Notes and Documents for the Play Rudolf of Habsburg

Epting

I bring you someone for advice, and regarding what was negotiated by the original: "Glorreich" glorious Stephen the merchant, for the sake of the Bishop and his Chancellor, in the Bishop's castle. A singer without equal, he comes from Italy original: "Welschland", he has lived at many a court. He witnessed the sad end of King Conrad the Younger; he can tell you of wondrous things.

Walter.

only now changes his word

Because the time is so sad for the German lands, I have composed a great song far from home about the old German manhood, and I knew of no more worthy German man to offer it to than you. The priests only pray their Latin scraps and only like Latin or Romance verses; new, worldly, southern things, that is what is missing.

Rudolf

(Takes the book, leafs through it:) It truly gladdens me to read such beautiful average rhymes of German gold. My true poet, do not stay far from me. For now, this small token of my pleasure (Takes his gold chain from his neck and hangs it around him:) One should honor the master with food and drink; he must tell us of King Conrad's death. (Walter thanking him, exits with Epting)

for servant: Sir,

it is a knight of the bailiff,
who wishes to speak
with you alone.
A. shall be safe

Fürstenberg. Wait... Rudolf - Shows him the garlanded predecessor.
Fürstenberg. The knight arrives, is he to be trusted, should one...
Should one gape nearby? Rud. Just go.

Falkenstein

Are we indeed quite alone? Rud. Do you wish to speak to me of something good, known to the poor? Falkenstein. My gracious Lord in Basel sends word to Count Rudolf of Habsburg: because you have defeated him so dreadfully and destructively, he wishes to repay you in kind and, as your prisoner without resistance, without ransom, have the legs of your little son Hartmann struck off.