LANDGRAVE.
Such goblin-tales may curdle
The veins of priest-rid women, fools, and children.
They are not for the ears of sober men.
SCHNETZEN.
Pardon me, Sire. I am a simple soldier.
My God, my conscience, and my suzerain,
These are my guides—blindfold I follow them.
If your keen royal wit pierce the gross web
Of common superstition—be not wroth
At your poor vassal's loyal ignorance.
Remember, too, Susskind retains your bonds.
The old fox will not press you; he would bleed
Against the native instinct of the Jew,
Rather his last gold doit and so possess
Your ease of mind, nag, chafe, and toy with it;
Abide his natural death, and other Jews
Less devilish-cunning, franklier Hebrew-viced,
Will claim redemption of your pledge.
LANDGRAVE.
How know you
That Susskind holds my bonds?
SCHNETZEN.
You think the Jews
Keep such things secret? Not a Jew but knows
Your debt exact—the sum and date of interest,
And that you visit Susskind, not for love,
But for his shekels.
LANDGRAVE.
Well, the Jews shall die.
This is the will of God. Whom shall I send
To bear my message to the council?
SCHNETZEN.
I
Am ever at your 'hest. To-morrow morn
Sees me in Nordhausen.
LANDGRAVE.
Come two hours hence.
I will deliver you the letter signed.
Make ready for your ride.
SCHNETZEN (kisses FREDERICK'S hand).
Farewell, my master.
(Aside.)
Ah, vengeance cometh late, Susskind von Orb,
But yet it comes! My wife was burned through thee,
Thou and thy children are consumed by me!
[Exit.]
SCENE II.
A Room in the Wartburg Monastery.
PRINCESS MATHILDIS and
PRIOR PEPPERCORN.
PRIOR.
Be comforted, my daughter. Your lord's wisdom
Goes hand in hand with his known piety
Thus dealing with your son. To love a Jewess
Is flat contempt of Heaven—to ask in marriage,
Sheer spiritual suicide. Let be;
Justice must take its course.