Wallenstein tore it open without a word and gave an exclamation of satisfaction as he glanced it through.
"This is opportune indeed," he said, "and I thank you for bringing me the news so rapidly.

Well did the astrologer say that my destiny to some extent depended on you; this is a proof that he was right.

The chancellor tells me that the Duke of Saxe-Lauenberg will march instantly with four thousand men to join me, and that Duke Bernhard will move down at once with six thousand of the best Swedish troops.

I may yet be even with the traitors." Although the defection of Gallas and Piccolomini and the news of the issue of the Imperial proclamation had fallen with stunning force upon Wallenstein, he had still faith in the fidelity of the army at large, and he had already despatched Marshal Terzky to Prague, where all the troops faithful to him were to assemble, intending to follow himself with the regiments at Pilsen as soon as carriage could be obtained from the country round.

His astrologer still assured him that the stars were favourable, and Wallenstein's faith in his own destiny was unshaken.
Upon finding that Malcolm had orders to remain with him until he was joined by Duke Bernhard, he ordered handsome apartments to be prepared for him, and as there was no longer any reason why the fact that a Swedish officer was in the castle should be concealed, he commanded that Malcolm should be furnished with handsome raiment of all sorts and a suit of superb armour.