LEUTHOLD.
He has not made obeisance to the cap.
FURST.
And shall for this to prison? Come, my friend,
Take my security, and let him go.
FRIESSHARDT.
Keep your security for yourself—you'll need it.
We only do our duty. Hence with him.
MELCHTHAL (to the country people).
This is too bad—shall we stand by, and see them.
Drag him away before our very eyes?
SACRISTAN.
We are the strongest. Don't endure it, friends.
Our countrymen will back us to a man.
FRIESSHARDT.
Who dares resist the governor's commands?
OTHER THREE PEASANTS (running in).
We'll help you. What's the matter? Down with them!
[HILDEGARD, MECHTHILD, and ELSBETH return.
TELL.
Go, go, good people, I can help myself.
Think you, had I a mind to use my strength,
These pikes of theirs should daunt me?
MELCHTHAL (to FRIESSHARDT).
Only try—
Try, if you dare, to force him from amongst us.