FRIESS.
Keep your security for yourself—you'll need it.
We only do our duty. Hence with him.
MELCH. (to the country people).
This is too bad—shall we stand by and see
Him dragged away before our very eyes?
SACRIS.
We are the strongest. Friends, endure it not,
Our countrymen will back us to a man.
FRIESS.
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?
MELCH. (to Friesshardt).
Only try—
Try from our midst to force him, if you dare.
FURST and STAUFF.
Peace, peace, friends!
FRIESS. (loudly).
Riot! Insurrection, ho!