FURST.
Say on, what is't? Ha, Werner, is it you?
What tidings?
PEASANT.
What's the matter?
ROSSELMANN.
Hear and wonder.
STAUFFACHER.
We are released from one great cause of dread.
ROSSELMANN.
The emperor is murdered.
FURST.
Gracious heaven!
[PEASANTS rise up and throng round STAUFFACHER.
ALL.
Murdered! the emperor? What! The emperor! Hear!
MELCHTHAL.
Impossible! How came you by the news?
STAUFFACHER.
'Tis true! Near Bruck, by the assassin's hand,
King Albert fell. A most trustworthy man,
John Mueller, from Schaffhausen, brought the news.