But are we not free burghers ? Shall we not
Debate and act in freedom ? If Lord Schnetzen
Will force our council with the sword — enough !
We are not frightened schoolboys crouched beneath
The master's rod, but men who bear the sword
As brave as he. By this grim messenger,
Send back this devilish missive. Say to Frederick
Nordhausen never was enfeoffed to him.
Prithee, Lord President, bid Henry Schnetzen
Withdraw awhile, that we may all take counsel,
According to the hour's necessity.
As free men, whom nor fear nor favor swerves.
TETTENBORN.
Bold youth, you err. True, Nordhausen is free,
And God be witness, we for fear or favor,
Would never shed the blood of innocence.
But here the Prince condemns the Jews to death
For capital crime. Who sees a snake must kill,
Ere it spit fatal venom. I, too, say
Death to the Jews !
ALL.
Death to the Jews I God wills it !
TETTENBORN.
Give me your voices in the urn.
(The votes are taken,) One voice
