Goetz Councillor: You know how you fell into our hands, and are a prisoner at discretion? Councillor: Goetz: What will you give me to forget it? Goetz: Councillor: You gave your knightly parole to appear and humbly to await his majesty's pleasure? Councillor: Goetz: Well, here I am, and await it! Goetz: 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. Councillor: Goetz: I am his majesty's faithful servant. But, before you proceed, where are my men; what is their fate? Goetz: Councillor: That is no business of yours. Secretary, read the articles! (Reads): I, Goetz von Berlichingen, having lately risen in rebellion against the emperor——— Councillor: Goetz: 'Tis false! I am no rebel! I refuse to listen any further! Goetz: Councillor: And yet we have strict orders to persuade you by fair means, or to throw you into prison. Councillor: 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.
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