_Illo._ From the Rhinegrave. And what he brings I can announce to you Beforehand. Seven leagues distant are the Swedes; 5 At Neustadt did Max Piccolomini Throw himself on them with the cavalry; A murderous fight took place! o'erpower'd by numbers The Pappenheimers all, with Max their leader, Were left dead on the field. 10 _Wallenstein (after a pause)._ Where is the messenger? Conduct me to him. [_WALLENSTEIN is going, when LADY NEUBRUNN rushes into the room. Some servants follow her and run across the stage._ _Neubrunn._ Help! Help! _Illo and Tertsky (at the same time)._ What now? _Neubrunn._ The Princess! _Wallenstein and Tertsky._ Does she know it? _Neubrunn._ She is dying! [_Hurries off the stage, when WALLENSTEIN and TERTSKY follow her._ LINENOTES: [Before 2] _Tertsky (eagerly)._ 1800, 1828, 1829. [Before 3] _Wallenstein (at the same time)._ 1800, 1828, 1829. [After 9] [_WALLENSTEIN shudders and turns pale._ 1800, 1828, 1829. [Before 11] _Wallenstein (after a pause, in a low voice)._ 1800, 1828, 1829. [13] _Neubrunn (at the same time with them)._ She is dying! 1800, 1828, 1829. SCENE VI _BUTLER and GORDON._ _Gordon._ What's this? _Butler._ She has lost the man she lov'd-- Young Piccolomini, who fell in the battle. _Gordon._ Unfortunate Lady! _Butler._ You have heard what Illo Reporteth, that the Swedes are conquerors, And marching hitherward. _Gordon._ Too well I heard it. 5 _Butler._ They are twelve regiments strong, and there are five Close by us to protect the Duke. We have Only my single regiment; and the garrison Is not two hundred strong. _Gordon._ 'Tis even so. _Butler._ It is not possible with such small force 10 To hold in custody a man like him. _Gordon._ I grant it. _Butler._ Soon the numbers would disarm us. And liberate him. _Gordon._ It were to be feared. _Butler (after a pause)._ Know, I am warranty for the event; With my head have I pledged myself for his, 15 Must make my word good, cost it what it will, And if alive we cannot hold him prisoner, Why--death makes all things certain! _Gordon._ Butler! What? Do I understand you? Gracious God! You could-- _Butler._ He must not live. _Gordon._ And you can do the deed! 20 _Butler._ Either you or I. This morning was his last. _Gordon._ You would assassinate him. _Butler._ 'Tis my purpose. _Gordon._ Who leans with his whole confidence upon you!