And why my eyes? No! Do you think I fear An arrow from my father's hand? Not I!
I'll wait it firmly, nor so much as wink!
Quick, father, show them what thy bow can do.
He doubts thy skill--he thinks to ruin us.
Shoot then and hit, though but to spite the tyrant!
[He goes to the lime tree, and an apple is placed on his head.]
MELCH.(to the country people).
What! Is this outrage to be perpetrated Before our very eyes? Where is our oath?
STAUFF.
Resist we cannot! Weapons we have none.
And see the wood of lances round us! See!
MELCH.
Oh! would to heaven that we had struck at once!
God pardon those who counsell'd the delay!
GESSL.(to Tell).
Now to your task! Men bear not arms for naught.
To carry deadly tools is dangerous, And on the archer oft his shaft recoils.
This right, these haughty peasant churls assume, Trenches upon their master's privileges:
None should be armed, but those who bear command.
It pleases you to carry bow and bolt;--
Well,--be it so.I will prescribe the mark.
TELL.(bends the bow, and fixes the arrow).
A lane there! Room!
STAUFF.
What, Tell? You would--no, no!
You shake--your hand's unsteady--your knees tremble.
TELL (letting the bow sink down).
There's something swims before mine eyes!
WOMEN.
Great Heaven!
TELL.
Release me from this shot! Here is my heart!
[Tears open his breast.]
Summon your troopers--let them strike me down!
GESSL.
'Tis not thy life I want--I want the shot, Thy talent's universal! Nothing daunts thee!
The rudder thou canst handle like the bow!
No storms affright thee, when a life's at stake.
Now, saviour, help thyself,--thou savest all!
[Tell stands fearfully agitated by contending emotions, his hands moving convulsively, and his eyes turning alternately to the Governor and Heaven.Suddenly he takes a second arrow from his quiver, and sticks it in his belt.The Governor notes all he does.]
WALT.(beneath the lime tree).
Shoot, father, shoot! fear not!
TELL.
It must be!
[Collects himself and levels the bow.]
RUD.(who all the while has been standing in a state of violent excitement, and has with difficulty restrained himself, advances).
My lord, you will not urge this matter further;You will not.It was surely but a test.
You've gained your object.Rigour push'd too far Is sure to miss its aim, however good, As snaps the bow that's all too straitly bent.
GESSL.
Peace, till your counsel's ask'd for!
RUD.
I will speak!
Ay, and I dare! I reverence my king;
But acts like these must make his name abhorr'd.
He sanctions not this cruelty.I dare Avouch the fact.And you outstep your powers In handling thus my harmless countrymen.
GESSL.
Ha! thou grow'st bold, methinks!
RUD.
I have been dumb To all the oppressions I was doomed to see.
I've closed mine eyes to shut them from my view, Bade my rebellious, swelling heart be still, And pent its struggles down within my breast.
But to be silent longer, were to be A traitor to my king and country both.
BERTH.(casting herself between him and the Governor).
Oh, Heavens! you but exasperate his rage!
RUD.
My people I forsook--renounced my kindred--Broke all the ties of nature, that I might Attach myself to you.I madly thought That I should best advance the general weal By adding sinews to the Emperor's power.
The scales have fallen from mine eyes--I see The fearful precipice on which I stand.
You've led my youthful judgment far astray,--Deceived my honest heart.With best intent, I had well-nigh achiev'd my country's ruin.
GESSL.
Audacious boy, this language to thy lord?
RUD.
The Emperor is my lord, not you! I'm free.
As you by birth, and I can cope with you In every virtue that beseems a knight.
And if you stood not here in that king's name, Which I respect e'en where 'tis most abused, I'd throw my gauntlet down, and you should give An answer to my gage in knightly sort.
Ay, beckon to your troopers! Here I stand;But not like these [Pointing to the people,]
--unarmed.I have a sword, And he that stirs one step--STAUFF.(exclaims).
The apple's down!
