_To these enter_ NEUMANN
WALLENST.
What now?
NEUMANN.
The Pappenheimers are dismounted,
And are advancing now on foot, determined
With sword in hand to storm the house, and free
The Count, their colonel.
WALLENSTEIN (_to_ TERZKY).
Have the cannon planted.
I will receive them with chain-shot.
[_Exit_ TERZKY
Prescribe to me with sword in hand! Go, Neumann,
'Tis my command that they retreat this moment,
And in their ranks in silence wait my pleasure.
[NEUMANN _exit_. ILLO _steps to the window_.]
COUNTESS.
Let him go, I entreat thee, let him go.
ILLO (_at the window_).
Hell and perdition!
WALLENSTEIN.
What is it?
ILLO. They scale the council-house, the roof's uncovered,
They level at this house the cannon--
MAX.
Madmen!
ILLO.
They are making preparations now to fire on us.
DUCHESS and COUNTESS.
Merciful heaven!
MAX (_to_ WALLENSTEIN).
Let me go to them!
WALLENSTEIN.
Not a step!
MAX (_pointing to_ THEKLA _and the_ DUCHESS).
But their life! Thine!
WALLENSTEIN.
What tidings bring'st thou, Terzky?