No More Learning

Meanwhile, we will consider how we can best uphold the emperor's
authority.

[_Exeunt all but_ GOETZ. _Enter_ SICKINGEN.

GOETZ: That was help from heaven. I asked nothing but knightly ward
upon my parole.

SICKINGEN: They have shamefully abused the imperial authority. I
know the emperor, and have some influence with him. I shall want your
fist in an enterprise I am preparing. Meanwhile, they will let you and
your men return to your castle upon the promise not to move beyond
its confines. And the emperor will soon call you. Now back to the
wigs! They have had time enough to talk; let's save them the trouble!


ACT V

SCENE I. --_Forest_. GOETZ _and_ GEORGE.
GOETZ: No further! Another step and I should have broken my oath.
What is that dust beyond? And that wild mob moving towards us?

LERSE (_entering_): The rebel peasants. Back to the castle! They
have dealt horribly with the noblest men!

GOETZ: On my own soil I shall not try to evade the rabble.

[_Enter_ STUMPF, KOHL, SIEVERS, _and armed peasants_.

STUMPF: We come to ask you, brave Goetz, to be our captain.

GOETZ: What! Me? To break my oath? Stumpf, I thought you were a
friend! Even if I were free, and you wanted to carry on as you did at
Weinsberg, raving and burning, and murdering, I'd rather be killed
than be your captain!

STUMPF: If we had a leader of authority, such things would not
happen.