Part 266 (1/2)

STUSSI.

Too true! He's blessed who tills his field in peace, And sits untroubled by his own fireside.

TELL.

The very meekest cannot rest in quiet, Unless it suits with his ill neighbor's humor.

[TELL looks frequently with restless expectation towards the top of the pa.s.s.

STUSSI.

So fare you well! You're waiting some one here?

TELL.

I am.

STUSSI.

A pleasant meeting with your friends!

You are from Uri, are you not? His grace The governor's expected thence to-day.

TRAVELLER (entering).

Look not to see the governor to-day.

The streams are flooded by the heavy rains, And all the bridges have been swept away.

[TELL rises.

ARMGART (coming forward).

The viceroy not arrived?

STUSSI.

And do you seek him?

ARMGART.

Alas, I do!

STUSSI.

But why thus place yourself Where you obstruct his pa.s.sage down the pa.s.s?

ARMGART.

Here he cannot escape me. He must hear me.

FRIESSHARDT (coming hastily down the pa.s.s, and calls upon the stage).

Make way, make way! My lord, the governor, Is coming down on horseback close behind me.

[Exit TELL.

ARMGART (with animation).

The viceroy comes!

[She goes towards the pa.s.s with her children.

GESSLER and RUDOLPH DER HARRAS appear upon the heights on horseback.

STUSSI (to FRIESSHARDT).