[Exeunt Goetz and Elizabeth, followed by George. While the men are choosing arms and preparing, Lerse, who has heard shouting and firing without, looks through the window.
Lerse: God! They are murdering our master! He is off his horse! Help him!
Faud: George is still fighting. Let's go! If they die,
I don't want to live!
[Exeunt.
Scene III.—Night; anteroom in Adelheid's castle. Weislingen, Franz, Adelheid, with a retinue of masked and costumed revellers.
Weislingen: May I, in these moments of lightheartedness, speak to you of serious matters? Goetz is probably by this time in our hands. The peasants' revolt is growing in violence; and the League has given me the command against them. We shall start before long. I shall take you to my castle in Franconia, where you will be safe, and not too far from me.
Adelheid: We shall consider that. I may be useful to you here.
Weislingen: We have not much time, for we break up to-morrow!
Adelheid (after a pause): Very well, then; carnival to-night, and war to-morrow!
Weislingen: You are fond of change. A pleasant night to you!