Illo. O come!
Let not their ardour cool. The soldiery
Of Butler's corps stand by us faithfully;
We are the greater number. Let us charge them, 10
And finish here in Pilsen the revolt.

Wallenstein. 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?
[[758]] Shall the decision be delivered over 15
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 then! [Turns to Max.
Well, how is it with thee?
Wilt thou attempt a heat with me. Away! 20
Thou art free to go. Oppose thyself to me,
Front against front, and lead them to the battle;
Thou'rt skilled in war, thou hast learned somewhat under me,
I need not be ashamed of my opponent,
And never had'st thou fairer opportunity 25
To pay me for thy schooling.

Countess. Is it then,
Can it have come to this?—What! Cousin, Cousin!
Have you the heart?

Max. The regiments that are trusted to my care
I have pledged my troth to bring away from Pilsen 30
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 compelled; for though an enemy,
Thy head is holy to me still. 35

[Two reports of cannon. Illo and Tertsky hurry to the window.

Wallenstein. What's that?

Tertsky. He falls.

Wallenstein. Falls! Who?

Illo. Tiefenbach's corps
Discharged the ordnance.

Wallenstein. Upon whom?