Servants run across the stage full of terror. The whole scene
must be spoken entirely without pauses.

SENI
(from the gallery).
Oh, bloody, frightful deed!

COUNTESS.
What is it, Seni?

PAGE
(from the gallery).
Oh, piteous sight!

               [Other servants hasten in with torches.

COUNTESS.
What is it? For God's sake!

SENI.
And do you ask?
Within the duke lies murdered—and your husband
Assassinated at the castle.

               [The COUNTESS stands motionless.
FEMALE SERVANT
(rushing across the stage).
Help! help! the duchess!

BURGOMASTER
(enters).
What mean these confused
Loud cries that wake the sleepers of this house?

GORDON.
Your house is cursed to all eternity.
In your house doth the duke lie murdered!

BURGOMASTER
(rushing out)
Heaven forbid!

FIRST SERVANT.
Fly! fly! they murder us all!

SECOND SERVANT
(carrying silver-plate).
That way! the lower
Passages are blocked up.

VOICE
(from behind the scene).
Make room for the lieutenant-general!
               [At these words the COUNTESS starts from her stupor, collects
               herself, and retires suddenly.

VOICE
(from behind the scene).
Keep back the people! Guard the door!