SCENE XIX

To these enter NEUMANN

WALLENST.

What now?

NEUMANN.

The Pappenheimers are dismounted,
And are advancing now on foot, determined
With sword in hand to storm the house, and free
The Count, their colonel.

WALLENSTEIN (to TERZKY).

Have the cannon planted. 
I will receive them with chain-shot.

[Exit TERZKY

Prescribe to me with sword in hand!  Go, Neumann,
’Tis my command that they retreat this moment,
And in their ranks in silence wait my pleasure.

[NEUMANN exit.  ILLO steps to the window.]

COUNTESS. 
 Let him go, I entreat thee, let him go.

ILLO (at the window).

Hell and perdition!

WALLENSTEIN.

What is it?

ILLO.  They scale the council-house, the roof’s uncovered,
They level at this house the cannon—­

MAX.

Madmen!

ILLO.

They are making preparations now to fire on us.

DUCHESS and COUNTESS. 
Merciful heaven!

MAX (to WALLENSTEIN).

Let me go to them!

WALLENSTEIN.

Not a step!

MAX (pointing to THEKLA and the DUCHESS).

But their life!  Thine!

WALLENSTEIN.

What tidings bring’st thou, Terzky?

SCENE XX

To these TERZKY returning

TERZKY.

Message and greeting from our faithful regiments. 
Their ardor may no longer be curb’d in. 
They entreat permission to commence the attack;
And if thou wouldst but give the word of onset,
They could now charge the enemy in rear,
Into the city wedge them, and with ease
O’erpower them in the narrow streets.

ILLO.

O come! 
Let not their ardor cool.  The soldiery
Of Butler’s corps stand by us faithfully;
We are the greater number.  Let us charge them,
And finish here in Pilsen the revolt.

WALLENST.

What? shall this town become a field of slaughter,
And brother-killing Discord, fire-eyed,
Be let loose through its streets to roam and rage? 
Shall the decision be deliver’d over
To deaf remorseless Rage, that hears no leader? 
Here is not room for battle, only for butchery. 
Well, let it be!  I have long thought of it,
So let it burst them!

[Turns to MAX.]

Well, how is it with thee? 
Wilt thou attempt a heat with me?  Away! 
Thou art free to go.  Oppose thyself to me,
Front against front, and lead them to the battle;
Thou’rt skill’d in war, thou hast learn’d somewhat under me,
I need not be ashamed of my opponent,
And never hadst thou fairer opportunity
To pay me for thy schooling.