The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries Volume Iii Part 113

This feat of Tell, the archer, will be told Long as these mountains stand upon their base.

[_Hands the apple to_ GESSLER.]

GESSLER.

By Heaven! the apple's cleft right through the core.

It was a master shot, I must allow.

RoSSEL.

The shot was good. But woe to him who drove The man to tempt his G.o.d by such a feat!

STAUFF.

Cheer up, Tell, rise! You've n.o.bly freed yourself, And now may go in quiet to your home.

RoSSEL.

Come, to the mother let us bear her son!

[_They are about to lead him off_.]

GESSLER.

A word, Tell.

TELL. Sir, your pleasure?

GESSLER.

Thou didst place A second arrow in thy belt--nay, nay!

I saw it well. Thy purpose with it? Speak!

TELL (_confused_).

It is a custom with all archers, sir.

GESSLER.

No, Tell, I cannot let that answer pa.s.s.

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 a.s.sured, I should not then have miss'd.

GESSLER.

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_.]

STAUFFACHER.

How, my lord-- How can you treat in such a way a man On whom G.o.d's hand has plainly been reveal'd?

GESSLER.

Well, let us see if it will save him twice!

Remove him to my s.h.i.+p; 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.

GESSLER.

Where are they? Has the Emp'ror confirm'd them?

He never has. And only by obedience May you that favor 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 partic.i.p.ate.

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.

STAUFFACHER (_to_ TELL).

Oh, why did you provoke the tyrant's rage?

TELL.

Let him be calm who feels the pangs I felt.

STAUFF.