SCENE II.--_A forest. Some Nuremberg merchants, who, attacked on their

way to the Frankfurt Fair by_ Goetz _and his men, have escaped, leaving their goods in the hands of the knights. The page_ George _has, however, recaptured two of the merchants as_ Goetz _and his men enter_.

GOETZ: Search the forest! Let none escape!

GEORGE (_stepping forward_): I've done some preparatory work. Here they are.

GOETZ: Welcome, good lad! Keep them well guarded! (_Exit his men with the merchants_.) And now, what news of Weislingen?

GEORGE: Bad news! He looked confused when I said to him, "A few words from your Berlichingen." He tried to put me off with empty words, but when I pressed him he said he was under no obligation to you, and would have nothing to do with you.

GOETZ: Enough! I shall not forget this infamous treachery. Whoever gets into my power shall feel it. (_Exit_ GEORGE.) I'll revel in their agony, deride their fear. And how, Goetz, are you thus changed? Should other people's faults and vices make you renounce your chivalry, and abandon yourself to vulgar cruelty? I'll drag him back in chains, if I can't get him any other way. And there's an end of it, Goetz; think of your duty! [_Enter_ GEORGE _with a casket_.

GEORGE: Now let your joke be ended, they are frightened enough. One of them, a handsome young man, gave me this casket, and said, "Take this as ransom! The jewels I meant to take to my betrothed. Take them, and let me escape."

GOETZ (_examining the jewels_): This time, Marie, I shall not be tempted to bring it to you as a birthday gift. Even in your misfortune you would rejoice in the happiness of others. Take it, George. Give it back to the lad. Let him take it to his bride, with greeting from Goetz! And let all the prisoners free at sunset.