SCENE III.--_Night; anteroom in_ ADELHEID'S _castle_. WEISLINGEN,

FRANZ, ADELHEID, _with a retinue of masked and costumed revellers_.

WEISLINGEN: May I, in these moments of lightheartedness, speak to you of serious matters? Goetz is probably by this time in our hands. The peasants' revolt is growing in violence; and the League has given me the command against them. We shall start before long. I shall take you to my castle in Franconia, where you will be safe, and not too far from me.

ADELHEID: We shall consider that. I may be useful to you here.

WEISLINGEN: We have not much time, for we break up to-morrow!

ADELHEID (_after a pause_): Very well, then; carnival to-night, and war to-morrow!

WEISLINGEN: You are fond of change. A pleasant night to you! [_Exit._

ADELHEID: I understand. You would remove me from the court, where Charles, our emperor's great successor, is the object of all hope? You will not change my plans. Franz!

FRANZ (_entering_): Gracious lady!

ADELHEID: Watch all the masks, and find out for me the archduke's disguise! You look sad?

FRANZ: It is your will that I should languish unto death.

ADELHEID _(apart)_: I pity him. (_To_ FRANZ) You are true and loving; I shall not forget you!