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• Götz Von Berlichingen With the Iron Hand. a Drama.
• Dramatis PersonÆ
• Act I.
• Scene I.—: An Inn At Schwarzenberg In Franconia.
• Scene II.—: A Cottage In a Thick Forest.
• Scene III.—: An Apartment In Jaxthausen, the Castle of Goetz Von Berlichingen.
• Scene IV.—: The Bishop of Bamberg’s Palace.
• Scene V.—: Jaxthausen.
• Act II.
• Scene I.—: Bamberg. a Hall.
• Scene II.—: Jaxthausen. a Hall In Goetz’s Castle.
• Scene III.—: The Bishop’s Palace At Bamberg.
• Scene IV.—: The Spessart.
• Scene V.—: The Bishop’s Palace. His Cabinet.
• Scene VI.—: Adelaide’s Apartment.
• Scene VII.—: An Ante-room.
• Scene VIII.—: The Spessart.
• Scene IX.—: Hall In the Bishop’s Palace At Bamberg.
• Scene X—: an Inn.
• Act III.
• Scene I.—: A Garden At Augsburg.
• Scene II.—: Jaxthausen.
• Scene III.—: The Camp of the Party Sent to Execute the Imperial Mandate.
• Scene IV.—: Jaxthausen.
• Scene V.—: Bamberg. Adelaide’s Chamber.
• Scene VI.—: Jaxthausen.
• Scene VII.—: A Wood On the Borders of a Morass.
• Scene VIII.—: Camp of the Imperialists.
• Scene IX.—: Jaxthausen.
• Scene X.—: The Imperial Camp.
• Scene XI.—: Mountains and a Wood.
• Scene XII.—: A Heath—on One Side an Eminence, With a Ruined Tower, On the Other the Forest.
• Scene XIII.—: The Camp.
• Scene XIV.—: Jaxthausen.
• Scene XV.—: Camp.
• Scene XVI.—: Jaxthausen.
• Scene XVII.—: The Kitchen.
• Scene XVIII.—: A Hall.
• Scene XIX.—: The Court of the Castle.
• Scene XX.: The Armory.
• Act IV.
• Scene I.—: An Inn In the City of Heilbronn
• Scene II.—: The Council-house At Heilbronn.
• Scene III.—: A Large Hall In the Council-house, Beset By Sickingen’s Troops.
• Scene IV.—: The Castle of Adelaide. Augsburg.
• Scene V.—: Jaxthausen.
• Act V.
• Scene I.—: A Village Plundered By the Insurgent Peasantry. Shrieks and Tumult.
• Scene II.—: Open Country. In the Distance Two Villages and an Abbey Are Burning.
• Scene III.—: A Hill and Prospect of the Country. In the Flat Scene a Mill. a Body of Horsemen.
• Scene IV.—: Jaxthausen.
• Scene V.—: A Village.
• Scene VI.—: The Front of a Gypsy-hut In a Wild Forest.—night.—a Fire Before the Hut, At Which Are Seated the Mother of the Gypsies and a Girl.
• Scene VII.—: Inside the Hut.
• Scene VIII.—: Adelaide’s Bedchamber.
• Scene IX.—: Street Before the Prison At Heilbronn.
• Scene X.—: An Apartment In Weislingen’s Castle.
• Scene XI.—: A Narrow Vault Dimly Illuminated. the Judges of the Secret Tribunal Discovered Seated, All Muffled In Black Cloaks.
• Scene XII.—: The Court of an Inn.
• Scene XIII.—: The Prison At Heilbronn.
• Scene the Last. —: the Prison Garden.
• Iphigenia In Tauris a Drama
• Dramatis PersonÆ.
• Act I.
• Scene I.—: A Grove Before the Temple of Diana.
• Scene II.
• Scene III.
• Scene IV.
• Act II.
• Scene I.
• Scene II.
• Act III.
• Scene I.
• Scene II.
• Scene III.
• Act IV.
• Scene I.
• Scene II.
• Scene III.
• Scene IV.
• Scene V.
• Act V.
• Scene I.
• Scene II.
• Scene III.
• Scene IV.
• Scene V.
• Scene VI.
• Torquato Tasso
• Dramatis PersonÆ.
• Act I.
• Scene I.: A Garden Adorned With Busts of the Epic Poets. to the Right a Bust of Virgil: to the Left, One of Ariosto.
• Scene II.
• Scene III.
• Scene IV.
• Act II.
• Scene I.—: A Room.
• Scene II.
• Scene III.
• Scene IV.
• Scene V.
• Act III.
• Scene I.
• Scene II.
• Scene III.
• Scene IV.
• Scene V.
• Act IV.
• Scene I.—: A Chamber.
• Scene II.
• Scene III.
• Scene IV.
• Scene V.
• Act V.
• Scene I.—: A Garden.
• Scene II.
• Scene III.
• Scene IV.
• Scene V.
• Clavigo
• Dramatis PersonÆ.
• Act I.
• Scene I.—: Clavigo’s Dwelling.
• Scene II.—: Guilbert’s Dwelling.
• Act II.
• Scene I.—: Clavigo’s House.
• Act III.
• Scene I.—: Guilbert’s Abode.
• Act IV.
• Scene I.—: Clavigo’s Abode. Carlos, Alone.
• Scene II.—: Guilbert’s Abode.
• Act V.
• Scene I.—: The Street Before the House of Guilbert. Night.
• Scene II.
• Scene III.
• Scene IV.
• Scene V.
• Scene VI.
• Stella. a Tragedy.
• Dramatis PersonÆ.
• Act I.
• Act II.
• Act III.
• Act IV.
• Act V.
• The Brother and Sister
• Dramatis PersonÆ.
• A Tale.
• The Good Women.
• Reynard the Fox.
• Chapter I.: The Accusation.
• Chapter II.: The First Summons.
• Chapter III.: The Second Summons.
• Chapter IV.: The Trial.
• Chapter V.: The Pardon.
• Chapter VI.: The Relapse.
• Chapter VII.: The Outlawry.
• Chapter VIII.: The Journey.
• Chapter IX.: The Advocacy.
• Chapter X.: The Second Pardon.
• Chapter XI.: The Defiance.
• Chapter XII.: The Battle.

ACT III.

SCENE I.—

A Garden at Augsburg.

Enter twoMerchantsof Nuremberg.

First Merchant.

We’ll stand here, for the emperor must pass this way. He is just coming up the long avenue.

Second Merchant.

Who is that with him?

First Merchant.

Adelbert of Weislingen.

Second Merchant.

The bishop’s friend. That’s lucky!

First Merchant.

We’ll throw ourselves at his feet.

Second Merchant.

See! they come.

Enter theEmperorandWeislingen.

First Merchant.

He looks displeased.

Emperor.

I am disheartened, Weislingen. When I review my past life, I am ready to despair. So many half—ay, and wholly ruined undertakings—and all because the pettiest feudatory of the empire thinks more of gratifying his own whims than of seconding my endeavors.

[TheMerchantsthrow themselves at his feet.

First Merchant.

Most mighty! Most gracious!

Emperor.

Who are ye? What seek ye?

First Merchant.

Poor merchants of Nuremberg, your majesty’s devoted servants, who implore your aid. Goetz von Berlichingen and Hans von Selbitz fell upon thirty of us as we journeyed from the fair of Frankfort, under an escort from Bamberg; they overpowered and plundered us. We implore your imperial assistance to obtain redress, else we are all ruined men, and shall be compelled to beg our bread.

Emperor.

Good heavens! What is this? The one has but one hand, the other but one leg; if they both had two hands and two legs what would you do then?

First Merchant.

We most humbly beseech your majesty to cast a look of compassion upon our unfortunate condition.

Emperor.

How is this?—If a merchant loses a bag of pepper, all Germany is to rise in arms; but when business is to be done, in which the imperial majesty and the empire are interested, should it concern dukedoms, principalities, or kingdoms, there is no bringing you together.

Weislingen.

You come at an unseasonable time. Go, and stay at Augsburg for a few days.

Merchants.

We make our most humble obeisance.

[ExeuntMerchants.

Emperor.

Again new disturbances; they multiply like the hydra’s heads!

Weislingen.

And can only be extirpated with fire and sword.

Emperor.

Do you think so?

Weislingen.

Nothing seems to me more advisable, could your majesty and the princes but accommodate your other unimportant disputes. It is not the body of the state that complains of this malady — Franconia and Swabia alone glow with the embers of civil discord; and even there many of the nobles and free barons long for quiet. Could we but crush Sickingen, Selbitz—and—and—and Berlichingen, the others would fall asunder; for it is the spirit of these knights which quickens the turbulent multitude.

Emperor.

Fain would I spare them; they are noble and hardy. Should I be engaged in war, they would follow me to the field.

Weislingen.

It is to be wished they had at all times known their duty; moreover it would be dangerous to reward their mutinous bravery by offices of trust. For it is exactly this imperial mercy and forgiveness which they have hitherto so grievously abused, and upon which the hope and confidence of their league rest, and this spirit cannot be quelled till we have wholly destroyed their power in the eyes of the world, and taken from them all hope of ever recovering their lost influence.

Emperor.

You advise severe measures, then?

Weislingen.

I see no other means of quelling the spirit of insurrection which has seized upon whole provinces. Do we not already hear the bitterest complaints from the nobles, that their vassals and serfs rebel against them, question their authority, and threaten to curtail their hereditary prerogatives? A proceeding which would involve the most fearful consequences.

Emperor.

This were a fair occasion for proceeding against Berlichingen and Selbitz; but I will not have them personally injured. Could they be taken prisoners, they should swear to renounce their feuds, and to remain in their own castles and territories upon their knightly parole. At the next session of the Diet we will propose this plan.

Weislingen.

A general exclamation of joyful assent will spare your majesty the trouble of particular detail.

[Exeunt.

SCENE II.—

Jaxthausen.

EnterGoetzandFranz von Sickingen.

Sickingen.

Yes, my friend, I come to beg the heart and hand of your noble sister.

Goetz.

I would you had come sooner. Weislingen, during his imprisonment, obtained her affections, proposed for her, and I gave my consent. I let the bird loose, and he now despises the benevolent hand that fed him in his distress. He flutters about to seek his food, God knows upon what hedge.

Sickingen.

Is this so?

Goetz.

Even as I tell you.

Sickingen.

He has broken a double bond. ’Tis well for you that you were not more closely allied with the traitor.

Goetz.

The poor maiden passes her life in lamentation and prayer.

Sickingen.

I will comfort her.

Goetz.

What! Could you make up your mind to marry a forsaken—

Sickingen.

It is to the honor of you both to have been deceived by him. Should the poor girl be caged in a cloister because the first man who gained her love proved a villain? Not so; I insist on it. She shall be mistress of my castles!

Goetz.

I tell you he was not indifferent to her.

Sickingen.

Do you think I cannot efface the recollection of such a wretch? Let us go to her.

[Exeunt.

SCENE III.—

The Camp of the Party sent to execute the Imperial Mandate.

ImperialCaptainandOfficersdiscovered.

Captain.

We must be cautious, and spare our people as much as possible. Besides, we have strict orders to overpower and take him alive. It will be difficult to obey; for who will engage with him hand to hand?

First Officer.

’Tis true. And he will fight like a wild boar. Besides, he has never in his whole life injured any of us, so each will be glad to leave to the other the honor of risking life and limb to please the emperor.

Second Officer.

’Twere shame to us should we not take him. Had I him once by the ears, he should not easily escape.

First Officer.

Don’t seize him with your teeth, however, he might chance to run away with your jaw-bone. My good young sir, such men are not taken like a runaway thief.

Second Officer.

We shall see.

Captain.

By this time he must have had our summons. We must not delay. I mean to despatch a troop to watch his motions.

Second Officer.

Let me lead it.

Captain.

You are unacquainted with the country.

Second Officer.

I have a servant who was born and bred here.

Captain.

That will do.

[Exeunt.

SCENE IV.—

Jaxthausen.

Sickingen.

(Alone.) All goes as I wish! She was somewhat startled at my proposal, and looked at me from head to foot; I’ll wager she was comparing me with her gallant. Thank Heaven I can stand the scrutiny! She answered little and confusedly. So much the better! Let it work for a time. A proposal of marriage does not come amiss after such a cruel disappointment.

EnterGoetz.

Sickingen.

What news, brother?

Goetz.

They have laid me under the ban.

Sickingen.

How?

Goetz.

There, read the edifying epistle. The emperor has issued an edict against me, which gives my body for food to the beasts of the earth and the fowls of the air.

Sickingen.

They shall first furnish them with a dinner themselves. I am here in the very nick of time.

Goetz.

No, Sickingen, you must leave me. Your great undertakings might be ruined should you become the enemy of the emperor at so unseasonable a time. Besides, you can be of more use to me by remaining neutral. The worst that can happen is my being made prisoner; and then your good word with the emperor, who esteems you, may rescue me from the misfortune into which your untimely assistance would irremediably plunge us both. To what purpose should you do otherwise? These troops are marching against me; and if they knew we were united, their numbers would only be increased, and our position would consequently be no better. The emperor is at the fountain-head; and I should be utterly ruined were it as easy to inspire soldiers with courage as to collect them into a body.

Sickingen.

But I can privately reinforce you with a score of troopers.

Goetz.

Good. I have already sent George to Selbitz, and to my people in the neighborhood. My dear brother, when my forces are collected, they will be such a troop as few princes can bring together.

Sickingen.

It will be small against the multitude.

Goetz.

One wolf is too many for a whole flock of sheep.

Sickingen.

But if they have a good shepherd?

Goetz.

Never fear! They are all hirelings; and then even the best knight can do but little if he cannot act as he pleases. It happened once that, to oblige the palsgrave, I went to serve against Conrad Schotten: they then presented me with a paper of instructions from the chancery, which set forth—Thus and thus must you proceed. I threw down the paper before the magistrates, and told them I could not act according to it; that something might happen unprovided for in my instructions, and that I must use my own eyes and judge what was best to be done.

Sickingen.

Good luck, brother! I will hence, and send thee what men I can collect in haste.

Goetz.

Come first to the women. I left them together. I would you had her consent before you depart! Then send me the troopers, and come back in private to carry away my Maria; for my castle, I fear, will shortly be no abode for women.

Sickingen.

We will hope for the best.

[Exeunt.

SCENE V.—

Bamberg.Adelaide’sChamber.

AdelaideandFrancis.

Adelaide.

They have already set out to enforce the ban against both?

Francis.

Yes; and my master has the happiness of marching against your enemies. I would gladly have gone also, however rejoiced I always am at being despatched to you. But I will away instantly, and soon return with good news; my master has allowed me to do so.

Adelaide.

How is he?

Francis.

He is well, and commanded me to kiss your hand.

Adelaide.

There!—Thy lips glow.

Francis.

(Aside, pressing his breast.) Here glows something yet more fiery. (Aloud.) Gracious lady, your servants are the most fortunate of beings!

Adelaide.

Who goes against Berlichingen?

Francis.

The Baron von Sirau. Farewell! Dearest, most gracious lady, I must away. Forget me not!

Adelaide.

Thou must first take some rest and refreshment.

Francis.

I need none, for I have seen you! I am neither weary nor hungry.

Adelaide.

I know thy fidelity.

Francis.

Ah, gracious lady!

Adelaide.

You can never hold out; you must repose and refresh yourself.

Francis.

You are too kind to a poor youth.

[Exit.

Adelaide.

The tears stood in his eyes. I love him from my heart. Never did man attach himself to me with such warmth of affection.

[Exit.

SCENE VI.—

Jaxthausen.

GoetzandGeorge.

George.

He wants to speak with you in person. I do not know him—he is a tall, well-made man, with keen dark eyes.

Goetz.

Admit him.

[ExitGeorge.

EnterLerse.

Goetz.

God save you! What bring you?

Lerse.

Myself: not much, but such as it is, it is at your service.

Goetz.

You are welcome, doubly welcome! A brave man, and at a time when, far from expecting new friends. I was in hourly fear of losing the old. Your name?

Lerse.

Franz Lerse.

Goetz.

I thank you, Franz, for making me acquainted with a brave man!

Lerse.

I made you acquainted with me once before, but then you did not thank me for my pains.

Goetz.

I have no recollection of you.

Lerse.

I should be sorry if you had. Do you recollect when, to please the palsgrave, you rode against Conrad Schotten, and went through Hassfurt on an All-hallow eve?

Goetz.

I remember it well.

Lerse.

And twenty-five troopers encountered you in a village by the way?

Goetz.

Exactly. I at first took them for only twelve. I divided my party, which amounted to but sixteen, and halted in the village behind the barn, intending to let them ride by. Then I thought of falling upon them in the rear, as I had concerted with the other troop.

Lerse.

We saw you, however, and stationed ourselves on a height above the village. You drew up beneath the hill and halted. When we perceived that you did not intend to come up to us we rode down to you.

Goetz.

And then I saw for the first time that I had thrust my hand into the fire. Five-and-twenty against eight is no jesting business. Everard Truchsess killed one of my followers, for which I knocked him off his horse. Had they all behaved like him and one other trooper, it would have been all over with me and my little band.

Lerse.

And that trooper—

Goetz.

Was as gallant a fellow as I ever saw. He attacked me fiercely; and when I thought I had given him enough and was engaged elsewhere, he was upon me again, and laid on like a fury: he cut quite through my armor, and wounded me in the arm.

Lerse.

Have you forgiven him?

Goetz.

He pleased me only too well.

Lerse.

I hope then you have cause to be contented with me, since the proof of my valor was on your own person.

Goetz.

Art thou he? O welcome! welcome! Canst thou boast, Maximilian, that amongst thy followers thou hast gained one after this fashion?

Lerse.

I wonder you did not sooner hit upon me.

Goetz.

How could I think that the man would engage in my service who did his best to overpower me?

Lerse.

Even so, my lord. From my youth upwards I have served as a trooper, and have had a tussle with many a knight. I was overjoyed when we met you; for I had heard of your prowess, and wished to know you. You saw I gave way, and that it was not from cowardice, for I returned to the charge. In short, I learned to know you, and from that hour I resolved to enter your service.

Goetz.

How long wilt thou engage with me?

Lerse.

For a year, without pay.

Goetz.

No; thou shalt have as the others; nay more, as befits him who gave me so much work at Remlin.

EnterGeorge.

George.

Hans of Selbitz greets you. To-morrow he will be here with fifty men.

Goetz.

’Tis well.

George.

There is a troop of Imperialists riding down the hill, doubtless to reconnoitre.

Goetz.

How many?

George.

About fifty.

Goetz.

Only fifty! Come, Lerse, we’ll have a slash at them, so that when Selbitz comes he may find some work done to his hand.

Lerse.

’Twill be capital practice.

Goetz.

To horse!

[Exeunt.

SCENE VII.—

A Wood on the borders of a Morass.

TwoImperialist Troopersmeeting

First Imperialist.

What dost thou here?

Second Imperialist.

I have leave of absence for ten minutes. Ever since our quarters were beat up last night I have had such violent attacks that I can’t sit on horseback for two minutes together.

First Imperialist.

Is the party far advanced?

Second Imperialist.

About three miles into the wood

First Imperialist.

Then why are you playing truant here?

Second Imperialist.

Prithee, betray me not. I am going to the next village to see if I cannot get some warm bandages to relieve my complaint. But whence comest thou?

First Imperialist.

I am bringing our officer some wine and meat from the nearest village.

Second Imperialist.

So, so! he stuffs himself under our very noses, and we must starve; a fine example!

First Imperialist.

Come back with me, rascal!

Second Imperialist.

Call me a fool, if I do! There are plenty in our troop who would gladly fast, to be as far away as I am.

[Tramping of horses heard.

First Imperialist.

Hear’st thou?—Horses!

Second Imperialist.

Oh dear! oh dear!

First Imperialist.

I’ll get up into this tree.

Second Imperialist.

And I’ll hide among the rushes.

[They hide themselves.

Enter on horseback,Goetz. Lerse. GeorgeandTroopers,all completely armed

Goetz.

Away into the wood, by the ditch on the left,—then we have them in the rear.

[They gallop off.

First Imperialist.

(Descending) This is a bad business—Michael!—He answers not—Michael, they are gone! (Goes towards the marsh.) Alas, he is sunk!—Michael!—He hears me not: he is suffocated.—Poor coward, art thou done for?—We are slain.—Enemies! Enemies on all sides!

Re-enterGoetzandGeorgeon horseback.

Goetz.

Yield thee, fellow, or thou diest!

Imperialist.

Spare my life!

Goetz.

Thy sword!—George, lead him to the other prisoners whom Lerse is guarding yonder in the wood.—I must pursue their fugitive leader.

[Exit.

Imperialist.

What has become of the knight, our officer?

George.

My master struck him head over heels from his horse, so that his plume stuck in the mire. His troopers got him up, and off they were as if the devil were behind them.

[Exeunt.

SCENE VIII.—

Camp of theImperialists.

CaptainandFirst Officer.

First Officer.

They fly from afar towards the camp.

Captain.

He is most likely hard at their heels. Draw out fifty as far as the mill; if he follows up the pursuit too far you may perhaps entrap him.

[ExitOfficer.

TheSecond Officeris borne in.

Captain.

How now, my young sir—have you got a cracked headpiece?

Officer.

A plague upon you! The stoutest helmet went to shivers like glass. The demon!—he ran upon me as if he would strike me into the earth!

Captain.

Thank God that you have escaped with your life.

Officer.

There is little left to be thankful for; two of my ribs are broken—where’s the surgeon?

[He is carried off.

SCENE IX.—

Jaxthausen.

EnterGoetzandSelbitz.

Goetz.

And what say you to the ban, Selbitz?

Selbitz.

’Tis a trick of Weislingen’s.

Goetz.

Do you think so?

Selbitz.

I do not think—I know it.

Goetz.

How so?

Selbitz.

He was at the Diet, I tell thee, and near the emperor’s person.

Goetz.

Well then, we shall frustrate another of his schemes.

Selbitz.

I hope so.

Goetz.

We will away, and course these hares.

SCENE X.—

The Imperial Camp.

Captain. OfficersandFollowers.

Captain.

We shall gain nothing at this work, sirs! He beats one troop after another; and whoever escapes death or captivity would rather fly to Turkey than return to the camp. Thus our force diminishes daily. We must attack him once for all, and in earnest. I will go myself, and he shall find with whom he has to deal.

Officer.

We are all content; but he is so well acquainted with the country, and knows every path and ravine so thoroughly, that he will be as difficult to find as a rat in a barn.

Captain.

I warrant you we’ll ferret him out. On towards Jaxthausen! Whether he like it or not, he must come to defend his castle.

Officer.

Shall our whole force march?

Captain.

Yes, certainly—do you know that a hundred of us are melted away already?

Officer.

Then let us away with speed, before the whole snowball dissolves; for this is warm work, and we stand here like butter in the sunshine.

[Exeunt—a march sounded.

SCENE XI.—

Mountains and a Wood.

Goetz, SelbitzandTroopers.

Goetz.

They are coming in full force. It was high time that Sickingen’s troopers joined us.

Selbitz.

We will divide our party—I will take the left hand by the hill.

Goetz.

Good—and do thou, Lerse, lead fifty men straight through the wood on the right. They are coming across the heath—I will draw up opposite to them. George, stay by me—when you see them attack me, then fall upon their flank: we’ll beat the knaves into a mummy—they little think we can face them.

[Exeunt.

SCENE XII.—

A Heath—on one side an Eminence, with a ruined Tower, on the other the Forest.

Enter marching, theCaptain of the ImperialistswithOfficersand hisSquadron.Drums and standards.

Captain.

He halts upon the heath! that’s too impudent. He shall smart for it—what! not fear the torrent that threatens to overwhelm him!

Officer.

I had rather you did not head the troops; he looks as if he meant to plant the first that comes upon him in the mire with his head downmost. Prithee, ride in the rear.

Captain.

Not so.

Officer.

I entreat you. You are the knot which unites this bundle of hazel-twigs; loose it, and he will break them separately like so many reeds.

Captain.

Sound, trumpeter—and let us blow him to hell!

[A charge sounded. Exeunt in full career.

Selbitz,with hisTroopers,comes from behind the hill, galloping.

Selbitz.

Follow me! They shall wish that they could multiply their hands.

[They gallop across the stage, et exeunt.

Loud alarm—Lerseand his party sally from the wood.

Lerse.

Ho! to the rescue! Goetz is almost surrounded.—Gallant Selbitz, thou hast cut thy way—we will sow the heath with these thistle heads.

[Gallop off.

A loud alarm, with shouting and firing for some minutes.Selbitzis borne in wounded by twoTroopers.

Selbitz.

Leave me here, and hasten to Goetz.

First Trooper.

Let us stay, sir—you need our aid.

Selbitz.

Get one of you on the watchtower, and tell me how it goes.

First Trooper.

How shall I get up?

Second Trooper.

Mount upon my shoulders—you can then reach the ruined part, and thence scramble up to the opening.

[First Troopergets up into the tower.

First Trooper.

Alas, sir!

Selbitz.

What seest thou?

First Trooper.

Your troopers fly towards the hill.

Selbitz.

Rascally cowards! I would that they stood their ground, and I had a ball through my head! Ride, one of you, full speed! Curse and thunder them back to the field! Seest thou Goetz!

[ExitSecond Trooper.

Trooper.

I see his three black feathers floating in the midst of the wavy tumult.

Selbitz.

Swim, brave swimmer! I lie here.

Trooper.

A white plume—whose is that?

Selbitz.

The captain’s.

Trooper.

Goetz gallops upon him—crash! Down he goes!

Selbitz.

The captain?

Trooper.

Yes, sir.

Selbitz.

Hurrah! hurrah!

Trooper.

Alas! alas! I see Goetz no more.

Selbitz.

Then die, Selbitz!

Trooper.

A dreadful tumult where he stood—George’s blue plume vanishes too.

Selbitz.

Come down! Dost thou not see Lerse?

Trooper.

No. Everything is in confusion.

Selbitz.

No more. Come down.—How do Sickingen’s men bear themselves?

Trooper.

Well—one of them flies to the wood—another—another—a whole troop. Goetz is lost!

Selbitz.

Come down.

Trooper.

I cannot.—Hurrah! hurrah! I see Goetz, I see George.

Selbitz.

On horseback?

Trooper.

Ay, ay, high on horseback! Victory! victory!—they fly.

Selbitz.

The Imperialists?

Trooper.

Yes, standard and all, Goetz behind them. They disperse,—Goetz reaches the ensign—he seizes the standard; he halts. A handful of men rally round him. My comrade reaches him—they come this way.

EnterGoetz, George, LerseandTroopers,on horseback.

Selbitz.

Joy to thee, Goetz! Victory! victory!

Goetz.

(Dismounting.) Dearly, dearly bought. Thou art wounded, Selbitz!

Selbitz.

But thou dost live and hast conquered! I have done little; and my dogs of troopers! How hast thou come off?

Goetz.

For the present, well! And here I thank George, and thee, Lerse, for my life. I unhorsed the captain, they stabbed my horse, and pressed me hard. George cut his way to me, and sprang off his horse. I threw myself like lightning upon it, and he appeared suddenly like a thunderbolt upon another, How camest thou by thy steed?

George.

A fellow struck at you from behind: as he raised his cuirass in the act, I stabbed him with my dagger. Down he came; and so I rid you of an enemy, and helped myself to a horse.

Goetz.

There we held together till Francis here came to our help; and thereupon we mowed our way out.

Lerse.

The hounds whom I led were to have mowed their way in, till our scythes met, but they fled like Imperialists.

Goetz.

Friend and foe all fled, except this little band who protected my rear. I had enough to do with the fellows in front, but the fall of their captain dismayed them; they wavered, and fled. I have their banner, and a few prisoners.

Selbitz.

The captain has escaped you?

Goetz.

They rescued him in the scuffle. Come, lads, come, Selbitz —Make a litter of lances and boughs: thou canst not mount a horse, come to my castle. They are scattered, but we are very few; and I know not what troops they may have in reserve. I will be your host, my friends. Wine will taste well after such an action.

[Exeunt, carryingSelbitz.

SCENE XIII.—

The Camp.

TheCaptainandImperialists.

Captain.

I could kill you all with my own hand.—What! to turn tail! He had not a handful of men left. To give way before one man! No one will believe it but those who wish to make a jest of us. Ride round the country, you, and you, and you: collect our scattered soldiers, or cut them down wherever you find them. We must grind these notches out of our blades, even should we spoil our swords in the operation.

[Exeunt.

SCENE XIV.—

Jaxthausen.

Goetz, LerseandGeorge.

Goetz.

We must not lose a moment. My poor fellows, I dare allow you no rest. Gallop round and strive to enlist troopers, appoint them to assemble at Weilern, where they will be most secure. Should we delay a moment, they will be before the castle.—(ExeuntLerseandGeorge)—I must send out a scout. This begins to grow warm.—If we had but brave foemen to deal with! But these fellows are only formidable through their number.

[Exit.

EnterSickingenandMaria.

Maria.

I beseech thee, dear Sickingen, do not leave my brother! His horsemen, your own, and those of Selbitz, all are scattered; he is alone. Selbitz has been carried home to his castle wounded. I fear the worst.

Sickingen.

Be comforted, I will not leave him.

EnterGoetz.

Goetz.

Come to the chapel; the priest waits; in a few minutes you shall be united.

Sickingen.

Let me remain with you.

Goetz.

You must come now to the chapel.

Sickingen.

Willingly!—and then—

Goetz.

Then you go your way.

Sickingen.

Goetz!

Goetz.

Will you not to the chapel?

Sickingen.

Come, come!

[Exeunt.

SCENE XV.—

Camp.

CaptainandOfficers.

Captain.

How many are we in all?

Officer.

A hundred and fifty—

Captain.

Out of four hundred.—That is bad. Set out for Jaxthausen at once, before he collects his forces and attacks us on the way.

SCENE XVI.—

Jaxthausen.

Goetz, Elizabeth, MariaandSickingen.

Goetz.

God bless you, give you happy days, and keep those for your children which he denies to you!

Elizabeth.

And may they be virtuous as you—then let come what will.

Sickingen.

I thank you.—And you, my Maria! As I led you to the altar, so shall you lead me to happiness.

Maria.

Our pilgrimage will be together towards that distant and promised land.

Goetz.

A prosperous journey.

Maria.

That was not what I meant.—We do not leave you.

Goetz.

You must, sister.

Maria.

You are very harsh, brother.

Goetz.

And you more affectionate than prudent.

EnterGeorge.

George.

(Aside toGoetz.) I can collect no troopers. One was inclined to come, but he changed his mind and refused.

Goetz.

(ToGeorge.) ’Tis well, George. Fortune begins to look coldly on me. I foreboded it, however. (Aloud.) Sickingen, I entreat you, depart this very evening. Persuade Maria.—You are her husband—let her feel it.—When women come across our undertakings, our enemies are more secure in the open field, than they would else be in their castles.

Enter aTrooper.

Trooper.

(Aside toGoetz.) The Imperial squadron is in full and rapid march hither.

Goetz.

I have roused them with stripes of the rod! How many are they?

Trooper.

About two hundred.—They can scarcely be six miles from us.

Goetz.

Have they passed the river yet?

Trooper.

No, my lord.

Goetz.

Had I but fifty men, they should not cross it. Hast thou seen Lerse?

Trooper.

No, my lord.

Goetz.

Tell all to hold themselves ready.—We must part, dear friends. Weep on, my gentle Maria; many a moment of happiness is yet in store for thee. It is better thou should’st weep on thy wedding-day than that present joy should be the forerunner of future misery.—Farewell, Maria!—Farewell, brother!

Maria.

I cannot leave you, sister. Dear brother, let us stay. Dost thou value my husband so little as to refuse his help in thy extremity?

Goetz.

Yes—it is gone far with me. Perhaps my fall is near. You are but beginning life, and should separate your lot from mine. I have ordered your horses to be saddled: you must away instantly.

Maria.

Brother! brother!

Elizabeth.

(ToSickingen.) Yield to his wishes. Speak to her.

Sickingen.

Dear Maria! we must go.

Maria.

Thou too? My heart will break!

Goetz.

Then stay. In a few hours my castle will be surrounded.

Maria.

(Weeping bitterly.) Alas! alas!

Goetz.

We will defend ourselves as long as we can.

Maria.

Mother of God, have mercy upon us!

Goetz.

And at last we must die or surrender. Thy tears will then have involved thy noble husband in the same misfortune with me.

Maria.

Thou torturest me!

Goetz.

Remain! remain! We shall be taken together! Sickingen, thou wilt fall into the pit with me, out of which I had hoped thou should’st have helped me.

Maria.

We will away.—Sister—sister!

Goetz.

Place her in safety, and then think of me.

Sickingen.

Never will I repose a night by her side till I know thou art out of danger.

Goetz.

Sister! dear sister!

[Kisses her.

Sickingen.

Away! away!

Goetz.

Yet one moment! I shall see you again. Be comforted, we shall meet again. (ExeuntSickingenandMaria.) I urged her to depart—yet when she leaves me what would I not give to detain her! Elizabeth, thou stayest with me.

Elizabeth.

Till death!

[Exit.

Goetz.

Whom God loves, to him may He give such a wife.

EnterGeorge.

George.

They are near! I saw them from the tower. The sun is rising, and I perceived their lances glitter. I cared no more for them than a cat would for a whole army of mice. ’Tis true we play the mice at present.

Goetz.

Look to the fastenings of the gates; barricade them with beams and stones. (ExitGeorge.) We’ll exercise their patience, and they may chew away their valor in biting their nails. (A trumpet from without.Goetzgoes to the window.) Aha! Here comes a red-coated rascal to ask me whether I will be a scoundrel! What says he? (The voice of theHeraldis heard indistinctly, as from a distance.Goetzmutters to himself.) A rope for thy throat! (Voice again.) “Offended majesty!”—Some priest has drawn up that proclamation. (Voice concludes, andGoetzanswers from the window.) Surrender—surrender at discretion. With whom speak you? Am I a robber? Tell your captain, that for the emperor I entertain, as I have ever done, all due respect; but as for him, he may—

[Shuts the window with violence.

SCENE XVII.—

The kitchen.

Elizabethpreparing food. EnterGoetz.

Goetz.

You have hard work, my poor wife!

Elizabeth.

Would it might last! But you can hardly hold out long.

Goetz.

We have not had time to provide ourselves.

Elizabeth.

And so many people as you have been wont to entertain. The wine is well-nigh finished.

Goetz.

If we can but hold out a certain time, they must propose a capitulation. We are doing them some damage, I promise you. They shoot the whole day, and only wound our walls and break our windows. Lerse is a gallant fellow. He slips about with his gun: if a rogue comes too nigh—Pop! there he lies!

[Firing.

EnterTrooper.

Trooper.

We want live coals, gracious lady!

Goetz.

For what?

Trooper.

Our bullets are spent; we must cast some new ones.

Goetz.

How goes it with the powder?

Trooper.

There is as yet no want: we save our fire.

[Firing at intervals. ExeuntGoetzandElizabeth.

EnterLersewith a bullet-mould. Servants with coals.

Lerse.

Set them down, and then go and see for lead about the house; meanwhile I will make shift with this. (Goes to the window, and takes out the leaden frames.) Everything must be turned to account. So it is in this world—no one knows what a thing may come to: the glazier who made these frames little thought that the lead here was to give one of his grandsons his last headache; and the father that begot me little knew whether the fowls of heaven or the worms of the earth would pick my bones.

EnterGeorgewith a leaden spout.

George.

Here’s lead for thee! If you hit with only half of it, not one will return to tell his majesty. “Thy servants have sped ill!”

Lerse.

(Cutting it down.) A famous piece!

George.

The rain must seek some other way. I’m not afraid of it—a brave trooper and a smart shower will always find their road.

[They cast balls.

Lerse.

Hold the ladle. (Goes to the window.) Yonder is a fellow creeping about with his rifle; he thinks our fire is spent. He shall have a bullet warm from the pan.

[He loads his rifle.

George.

(Puts down the mould.) Let me see.

Lerse.

(Fires.) There lies the game!

George.

He fired at me as I stepped out on the roof to get the lead. He killed a pigeon that sat near me; it fell into the spout. I thanked him for my dinner, and went back with the double booty.

[They cast balls.

Lerse.

Now let us load, and go through the castle to earn our dinner.

EnterGoetz.

Goetz.

Stay, Lerse, I must speak with thee. I will not keep thee, George, from the sport.

[ExitGeorge.

Goetz.

They offer terms.

Lerse.

I will go and hear what they have to say.

Goetz.

They will require me to enter myself into ward in some town on my knightly parole.

Lerse.

That won’t do. Suppose they allow us free liberty of departure? for we can expect no relief from Sickingen. We will bury all the valuables where no divining-rod shall find them; leave them the bare walls, and come out with flying colors.

Goetz.

They will not permit us.

Lerse.

It is worth the asking. We will demand a safe-conduct, and I will sally out.

SCENE XVIII.—

A Hall.

Goetz, Elizabeth, GeorgeandTroopersat table.

Goetz.

Danger unites us, my friends! Be of good cheer; don’t forget the bottle! The flask is empty. Come, another, dear wife! (Elizabethshakes her head.) Is there no more?

Elizabeth.

(Aside.) Only one, which I have set apart for you.

Goetz.

Not so, my love! Bring it out; they need strengthening more than I, for it is my quarrel.

Elizabeth.

Fetch it from the cupboard.

Goetz.

It is the last, and I feel as if we need not spare it. It is long since I have been so merry. (They fill.) To the health of the emperor!

All.

Long live the emperor!

Goetz.

Be it our last word when we die! I love him, for our fate is similar; but I am happier than he. To please the princes, he must direct his imperial squadrons against mice, while the rats gnaw his possessions.—I know he often wishes himself dead, rather than to be any longer the soul of such a crippled body. (They fill.) It will just go once more round. And when our blood runs low, like this flask—when we pour out its last ebbing drop (empties the wine drop by drop into his goblet)—what then shall be our cry?

George.

Freedom forever!

Goetz.

Freedom forever!

All.

Freedom forever!

Goetz.

And if that survive us we can die happy; for our spirits shall see our children’s children and their emperor happy! Did the servants of princes show the same filial attachment to their masters as you to me—did their masters serve the emperor as I would serve him—

George.

Things would be widely different.

Goetz.

Not so much so as it would appear. Have I not known worthy men among the princes? And can the race be extinct? Men, happy in their own minds and in their subjects, who could bear a free, noble brother in their neighborhood without harboring either fear or envy; whose hearts expanded when they saw their table surrounded by their free equals, and who did not think the knights unfit companions till they had degraded themselves by courtly homage.

George.

Have you known such princes?

Goetz.

Ay, truly. As long as I live I shall recollect how the Landgrave of Hanau made a grand hunting-party, and the princes and free feudatories dined under the open heaven, and the country-people all thronged to see them; it was no selfish masquerade instituted for his own private pleasure or vanity. To see the great round-headed peasant lads and the pretty brown girls, the sturdy hinds, and the venerable old men, a crowd of happy faces, all as merry as if they rejoiced in the splendor of their master, which he shared with them under God’s free sky!

George.

He must have been as good a master as you.

Goetz.

And may we not hope that many such will rule together some future day, to whom reverence to the emperor, peace and friendship with their neighbors, and the love of their vassals, shall be the best and dearest family treasure handed down to their children’s children? Every one will then keep and improve his own, instead of reckoning nothing as gain that is not stolen from his neighbors.

George.

And should we have no more forays?

Goetz.

Would to God there were no restless spirits in all Germany!—we should still have enough to do! We would clear the mountains of wolves, and bring our peaceable laborious neighbor a dish of game from the wood, and eat it together. Were that not full employment, we would join our brethren, and, like cherubims with flaming swords, defend the frontiers of the empire against those wolves the Turks, and those foxes the French, and guard for our beloved emperor both extremities of his extensive empire. That would be a life, George! To risk one’s head for the safety of all Germany. (Georgesprings up.) Whither away?

George.

Alas! I forgot we were besieged—besieged by the very emperor; and before we can expose our lives in his defence, we must risk them for our liberty.

Goetz.

Be of good cheer.

EnterLerse.

Lerse.

Freedom! freedom! The cowardly poltroons—the hesitating, irresolute asses! You are to depart with men, weapons, horses and armor; provisions you are to leave behind.

Goetz.

They will hardly find enough to exercise their jaws.

Lerse.

(Aside toGoetz.) Have you hidden the plate and money?

Goetz.

No! Wife, go with Lerse; he has something to tell thee.

[Exeunt.

SCENE XIX.—

The Court of the Castle.

George.(In the stable. Sings.)

• • An urchin once, as I have heard,
  • Ha! ha!
  • Had caught and caged a little bird,
  • Sa! sa!
  • Ha! ha!
  • Sa! sa!
• • He viewed the prize with heart elate,
  • Ha! ha!
  • Thrust in his hand—ah, treacherous fate!
  • Sa! sa!
  • Ha! ha!
  • Sa! sa!
• • Away the titmouse wing’d its flight,
  • Ha! ha!
  • And laugh’d to scorn the silly wight,
  • Sa! sa!
  • Ha! ha!
  • Sa! sa!

EnterGoetz.

Goetz.

How goes it?

George.

(Brings out his horse.) All saddled!

Goetz.

Thou art quick.

George.

As the bird escaped from the cage.

Enter all the besieged.

Goetz.

Have you all your rifles? Not yet! Go, take the best from the armory, ’tis all one; we’ll ride on in advance.

George.

(Sings.)

• Ha! ha!
• Sa! sa!
• Ha! ha!

SCENE XX.

The Armory.

TwoTrooperschoosing guns.

First Trooper.

I’ll have this one.

Second Trooper.

And I this—but yonder’s a better.

First Trooper.

Never mind—make haste.

[Tumult and firing without.

Second Trooper.

Hark!

First Trooper.

(Springs to the window.) Good heavens, they are murdering our master! He is unhorsed! George is down!

Second Trooper.

How shall we get off? Over the wall by the walnut tree, and into the field.

[Exit.

First Trooper.

Lerse keeps his ground; I will to him. If they die, I will not survive them.

[Exit.