This page needs to be proofread.
12
WILHELM TELL.
Ruodi.'Tis Tell, brave Tell, of Bürglen.[1]
Tell. Who is the man that here implores for aid?
Kuoni. He is from Alzellen, and to guard his honor
From touch of foulest shame, has slain the Wolfshot!
The imperial seneschal, who dwelt at Rossberg.
The viceroy's troopers are upon his heels;
He begs the boatman here to take him over,
But he, in terror of the storm, refuses.
From touch of foulest shame, has slain the Wolfshot!
The imperial seneschal, who dwelt at Rossberg.
The viceroy's troopers are upon his heels;
He begs the boatman here to take him over,
But he, in terror of the storm, refuses.
Ruodi. Well, there is Tell can steer as well as I.
He'll be my judge, if it be possible.
He'll be my judge, if it be possible.
[Violent peals of thunder—the lake becomes more tempestuous.
Am I to plunge into the jaws of hell?
I should be mad to dare the desperate act.
Tell. The brave man thinks upon himself the last.
Put trust in God, and help him in his need!
Put trust in God, and help him in his need!
Ruodi. Safe in the port, 'tis easy to advise.
There is the boat, and there the lake! Try you!
There is the boat, and there the lake! Try you!
Tell. The lake may pity, but the viceroy will not.
Come, venture, man!
Come, venture, man!
Shepherd and Hunstman.
Oh, save him! save him! save him!
Oh, save him! save him! save him!
Ruodi. Though 'twere my brother, or my darling child,
I would not go. It is St. Simon's day,
The lake is up, and calling for its victim.
I would not go. It is St. Simon's day,
The lake is up, and calling for its victim.
Tell. Naught's to be done with idle talking here.
Time presses on—the man must be assisted.
Say, boatman, will you venture?
Time presses on—the man must be assisted.
Say, boatman, will you venture?
Ruodi.No; not I.
Tell. In God's name, then, give me the boat! I will
With my poor strength, see what is to be done!
With my poor strength, see what is to be done!
Kuoni. Ha, noble Tell!
Werni.That's like a gallant huntsman!
Baum. You are my angel, my preserver, Tell.
Tell. I may preserve you from the viceroy's power
But from the tempest's rage another must.
But from the tempest's rage another must.
- ↑ Bürglen, the birthplace and residence of Tell. A chapel erected in 1522 remains on the spot formerly occupied by his house.
