The Thirty Years' War - James Aitken Wylie

of the company rose and gave as a toast, "The
House of Austria, Long live Ferdinand!" It was the
preconcerted signal. Thirty-six men-at-arms, who
had been stationed in the ante-chamber, rushed in,
overturned the table, and threw themselves upon
their victims. In a few minutes Wallenstein's
partisans lay sabered and dying on the floor of the
apartment.
This was only a beginning. The great
conspirator still lived; but, whatever the
prognostication of the stars, his last sands were
running. The elements seemed in accord with the
violent deeds on foot, for a frightful tempest had
burst over Eger, and the black clouds, the howling
winds, and the pelting rains favored the assassins.
Devereux, followed by twelve halberdiers,
proceeded to Wallenstein's residence, and was at
once admitted by the guard, who were accustomed
to see him visit the duke at all hours. Wallenstein
had retired to rest; but hearing a noise he had got
out of bed, and going to the window he opened it
and challenged the sentinel.
201