GOETZ: Why? Pray, be cheerful. You are in my power, and I shall not abuse it. You know my knight's duty is sacred to me. And now I must go to see my wife. [_Exit._ WEISLINGEN: Oh, that it were all a dream! In Berlichingen's power--and he, the old true-hearted Goetz! Back again in the hall, where we played as boys, where I loved him with all my heart! How strangely past and present seem to intermingle here. [_Enter_ GOETZ, _and a man with jug and goblet_. GOETZ: Let us drink, until the meal is ready. Come, you are at home. It is a long time since we last shared a bottle. (_Raising his goblet_) A gay heart! WEISLINGEN: Those times are past. GOETZ: Heaven forbid! Though merrier days we may not find. If you had only followed me to Brabant, instead of taking to that miserable life at court! Are you not as free and nobly born as anyone in Germany? Independent, subject only to the emperor? And you submit to vassals, who poison the emperor's ear against me! They want to get rid of me. And you, Weislingen, are their tool! WEISLINGEN: Berlichingen! GOETZ: No more of it! I hate explanations. They only lead to deceiving one or the other, or both. [_They stand apart, their backs turned to each other. Enter_ MARIE. MARIE (_to_ WEISLINGEN): I come to greet and to invite you in my sister's name. What is it? Why are you silent both? You are host and guest. Be guided by a woman's voice. GOETZ: You remind me of my duty. WEISLINGEN: Who could resist so heavenly a hint? MARIE: Draw near each other, be reconciled! (_The men shake hands_.) The union of brave men is the most ardent wish of all good women. ACT II SCENE I.--_A room at Jaxthausen_. Marie _and_ Weislingen. MARIE: You say you love me. I willingly believe it, and hope to be happy with you and to make you happy. WEISLINGEN: Blessed be your brother and the day he rode out to capture me! [_Enter_ Goetz. GOETZ: Your page is back. Whatever his news, Adelbert, you are free! All I ask is your word that you will not aid and abet my enemies. WEISLINGEN: I take your hand. And may I at the same time take the hand of this noblest of all women? GOETZ: May I say "yes" for you, Marie? You need not blush--your eyes have answered clearly. Well, then, Weislingen, take her hand, and I say Amen, friend and brother! I must call my wife. Elizabeth! (_Enter_ ELIZABETH.) Join your hand in theirs and say "God bless you!" They are a pair. Adelbert is going back to Bamberg to detach himself openly from the bishop, and then to his estates to settle his affairs. And now we'll leave him undisturbed to hear his boy's report. [_Exit with_ Marie _and_ Elizabeth.