No More Learning

Are the gates well manned?

LERSE: Yes, sir.

GOETZ: Sickingen will leave us at once. You will lead him through
the lower gate, along the water, and across the ford. Then look around
you, and come back.

[_Enter_ SICKINGEN, MARIE, ELIZABETH, _from chapel_.
_Drums in distance announce the enemy's approach_.

GOETZ: May God bless you and send you merry, happy days!

ELIZABETH: And may He let your children be like you!

SICKINGEN: I thank you, and I thank you, Marie, who will lead me to
happiness.

GOETZ: A pleasant journey! Lerse will show you the way.

MARIE: That is not what we meant. We shall not leave you.

GOETZ: You must, sister!
(_To_ SICKINGEN) You understand? Talk to
Marie; she is your wife. Take her to safety, and then think of me.

[_Exeunt_ LERSE, SICKINGEN _and_ MARIE. _Enter_ GEORGE.

GEORGE: They approach from all sides. I saw their pikes glitter from
the tower.

GOETZ: Have the gate barricaded with beams and stones.

[_Exit_ GEORGE. _A trumpeter is dimly heard from the distance,
requesting_ GOETZ _to surrender unconditionally_. GOETZ
_refuses angrily, and slams the window. Enter_ LERSE.

LERSE: There is plenty of powder, but bullets are scarce.

GOETZ: Look round for lead! Meanwhile, we must make the crossbows
do. [_Distant shooting is heard at intervals.