The Death of Wallenstein Part 39

We lay, expecting no attack, at Neustadt, Intrenched but insecurely in our camp, When towards evening rose a cloud of dust From the wood thitherward; our vanguard fled Into the camp, and sounded the alarm.

Scarce had we mounted ere the Pappenheimers, Their horses at full speed, broke through the lines, And leaped the trenches; but their heedless courage Had borne them onward far before the others-- The infantry were still at distance, only The Pappenheimers followed daringly Their daring leader----

[THEKLA betrays agitation in her gestures. The officer pauses till she makes a sign to him to proceed.

CAPTAIN.

Both in van and flanks With our whole cavalry we now received them; Back to the trenches drove them, where the foot Stretched out a solid ridge of pikes to meet them.

They neither could advance, nor yet retreat; And as they stood on every side wedged in, The Rhinegrave to their leader called aloud, Inviting a surrender; but their leader, Young Piccolomini---- [THEKLA, as giddy, grasps a chair.

Known by his plume, And his long hair, gave signal for the trenches; Himself leaped first: the regiment all plunged after.

His charger, by a halbert gored, reared up, Flung him with violence off, and over him The horses, now no longer to be curbed,----

[THEKLA, who has accompanied the last speech with all the marks of increasing agony, trembles through her whole frame and is falling. The LADY NEUBRUNN runs to her, and receives her in her arms.

NEUBRUNN.

My dearest lady!

CAPTAIN.

I retire.

THERLA.

'Tis over.

Proceed to the conclusion.

CAPTAIN.

Wild despair Inspired the troops with frenzy when they saw Their leader perish; every thought of rescue Was spurned; they fought like wounded tigers; their Frantic resistance roused our soldiery; A murderous fight took place, nor was the contest Finished before their last man fell.

THEKLA (faltering).

And where-- Where is--you have not told me all.

CAPTAIN (after a pause).

This morning We buried him. Twelve youths of n.o.blest birth Did bear him to interment; the whole army Followed the bier. A laurel decked his coffin; The sword of the deceased was placed upon it, In mark of honor by the Rhinegrave's self, Nor tears were wanting; for there are among us Many, who had themselves experienced The greatness of his mind and gentle manners; All were affected at his fate. The Rhinegrave Would willingly have saved him; but himself Made vain the attempt--'tis said he wished to die.

NEUBRUNN (to THEKLA, who has hidden her countenance).

Look up, my dearest lady----

THEKLA.

Where is his grave?

CAPTAIN.

At Neustadt, lady; in a cloister church Are his remains deposited, until We can receive directions from his father.

THEKLA.

What is the cloister's name?

CAPTAIN.

Saint Catherine's.

THEKLA.

And how far is it thither?

CAPTAIN.

Near twelve leagues.

THEKLA.

And which the way?

CAPTAIN.

You go by Tirschenreut And Falkenberg, through our advanced posts.

THEKLA Who Is their commander?

CAPTAIN.

Colonel Seckendorf.

[THEKLA steps to the table, and takes a ring from a casket.

THEKLA.

You have beheld me in my agony, And shown a feeling heart. Please you, accept [Giving him the ring.

A small memorial of this hour. Now go!

CAPTAIN (confusedly).

Princess----

[THEKLA silently makes signs to him to go, and turns from him.

The captain lingers, and is about to speak. LADY NEUBRUNN repeats the signal, and he retires.

SCENE XI.

THEKLA, LADY NEUBRUNN.

THEKLA (falls on LADY NEUBRUNN's neck).

Now gentle Neubrunn, show me the affection Which thou hast ever promised--prove thyself My own true friend and faithful fellow-pilgrim.

This night we must away!

NEUBRUNN.

Away! and whither?

THEKLA.

Whither! There is but one place in the world.

Thither, where he lies buried! To his coffin!

NEUBRUNN.

What would you do there?

THEKLA.

What do there?

That wouldst thou not have asked, hadst thou e'er loved.

There, that is all that still remains of him!