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Front Page arrow Titles (by Subject) arrow SCENE I.—: An Inn in the city of Heilbronn - Goethe's Works, vol. 3 (Goetz von Berlichingen, Iphigenia in Tauris, Tarquato Tasso, etc)

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SCENE I.—: An Inn in the city of Heilbronn - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Goethe’s Works, vol. 3 (Goetz von Berlichingen, Iphigenia in Tauris, Tarquato Tasso, etc) [1885]

Edition used:

Goethe’s Works, illustrated by the best German artists, 5 vols. (Philadelphia: G. Barrie, 1885). Vol. 3.

Part of: Goethe’s Works, 5 vols.

About Liberty Fund:

Liberty Fund, Inc. is a private, educational foundation established to encourage the study of the ideal of a society of free and responsible individuals.


SCENE I.—

An Inn in the city of Heilbronn

lf0841-03_figure_028

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.