The Man. Go with them, Jacob, and in an hour be ready to renew the fight!
Jacob. So help me God the Lord.
Women. We curse thee, Count Henry, in the name of our innocent children!
Other Voices. We, for our fathers!
Other Voices. We, for our wives!
The Man. And I breathe curses on all craven souls!
The wall of the fortress of the Holy Trinity. Troops are lying scattered about. Broken rocks and stones strew the ground, mingled with pikes and guns; soldiers are running to and fro; the Man leans against a bulwark, and Jacob stands beside him.
The Man (putting his sword into its sheath). There can be no greater pleasure than to play at danger when we always win; and when the time comes to lose, one cast of the die, and all is over!
Jacob. Our last broadside has driven them back for the moment, but I see them below there, gathering to renew the storm; however, all is vain, for since the world a world was, no one has ever escaped his destiny!