Countess. And to thee

The voice within thy soul availeth nothing?

Wallenstein. Nothing.

Be wholly tranquil.

Countess. And another time

I hastened after thee, and thou rann'st from me Through a long suite, through many a spacious hall, There seemed no end of it: doors creaked and clapped; I followed, panting, but could not overtake thee; When on a sudden did I feel myself

Grasped from behind - the hand was cold that grasped me - 'Twas thou, and thou didst kiss me, and there seemed A crimson covering to envelop us.

Wallenstein. That is the crimson tapestry of my chamber.

Countess (gazing on him). If it should come to that - If I should see thee, Who standest now before me in the fulness Of life - [she falls on his breast and weeps].

Wallenstein. The emperor's proclamation weighs upon thee - Alphabets wound not - and he finds no hands.

Countess. If he should find them, my resolve is taken; I bear about me my support and refuge.'

Death of Wallenstein.