The next moment
May ruin all.
GORDON (holds him still).
One hour!—
BUTLER. Unhold me! What
Can that short respite profit him?
[Illustration: DEATH OF WALLENSTEIN Karl von Piloty]
GORDON.
O—Time
Works miracles. In one hour many thousands
Of grains of sand run out; and quick as they,
Thought follows thought within the human soul.
Only one hour! Your heart may change its purpose,
His heart may change its purpose—some new tidings
May come; some fortunate event, decisive,
May fall from Heaven and rescue him. O what
May not one hour achieve!
BUTLER.
You but remind me,
How precious every minute is!
[He stamps on the floor.]