Yes, I was there,
And took the oath of confederacy.
TELL.
Then do me this one favour; 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 be 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
[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?
BAUM. (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?
HEDW. (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!
HEDW. (falling upon her boy's neck).
My Walter! Oh, he yet is mine!
WALT.
Dear mother!
HEDW.
And is it surely so? Art thou unhurt?
[Gazing at him with anxious tenderness.]
And is it possible he aim'd at thee?
How could he do it? Oh, he has no heart-
And he could wing an arrow at his child!
FURST.
His soul was rack'd with anguish when he did it.
No choice was left him, but to shoot or die!
HEDW.
Oh, if he had a father's heart, he would
Have sooner perish'd by a thousand deaths!
STAUFF.
You should be grateful for God's gracious care,
That ordered things so well.
HEDW.
Can I forget
What might have been the issue? God of Heaven,
Were I to live for centuries, I still
