THE MAN. Wait but a single moment, lords! (_He goes from one soldier to another._) Do you remember when we climbed a mountain's rocky slope, a savage wild beast closely tracked our steps, and when you, frightened, fell into a yawning chasm, I rescued you, and saved your life? You were most grateful then. Have you forgotten it?--Jerome, we once were cast away upon the Danube's craggy shore; we braved the waves, and saved our lives; we were bold swimmers, and we helped each other well!--Christophe, Hieronymus, you sailed with me upon the wild Black Sea; we were young sailors then!--(_To others._) When the fire destroyed your homes, who built your cottages anew?--(_To others._) You fled to me from cruel lords, and I redressed your wrongs.--(_Addressing himself to the men generally._) Reflect, and choose!... Speak! will you arm with me to battle for our rights, or will you leave me here to die alone--with haughty smiles upon my stiffening lips, because, among so many men, I found no single _man_? THE MEN. Long live Count Henry! we desert him not--vivat! THE MAN. Let the remaining meat and brandy be shared among them; then upon the walls! SOLDIERS. Meat and brandy, and then upon the walls! THE MAN. Go with them, Jacob, and in an hour be ready to renew the fight! JACOB. So help me God the Lord. WOMEN. We curse thee, Count Henry, in the name of our innocent children! OTHER VOICES. We, for our fathers! OTHER VOICES. We, for our wives! THE MAN. And I breathe curses on all craven souls! * * * * * The wall of the fortress of the Holy Trinity. Troops are lying scattered about. Broken rocks and stones strew the ground, mingled with pikes and guns; soldiers are running to and fro; the Man leans against a bulwark, and Jacob stands beside him. THE MAN (_putting his sword into its sheath_). There can be no greater pleasure than to play at danger when we always win; and when the time comes to lose, one cast of the die, and all is over! JACOB. Our last broadside has driven them back for the moment, but I see them below there, gathering to renew the storm; however, all is vain, for since the world a world was, no one has ever escaped his destiny! THE MAN. Are there any cartridges left? JACOB. Neither balls nor grapeshot: everything has its end! THE MAN. Bring then my son to me; I would embrace him once more! Exit Jacob.