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

Remove him to my ship; I'll follow straight.

In person I will see him lodged at Kuessnacht.

ROSSELMANN.

You dare not do it. Nor durst the emperor's self, So violate our dearest chartered rights.

GESSLER.

Where are they? Has the emperor confirmed them?

He never has. And only by obedience Need you expect to win that favor from him.

You are all rebels 'gainst the emperor'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.

The wise will study silence and obedience.

[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.

STAUFFACHER.

Alas! alas! Our every hope is gone.

With you we all are fettered and enchained.

COUNTRY PEOPLE (surrounding Tell).

Our last remaining comfort goes with you!

LEUTHOLD (approaching him).

I'm sorry for you, Tell, but must obey.

TELL.

Farewell!

WALTER (clinging to him in great agony).

Oh, father, father, father dear!

TELL (pointing to Heaven).

Thy father is on high--appeal to Him!

STAUFFACHER.

Hast thou no message, Tell, to send your wife?

TELL (clasping the boy pa.s.sionately to his breast).

The boy's uninjured; G.o.d will succor me!

[Tears himself suddenly away, and follows the soldiers of the guard.

ACT IV.

SCENE I.

Eastern sh.o.r.e 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.

FISHERMAN.

Tell, made a prisoner, and borne off to Kuessnacht?

The best man in the land, the bravest arm, Had we resolved to strike for liberty!

KUNZ.

The Viceroy takes him up the lake in person: They were about to go on board, as I Left Flueelen; but still the gathering storm, That drove me here to land so suddenly, Perchance has hindered their abrupt departure.

FISHERMAN.

Our Tell in chains, and in the viceroy's power!

Oh, trust me, Gessler will entomb him where He never more shall see the light of day; For, Tell once free, the tyrant well may dread The just revenge of one so deep incensed.

KUNZ.

The old Landamman, too--von Attinghaus-- They say, is lying at the point of death.

FISHERMAN.

Then the last anchor of our hopes gives way!

He was the only man who dared to raise His voice in favor of the people's rights.

KUNZ.

The storm grows worse and worse. So, fare ye well!

I'll go and seek out quarters in the village.

There's not a chance of getting off to-day.

[Exit.

FISHERMAN.

Tell dragged to prison, and the baron dead!

Now, tyranny, exalt thy insolent front-- Throw shame aside! The voice of truth is silenced, The eye that watched for us in darkness closed, The arm that should have struck thee down in chains!

BOY.

'Tis hailing hard--come, let us to the cottage This is no weather to be out in, father!