Many of those to whom it was handed signed it at once without reading the engagement; but one more sober than the rest insisted on reading it through, and at once rising to his feet, announced to the others that the important words "as long as Wallenstein shall employ the army for the emperor's service," which had been inserted in the first draft agreed to by Wallenstein and the deputation, had been omitted.
A scene of noisy confusion ensued.

Several of the officers declared that they would not sign the document as it stood.

General Piccolomini, who had only attended the meeting in order that he might inform the emperor, to whom he was devoted, of what took place there, had drunk so much wine that he forgot the part he was playing, and rose to his feet and with drunken gravity proposed the health of the emperor.
Louder and louder grew the din of tongues until Count Terzky, who was alone with Illo and Colonel Kinsky in Wallenstein's confidence, arose, and in a thundering voice declared that all were perjured villains who should recede from their engagement, and would, according to their agreements be treated as enemies by the rest.

His menaces and the evident danger which any who might now draw back would run, overcame the scruples of the recalcitrants, and all signed the paper.

This done the meeting broke up, and Malcolm, stealing away from his post of observation, made his way back to his lodgings.
He slept little that night.