Page:Wallenstein, a drama in 2 parts - Schiller (tr. Coleridge) (1800).djvu/354

CAPTAIN.
Princess, 'twill
Renew your anguish.

THEKLA.
I am firm.———
I will be firm. Well—how began the engagement?

CAPTAIN.
We lay, expecting no attack, at Neustadt,
Entrench'd 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 thro' the lines,
And leapt 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 receiv'd them,
Back to the trenches drove them, where the foot
Stretch'd out a solid ridge of pikes to meet them.
They neither could advance, nor yet retreat;
And as they stood on every side wedg'd in,
The Rhinegrave to their leader call'd aloud,

Inviting