The Death of Wallenstein (play)

SCENE IX.

COUNTESS, GORDON.

GORDON (rushes in out of breath)

'Tis a mistake!

'Tis not the Swedes; ye must proceed no further-

Butler! Oh, God! where is he?

[Observing the COUNTESS.

Countess! Say--

COUNTESS.

You're come then from the castle? Where's my husband?

GORDON (in an agony of affright).

Your husband! Ask not! To the duke--

COUNTESS.

Not till

You have discovered to me--

GORDON.

On this moment

Does the world hang. For God's sake! to the duke.

While we are speaking--

[Calling loudly.

Butler! Butler! God!

COUNTESS.

Why, he is at the castle with my husband.

[BUTLER comes from the gallery.

GORDON.

'Twas a mistake. 'Tis not the Swedes-it is

The imperialists' lieutenant-general

Has sent me hither-will be here himself

Instantly. You must not proceed.

BUTLER.

He comes

Too late.

[GORDON dashes himself against the wall.

GORDON.

Oh, God of mercy!

COUNTESS.

What, too late?

Who will be here himself? Octavio

In Egra? Treason! Treason! Where's the duke?

[She rushes to the gallery.