Chapter 129

Servants _run across the stage full of terror. The whole Scene must be spoken entirely without pauses._

_Seni (from the gallery)._ O bloody frightful deed!

_Countess._ What is it, Seni?

_Page (from the gallery)._ O piteous sight!

[_Other_ Servants _hasten in with torches._

_Countess._ What is it? For God's sake!

_Seni._ And do you ask? Within the Duke lies murder'd--and your husband Assassinated at the Castle.

[_The COUNTESS stands motionless._

_Female Servant (rushing across the stage)._ Help! Help! the Duchess! 5

_Burgomaster (enters)._ What mean these confused Loud cries, that wake the sleepers of this house?

_Gordon._ Your house is cursed to all eternity. In your house doth the Duke lie murdered!

_Burgomaster (rushing out)._ Heaven forbid!

_First Servant._ Fly! fly! they murder us all!

_Second Servant (carrying silver plate)._ That way! The lower 10 Passages are blocked up.

_Voice (from behind the Scene)._ Make room for the Lieutenant-General!

[_At these words the COUNTESS starts from her stupor, collects herself, and retires suddenly._

_Voice (from behind the Scene)._ Keep back the people! Guard the door.

LINENOTES:

[3] _you_ 1800, 1828, 1829.