Part 246 (1/2)

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 G.o.d, and now beneath his heaven we stand.

STAUFFACHER.

'Tis well advised. Let us, then, hold the Diet According to our ancient usages.

Though it be night there's suns.h.i.+ne in our cause.

MELCHTHAL.

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.

ROSSELMANN.

'Tis well. And now, then, let a ring be formed, And plant the swords of power within the ground. [16]

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 the dignity with Uri, We Unterwaldeners enter not the field.

MELCHTHAL.

We stand aside. We are not suppliants here, Invoking aid from our more potent friends.

STAUFFACHER.

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

FURST.

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

ROSSELMANN.

Let me arrange this generous controversy.

Uri shall lead in battle--Schwytz in council.

FURST (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 he is not a freeman; No bondman can be judge in Switzerland.

STAUFFACHER.

Is not Herr Reding here, our old Landamman?