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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 IV.

SCENE I.—

An Inn in the city of Heilbronn

Goetz.(Solus.)

Goetz.

I am like the evil spirit whom the capuchin conjured into a sack. I fret and labor but all in vain. The perjured villains! (EnterElizabeth.) What news, Elizabeth, of my dear, my trusty followers?

Elizabeth.

Nothing certain: some are slain, some are prisoners; no one could or would tell me further particulars.

Goetz.

Is this the reward of fidelity, of filial obedience?—“That it may be well with thee, and that thy days may be long in the land!”

Elizabeth.

Dear husband, murmur not against our Heavenly Father. They have their reward. It was born with them—a noble and generous heart. Even in the dungeon they are free. Pay attention to the imperial commissioners; their heavy gold chains become them—

Goetz.

As a necklace becomes a sow! I should like to see George and Lerse in fetters!

Elizabeth.

It were a sight to make angels weep.

Goetz.

I would not weep—I would clench my teeth, and gnaw my lip in fury. What! in fetters! Had ye but loved me less, dear lads! I could never look at them enough—What! to break their word pledged in the name of the emperor!

Elizabeth.

Put away these thoughts. Reflect; you must appear before the council—you are in no mood to meet them, and I fear the worst.

Goetz.

What harm can they do me?

Elizabeth.

Here comes the sergeant.

Goetz.

What! the ass of justice that carries the sacks to the mill and the dung to the field? What now?

EnterSergeant.

Sergeant.

The lords commissioners are at the council-house, and require your presence.

Goetz.

I come.

Sergeant.

I am to escort you.

Goetz.

Too much honor.

Elizabeth.

Be but cool.

Goetz.

Fear nothing.

[Exeunt.

SCENE II.—

The Council-House at Heilbronn.

TheImperial Commissionersseated at a table. TheCaptainand theMagistratesof the city attending.

Magistrate.

In pursuance of your order we have collected the stoutest and most determined of our citizens. They are at hand, in order, at a nod from you, to seize Berlichingen.

Commissioner.

We shall have much pleasure in communicating to his imperial majesty the zeal with which you have obeyed his illustrious commands.—Are they artisans?

Magistrate.

Smiths, coopers and carpenters, men with hands hardened by labor; and resolute here.

[Points to his breast.

Commissioner.

’Tis well.

EnterSergeant.

Sergeant.

Goetz von Berlichingen waits without.

Commissioner.

Admit him.

EnterGoetz.

Goetz.

God save you, sirs! What would you with me?

Commissioner.

First, that you consider where you are; and in whose presence.

Goetz.

By my faith, I know you right well, sirs.

Commissioner.

You acknowledge allegiance.

Goetz.

With all my heart.

Commissioner.

Be seated.

[Points to a stool.

Goetz.

What, down there? I’d rather stand. That stool smells so of poor sinners, as indeed does the whole apartment.

Commissioner.

Stand, then.

Goetz.

To business, if you please.

Commissioner.

We shall proceed in due order.

Goetz.

I am glad to hear it. Would you had always done so.

Commissioner.

You know how you fell into our hands, and are a prisoner at discretion.

Goetz.

What will you give me to forget it?

Commissioner.

Could I give you modesty, I should better your affairs.

Goetz.

Better my affairs! could you but do that? To repair is more difficult than to destroy.

Secretary.

Shall I put all this on record?

Commissioner.

Only what is to the purpose.

Goetz.

As far as I’m concerned you may print every word of it.

Commissioner.

You fell into the power of the emperor whose paternal goodness got the better of his justice, and, instead of throwing you into a dungeon, ordered you to repair to his beloved city of Heilbronn. You gave your knightly parole to appear, and await the termination in all humility.

Goetz.

Well; I am here, and await it.

Commissioner.

And we are here to intimate to you his imperial majesty’s mercy and clemency. He is pleased to forgive your rebellion, to release you from the ban and all well-merited punishment; provided you do, with becoming humility, receive his bounty, and subscribe to the articles which shall be read unto you.

Goetz.

I am his majesty’s faithful servant, as ever. One word ere you proceed. My people—where are they? What will be done with them?

Commissioner.

That concerns you not.

Goetz.

So may the emperor turn his face from you in the hour of your need. They were my comrades, and are so now. What have you done with them?

Commissioner.

We are not bound to account to you.

Goetz.

Ah! I forgot that you are not even pledged to perform what you have promised, much less—

Commissioner.

Our business is to lay the articles before you. Submit yourself to the emperor, and you may find a way to petition for the life and freedom of your comrades.

Goetz.

Your paper.

Commissioner.

Secretary, read it.

Secretary.

(Reads.) “I, Goetz of Berlichingen, make public acknowledgment, by these presents, that I, having lately risen in rebellion against the emperor and empire—”

Goetz.

’Tis false! I am no rebel, I have committed no offence against the emperor, and with the empire I have no concern.

Commissioner.

Be silent, and hear further.

Goetz.

I will hear no further. Let any one arise and bear witness. Have I ever taken one step against the emperor, or against the House of Austria? Has not the whole tenor of my conduct proved that I feel better than any one else what all Germany owes to its head; and especially what the free knights and feudatories owe to their liege lord the emperor? I should be a villain could I be induced to subscribe that paper.

Commissioner.

Yet we have strict orders to try and persuade you by fair means, or, in case of your refusal, to throw you into prison.

Goetz.

Into prison!—Me?

Commissioner.

Where you may expect your fate from the hands of justice, since you will not take it from those of mercy.

Goetz.

To prison! You abuse the imperial power! To prison! That was not the emperor’s command. What, ye traitors, to dig a pit for me, and hang out your oath, your knightly honor as the bait? To promise me permission to ward myself on parole, and then again to break your treaty!

Commissioner.

We owe no faith to robbers.

Goetz.

Wert thou not the representative of my sovereign, whom I respect even in the vilest counterfeit, thou should’st swallow that word, or choke upon it. I was engaged in an honorable feud. Thou mightest thank God, and magnify thyself before the world, hadst thou ever done as gallant a deed as that with which I now stand charged. (TheCommissionermakes a sign to theMagistrateof Heilbronn, who rings a bell.) Not for the sake of paltry gain, not to wrest followers or lands from the weak and the defenceless, have I sallied forth. To rescue my page and defend my own person—see ye any rebellion in that? The emperor and his magnates, reposing on their pillows, would never have felt our need. I have, God be praised, one hand left, and I have done well to use it.

Enter a party ofArtisansarmed with halberds and swords.

Goetz.

What means this?

Commissioner.

You will not listen.—Seize him!

Goetz.

Let none come near me who is not a very Hungarian ox. One salutation from my iron fist shall cure him of headache, toothache and every other ache under the wide heaven! (They rush upon him. He strikes one down; and snatches a sword from another. They stand aloof.) Come on! come on! I should like to become acquainted with the bravest among you.

Commissioner.

Surrender!

Goetz.

With a sword in my hand! Know ye not that it depends but upon myself to make way through all these hares and gain the open field? But I will teach you how a man should keep his word. Promise me but free ward, and I will give up my sword, and am again your prisoner.

Commissioner.

How! Would you treat with the emperor, sword in hand?

Goetz.

God forbid!—only with you and your worthy fraternity! You may go home, good people; you are only losing your time, and here there is nothing to be got but bruises.

Commissioner.

Seize him! What! does not your love for the emperor supply you with courage?

Goetz.

No more than the emperor supplies them with plaster for the wounds their courage would earn them.

EnterSergeanthastily.

Officer.

The warder has just discovered from the castle-tower a troop of more than two hundred horsemen hastening towards the town. Unperceived by us, they have pressed forward from behind the hill, and threaten our walls

Commissioner.

Alas! alas! What can this mean?

ASoldierenters.

Soldier.

Francis of Sickingen waits at the drawbridge, and informs you that he has heard how perfidiously you have broken your word to his brother-in-law, and how the Council of Heilbronn have aided and abetted in the treason. He is now come to insist upon justice, and if refused it, threatens, within an hour, to fire the four quarters of your town, and abandon it to be plundered by his vassals.

Goetz.

My gallant brother!

Commissioner.

Withdraw, Goetz. (ExitGoetz.) What is to be done?

Magistrate.

Have compassion upon us and our town! Sickingen is inexorable in his wrath; he will keep his word.

Commissioner.

Shall we forget what is due to ourselves and the emperor?

Captain.

If we had but men to enforce it; but situated as we are, a show of resistance would only make matters worse. It is better for us to yield.

Magistrate.

Let us apply to Goetz to put in a good word for us. I feel as though I saw the town already in flames.

Commissioner.

Let Goetz approach.

EnterGoetz.

Goetz.

What now?

Commissioner.

Thou wilt do well to dissuade thy brother-in-law from his rebellious interference. Instead of rescuing thee, he will only plunge thee deeper in destruction, and become the companion of thy fall!

Goetz.

(Sees Elizabeth at the door, and speaks to her aside.) Go; tell him instantly to break in and force his way hither, but to spare the town. As for these rascals, if they offer any resistance, let him use force. I care not if I lose my life, provided they are all knocked on the head at the same time.

SCENE III.—

A large Hall in the Council-House, beset bySickingen’sTroops.

EnterSickingenandGoetz.

Goetz.

That was help from heaven. How camest thou so opportunely and unexpectedly, brother?

Sickingen.

Without witchcraft. I had despatched two or three messengers to learn how it fared with thee; when I beard of the perjury of these fellows I set out instantly, and now we have them safe.

Goetz.

I ask nothing but knightly ward upon my parole.

Sickingen.

You are too noble. Not even to avail yourself of the advantage which the honest man has over the perjurer! They are in the wrong, and we will not give them cushions to sit upon. They have shamefully abused the imperial authority, and, if I know anything of the emperor, you might safely insist upon more favorable terms. You ask too little.

Goetz.

I have ever been content with little.

Sickingen.

And therefore that little has always been denied thee. My proposal is, that they shall release your servants, and permit you all to return to your castle on parole—you can promise not to leave it till the emperor’s pleasure be known. You will be safer there than here.

Goetz.

They will say my property is escheated to the emperor.

Sickingen.

Then we will answer thou canst dwell there, and keep it for his service till he restores it to thee again. Let them wriggle like eels in the net, they shall not escape us! They may talk of the imperial dignity—of their commission. We will not mind that. I know the emperor, and have some influence with him. He has ever wished to have thee in his service. You will not be long in your castle without being summoned to serve him.

Goetz.

God grant it, ere I forget the use of arms!

Sickingen.

Valor can never be forgotten, as it can never be learned. Fear nothing! When thy affairs are settled, I will repair to court, where my enterprises begin to ripen. Good fortune seems to smile on them. I want only to sound the emperor’s mind. The towns of Triers and Pfalz as soon expect that the sky should fall, as that I shall come down upon their heads. But I will come like a hailstorm! and if I am successful, thou shalt soon be brother to an elector. I had hoped for thy assistance in this undertaking.

Goetz.

(Looks at his hand.) Oh! that explains the dream I had the night before I promised Maria to Weislingen. I thought he vowed eternal fidelity, and held my iron hand so fast that it loosened from the arm. Alas! I am at this moment more defenceless than when it was shot away. Weislingen! Weislingen!

Sickingen.

Forget the traitor! We will thwart his plans, and undermine his authority, till shame and remorse shall gnaw him to death. I see, I see the downfall of our enemies.—Goetz—only half a year more!

Goetz.

Thy soul soars high! I know not why, but for some time past no fair prospects have dawned upon me. I have been ere now it sore distress—I have been a prisoner before—but never did I experience such a depression.

Sickingen.

Fortune gives courage. Come, let us to the bigwigs. They have had time enough to deliberate, let us take the trouble upon ourselves.

[Exeunt.

SCENE IV.—

The Castle ofAdelaide.Augsburg.

AdelaideandWeislingendiscovered.

Adelaide.

This is detestable.

Weislingen.

I have gnashed my teeth. So good a plan—so well followed out—and after all to leave him in possession of his castle! That cursed Sickingen!

Adelaide.

The council should not have consented.

Weislingen.

They were in the net. What else could they do? Sickingen threatened them with fire and sword, —the haughty, vindictive man! I hate him! His power waxes like a mountain torrent—let it but gain a few brooks, and others come pouring to its aid.

Adelaide.

Have they no emperor?

Weislingen.

My dear wife, he waxes old and feeble; he is only the shadow of what he was. When he heard what had been done, and I and the other counsellors murmured indignantly: “Let them alone!” said he; “I can spare my old Goetz his little fortress, and if he remains quiet there, what have you to say against him?” We spoke of the welfare of the state. “Oh,” said he, “that I had always had counsellors who would have urged my restless spirit to consult more the happiness of individuals?”

Adelaide.

He has lost the spirit of a prince!

Weislingen.

We inveighed against Sickingen!—“He is my faithful servant,” said he; “and if he has not acted by my express order, he has performed what I wished better than my plenipotentiaries, and I can ratify what he has done as well after as before.”

Adelaide.

’Tis enough to drive one mad.

Weislingen.

Yet I have not given up all hope. Goetz is on parole to remain quiet in his castle. ’Tis impossible for him to keep his promise, and we shall soon have some new cause of complaint.

Adelaide.

That is the more likely, as we may hope that the old emperor will soon leave the world, and Charles, his gallant successor, will display a more princely mind.

Weislingen.

Charles! He is neither chosen nor crowned.

Adelaide.

Who does not expect and hope for that event?

Weislingen.

You have a great idea of his abilities; one might almost think you looked on him with partial eyes.

Adelaide.

You insult me, Weislingen. For what do you take me?

Weislingen.

I do not mean to offend; but I cannot be silent upon the subject. Charles’ marked attentions to you disquiet me.

Adelaide.

And do I receive them as—

Weislingen.

You are a woman; and no woman hates those who pay their court to her.

Adelaide.

This from you?

Weislingen.

It cuts me to the heart—the dreadful thought—Adelaide.

Adelaide.

Can I not cure thee of this folly?

Weislingen.

If thou would’st; thou canst leave the court.

Adelaide.

But upon what pretence? Art thou not here? Must I leave you and all my friends, to shut myself up with the owls in your solitary castle? No, Weislingen, that will never do; be at rest, thou knowest I love thee.

Weislingen.

That is my anchor so long as the cable holds.

[Exit.

Adelaide.

Ah! It is come to this? This was yet wanting. The projects of my bosom are too great to brook the interruption. Charles—the great, the gallant Charles—the future emperor—shall he be the only man unrewarded by my favor? Think not, Weislingen, to hinder me—else shalt thou to earth; my way lies over thee!

EnterFranciswith a letter.

Francis.

Here, gracious lady.

Adelaide.

Hadst thou it from Charles’ own hand?

Francis.

Yes.

Adelaide.

What ails thee? Thou look’st so mournful!

Francis.

It is your pleasure that I should pine away, and waste my fairest years in agonizing despair.

Adelaide.

(Aside.) I pity him; and how little would it cost me to make him happy. (Aloud.) Be of good courage, youth! I know thy love and fidelity, and will not be ungrateful.

Francis.

(With stifled breath.) If thou wert capable of ingratitude, I could not survive it. There boils not a drop of blood in my veins but what is thine own—I have not a single feeling but to love and to serve thee!

Adelaide.

Dear Francis!

Francis.

You flatter me. (Bursts into tears.) Does my attachment deserve only to be a stepping stool to another—to see all your thoughts fixed upon Charles?

Adelaide.

You know not what you wish, and still less what you say.

Francis.

(Stamping with vexation and rage.) No more will I be your slave, your go-between!

Adelaide.

Francis, you forget yourself.

Francis.

To sacrifice my beloved master and myself—

Adelaide.

Out of my sight!

Francis.

Gracious lady!

Adelaide.

Go, betray to thy beloved master the secret of my soul! Fool that I was to take thee for what thou art not.

Francis.

Dear lady! you know how I love you.

Adelaide.

And thou, who wast my friend—so near my heart—go, betray me.

Francis.

Rather would I tear my heart from my breast! Forgive me, gentle lady! my heart is too full, my senses desert me.

Adelaide.

Thou dear, affectionate boy! (She takes him by both hands, draws him towards her and kisses him. He throws himself weeping upon her neck.) Leave me!

Francis.

(His voice choked by tears.) Heavens!

Adelaide.

Leave me! The walls are traitors. Leave me! (Breaks from him.) Be but steady in fidelity and love, and the fairest reward is thine.

[Exit.

Francis.

The fairest reward! let me but live till that moment—I could murder my father, were he an obstacle to my happiness!

[Exit.

SCENE V.—

Jaxthausen.

Goetzseated at a table with writing materials.Elizabethbeside him with her work.

Goetz.

This idle life does not suit me. My confinement becomes more irksome every day; I would I could sleep, or persuade myself that quiet is agreeable.

Elizabeth.

Continue writing the account of thy deeds which thou hast commenced. Give into the hands of thy friends evidence to put thine enemies to shame; make a noble posterity acquainted with thy real character.

Goetz.

Alas! writing is but busy idleness; it wearies me. While I am writing what I have done, I lament the misspent time in which I might do more.

Elizabeth.

(Takes the writing.) Be not impatient. Thou hast come to thy first imprisonment at Heilbronn.

Goetz.

That was always an unlucky place to me.

Elizabeth.

(Reads.) “There were even some of the confederates who told me that I had acted foolishly in appearing before my bitterest enemies, who, as I might suspect, would not deal justly with me.” And what didst thou answer? Write on.

Goetz.

I said, “Have I not often risked life and limb for the welfare and property of others, and shall I not do so for the honor of my knightly word?”

Elizabeth.

Thus does fame speak of thee.

Goetz.

They shall not rob me of my honor. They have taken all else from me—property—liberty—everything.

Elizabeth.

I happened once to stand in an inn near the Lords of Miltenberg and Singlingen, who knew me not. Then I was joyful as at the birth of my first-born; for they extolled thee to each other, and said,—He is the mirror of knighthood, noble and merciful in prosperity, dauntless and true in misfortune.

Goetz.

Let them show me the man to whom I have broken my word. Heaven knows, my ambition has ever been to labor for my neighbor more than for myself, and to acquire the fame of a gallant and irreproachable knight, rather than principalities or power; and, God be praised! I have gained the meed of my labor.

EnterGeorgeandLersewith game.

Goetz.

Good luck to my gallant huntsmen!

George.

Such have we become from gallant troopers. Boots can easily be cut down into buskins.

Lerse.

The chase is always something—’tis a kind of war.

George.

Yes; if we were not always crossed by these imperial gamekeepers. Don’t you recollect, my lord, how you prophesied we should become huntsmen when the world was turned topsy-turvy? We are become so now without waiting for that.

Goetz.

’Tis all the same, we are pushed out of our sphere.

George.

These are wonderful times! For eight days a dreadful comet has been seen—all Germany fears that it portends the death of the emperor, who is very ill.

Goetz.

Very ill! Then our career draws to a close.

Lerse.

And in the neighborhood there are terrible commotions; the peasants have made a formidable insurrection.

Goetz.

Where?

Lerse.

In the heart of Swabia; they are plundering, burning and slaying. I fear they will sack the whole country.

George.

It is a horrible warfare! They have already risen in a hundred places, and daily increase in number. A hurricane too has lately torn up the whole forests; and in the place where the insurrection began, two fiery swords have been seen in the sky crossing each other.

Goetz.

Then some of my poor friends and neighbors no doubt suffer innocently.

George.

Alas! that we are pent up thus!