He is here lady, and he will procure them.
But consider, Thou never canst return unto the Duke.
I will reward thee, And will commend thee to another master, Canst thou unseen conduct us from the castle?
This very hour. But wither would you, Lady?
He's gone! I find thee more composed, my child.
I am so, mother; let me only now Retire to rest, and Neubrunn here be with me. I want repose.
My Thekla, thou shalt have it. I leave thee now consoled, since I can calm Thy father's heart.
Good night, beloved mother! _(Falling on her neck and embracing her with deep emotion_).
Thou scarcely art composed e'en now, my daughter. Thou tremblest strongly, and I feel thy heart Beat audibly on mine.
THEKLA. Sleep will appease Its beating: now good night, good night, dear mother.
_(As she withdraws from her mother's arms the curtain falls_).
Find me twelve strong dragoons, arm them with pikes, For there must be no firing-- Conceal them somewhere near the banquet-room, And soon as the dessert is served up, rush all in And cry--"Who is loyal to the Emperor!" I will overturn the table--while you attack Illo and Terzky and dispatch them both. The castle-palace is well barr'd and guarded, That no intelligence of this proceeding May make its way to the Duke. Go instantly; Have you yet sent for Captain Devereux And the Macdonald?--
Here's no room for delay. The citizens Declare for him, a dizzy drunken spirit Possesses the whole town. They see in the Duke A Prince of peace, a founder of new ages And golden times. Arms too have been given out By the town-council, and a hundred citizens Have volunteered themselves to stand on guard. Dispatch! then, be the word; for enemies Threaten us from without and from within.
BUTLER, CAPTAIN DEVEREUX, _and_ MACDONALD
Have we not march'd to this place to protect him?
Protect a traitor, and his country's enemy?
Why, yes! in his name you administer'd Our oath.
Thou wretched man, So easily leavest thou thy oath and colors?
The devil!--I but follow'd your example, If you could prove a villain, why not we?
We've nought to do with _thinking_--that's your business. You are our General, and give out the orders; We follow you, though the track lead to hell.
Soldiers of fortune are we--who bids most, He has us.