Part 244 (1/2)

A meadow surrounded by high rocks and wooded ground. On the rocks are tracks, with rails and ladders, by which the peasants are afterwards seen descending. In the background the lake is observed, and over it a moon rainbow in the early part of the scene.

The prospect is closed by lofty mountains, with glaciers rising behind them. The stage is dark, but the lake and glaciers glisten in the moonlight.

MELCHTHAL, BAUMGARTEN, WINKELRIED, MEYER VON SARNEN, BURKHART AM BUHEL, ARNOLD VON SEWA, KLAUS VON DER FLUE, and four other peasants, all armed.

MELCHTHAL (behind the scenes).

The mountain pa.s.s is open. Follow me I see the rock, and little cross upon it: This is the spot; here is the Rootli.

[They enter with torches.

WINKELRIED.

Hark!

SEWA.

The coast is clear.

MEYER.

None of our comrades come?

We are the first, we Unterwaldeners.

MELCHTHAL.

How far is't in the night?

BAUMGARTEN.

The beacon watch Upon the Selisberg has just called two.

[A bell is heard at a distance.

MEYER.

Hus.h.!.+ Hark!

BUHEL.

The forest chapel's matin bell Chimes clearly o'er the lake from Switzerland.

FLUE.

The air is clear, and bears the sound so far.

MELCHTHAL.

Go, you and you, and light some broken boughs, Let's bid them welcome with a cheerful blaze.

[Two peasants exeunt.

SEWA.

The moon s.h.i.+nes fair to-night. Beneath its beams The lake reposes, bright as burnished steel.

BUHEL.

They'll have an easy pa.s.sage.

WINKELRIED (pointing to the lake).

Ha! look there!

See you nothing?