No More Learning

GOETZ: Enough! I shall not forget this infamous treachery. Whoever
gets into my power shall feel it. (_Exit_ GEORGE. ) I'll revel in their
agony, deride their fear. And how, Goetz, are you thus changed? Should
other people's faults and vices make you renounce your chivalry, and
abandon yourself to vulgar cruelty? I'll drag him back in chains, if
I can't get him any other way. And there's an end of it, Goetz; think
of your duty!
[_Enter_ GEORGE _with a casket_.

GEORGE: Now let your joke be ended, they are frightened enough. One
of them, a handsome young man, gave me this casket, and said, "Take
this as ransom! The jewels I meant to take to my betrothed. Take them,
and let me escape. "

GOETZ (_examining the jewels_): This time, Marie, I shall not be
tempted to bring it to you as a birthday gift.
Even in your misfortune
you would rejoice in the happiness of others. Take it, George. Give
it back to the lad. Let him take it to his bride, with greeting from
Goetz! And let all the prisoners free at sunset.


ACT III

SCENE I. --_Pleasure-garden at Augsburg. The_ EMPEROR, _the_ BISHOP OF
BAMBERG, WEISLINGEN, _the_ LADY ADELHEID, COURTIERS.

EMPEROR: I am tired of these merchants with their eternal
complaints! Every shopkeeper wants help, and no one will stir against
the common enemy of the empire and of Christianity.

WEISLINGEN: Who would be active abroad while he is threatened at
home?

BISHOP: If we could only remove that proud Sickingen and
Berlichingen, the others would soon fall asunder.

EMPEROR: Brave, noble men at heart, who must be spared and used
against the Turks.

WEISLINGEN: The consequences may be dangerous. Better to capture
them and leave them quietly upon their knightly parole in their
castles.

EMPEROR: If they then abide by the law, they might again be
honourably and usefully employed.