A countryman from Tirschenreut convey'd it. Soon after sunrise did the fight begin! A troop of the Imperialists from Tachau Had forced their way into the Swedish camp; The cannonade continued full two hours; There were left dead upon the field a thousand Imperialists, together with their Colonel; Further than this he did not know. WALLENSTEIN. How came Imperial troops at Neustadt? Altringer, But yesterday, stood sixty miles from there. Count Gallas' force collects at Frauenberg, And have not the full complement. Is it possible That Suys perchance had ventured so far onward? It cannot be. TERZKY. We shall soon know the whole, For here comes Illo, full of haste, and joyous. SCENE V _To these enter_ ILLO ILLO (_to_ WALLENSTEIN). A courier, Duke! he wishes to speak with thee. TERZKY (_eagerly_). Does he bring confirmation of the victory? WALLENSTEIN (_at the same time_). What does he bring? Whence comes he? ILLO. From the Rhinegrave And what he brings I can announce to you Beforehand. Seven leagues distant are the Swedes; 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, [WALLENSTEIN _shudders and turns pale_.] Were left dead on the field. WALLENSTEIN (_after a pause, in a low voice_). 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_.] NEUBR. Help! Help! ILLO _and_ TERZKY (_at the same time_). What now? NEUBRUNN. The Princess! WALTENSTEIN _and_ TERZKY. Does she know it? NEUBRUNN _(at the same time with them_). She is dying! [_Hurries off the stage, when_ WALLENSTEIN _and_ TERZKY _follow her_.] SCENE VI BUTLER _and_ GORDON GORDON. What's this? BUTLER. She has lost the man she loved-- 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. 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 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 fear 'd. BUTLER (_after a pause_). Know, I am warranty for the event; With my head have I pledged myself for his, 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--