No More Learning

GOETZ: What will you give me to forget it?

COUNCILLOR: You gave your knightly parole to appear and humbly to
await his majesty's pleasure?

GOETZ: Well, here I am, and await it!

COUNCILLOR: His majesty's mercy releases you from the ban and all
punishment, provided you subscribe to all the articles which shall be
read unto you.

GOETZ: I am his majesty's faithful servant. But, before you proceed,
where are my men; what is their fate?

COUNCILLOR: That is no business of yours. Secretary, read the
articles! _(Reads)_: I, Goetz von Berlichingen, having lately risen
in rebellion against the emperor------

GOETZ: 'Tis false! I am no rebel! I refuse to listen any further!

COUNCILLOR: And yet we have strict orders to persuade you by fair
means, or to throw you into prison.

GOETZ: To prison? Me? That cannot be the emperor's order!
To promise
me permission to ward myself on parole, and then again to break your
treaty.

COUNCILLOR: We owe no faith to robbers.

GOETZ: If you were not the representative of my respected sovereign,
you should swallow that word, or choke upon it!

[COUNCILLOR _makes a sign, and a bell is rung. Enter
citizens with halberds and swords_.

COUNCILLOR: You will not listen--seize him!

[_They rush upon him. He strikes one down, and snatches
a sword from another. They stand aloof_.

GOETZ: Come on! I should like to become acquainted with the bravest
among you.

[_A trumpet is heard without. Enter_ USHER.

USHER: Franz von Sickingen is without and sends word that having
heard how faith has been broken with his brother-in-law, he insists
upon justice, or within an hour he will fire the four quarters of the
town, and abandon it to be sacked by his men.

GOETZ: Brave friend!

COUNCILLOR: You had best dissuade your brother-in-law from his
rebellious intention.