No More Learning

You know my knight's duty is sacred to me. And now I must go
to see my wife. [_Exit. _

WEISLINGEN: Oh, that it were all a dream! In Berlichingen's power--and
he, the old true-hearted Goetz! Back again in the hall, where we played
as boys, where I loved him with all my heart! How strangely past and
present seem to intermingle here.

[_Enter_ GOETZ, _and a man with jug and goblet_.

GOETZ: Let us drink, until the meal is ready. Come, you are at home.
It is a long time since we last shared a bottle. (_Raising his goblet_)
A gay heart!

WEISLINGEN: Those times are past.

GOETZ: Heaven forbid! Though merrier days we may not find.
If you had
only followed me to Brabant, instead of taking to that miserable life
at court! Are you not as free and nobly born as anyone in Germany?
Independent, subject only to the emperor? And you submit to vassals,
who poison the emperor's ear against me! They want to get rid of me.
And you, Weislingen, are their tool!

WEISLINGEN: Berlichingen!

GOETZ: No more of it! I hate explanations. They only lead to
deceiving one or the other, or both.

[_They stand apart, their backs turned to each other.
Enter_ MARIE.

MARIE (_to_ WEISLINGEN): I come to greet and to invite you in
my sister's name. What is it? Why are you silent both? You are host
and guest.