Part 242 (1/2)

Let me go.

I know each forest track and mountain pa.s.s; Friends too I'll find, be sure, on every hand, To give me willing shelter from the foe.

STAUFFACHER.

Nay, let him go; no traitors harbor there: For tyranny is so abhorred in Unterwald No minions can be found to work her will.

In the low valleys, too, the Alzeller Will gain confederates and rouse the country.

MELCHTHAL.

But how shall we communicate, and not Awaken the suspicion of the tyrants?

STAUFFACHER.

Might we not meet at Brunnen or at Treib, Hard by the spot where merchant-vessels land?

FURST.

We must not go so openly to work.

Hear my opinion. On the lake's left bank, As we sail hence to Brunnen, right against The Mytenstein, deep-hidden in the wood A meadow lies, by shepherds called the Rootli, Because the wood has been uprooted there.

'Tis where our Canton boundaries verge on yours;--

[To MELCHTHAL.

Your boat will carry you across from Schwytz.

[To STAUFFACHER.

Thither by lonely by-paths let us wend At midnight and deliberate o'er our plans.

Let each bring with him there ten trusty men, All one at heart with us; and then we may Consult together for the general weal, And, with G.o.d's guidance, fix our onward course.

STAUFFACHER.

So let it be. And now your true right hand!

Yours, too, young man! and as we now three men Among ourselves thus knit our hands together In all sincerity and truth, e'en so Shall we three Cantons, too, together stand In victory and defeat, in life and death.

FURST and MELCHTHAL.

In life and death.

[They hold their hands clasped together for some moments in silence.

MELCHTHAL.

Alas, my old blind father!

Thou canst no more behold the day of freedom; But thou shalt hear it. When from Alp to Alp The beacon-fires throw up their flaming signs, And the proud castles of the tyrants fall, Into thy cottage shall the Switzer burst, Bear the glad tidings to thine ear, and o'er Thy darkened way shall Freedom's radiance pour.

ACT II.

SCENE I.

The Mansion of the BARON OF ATTINGHAUSEN. A Gothic hall, decorated with escutcheons and helmets. The BARON, a gray-headed man, eighty-five years old, tall, and of a commanding mien, clad in a furred pelisse, and leaning on a staff tipped with chamois horn. KUONI and six hinds standing round him, with rakes and scythes. ULRICH OF RUDENZ enters in the costume of a knight.

RUDENZ.

Uncle, I'm here! Your will?

ATTINGHAUSEN.

First let me share, After the ancient custom of our house, The morning-cup with these my faithful servants!