The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries Volume Iii Part 88

O G.o.d! O G.o.d!

MASON.

Look at these ramparts and these b.u.t.tresses, That seem as they were built to last forever.

TELL.

What hands have built, my friend, hands can destroy.

 

[_Pointing to the mountains_.]

_That_ home of freedom G.o.d hath built for us.

[_A drum is heard. People enter bearing a cap upon a pole, followed by a crier. Women and children thronging tumultuously after them_.]

1ST W.

What means the drum? Give heed!

MASON.

Why, here's a mumming!

And look, the cap--what can they mean by that?

CRIER.

In the Emperor's name, give ear!

WORK.

Hus.h.!.+ silence! hus.h.!.+

CRIER.

Ye men of Uri, ye do see this cap!

It will be set upon a lofty pole In Altdorf, in the market place: and this Is the Lord Governor's good will and pleasure; The cap shall have like honor as himself, All do it reverence with bended knee, And head uncovered; thus the King will know Who are his true and loyal subjects here; His life and goods are forfeit to the crown That shall refuse obedience to the order.

[_The people burst out into laughter. The drum beats and the procession pa.s.ses on_.]

1ST W.

A strange device to fall upon indeed: Do reverence to a cap! A pretty farce!

Heard ever mortal anything like this?

MAS. M.

Down to a cap on bended knee, forsooth!

Rare jesting this with men of sober sense!

1ST W.

Nay, an it were the imperial crown! A cap!

Merely the cap of Austria! I've seen it Hanging above the throne in Gessler's hall.

MASON.

The cap of Austria? Mark that! A snare To get us into Austria's power, by Heaven!

WORK.

No freeborn man will stoop to such disgrace.

MAS. M.

Come--to our comrades, and advise with them;

[_They retire up_.]

TELL (_to_ STAUFFACHER).

You see how matters stand! Farewell, my friend!

STAUFF.

Whither away? Oh, leave us not so soon.

TELL.

They look for me at home. So fare ye well.

STAUFF.

My heart's so full, and has so much to tell you.

TELL.

Words will not make a heart that's heavy light.

STAUFF.

Yet words may possibly conduct to deeds.

TELL.

Endure in silence! We can do no more.

STAUFF.

But shall we bear what is not to be borne?