The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries Volume Iii Part 112

[_Collects himself and levels the bow_.]

RUDENZ (_who all the while has been standing in a state of violent excitement, and has with difficulty restrained himself, advances_).

My lord, you will not urge this matter further; You will not. It was surely but a test.

You've gained your object. Rigor push'd too far Is sure to miss its aim, however good, As snaps the bow that's all too straitly bent.

GESSLER.

Peace, till your counsel's ask'd for!

RUDENZ.

I will speak!

Ay, and I dare! I reverence my king; But acts like these must make his name abhorr'd.

He sanctions not this cruelty. I dare Avouch the fact. And you outstep your powers In handling thus my harmless countrymen.

GESSLER.

Ha! thou grow'st, bold, methinks!

RUDENZ.

I have been dumb To all the oppressions I was doomed to see.

I've closed mine eyes to shut them from my view, Bade my rebellious, swelling heart be still, And pent its struggles down within my breast.

But to be silent longer, were to be A traitor to my king and country both.

BERTHA (_casting herself between him and the governor_).

Oh Heavens! you but exasperate his rage!

RUDENZ.

My people I forsook--renounced my kindred-- Broke all the ties of nature, that I might Attach myself to you. I madly thought That I should best advance the general weal By adding sinews to the Emperor's power.

The scales have fallen from mine eyes--I see The fearful precipice on which I stand.

You've led my youthful judgment far astray-- Deceived my honest heart. With best intent, I had well-nigh achiev'd my country's ruin.

GESSLER.

Audacious boy, this language to thy lord?

RUDENZ.

The Emperor is my lord, not you! I'm free As you by birth, and I can cope with you In every virtue that beseems a knight.

And if you stood not here in that King's name, Which I respect e'en where 'tis most abused, I'd throw my gauntlet down, and you should give An answer to my gage in knightly sort.

Ay, beckon to your troopers! Here I stand; But not like these

[_Pointing to the people_.]

--unarmed. I have a sword, And he that stirs one step--

STAUFFACHER (_exclaims_).

The apple's down!

[_While the attention of the crowd has been directed to the spot where_ BERTHA _had cast herself between_ RUDENZ _and_ GESSLER, TELL _has shot_.]

RoSSEL.

The boy's alive!

MANY VOICES.

The apple has been struck!

[WALTER FuRST _staggers and is about to fall_. BERTHA _supports him_.]

GESSLER (_astonished_).

How? Has he shot? The madman!

BERTHA.

Worthy father!

Pray you, compose yourself. The boy's alive.

WALTER (_runs in with the apple_).

Here is the apple, father! Well I knew You would not harm your boy.

[TELL _stands with his body bent forward, as if still following the arrow. His bow drops from his hand. When he sees the boy advancing, he hastens to meet him with open arms, and embracing him pa.s.sionately sinks down with him quite exhausted. All crowd round them deeply affected_.]

BERTHA.

Oh, ye kind Heavens!

FuRST (_to father and son_).

My children, my dear children!

STAUFFACHER.

G.o.d be praised!

LEUTH.

Almighty powers! That was a shot indeed!

It will be talked of to the end of time.

HARRAS.