Questenberg. That which his duty prompted. He advanced! 160

Wallenstein. What? he advanced? And I, his general,
Had given him orders, peremptory orders,
Not to desert his station! Stands it thus
With my authority? Is this the obedience
Due to my office, which being thrown aside 165
No war can be conducted? Chieftains, speak!
You be the judges, generals! What deserves
That officer, who of his oath neglectful
Is guilty of contempt of orders?

Illo. Death.

Wallenstein. Count Piccolomini! what has he deserved? [170]

[[636]]Max Piccolomini. According to the letter of the law,
Death.

Isolani. Death.

Butler. Death, by the laws of war.

[Questenberg rises from his seat, Wallenstein follows; all the rest rise.

Wallenstein. To this the law condemns him, and not I.
And if I shew him favour, 'twill arise
From the reverence that I owe my Emperor. [175]

Questenberg. If so, I can say nothing further—here!