Part 262 (1/2)

He lies not like one dead. The feather, see, Moves on his lips! His sleep is very calm, And on his features plays a placid smile.

[BAUMGARTEN goes to the door and speaks with some one.

FURST.

Who's there?

BAUGMARTEN (returning).

Tell's wife, your daughter; she insists That she must speak with you, and see her boy.

[WALTER TELL rises.

FURST.

I who need comfort--can I comfort her?

Does every sorrow centre on my head?

HEDWIG (forcing her way in).

Where is my child? Unhand me! I must see him.

STAUFFACHER.

Be calm! Reflect you're in the house of death!

HEDWIG (falling upon her boy's neck).

My Walter! Oh, he yet is mine!

WALTER.

Dear mother!

HEDWIG.

And is it surely so? Art thou unhurt?

[Gazing at him with anxious tenderness.

And is it possible he aimed at thee?

How could he do it? Oh, he has no heart-- And he could wing an arrow at his child!

FURST.

His soul was racked with anguish when he did it.

No choice was left him, but to shoot or die!

HEDWIG.

Oh, if he had a father's heart, he would Have sooner perished by a thousand deaths!

STAUFFACHER.

You should be grateful for G.o.d's gracious care, That ordered things so well.

HEDWIG.

Can I forget What might have been the issue. G.o.d of heaven!

Were I to live for centuries, I still Should see my boy tied up,--his father's mark, And still the shaft would quiver in my heart!

MELCHTHAL.

You know not how the viceroy taunted him!

HEDWIG.