Wilhelm Tell [33]
the masters of the field. "Dear and faithful confederates, I will open you a passage. Protect my wife and children," were the words of Winkelried, as he rushed to death. [Grasps the hands of Walter Furst and Stauffacher.] Hold fast together, then,--forever fast! Let freedom's haunts be one in heart and mind! Set watches on your mountain tops, that league May answer league, when comes the hour to strike. Be one--be one--be one-- [He falls back upon the cushion. His lifeless hands continue to grasp those of Furst and Stauffacher, who regard him for some moments in silence, and then retire, overcome with sorrow. Meanwhile the servants have quietly pressed into the chamber, testifying different degrees of grief. Some kneel down beside him and weep on his body: while this scene is passing, the castle bell tolls.] RUD. (entering hurriedly). Lives he? Oh say, can he still hear my voice? FURST. (averting his face). You are our seignior and protector now; Henceforth this castle bears another name. RUD. (gazing at the body with deep emotion). Oh, God! Is my repentance, then, too late? Could he not live some few brief moments more, To see the change that has come o'er my heart? Oh, I was deaf to his true counselling voice, While yet he walked on earth. Now he is gone,-- Gone, and forever,--leaving me the debt-- The heavy debt I owe him--undischarged! Oh, tell me! did he part in anger with me? STAUFF. When dying, he was told what you had done, And bless'd the valour that inspired your words! RUD. (kneeling down beside the dead body). Yes, sacred relics of a man beloved! Thou lifeless corpse! Here, on thy death-cold hand Do I abjure all foreign ties for ever! And to my country's cause devote myself. I am a Switzer, and will act as one, With my whole heart and soul. [Rises.] Mourn for our friend, Our common parent, yet be not dismay'd! 'Tis not alone his lands that I inherit,-- His heart--his spirit have devolved on me; And my young arm shall execute the task, Which in his hoary age he could not pay. Give me your hands, ye venerable sires! Thine, Melchthal, too! Nay, do not hesitate, Nor from me turn distrustfully away. Accept my plighted vow--my knightly oath! FURST. Give him your hands, my friends! A heart like his, That sees and owns its error, claims our trust. MELCH. You ever held the peasantry in scorn, What surety have we, that you mean us fair? RUD. Oh, think not of the error of my youth! STAUFF. (to Melch.). Be one! They were our father's latest words. See they be not forgotten! MELCH. Take my hand,-- A peasant's hand,--and with it, noble sir, The gage and the assurance of a man! Without us, sir, what would the nobles be? Our order is more ancient, too, than yours! RUD. I honour it--will shield it with my sword! MELCH. The arm, my lord, that tames the stubborn earth, And makes its bosom blossom with increase, Can also shield its owner's breast at need. RUD. Then you shall shield my breast, and I will yours, Thus each be strengthen'd by the other's strength. Yet wherefore talk ye, while our native land Is still to alien tyranny a prey? First let us sweep the foemen from the soil, Then reconcile our difference in peace! [After a moment's pause.] How! You are silent! Not a word for me? And have I yet no title to your trust?-- Then must I force my way, despite your will, Into the League you secretly have form'd. You've held a Diet on the Rootli,--I Know this,--know all that was transacted there; And though not trusted with your secret, I Have kept it closely like a sacred pledge. Trust me--I never was my country's foe, Nor would I ever have against you stood! Yet you did wrong--to put your rising off. Time presses! We must strike, and swiftly too! Already Tell is lost through your delay. STAUFF. We swore that we should wait till Christmastide. RUD. I was not there,--I did not take the oath. If you delay, I will not! MELCH. What! You would-- RUD. I count me now among the country's chiefs, And my first duty is to guard your rights. FURST. Your nearest and holiest duty is Within the earth to lay these dear remains. RUD.