SCENE IV.--_Heilbronn Town Hall_. IMPERIAL COUNCILLOR _and

MAGISTRATES, USHERS, GOETZ.

COUNCILLOR: You know how you fell into our hands, and are a prisoner at discretion?

GOETZ: What will you give me to forget it?

COUNCILLOR: You gave your knightly parole to appear and humbly to await his majesty's pleasure?

GOETZ: Well, here I am, and await it!

COUNCILLOR: His majesty's mercy releases you from the ban and all punishment, provided you subscribe to all the articles which shall be read unto you.

GOETZ: I am his majesty's faithful servant. But, before you proceed, where are my men; what is their fate?

COUNCILLOR: That is no business of yours. Secretary, read the articles! _(Reads)_: I, Goetz von Berlichingen, having lately risen in rebellion against the emperor------

GOETZ: 'Tis false! I am no rebel! I refuse to listen any further!

COUNCILLOR: And yet we have strict orders to persuade you by fair means, or to throw you into prison.

GOETZ: To prison? 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!