._ You were at one time a free town. I see, Ye bear the half eagle in your city arms. Why the half eagle only? _Burgomaster._ We were free, But for these last two hundred years has Egra Remained in pledge to the Bohemian crown, 5 Therefore we bear the half eagle, the other half Being cancelled till the empire ransom us, If ever that should be. _Wallenstein._ Ye merit freedom. Only be firm and dauntless. Lend your ears To no designing whispering court-minions. 10 What may your imposts be? _Burgomaster._ So heavy that We totter under them. The garrison Lives at our costs. _Wallenstein._ I will relieve you. Tell me, There are some Protestants among you still? [_The_ Burgomaster _hesitates._ Yes, yes; I know it. Many lie concealed 15 Within these walls--Confess now--you yourself-- Be not alarmed. I hate the Jesuits. Could my will have determined it, they had Been long ago expelled the empire. Trust me-- Mass-book or Bible--'tis all one to me. 20 Of that the world has had sufficient proof. I built a church for the reformed in Glogan At my own instance. Hark'e, Burgomaster! What is your name? _Burgomaster._ Pachhälbel, may it please you. _Wallenstein._ Hark'e!---- 25 But let it go no further, what I now Disclose to you in confidence. [_Laying his hand on the_ Burgomaster's _shoulder._ The times Draw near to their fulfilment, Burgomaster! The high will fall, the low will be exalted. Hark'e! But keep it to yourself! The end 30 Approaches of the Spanish double monarchy-- A new arrangement is at hand. You saw The three moons that appeared at once in the Heaven. _Burgomaster._ With wonder and affright! _Wallenstein._ Whereof did two Strangely transform themselves to bloody daggers. 35 And only one, the middle moon, remained Steady and clear. _Burgomaster._ We applied it to the Turks. _Wallenstein._ The Turks! That all?--I tell you, that two empires Will set in blood, in the East and in the West, And Luth'ranism alone remain. [_Observing GORDON and BUTLER._ I'faith, 40 'Twas a smart cannonading that we heard This evening, as we journeyed hitherward; 'Twas on our left hand. Did you hear it here? _Gordon._ Distinctly. The wind brought it from the South. _Butler._ It seemed to come from Weiden or from Neustadt. 45 _Wallenstein._ Tis likely. That's the route the Swedes are taking. How strong is the garrison?