Part 275 (1/2)

Hear, then, what heaven suggested to my heart, Thou must to Italy,--to Saint Peter's city,-- There cast thyself at the pope's feet,--confess Thy guilt to him, and ease thy laden soul!

DUKE JOHN.

But will he not surrender me to vengeance!

TELL.

Whate'er he does receive as G.o.d's decree.

DUKE JOHN.

But how am I to reach that unknown land?

I have no knowledge of the way, and dare not Attach myself to other travellers.

TELL.

I will describe the road, and mark me well You must ascend, keeping along the Reuss, Which from the mountains dashes wildly down.

DUKE JOHN (in alarm).

What! See the Reuss? The witness of my deed!

TELL.

The road you take lies through the river's gorge, And many a cross proclaims where travellers Have perished 'neath the avalanche's fall.

DUKE JOHN.

I have no fear for nature's terrors, so I can appease the torments of my soul.

TELL.

At every cross kneel down and expiate Your crime with burning penitential tears And if you 'scape the perils of the pa.s.s, And are not whelmed beneath the drifted snows That from the frozen peaks come sweeping down, You'll reach the bridge that hangs in drizzling spray; Then if it yield not 'neath your heavy guilt, When you have left it safely in your rear, Before you frowns the gloomy Gate of Rocks, Where never sun did s.h.i.+ne. Proceed through this, And you will reach a bright and gladsome vale.

Yet must you hurry on with hasty steps, For in the haunts of peace you must not linger.

DUKE JOHN.

Oh, Rudolph, Rudolph, royal grandsire! thus Thy grandson first sets foot within thy realms!

TELL.

Ascending still you gain the Gotthardt's heights, On which the everlasting lakes repose, That from the streams of heaven itself are fed, There to the German soil you bid farewell; And thence, with rapid course, another stream Leads you to Italy, your promised land.

[Ranz des Vaches sounded on Alp-horns is heard without.

But I hear voices! Hence!

HEDWIG (hurrying in).

Where art thou, Tell?

Our father comes, and in exulting bands All the confederates approach.

DUKE JOHN (covering himself).

Woe's me!

I dare not tarry 'mid this happiness!

TELL.

Go, dearest wife, and give this man to eat.