No More Learning

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. He will only become the companion of your fall!
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!