SCENE II.--_Large hall; in the background a door, leading to the

chapel_. LERSE _and men-at-arms. Enter_ GOETZ _from chapel_.

GOETZ: How now, Lerse? The men had better be distributed over the walls. Let them take any breastplates, helmets, and arms they may want. Are the gates well manned?

LERSE: Yes, sir.

GOETZ: Sickingen will leave us at once. You will lead him through the lower gate, along the water, and across the ford. Then look around you, and come back.

[_Enter_ SICKINGEN, MARIE, ELIZABETH, _from chapel_. _Drums in distance announce the enemy's approach_.

GOETZ: May God bless you and send you merry, happy days!

ELIZABETH: And may He let your children be like you!

SICKINGEN: I thank you, and I thank you, Marie, who will lead me to happiness.

GOETZ: A pleasant journey! Lerse will show you the way.

MARIE: That is not what we meant. We shall not leave you.

GOETZ: You must, sister! (_To_ SICKINGEN) You understand? Talk to Marie; she is your wife. Take her to safety, and then think of me.

[_Exeunt_ LERSE, SICKINGEN _and_ MARIE. _Enter_ GEORGE.

GEORGE: They approach from all sides. I saw their pikes glitter from the tower.

GOETZ: Have the gate barricaded with beams and stones.

[_Exit_ GEORGE. _A trumpeter is dimly heard from the distance, requesting_ GOETZ _to surrender unconditionally_. GOETZ _refuses angrily, and slams the window. Enter_ LERSE.

LERSE: There is plenty of powder, but bullets are scarce.

GOETZ: Look round for lead! Meanwhile, we must make the crossbows do. [_Distant shooting is heard at intervals. Exit_ GOETZ _with crossbow_.

LERSE (_breaking a window and detaching the lead from the glass_): This lead has rested long enough; now it may fly for a change. [_Enter_ GOETZ.

GOETZ: They have ceased firing, and offer a truce with all sorts of signs and white rags. They will probably ask me to surrender on knightly parole.

LERSE: I'll go and see. 'Tis best to know their mind.

[_Goes out and returns shortly_.

LERSE: Liberty! Liberty! Here are the conditions. You may withdraw with arms, horses, and armour, leaving all provisions behind. Your property will be carefully guarded. I am to remain.

GOETZ: Come, take the best arms with you, and leave the others here! Come, Elizabeth! Through this very gate I led you as a young bride. Who knows when we shall return? [_Exeunt_ GOETZ _and_ ELIZABETH, _followed by_ GEORGE. _While the men are choosing arms and preparing_, LERSE, _who has heard shouting and firing without, looks through the window_.

LERSE: God! They are murdering our master! He is off his horse! Help him!

FAUD: George is still fighting. Let's go! If they die, I don't want to live! [_Exeunt._