FURST.
Give to the cloister, what the cloister claims.
STAUFF.
The Empire only is my feudal lord.
FURST.
What needs must be, we'll do, but nothing more.
We'll drive these tyrants and their minions hence,
And raze their towering strongholds to the ground,
Yet shed, if possible, no drop of blood,
Let the Emperor see that we were driven to cast
The sacred duties of respect away;
And when he finds we keep within our bounds,
His wrath, belike, may yield to policy;
For truly is that nation to be fear'd,
That, arms in hand, is temperate in its wrath.
REDING.
But prithee tell us how may this be done?
The enemy is arm'd as well as we,
And, rest assured, he will not yield in peace.
STAUFF.
He will, whene'er he sees us up in arms;
We shall surprise him, ere he is prepared.
MEYER.
Easily said, but not so easily done.
Two strongholds dominate the country—they
Protect the foe, and should the King invade us,
Our task would then be dangerous, indeed.
Rossberg and Sarnen both must be secured,
Before a sword is drawn in either Canton.
STAUFF.
Should we delay, the foe would soon be warned;
We are too numerous for secrecy.
MEYER.
There is no traitor in the Forest States.
ROSSEL.
But even zeal may heedlessly betray.
FURST.
Delay it longer, and the keep at Altdorf
Will be complete,—the governor secure.