Who championed these lost wretches, in the face
Of King and Kaiser — three against the world,
Conrad von Wintertbur the Burgomaster,
Deputy Gosse Sturm, and Peter Schwarher,
Master Mechanic ? These leagued fools essayed
To stand between the people's sacred wrath,
And its doomed object. Well, the Jews, no less,
Were rooted from the city neck and crop.
And their three friends degraded from their rock
I' the city council, glad to save their skins.
The Jews are foes to God. Our Holy Father
Thunders his ban from Rome against all such
As aid the poisoners. Tour oath to God,
And to the Prince enjoins — Death to the Jews.
A BURGHER (REINHARD ROLAPP).
Why all this vain debate ? The Landgrave's
Affirms the Jews fling poison in the wells.
Shall we stand by and leave them unmolested,
Till they have made our town a wilderness?
I say, Death to the Jews!
A BURGHER (HUGO SCHULTZ).
My lord and brethren,
I have scant gift of speech, ye are all my elders.
Yet hear me for truth's sake, and liberty's.
The Landgrave of Thuringia is our patron,
True — and our town's imperial Governor,
