GESSLER.

No, Tell, I cannot let that answer pass. 
There was some other motive, well I know. 
Frankly and cheerfully confess the truth;—­
Whate’er it be, I promise thee thy life. 
Wherefore the second arrow?

TELL.

Well, my lord,
Since you have promised not to take my life,
I will, without reserve, declare the truth.

[He draws the arrow from his belt, and fixes his eyes sternly upon the governor.]

If that my hand had struck my darling child,
This second arrow I had aimed at you,
And, be assured, I should not then have miss’d.

GESSLER.

Well, Tell, I promised thou shouldst have thy life;
I gave my knightly word, and I will keep it. 
Yet, as I know the malice of thy thoughts,
I’ll have thee carried hence, and safely penn’d,
Where neither sun nor moon shall reach thine eyes. 
Thus from thy arrows I shall be secure. 
Seize on him, guards, and bind him!

[They bind him.]

STAUFFACHER.

How, my lord—­
How can you treat in such a way a man
On whom God’s hand has plainly been reveal’d?

GESSLER.

Well, let us see if it will save him twice! 
Remove him to my ship; I’ll follow straight;
At Kuessnacht I will see him safely lodged.

ROeSSEL.

You dare not do’t.  Nor durst the Emperor’s self
So violate our dearest chartered rights.

GESSLER.

Where are they?  Has the Emp’ror confirm’d them? 
He never has.  And only by obedience
May you that favor hope to win from him. 
You are all rebels ’gainst the Emp’ror’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 participate. 
If you are wise, be silent and obey!

[Exit, followed by BERTHA, RUDENZ, HARRAS, and attendants.  FRIESSHARDT and LEUTHOLD remain.]

FUeRST (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.

STAUFF.

Alas! alas!  Our every hope is gone. 
With you we all are fettered and enchain’d.

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 TELL (clinging to him in great agony).

Oh, father, father, father dear!

TELL (pointing to Heaven).

Thy father is on high—­appeal to Him!

STAUFF.

Have you no message, Tell, to send your wife?