So violate our dearest chartered rights.
GESSL.
Where are they? Has the Emp'ror confirm'd them?
He never has. And only by obedience
May you that favour 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 participate.
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.
STAUFF. (to Tell).
Oh, why did you provoke the tyrant's rage?
TELL.
Let him be calm who feels the pangs I felt.
STAUFF.
Alas! alas! Our every hope is gone.
With you we all are fettered and enchain'd.
COUNTRY PEOPLE (surrounding Tell).
Our last remaining comfort goes with you!
LEUTH. (approaching him).
I'm sorry for you, Tell, but must obey.
TELL.
Farewell!
WALT. (clinging to him in great agony).
Oh, father, father, father dear!
TELL (pointing to Heaven).
Thy father is on high-appeal to Him!
STAUFF.
Have you no message, Tell, to send your wife?
TELL. (clasping the boy passionately to his breast).
The boy's uninjured; God will succour me!
[Tears himself suddenly away, and follows the soldiers of the guard.]
ACT IV.
SCENE I.
Eastern shore of the Lake of Lucerne; rugged and singularly shaped
rocks close the prospect to the west. The lake is agitated, violent
roaring and rushing of wind, with thunder and lightning at intervals.
Kunz of Gersau, Fisherman and Boy
KUNZ.
I saw it with these eyes! Believe me, friend,
It happen'd all precisely as I've said.
FISHER.
How! Tell a prisoner, and to Kussnacht borne?
The best man in the land, the bravest arm,
Had we for liberty to strike a blow!
KUNZ.
The Viceroy takes him up the lake in person:
They were about to go on board, as I
Started from Fluelen; but the gathering storm,
That drove me here to land so suddenly,
May well have hindered them from setting out.
FISHER.
Our Tell in chains, and in the Viceroy's power!
O, trust me, Gessler will entomb him, where
He never more shall see the light of day;
For Tell once free, the tyrant well might dread
The just revenge of one so deeply wrong'd.
KUNZ.
The old Landamman, too-von Attinghaus-
They say, is lying at the point of death.
FISHER.
Then the last anchor of our hopes gives way!
He was the only man that dared to raise
His voice in favour of the people's rights.
