THEKLA [_with noble dignity_]. You saw me in my grief; a sad chance made you At once my confidant, who were a stranger. CAPT. I fear the sight of me is hateful to you: They were mournful tidings I brought hither. THEKLA. The blame was mine! 'Twas I that forced them from you; Your voice was but the voice of Destiny. My terror interrupted your recital: Finish it, I pray you. CAPT. 'Twill renew your grief! THEKLA. I am prepared for't, I will be prepared. Proceed! How went the action? Let me hear. CAPT. At Neustadt, dreading no surprise, we lay Slightly entrench'd; when towards night a cloud Of dust rose from the forest, and our outposts Rush'd into the camp, and cried: The foe was there! Scarce had we time to spring on horseback, when The Pappenheimers, coming at full gallop, Dash'd o'er the palisado, and next moment These fierce troopers pass'd our camp-trench also. But thoughtlessly their courage had impelled them To advance without support; their infantry Was far behind; only the Pappenheimers Boldly following their bold leader— [_Thekla makes a movement. The Captain pauses for a moment, till she beckons him to proceed._ On front and flank with all our horse we charged them; And ere long forc'd them back upon the trench, Where rank'd in haste our infantry presented An iron hedge of pikes to stop their passage. Advance they could not, nor retreat a step, Wedg'd in this narrow prison, death on all sides. Then the Rheingraf call'd upon their leader, In fair battle, fairly to surrender: But Colonel Piccolomini— [_Thekla, tottering, catches by a seat._ —We knew him By's helmet-plume and his long flowing hair, The rapid ride had loosen'd it: to th' trench He points; leaps first himself his gallant steed Clean over it; the troop plunge after him: But—in a twinkle it was done!—his horse Run through the body by a partisan, Rears in its agony, and pitches far Its rider; and fierce o'er him tramp the steeds O' th' rest, now heeding neither bit nor bridle. [_Thekla, who has listened to the last words with increasing anguish, falls into a violent tremor; she is sinking to the ground; Fräulein Neubrunn hastens to her, and receives her in her arms._ NEU. Lady, dearest mistress— CAPT. [_moved_] Let me begone. THEKLA. 'Tis past; conclude it. CAPT. Seeing their leader fall, A grim inexorable desperation Seiz'd the troops: their own escape forgotten, Like wild tigers they attack us; their fury Provokes our soldiers, and the battle ends not Till the last man of the Pappenheimers falls. THEKLA [_with a quivering voice_]. And where—where is—You have not told me all.