Chapter 119

_THEKLA, the_ Swedish Captain, _LADY NEUBRUNN._

_Captain._ Princess--I must entreat your gentle pardon-- My inconsiderate rash speech--How could I--

_Thekla._ You did behold me in my agony. A most distressful accident occasioned You from a stranger to become at once 5 My confidant.

_Captain._ I fear you hate my presence, For my tongue spake a melancholy word.

_Thekla._ The fault is mine. Myself did wrest it from you. The horror which came o'er me interrupted Your tale at its commencement. May it please you, 10 Continue it to the end.

_Captain._ Princess, 'twill Renew your anguish.

_Thekla._ I am firm.---- I will be firm. Well--how began the engagement?

_Captain._ We lay, expecting no attack, at Neustadt, Entrenched but insecurely in our camp, 15 When towards evening rose a cloud of dust From the wood thitherward; our vanguard fled Into the camp, and sounded the alarm. Scarce had we mounted, ere the Pappenheimers, Their horses at full speed, broke through the lines, 20 And leapt the trenches; but their heedless courage Had borne them onward far before the others-- The infantry were still at distance, only The Pappenheimers followed daringly Their daring leader----

[_THEKLA betrays agitation in her gestures. The officer pauses till she makes a sign to him to proceed._

_Captain._ Both in van and flanks 25 With our whole cavalry we now received them; Back to the trenches drove them, where the foot Stretched out a solid ridge of pikes to meet them. They neither could advance, nor yet retreat; And as they stood on every side wedged in, 30 The Rhinegrave to their leader called aloud, Inviting a surrender; but their leader, Young Piccolomini---- [_THEKLA, as giddy, grasps a chair._ Known by his plume, And his long hair, gave signal for the trenches; Himself leapt first, the regiment all plunged after. 35 His charger, by a halbert gored, reared up, Flung him with violence off, and over him The horses, now no longer to be curbed,----

[_THEKLA, who has accompanied the last speech with all the marks of increasing agony, trembles through her whole frame, and is falling. The LADY NEUBRUNN runs to her, and receives her in her arms._

_Neubrunn._ My dearest lady----

_Captain._ I retire.

_Thekla._ 'Tis over. Proceed to the conclusion.

_Captain._ Wild despair 40 Inspired the troops with frenzy when they saw Their leader perish; every thought of rescue Was spurn'd; they fought like wounded tigers; their Frantic resistance rous'd our soldiery; A murderous fight took place, nor was the contest 45 Finish'd before their last man fell.

_Thekla._ And where---- Where is--You have not told me all.

_Captain (after a pause)._ This morning We buried him. Twelve youths of noblest birth Did bear him to interment; the whole army Followed the bier. A laurel decked his coffin; 50 The sword of the deceased was placed upon it, In mark of honour, by the Rhinegrave's self. Nor tears were wanting; for there are among us Many, who had themselves experienced The greatness of his mind, and gentle manners; 55 All were affected at his fate. The Rhinegrave Would willingly have saved him; but himself Made vain the attempt--'tis said he wished to die.

_Neubrunn (to Thekla who has hidden her countenance)._ Look up, my dearest lady----

_Thekla._ Where is his grave?

_Captain._ At Neustadt, lady; in a cloister church 60 Are his remains deposited, until We can receive directions from his father.

_Thekla._ What is the cloister's name?

_Captain._ Saint Catharine's.

_Thekla._ And how far is it thither?

_Captain._ Near twelve leagues.

_Thekla._ And which the way?

_Captain._ You go by Tirschenreit 65 And Falkenberg, through our advanced posts.

_Thekla._ Who Is their commander?

_Captain._ Colonel Seckendorf.

[_THEKLA steps to the table, and takes a ring from a casket._

_Thekla._ You have beheld me in my agony, And shewn a feeling heart. Please you, accept

[_Giving him the ring._

A small memorial of this hour. Now go! 70

_Captain._ Princess----

[_THEKLA silently makes signs to him to go, and turns from him. The Captain lingers, and is about to speak. LADY NEUBRUNN repeats the signal, and he retires._

LINENOTES:

[Before 1] _Captain (respectfully approaching her)._ 1800, 1828, 1829.

[Before 3] _Thekla (with dignity)._ 1800, 1828, 1829.

[3] did behold] have beheld 1800, 1828, 1829.

[13] _will_ 1800, 1828, 1829.

[46] _Thekla (faltering)._ And where-- 1800, 1828, 1829.

[Before 71] _Captain (confused)._ 1800, 1828, 1829.