_Captain._ Both in van and flanks 25 With our whole cavalry we now received them; Back to the trenches drove them, where the foot Stretched out a solid ridge of pikes to meet them. They neither could advance, nor yet retreat; And as they stood on every side wedged in, 30 The Rhinegrave to their leader called aloud, Inviting a surrender; but their leader, Young Piccolomini---- [_THEKLA, as giddy, grasps a chair._ Known by his plume, And his long hair, gave signal for the trenches; Himself leapt first, the regiment all plunged after. 35 His charger, by a halbert gored, reared up, Flung him with violence off, and over him The horses, now no longer to be curbed,---- [_THEKLA, who has accompanied the last speech with all the marks of increasing agony, trembles through her whole frame, and is falling. The LADY NEUBRUNN runs to her, and receives her in her arms._ _Neubrunn._ My dearest lady---- _Captain._ I retire. _Thekla._ 'Tis over. Proceed to the conclusion. _Captain._ Wild despair 40 Inspired the troops with frenzy when they saw Their leader perish; every thought of rescue Was spurn'd; they fought like wounded tigers; their Frantic resistance rous'd our soldiery; A murderous fight took place, nor was the contest 45 Finish'd before their last man fell. _Thekla._ And where---- Where is--You have not told me all. _Captain (after a pause)._ This morning We buried him. Twelve youths of noblest birth Did bear him to interment; the whole army Followed the bier. A laurel decked his coffin; 50 The sword of the deceased was placed upon it, In mark of honour, by the Rhinegrave's self. Nor tears were wanting; for there are among us Many, who had themselves experienced The greatness of his mind, and gentle manners; 55 All were affected at his fate. The Rhinegrave Would willingly have saved him; but himself Made vain the attempt--'tis said he wished to die. _Neubrunn (to Thekla who has hidden her countenance)._ Look up, my dearest lady---- _Thekla._ Where is his grave? _Captain._ At Neustadt, lady; in a cloister church 60 Are his remains deposited, until We can receive directions from his father. _Thekla._ What is the cloister's name? _Captain._ Saint Catharine's. _Thekla._ And how far is it thither? _Captain._ Near twelve leagues. _Thekla._ And which the way? _Captain._ You go by Tirschenreit 65 And Falkenberg, through our advanced posts.