Part 273 (1/2)

Stand back, I say! What is your purpose, man?

Back from my boys! You are no monk,--no, no.

Beneath that robe content and peace should dwell, But neither lives within that face of thine.

MONK.

I am the veriest wretch that breathes on earth.

HEDWIG.

The heart is never deaf to wretchedness; But thy look freezes up my inmost soul.

WALTER (springs up).

Mother, my father!

HEDWIG.

Oh, my G.o.d!

[Is about to follow, trembles and stops.

WILHELM (running after his brother).

My father!

WALTER (without).

Thou'rt here once more!

WILHELM (without).

My father, my dear father!

TELL (without).

Yes, here I am once more! Where is your mother?

[They enter.

WALTER.

There at the door she stands, and can no further, She trembles so with terror and with joy.

TELL.

Oh Hedwig, Hedwig, mother of my children!

G.o.d has been kind and helpful in our woes.

No tyrant's hand shall e'er divide us more.

HEDWIG (falling on his neck).

Oh, Tell, what have I suffered for thy sake!

[Monk becomes attentive.

TELL.

Forget it now, and live for joy alone!

I'm here again with you! This is my cot I stand again on mine own hearth!

WILHELM.

But, father, Where is your crossbow left? I see it not.