THEKLA (_throwing her arms round her mother_).
Revolted is the Duke; he is preparing To join the enemy; the army leave him, And all has fail'd.
A spacious Room in the Duke of Friedland's Palace.
Thou hast gain'd thy point, Octavio! Once more am I Almost as friendless as at Regensburg. There I had nothing left me, but myself; But what one man can do, you have now experience. The twigs have you hew'd off, and here I stand A leafless trunk. But in the sap within Lives the creating power, and a new world May sprout forth from it. Once already have I Proved myself worth an army to you--I alone! Before the Swedish strength your troops had melted; Beside the Lech sank Tilly your last hope; Into Bavaria like a winter torrent, Did that Gustavus pour, and at Vienna In his own palace did the Emperor tremble. Soldiers were scarce, for still the multitude Follow the luck: all eyes were turn'd on me, Their helper in distress: the Emperor's pride Bow'd itself down before the man he had injured. 'Twas I must rise, and with creative word Assemble forces in the desolate camps. I did it. Like a god of war, my name Went through the world. The drum was beat; and, lo, The plough, the workshop is forsaken, all Swarm to the old familiar long-loved banners; And as the wood-choir rich in melody Assemble quick around the bird of wonder, When first his throat swells with his magic song, So did the warlike youth of Germany Crowd in around the image of my eagle. I feel myself the being that I was. It is the soul that builds itself a body, And Friedland's camp will not remain unfill'd. Lead then your thousands out to meet me--true! They are accustom'd under me to conquer, But not against me. If the head and limbs Separate from each other, 'twill be soon Made manifest in which the soul abode.
Courage, friends! courage! we are still unvanquish'd! I feel my footing firm; five regiments, Terzky, Are still our own, and Butler's gallant troops; And an host of sixteen thousand Swedes to-morrow. I was not stronger when, nine years ago, I marched forth, with glad heart and high of hope, To conquer Germany for the Emperor.
(_To them enter_ NEUMANN, _who leads_ TERZKY _aside and talks with him_.)
Ten Cuirassiers From Pappenheim request leave to address you In the name of the regiment.