The Death of Wallenstein Part 33

GORDON.

Distinctly. The wind brought it from the south.

BUTLER.

It seemed to come from Weiden or from Neustadt.

WALLENSTEIN.

'Tis likely. That's the route the Swedes are taking.

How strong is the garrison?

GORDON.

Not quite two hundred Competent men, the rest are invalids.

WALLENSTEIN.

Good! And how many in the vale of Jochim?

GORDON.

Two hundred arquebusiers have I sent thither To fortify the posts against the Swedes.

WALLENSTEIN.

Good! I commend your foresight. At the works too You have done somewhat?

GORDON.

Two additional batteries I caused to be run up. They were needless; The Rhinegrave presses hard upon us, general!

WALLENSTEIN.

You have been watchful in your emperor's service.

I am content with you, lieutenant-colonel.

[To BUTLER.

Release the outposts in the vale of Jochim, With all the stations in the enemy's route.

[To GORDON.

Governor, in your faithful hands I leave My wife, my daughter, and my sister. I Shall make no stay here, and wait but the arrival Of letters to take leave of you, together With all the regiments.

SCENE IV.

To these enter COUNT TERZKY.

TERZKY.

Joy, general, joy! I bring you welcome tidings.

WALLENSTEIN.

And what may they be?

TERZKY.

There has been an engagement At Neustadt; the Swedes gained the victory.

WALLENSTEIN.

From whence did you receive the intelligence?

TERZKY.

A countryman from Tirschenreut conveyed 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'erpowered 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.

NEUBRUNN.

Help! Help!

ILLO and TERZKY (at the same time).

What now?

NEUBRUNN.

The princess!

WALLENSTEIN and TERZKY.

Does she know it?