Chapter 102

_To these enter NEUMANN._

_Wallenstein._ 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 Tertsky)._ Have the cannon planted. I will receive them with chain-shot. [_Exit TERTSKY._ 5 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? 10

_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! 15

_Wallenstein._ What tidings bring'st thou, Tertsky?