Chapter 99

_To these enter BUTLER._

_Butler (passionately)._ General! This is not right!

_Wallenstein._ What is not right?

_Butler._ It must needs injure us with all honest men.

_Wallenstein._ But what?

_Butler._ It is an open proclamation Of insurrection.

_Wallenstein._ Well, well--but what is it?

_Butler._ Count Tertsky's regiments tear the Imperial Eagle 5 From off the banners, and instead of it, Have reared aloft thy arms.

_Anspessade (abruptly to the Cuirassiers)._ Right about! March!

_Wallenstein._ Cursed be this counsel, and accursed who gave it!

[_To the Cuirassiers, who are retiring._

Halt, children, halt! There's some mistake in this; Hark!--I will punish it severely. Stop! 10 They do not hear. (_To ILLO._) Go after them, assure them, And bring them back to me, cost what it may.

[_ILLO hurries out._

This hurls us headlong. Butler! Butler! You are my evil genius, wherefore must you Announce it in their presence? It was all 15 In a fair way. They were half won, those madmen With their improvident over-readiness-- A cruel game is fortune playing with me. The zeal of friends it is that razes me, And not the hate of enemies. 20