Councillor: You gave your knightly parole to appear and humbly to await his majesty's pleasure?
Goetz: Well, here I am, and await it!
Councillor: His majesty's mercy releases you from the ban and all punishment, provided you subscribe to all the articles which shall be read unto you.
Goetz: I am his majesty's faithful servant. But, before you proceed, where are my men; what is their fate?
Councillor: That is no business of yours. Secretary, read the articles! (Reads): I, Goetz von Berlichingen, having lately risen in rebellion against the emperor———
Goetz: 'Tis false! I am no rebel! I refuse to listen any further!
Councillor: And yet we have strict orders to persuade you by fair means, or to throw you into prison.
Goetz: To prison? Me? That cannot be the emperor's order! To promise me permission to ward myself on parole, and then again to break your treaty.
Councillor: We owe no faith to robbers.
Goetz: If you were not the representative of my respected sovereign, you should swallow that word, or choke upon it!