FUeRST.

Thus must we, on the soil our fathers left us,
Creep forth by stealth to meet like murderers,
And in the night, that should her mantle lend
Only to, crime and black conspiracy,
Assert our own good rights which yet are clear
As is the radiance of the noonday sun.

MELCH.

So be it.  What is hatch’d in gloom of night
Shall free and boldly meet the morning light.

ROeSSEL.

Confederates!  Listen to the words which God
Inspires my heart withal.  Here we are met,
To represent the general weal.  In us
Are all the people of the land convened. 
Then let us hold the Diet, as of old,
And as we’re wont in peaceful times to do. 
The time’s necessity be our excuse,
If there be aught informal in this meeting. 
Still, wheresoe’er men strike for justice, there
Is God, and now beneath His heav’n we stand.

STAUFF.

’Tis well advised.—­Let us, then, hold the Diet,
According to our ancient usages.—­
Though it be night, there’s sunshine in our cause.

MELCH.

Few though our numbers be, the hearts are here
Of the whole people; here the BEST are met.

HUNN.

The ancient books may not be near at hand,
Yet are they graven in our inmost hearts.

ROeSSEL.

’Tis well.  And now, then, let a ring be formed,
And plant the swords of power within the ground.[52]

MAUER.

Let the Landamman step into his place,
And by his side his secretaries stand.

SACRIST.

There are three Cantons here.  Which hath the right
To give the head to the united Council? 
Schwytz may contest that dignity with Uri;
We Unterwald’ners enter not the field.

MELCH.

We stand aside.  We are but suppliants here,
Invoking aid from our more potent friends.

STAUFF.

Let Uri have the sword.  Her banner takes,
In battle, the precedence of our own.

FUeRST.

Schwytz, then, must share the honor of the sword;
For she’s the honored ancestor of all.

ROeSSEL.

Let me arrange this generous controversy. 
Uri shall lead in battle—­Schwytz in Council.

FUeRST (gives STAUFFACHER his hand).

Then take your place.

STAUFFACHER.

Not I. Some older man.

HOFE.

Ulrich, the Smith, is the most aged here.

MAUER.

A worthy man, but not a freeman; no! 
—­No bondman can be judge in Switzerland.

STAUFF.

Is not Herr Reding here, our old Landamman! 
Where can we find a worthier man than he?

FUeRST.

Let him be Amman and the Diet’s chief! 
You that agree with me, hold up your hands!

[All hold up their right hands.]

REDING (stepping into the centre).