Arrest, Trial and Death
A Sisters and Brothers Production
Hoffman’s spies have done
their work well, and have led
Hoffman and his guards to
where Michael and the others
are celebrating their new
church. They are all arrested
...and taken to prison to await
trial.
Michael, Margaretha and the other Anabaptists are captured by Hoffman and his guards.
Wilhelm escapes yet again, when he runs upstairs and hides from the guards. Michael is taken to
the torture room of the prison where Hoffman tries to make Michael see the error of his ways
and renounce his beliefs. When he says he will not, Hoffman puts him on trial for heresy and
treason.
During a recess in the trial, Margaretha is allowed to spend a few minutes with Michael. He tells
her he is afraid for her and the others. She also admits her fear, but they stand by their
convictions, even though they are unsure of their future.
The judge, Count von Zollern, advises Hoffman that he should
turn the trial into a civil matter rather than a religious one, so
his people will turn against him. When Hoffman twists Michael’s
words around, the crown starts chanting that he should hang.
Countess von Zollern pays Margaretha a visit where she is also imprisoned. She offers her
freedom and a position in her house if she will renounce her beliefs. Margaretha says she
cannot. When the Countess questions her and her loyalty to Michael and his faith, Margaretha
states, “I do not follow my beliefs because of my husband, I follow my husband because of my
beliefs.” The Countess envies such free thinking as her own life is governed by the thoughts of
her husband, however, she is powerless to do anything now to help Margaretha.
Michael is led away to be burned alive, after his tongue has been torn out and his flesh torn by
hot tongs. Margaretha prays for a miracle that will never come. Two days after Michael is put to
death, Margaretha is drowned.
Wilhelm later renounces his beliefs and becomes a rich man through the very church he
previously condemned.
Hoffman swears he is not a cruel man
by nature, but vows to put Michael to
death if he doesn’t renounce his
beliefs.
Countess von Zollern offers
Margaretha her freedom if
she will renounce her beliefs.