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.
Have the cannon planted. I will receive them with chain-shot.
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. They scale the council-house, the roof's uncovered, They level at this house the cannon--
They are making preparations now to fire on us.
MAX (_pointing to_ THEKLA _and the_ DUCHESS).
Message and greeting from our faithful regiments. Their ardor may no longer be curb'd in. They entreat permission to commence the attack; And if thou wouldst but give the word of onset, They could now charge the enemy in rear, Into the city wedge them, and with ease O'erpower them in the narrow streets.
O come! Let not their ardor cool. The soldiery Of Butler's corps stand by us faithfully; We are the greater number. Let us charge them, And finish here in Pilsen the revolt.
What? shall this town become a field of slaughter, And brother-killing Discord, fire-eyed, Be let loose through its streets to roam and rage? Shall the decision be deliver'd over To deaf remorseless Rage, that hears no leader? Here is not room for battle, only for butchery. Well, let it be! I have long thought of it, So let it burst them!
Well, how is it with thee? Wilt thou attempt a heat with me? Away! Thou art free to go. Oppose thyself to me, Front against front, and lead them to the battle; Thou'rt skill'd in war, thou hast learn'd somewhat under me, I need not be ashamed of my opponent, And never hadst thou fairer opportunity To pay me for thy schooling.
Is it then, Can it have come to this?--What! Cousin, cousin! Have you the heart?
The regiments that are trusted to my care I have pledged my troth to bring away from Pilsen True to the Emperor; and this promise will I Make good, or perish. More than this no duty Requires of me. I will not fight against thee, Unless compell'd; for though an enemy, Thy head is holy to me still.
[_Two reports of cannon_. ILLO _and_ TERZKY _hurry to the window_.]