_Gordon._ 'Twas a mistake--'Tis not the Swedes--it is 10 The Imperialist's Lieutenant-General Has sent me hither, will be here himself Instantly.--You must not proceed. _Butler._ He comes Too late. [_GORDON dashes himself against the wall._ _Gordon._ O God of mercy! _Countess._ What too late? Who will be here himself? Octavio 15 In Egra? Treason! Treason! Where's the Duke? [_She rushes to the gallery._ LINENOTES: [Before 5] _Gordon (in an agony of affright)._ 1800, 1828, 1829. SCENE VIII Servants _run across the stage full of terror. The whole Scene must be spoken entirely without pauses._ _Seni (from the gallery)._ O bloody frightful deed! _Countess._ What is it, Seni? _Page (from the gallery)._ O piteous sight! [_Other_ Servants _hasten in with torches._ _Countess._ What is it? For God's sake! _Seni._ And do you ask? Within the Duke lies murder'd--and your husband Assassinated at the Castle. [_The COUNTESS stands motionless._ _Female Servant (rushing across the stage)._ Help! Help! the Duchess! 5 _Burgomaster (enters)._ What mean these confused Loud cries, that wake the sleepers of this house? _Gordon._ Your house is cursed to all eternity. In your house doth the Duke lie murdered! _Burgomaster (rushing out)._ Heaven forbid! _First Servant._ Fly! fly! they murder us all! _Second Servant (carrying silver plate)._ That way! The lower 10 Passages are blocked up. _Voice (from behind the Scene)._ Make room for the Lieutenant-General! [_At these words the COUNTESS starts from her stupor, collects herself, and retires suddenly._ _Voice (from behind the Scene)._ Keep back the people! Guard the door. LINENOTES: [3] _you_ 1800, 1828, 1829. SCENE IX _To these enters OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI with all his train. At the same time DEVEREUX and MACDONALD enter from out the Corridor with the_ Halberdiers. _WALLENSTEIN'S dead body is carried over the back part of the stage, wrapped in a piece of crimson tapestry._ _Octavio (entering abruptly)._ It must not be! It is not possible! Butler! Gordon! I'll not believe it. Say no! [_GORDON without answering points with his hand to the body of WALLENSTEIN as it is carried over the back of the stage. OCTAVIO looks that way, and stands overpowered with horror._ _Devereux (to Butler)._ Here is the golden fleece--the Duke's sword-- _Macdonald._ Is it your order-- _Butler (pointing to Octavio)._ Here stands he who now 5 Hath the sole power to issue orders.