The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries Volume Iii Part 117

FISHER.

Oh, then conceal yourself without delay!

Not twice will Heaven release you from his grasp.

TELL.

Which is the nearest way to Arth and Kussnacht?

 

FISHER.

The public road leads by the way of Steinen, But there's a nearer road, and more retired, That goes by Lowerz, which my boy can show you.

TELL (_gives his hand_).

May Heaven reward your kindness! Fare ye well.

[_As he is going, he comes back_.]

Did not you also take the oath at Rootli?

I heard your name, methinks.

FISHERMAN.

Yes, I was there, And took the oath of the confederacy.

TELL.

Then do me this one favor: speed to Burglen-- My wife is anxious at my absence--tell her That I am, free, and in secure concealment.

FISHER.

But whither shall I tell her you have fled?

TELL.

You'll find her father with her, and some more, Who took the oath with you upon the Rootli; Bid them resolute and strong of heart-- For Tell is free and master of his arm; They shall hear further news of me ere long.

FISHER.

What have you, then, in view? Come, tell me frankly!

TELL.

When once 'tis _done_, 'twill be in every mouth.

[_Exit_.]

FISHER.

Show him the way, boy. Heaven be his support!

Whate'er he has resolved, he'll execute.

[_Exit_.]

SCENE II

_Baronial mansion of Attinghausen. The_ BARON _upon a couch dying_. WALTER FuRST, STAUFFACHER, MELCHTHAL, _and_ BAUMGARTEN _attending round him_, WALTER TELL _kneeling before the dying man_.

FuRST.

All now is over with him. He is gone.

STAUFF.

He lies not like one dead. The feather, see, Moves on his lips! His sleep is very calm, And on his features plays a placid smile.

[BAUMGARTEN _goes to the door and speaks with some one_.]

FuRST.

Who's there?

BAUMGARTEN (_returning_).

Tell's wife, your daughter, she insists That she must speak with you, and see her boy.

[WALTER TELL _rises_.]

FuRST.

I who need comfort--can I comfort her?

Does every sorrow centre on my head?

HEDWIG (_forcing her way in_).

Where is my child? unhand me! I must see him.

STAUFF.

Be calm! Reflect, you're in the house of death!

HEDWIG (_falling upon her boy's neck_).

My Walter! Oh, he yet is mine!

WALTER.