The Works of Frederick Schiller Part 228

He shall not peris.h.!.+ Not through you! The heaven Refuses your arm. See--'tis wounded!

BUTLER.

There is no need of my arm.

GORDON.

The most guilty Have perished, and enough is given to justice.

[The GROOM OF THE CHAMBER advances from the gallery with his finger on his mouth commanding silence.

GORDON.

He sleeps! Oh, murder not the holy sleep!

BUTLER.

No! he shall die awake.

[Is going.

GORDON.

His heart still cleaves To earthly things: he's not prepared to step Into the presence of his G.o.d!

BUTLER (going).

G.o.d's merciful!

GORDON (holds him).

Grant him but this night's respite.

BUTLER (hurrying of).

The next moment May ruin all.

GORDON (holds him still).

One hour!

BUTLER.

Unhold me! What Can that short respite profit him?

GORDON.

Oh, time Works miracles. In one hour many thousands Of grains of sand run out; and quick as they Thought follows thought within the human soul.

Only one hour! Your heart may change its purpose, His heart may change its purpose--some new tidings May come; some fortunate event, decisive, May fall from heaven and rescue him. Oh, what May not one hour achieve!

BUTLER.

You but remind me How precious every minute is!

[He stamps on the floor.

SCENE VII.

To these enter MACDONALD and DEVEREUX, with the HALBERDIERS.

GORDON (throwing himself between him and them).

No, monster!

First over my dead body thou shalt tread. I will Hot live to see the accursed deed!

BUTLER (forcing him out of the way).

Weak-hearted dotard!

[Trumpets are heard in the distance.

DEVEREUX and MACDONALD.

Hark! The Swedish trumpets!

The Swedes before the ramparts! Let us hasten!

GORDON (rushes out).

Oh, G.o.d of mercy!

BUTLER (calling after him).

Governor, to your post!

GROOM OF THE CHAMBER (hurries in).

Who dares make larum here? Hus.h.!.+ The duke sleeps.

DEVEREUX (with loud, harsh voice).

Friend, it is time now to make larum.

GROOM OF THE CHAMBER.

Help!

Murder!

BUTLER.

Down with him!

GROOM OF THE CHAMBER (run through the body by DEVEREUX, falls at the entrance of the gallery).

Jesus Maria!

BUTLER.

Burst the doors open.

[They rush over the body into the gallery--two doors are heard to crash one after the other. Voices, deadened by the distance--clash of arms--then all at once a profound silence:

SCENE VIII.

COUNTESS TERZKY (with a light).

Her bedchamber is empty; she herself Is nowhere to be found! The Neubrunn too, Who watched by her, is missing. If she should Be flown--but whither flown? We must call up Every soul in the house. How will the duke Bear up against these worst bad tidings? Oh, If that my husband now were but returned Home from the banquet! Hark! I wonder whether The duke is still awake! I thought I heard Voices and tread of feet here! I will go And listen at the door. Hark! what is that?

'Tis hastening up the steps!