Part 212 (1/2)

She is dying!

[Hurries off the stage, when WALLENSTEIN and TERZKY follow her.

SCENE VI.

BUTLER and GORDON.

GORDON.

What's this?

BUTLER.

She has lost the man she loved-- Young Piccolomini, who fell in the battle.

GORDON.

Unfortunate lady!

BUTLER.

You have heard what Illo Reporteth, that the Swedes are conquerers, And marching hitherward.

GORDON.

Too well I heard it.

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 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, 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.

Sutler! What?

Do I understand you? Gracious G.o.d! You could----

BUTLER.

He must not live.