ught to be put out. For such
cause it is to be feared, if our people unite with the people of the
twelve cantons, that they will be brought to dishonor by them, for it
is the common talk, that the twelve cantons wish to appoint the Duke of
Wurtemberg, and, if it then go well or ill with the Confederates, that
it would be little to the credit of our lords of Zurich and their
honest people (it would not redound to their honor to have separated
themselves). Therefore, they do not the less think, that the alliance
would be neither godly nor right and altogether against the welfare of
the soul, and they beseech our lords to withdraw themselves therefrom,
if they can, and set the hearts of their honest people at rest, when
they can bring it about. Then will they pledge to you their lives and
property as far as they can. The assembly at Staefa would commend
themselves to your regard, since they more than others will have to
meet with reproaches."

"A general assembly in the department of Grueningen have unanimously
resolved to give this answer to our envoys, saying: Worthy lords, to
come to us for counsel was not needful, for the reason that we own you
as our lords and superiors and willingly esteem you as such. Hence we
ought to be rightly obedient to you in all your plans, and cheerfully
aid you. But since you desire to know our wishes and feelings, great
praise and honor are given on all sides to our gracious, loving lords,
who have hitherto pleased us so well, for their excellent management;
and it gives us great satisfaction, that you have so faithfully
remembered your own, and are not willing, for the sake of money, that
they should be bound; and we beseech you by the Most High God to stick
to your resolution and give the complete go-by to foreign lords, and
foreign wars and foreign money, as clearly shown in the contents of the
paper concerning its removal, sworn to, years ago, in Zurich and all
its dependencies. So we hope it will be adhered to and followed up. But
if any one acts contrary thereto, or has acted, then you, our lords,
well know, what punishment is due to him, and therefore we desire that
you will consider the profit and honor of our country: so will we
pledge to you our lives, honor, goods and everything else, God has
given us, as a true child to his father; and will stand by you, like
pious, honest people. Further, it is our urgent petition, that by some
means you will drive Albert von Stein and others,