Wilhelm Tell [28]
pass. There was some other motive, well I know. Frankly and cheerfully confess the truth;-- Whate'er it be, I promise thee thy life. Wherefore the second arrow? TELL. Well, my lord, Since you have promised not to take my life, I will, without reserve, declare the truth. [He draws the arrow from his belt, and fixes his eyes sternly upon the governor.] If that my hand had struck my darling child, This second arrow I had aimed at you, And, be assured, I should not then have miss'd. GESSL. Well, Tell, I promised thou shouldst have thy life; I gave my knightly word, and I will keep it. Yet, as I know the malice of thy thoughts, I'll have thee carried hence, and safely penn'd, Where neither sun nor moon shall reach thine eyes. Thus from thy arrows I shall be secure. Seize on him, guards, and bind him! [They bind him.] STAUFF. How, my lord-- How can you treat in such a way a man On whom God's hand has plainly been reveal'd? GESSL. Well, let us see if it will save him twice! Remove him to my ship; I'll follow straight, At Kussnacht I will see him safely lodged. ROSSEL. You dare not do't. Nor durst the Emperor's self So violate our dearest chartered rights. GESSL. Where are they? Has the Emp'ror confirm'd them? He never has. And only by obedience May you that favour hope to win from him. You are all rebels 'gainst the Emp'ror's power,-- And bear a desperate and rebellious spirit. I know you all--I see you through and through. Him do I single from amongst you now, But in his guilt you all participate. If you are wise, be silent and obey! [Exit, followed by Bertha, Rudenz, Harras, and attendants. Friesshardt and Leuthold remain.] FURST (in violent anguish). All's over now! He is resolved to bring Destruction on myself and all my house. STAUFF. (to Tell). Oh, why did you provoke the tyrant's rage? TELL. Let him be calm who feels the pangs I felt. STAUFF. Alas! alas! Our every hope is gone. With you we all are fettered and enchain'd. COUNTRY PEOPLE (surrounding Tell). Our last remaining comfort goes with you! LEUTH. (approaching him). I'm sorry for you, Tell, but must obey. TELL. Farewell! WALT. (clinging to him in great agony). Oh, father, father, father dear! TELL (pointing to Heaven). Thy father is on high--appeal to Him! STAUFF. Have you no message, Tell, to send your wife? TELL. (clasping the boy passionately to his breast). The boy's uninjured; God will succour me! [Tears himself suddenly away, and follows the soldiers of the guard.]
ACT IV.
SCENE I. Eastern shore of the Lake of Lucerne; rugged and singularly shaped rocks close the prospect to the west. The lake is agitated, violent roaring and rushing of wind, with thunder and lightning at intervals. Kunz of Gersau, Fisherman and Boy
KUNZ. I saw it with these eyes! Believe me, friend, It happen'd all precisely as I've said. FISHER. How! Tell a prisoner, and to Kussnacht borne? The best man in the land, the bravest arm, Had we for liberty to strike a blow! KUNZ. The Viceroy takes him up the lake in person: They were about to go on board, as I Started from Fluelen; but the gathering storm, That drove me here to land so suddenly, May well have hindered them from setting out. FISHER. Our Tell in chains, and in the Viceroy's power! O, trust me, Gessler will entomb him, where He never more shall see the light of day; For Tell once free, the tyrant well might dread The just revenge of one so deeply wrong'd. KUNZ. The old Landamman, too--von Attinghaus-- They say, is lying at the point of death. FISHER. Then the last anchor of our hopes gives way! He was the only man that dared to raise His voice in favour of the people's rights. KUNZ. The storm grows worse and worse. So, fare ye well! I'll go and seek out quarters in the village. There's not a chance of getting off to-day. [Exit] FISHER. Tell dragg'd to prison, and the Baron dead! Now, tyranny, exalt thy brazen front,-- Throw every shame aside! Truth's voice is dumb! The eye that watch'd for us, in darkness closed, The arm that should have struck thee down, in chains! BOY. 'Tis hailing hard--come, let us to the hut! This is
ACT IV.
SCENE I. Eastern shore of the Lake of Lucerne; rugged and singularly shaped rocks close the prospect to the west. The lake is agitated, violent roaring and rushing of wind, with thunder and lightning at intervals. Kunz of Gersau, Fisherman and Boy
KUNZ. I saw it with these eyes! Believe me, friend, It happen'd all precisely as I've said. FISHER. How! Tell a prisoner, and to Kussnacht borne? The best man in the land, the bravest arm, Had we for liberty to strike a blow! KUNZ. The Viceroy takes him up the lake in person: They were about to go on board, as I Started from Fluelen; but the gathering storm, That drove me here to land so suddenly, May well have hindered them from setting out. FISHER. Our Tell in chains, and in the Viceroy's power! O, trust me, Gessler will entomb him, where He never more shall see the light of day; For Tell once free, the tyrant well might dread The just revenge of one so deeply wrong'd. KUNZ. The old Landamman, too--von Attinghaus-- They say, is lying at the point of death. FISHER. Then the last anchor of our hopes gives way! He was the only man that dared to raise His voice in favour of the people's rights. KUNZ. The storm grows worse and worse. So, fare ye well! I'll go and seek out quarters in the village. There's not a chance of getting off to-day. [Exit] FISHER. Tell dragg'd to prison, and the Baron dead! Now, tyranny, exalt thy brazen front,-- Throw every shame aside! Truth's voice is dumb! The eye that watch'd for us, in darkness closed, The arm that should have struck thee down, in chains! BOY. 'Tis hailing hard--come, let us to the hut! This is