They returned in a short time, saying that the duke refused to yield.
Another deputation was sent to pray him in even stronger terms to remain with them.

These returned with the news that Wallenstein had reluctantly yielded to their request; but upon the condition that each of them should give a written promise to truly and firmly adhere to him, neither to separate or to allow himself to be separated from him, and to shed his last drop of blood in his defence.

Whoever should break this covenant, so long as Wallenstein should employ the army in the emperor's service, was to be regarded as a perfidious traitor and to be treated by the rest as a common enemy.
As these last words appeared to indicate clearly that Wallenstein had no thought of assuming a position hostile to the emperor, or of defying his authority, save in the point of refusing to be separated from his army, all present agreed with acclamations to sign the documents required.
"Then, gentlemen," Marshal Illo said, "I will have the document for your signatures at once drawn up.

A banquet has been prepared in the next room, of which I invite you now all to partake, and at its conclusion the document shall be ready." Malcolm from his hiding place heard the general movement as the officers left the apartment, and looking cautiously out from beneath the arras, saw that the chamber was entirely empty.

He determined, however, to remain and to hear the conclusion of the conference.