No More Learning

Are you not as free and nobly born as anyone in Germany?
Independent, subject only to the emperor? And you submit to vassals,
who poison the emperor's ear against me! They want to get rid of me.
And you, Weislingen, are their tool!

WEISLINGEN: Berlichingen!

GOETZ: No more of it! I hate explanations. They only lead to
deceiving one or the other, or both.

[_They stand apart, their backs turned to each other.
Enter_ MARIE.

MARIE (_to_ WEISLINGEN): I come to greet and to invite you in
my sister's name. What is it? Why are you silent both? You are host
and guest. Be guided by a woman's voice.

GOETZ: You remind me of my duty.

WEISLINGEN: Who could resist so heavenly a hint?

MARIE: Draw near each other, be reconciled! (_The men shake hands_. )
The union of brave men is the most ardent wish of all good women.


ACT II

SCENE I. --_A room at Jaxthausen_. Marie _and_ Weislingen.

MARIE: You say you love me. I willingly believe it, and hope to be
happy with you and to make you happy.

WEISLINGEN: Blessed be your brother and the day he rode out to
capture me! [_Enter_ Goetz.

GOETZ: Your page is back. Whatever his news, Adelbert, you are
free! All I ask is your word that you will not aid and abet my
enemies.

WEISLINGEN: I take your hand. And may I at the same time take
the hand of this noblest of all women?

GOETZ: May I say "yes" for you, Marie? You need not blush--your
eyes have answered clearly. Well, then, Weislingen, take her hand,
and I say Amen, friend and brother! I must call my wife. Elizabeth!
(_Enter_ ELIZABETH. ) Join your hand in theirs and say "God bless
you! " They are a pair. Adelbert is going back to Bamberg to detach
himself openly from the bishop, and then to his estates to settle
his affairs. And now we'll leave him undisturbed to hear his boy's
report.
[_Exit with_ Marie _and_ Elizabeth.

WEISLINGEN: Such bliss for one so unworthy!
[_Enter_ Franz.

FRANZ: God save you, noble sir! I bring you greetings from
everybody in Bamberg--from the bishop down to the jester. How they
are distressed at your mishap! I am to tell you to be patient--they
will think the more impatiently of your deliverance; for they cannot
spare you.

WEISLINGEN: They will have to. I'll return, but not to stay long.

FRANZ: Not to stay? My lord, if you but knew what I know! If you
had but seen her--the angel in the shape of woman, who makes Bamberg
a forecourt of heaven--Adelheid von Walldorf!

WEISLINGEN: I have heard much of her beauty. Is her husband at
court?

FRANZ: She has been widowed for four months, and is at Bamberg for
amusement. If she looks upon you, it is as though you were basking in
spring sunshine.

WEISLINGEN: Her charms would be lost on me. I am betrothed. Marie
will be the happiness of my life. And now pack up. First to Bamberg,
and then to my castle. [_Exeunt. _


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.


ACT III

SCENE I. --_Pleasure-garden at Augsburg. The_ EMPEROR, _the_ BISHOP OF
BAMBERG, WEISLINGEN, _the_ LADY ADELHEID, COURTIERS.

EMPEROR: I am tired of these merchants with their eternal
complaints! Every shopkeeper wants help, and no one will stir against
the common enemy of the empire and of Christianity.

WEISLINGEN: Who would be active abroad while he is threatened at
home?

BISHOP: If we could only remove that proud Sickingen and
Berlichingen, the others would soon fall asunder.

EMPEROR: Brave, noble men at heart, who must be spared and used
against the Turks.

WEISLINGEN: The consequences may be dangerous. Better to capture
them and leave them quietly upon their knightly parole in their
castles.

EMPEROR: If they then abide by the law, they might again be
honourably and usefully employed. I shall open the session of the Diet
to-morrow with this proposal.

WEISLINGEN: A clamour of joyful assent will spare your majesty the
end of the speech.

[_Exit_ EMPEROR, BISHOP, _and_ COURTIERS.

WEISLINGEN: And so you mean to go--to leave the festive scenes for
which you longed with all your heart, to leave a friend to whom you
are indispensable, to delay our union?

ADELHEID: The gayer, the freer shall I return to you.

WEISLINGEN: Will you be content if we proceed against Berlichingen?

ADELHEID: You deserve a kiss! My uncle, Von Wanzenau, must be
captain!

WEISLINGEN: Impossible! An incompetent old dreamer!

ADELHEID: Let the fiery Werdenhagen, his sister's stepson, go with
him.

WEISLINGEN: He is thoughtless and foolhardy, and will not improve
matters.

ADELHEID: We have to think of our relatives. For love of me, you
must do it! And I want some exemptions for the convent of St. Emmerau;
you can work the chancellor. Then the cup-bearer's post is vacant at
the Hessian Court, and the high stewardship of the Palatinate. I want
them for our friends Braimau and Mirsing.

WEISLINGEN: How shall I remember it all?

ADELHEID: I shall train a starling to repeat the names to you, and
to add, "Please, please. " (_Exit_ WEISLINGEN. _To_ FRANZ, _whom she
stops as he crosses to follow his master_): Franz, could you get me
a starling, or would you yourself be my starling? You would learn
more rapidly.

FRANZ: If you would teach me. Try. Take me with you.

ADELHEID: No, you must serve me here. Have you a good memory?

FRANZ: For your words. I remember every syllable you spoke to me
that first day at Bamberg.

ADELHEID: Now, listen, Franz. I shall tell you the names which I
want you to repeat to your master, always adding, "Please, please. "

FRANZ (_seizing her hand passionately_): Please, please!

ADELHEID (_stepping back_): Hands are not wanted. You must lose
such bad manners. But you must not be so upset at a little rebuke.
One punishes the children one loves.

FRANZ: You love me, then?

ADELHEID: I might love you as a child, but you are getting too tall
and violent. [_Exeunt. _


SCENE II. --_Hall at Jaxthausen_. SICKINGEN _and_ GOETZ.

GOETZ: So you want to marry a jilted woman?

SICKINGEN: To be deceived by him is an honour for you both. I want
a mistress for my castles and gardens. In the field, at court, I want
to stand alone.

[_Enter_ SELBITZ.

SELBITZ: Bad news! The emperor has put you under the ban, and has
sent troops to seize you.

GOETZ: Sickingen, you hear. Take back your offer, and leave me!

SICKINGEN: I shall not turn from you in trouble. No better wooing
than in time of war and danger.

GOETZ: On one condition. You must publicly detach yourself from me.
The emperor loves and esteems you, and your intercession may save me
in the hour of need.

SICKINGEN: But I can secretly send you twenty horsemen.

GOETZ: That offer I accept. [_Exeunt. _


SCENE III. --_A hill with a view over a fertile country_. GEORGE _and_
GOETZ'S _men cross the stage, chasing the imperial troops.
Then_ SELBITZ _is carried on, wounded, accompanied by_
FAUD.

SELBITZ: Let me rest here! --and back to your master; back to Goetz!

FAUD: Let me stay with you. I am no good below; they have hammered
my old bones till I can scarcely move. (_Exit soldiers. _) Here from
the wall I can watch the fight.

SELBITZ: What do you see?

FAUD: Your horsemen are turning tail. I can see Goetz's three black
feathers in the midst of the turmoil. Woe, he has fallen! And George's
blue plume has disappeared! Sickingen's horsemen in flight! Ha! I see
Goetz again! And George! Victory! Victory! They are routed! Goetz is
after them--he has seized their flag! The fugitives are coming here!
Oh! what will they do with you?

SELBITZ: Come down and draw! My sword is ready. I'll make it hot for
them, even sitting or lying down!
[_Enter imperial troops_. SELBITZ _and_ FAUD _defend themselves until_
LERSE _comes to their rescue, attacking the soldiers furiously,
killing some and putting the rest to flight. Enter_ GOETZ, GEORGE,
_a troop of armed men. _

SELBITZ: Good luck, Goetz! Victory! Victory! How did you fare?

GOETZ: To George and Lerse I owe my life; I was off my horse when
they came to the rescue. I have their flag and a few prisoners.

SELBITZ: Lerse saved me, too. See what work he has done here!

GOETZ: Good luck, Lerse! And God bless my George's first brave deed!
Now back to the castle, and let us gather our scattered men.


ACT IV


SCENE I. --_Jaxthausen. A small room_. MARIE _and_ SICKINGEN.

SICKINGEN: You may smile, but I felt the desire to possess you when
you first looked upon me with your blue eyes, when you were with your
mother at the Diet of Speier. I have long been separated from you; but
that wish remained, with the memory of that glance.

[_Enter_ GOETZ.

SICKINGEN: Good luck!

MARIE: Welcome, a thousand times!

GOETZ: Now quickly to the chapel! I've thought it all out, and time
presses.


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. _


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!


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!


ACT V

SCENE I. --_Forest_. GOETZ _and_ GEORGE.

GOETZ: No further! Another step and I should have broken my oath.
What is that dust beyond? And that wild mob moving towards us?

LERSE (_entering_): The rebel peasants. Back to the castle! They
have dealt horribly with the noblest men!

GOETZ: On my own soil I shall not try to evade the rabble.

[_Enter_ STUMPF, KOHL, SIEVERS, _and armed peasants_.

STUMPF: We come to ask you, brave Goetz, to be our captain.

GOETZ: What! Me? To break my oath? Stumpf, I thought you were a
friend! Even if I were free, and you wanted to carry on as you did at
Weinsberg, raving and burning, and murdering, I'd rather be killed
than be your captain!

STUMPF: If we had a leader of authority, such things would not
happen. The princes and all Germany would thank you.

SIEVERS: You must be our captain, or you will have to defend your
own skin. We give you two hours to consider it.

GOETZ: Why consider? I can decide now as well as later. Will you
desist from your misdeeds, and act like decent folk who know what
they want? Then I shall help you with your claims, and be your captain
for four weeks. Now, come! [_Exeunt. _


SCENE II. --_Landscape, with village and castle in distance_. GOETZ
_and_ GEORGE.

GEORGE: I beseech you, leave this infamous mob of robbers and
incendiaries.

GOETZ: We have done some good and saved many a convent, many a life.

GEORGE: Oh, sir, I beg you to leave them at once, before they drag
you away with them as prisoner, instead of following you as captain!
(_Flames are seen rising from the distant village_. ) See there! A new
crime!