_Wallenstein, Tertsky, Illo._

Illo. Treason and mutiny!

Tertsky. And what further now?

Illo. Tiefenbach's soldiers, when I gave the orders To go off guard--Mutinous villains!

Tertsky. Well!

Wallenstein. What followed?

Illo. They refused obedience to them.

Tertsky. Fire on them instantly! Give out the order.

Wallenstein. Gently! what cause did they assign?

Illo. No other, They said, had right to issue orders but Lieutenant-General Piccolomini.

Wallenstein. What? How is that?

Illo. He takes that office on him by commission, Under sign-manual of the Emperor.

Tertsky. From the Emperor--hear'st thou, Duke?

Illo. At his incitement The Generals made that stealthy flight--

Tertsky. Duke! hearest thou?

Illo. Caraffa too, and Montecuculi, Are missing, with six other Generals, All whom he had induced to follow him. This plot he has long had in writing by him From the Emperor; but 'twas finally concluded With all the detail of the operation Some days ago with the Envoy Questenberg.

[WALLENSTEIN sinks down into a chair and covers his face.

Tertsky. O hadst thou but believed me!