Sickingen: They have shamefully abused the imperial authority. I know the emperor, and have some influence with him. I shall want your fist in an enterprise I am preparing. Meanwhile, they will let you and your men return to your castle upon the promise not to move beyond its confines. And the emperor will soon call you. Now back to the wigs! They have had time enough to talk; let's save them the trouble!
Act V
Scene I.—Forest. Goetz and George.
Goetz: No further! Another step and I should have broken my oath. What is that dust beyond? And that wild mob moving towards us?
Lerse (entering): The rebel peasants. Back to the castle! They have dealt horribly with the noblest men!
Goetz: On my own soil I shall not try to evade the rabble.
[Enter Stumpf, Kohl, Sievers, and armed peasants.
Stumpf: We come to ask you, brave Goetz, to be our captain.
Goetz: What! Me? To break my oath? Stumpf, I thought you were a friend! Even if I were free, and you wanted to carry on as you did at Weinsberg, raving and burning, and murdering, I'd rather be killed than be your captain!