The Complete Poetical Works of Samuel Taylor Coleridge Volume II Part 99

The Complete Poetical Works of Samuel Taylor Coleridge Volume II Part 99

_Tertsky._ A countryman from Tirschenseil conveyed it. 5 Soon after sunrise did the fight begin!

A troop of the Imperialists from Fachau Had forced their way into the Swedish camp; The cannonade continued full two hours; There were left dead upon the field a thousand 10 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 Galas' force collects at Frauenberg, 15 And have not the full complement. Is it possible, That Suys perchance had ventured so far onward?

It cannot be.

_Tertsky._ 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.

_Tertsky._ Does he bring confirmation of the victory?

_Wallenstein._ 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; 5 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, Were left dead on the field. 10

_Wallenstein (after a pause)._ 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 Tertsky (at the same time)._ What now?

_Neubrunn._ The Princess!

_Wallenstein and Tertsky._ Does she know it?

_Neubrunn._ She is dying!

[_Hurries off the stage, when WALLENSTEIN and TERTSKY follow her._

LINENOTES:

[Before 2] _Tertsky (eagerly)._ 1800, 1828, 1829.

[Before 3] _Wallenstein (at the same time)._ 1800, 1828, 1829.

[After 9] [_WALLENSTEIN shudders and turns pale._ 1800, 1828, 1829.

[Before 11] _Wallenstein (after a pause, in a low voice)._ 1800, 1828, 1829.

[13] _Neubrunn (at the same time with them)._ She is dying! 1800, 1828, 1829.

SCENE VI

_BUTLER and GORDON._

_Gordon._ What's this?

_Butler._ She has lost the man she lov'd-- 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. 5

_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 10 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 feared.

_Butler (after a pause)._ Know, I am warranty for the event; With my head have I pledged myself for his, 15 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 G.o.d! You could--

_Butler._ He must not live.

_Gordon._ And you can do the deed! 20

_Butler._ Either you or I. This morning was his last.

_Gordon._ You would a.s.sa.s.sinate him.

_Butler._ 'Tis my purpose.

_Gordon._ Who leans with his whole confidence upon you!

_Butler._ Such is his evil destiny!

_Gordon._ Your General!