His ill-will cannot greatly injure me.

I do what"s right, and care for no man"s hate.

HEDWIG.

"Tis those who do what"s right whom he most hates.

TELL.

Because he cannot reach them. Me, I ween, His knightship will be glad to leave in peace.

HEDWIG.

Ay! Are you sure of that?

TELL.

Not long ago, As I was hunting through the wild ravines Of Shechenthal, untrod by mortal foot,-- There, as I took my solitary way Along a shelving ledge of rocks, where "twas Impossible to step on either side; For high above rose, like a giant wall, The precipice"s side, and far below The Shechen thundered o"er its rifted bed;--

[The boys press towards him, looking upon him with excited curiosity.

There, face to face, I met the viceroy. He Alone with me--and I myself alone-- Mere man to man, and near us the abyss.

And when his lordship had perused my face, And knew the man he had severely fined On some most trivial ground not long before; And saw me, with my st.u.r.dy bow in hand, Come striding towards him, then his cheek grew pale, His knees refused their office, and I thought He would have sunk against the mountain side.

Then, touched with pity for him, I advanced, Respectfully, and said, ""Tis I, my lord."

But ne"er a sound could he compel his lips To frame an answer. Only with his hand He beckoned me in silence to proceed.

So I pa.s.sed on, and sent his train to seek him.

HEDWIG.

He trembled then before you? Woe the while You saw his weakness; that he"ll not forgive.

TELL.

I shun him, therefore, and he"ll not seek me.

HEDWIG.

But stay away to day. Go hunting rather!

TELL.

What do you fear?

HEDWIG.

I am uneasy. Stay.

TELL.

Why thus distress yourself without a cause?

HEDWIG.

Because there is no cause. Tell, Tell! stay here!

TELL.

Dear wife, I gave my promise I would go.

HEDWIG.

Must you,--then go. But leave the boys with me.

WALTER.

No, mother dear, I"m going with my father.

HEDWIG.

How, Walter! Will you leave your mother then?

WALTER.

I"ll bring you pretty things from grandpapa.

[Exit with his father.

WILHELM.

Mother, I"ll stay with you!

HEDWIG (embracing him).

Yes, yes! thou art My own dear child. Thou"rt all that"s left to me.

[She goes to the gate of the court, and looks anxiously after TELL and her son for a considerable time.

SCENE II.

A retired part of the Forest. Brooks dashing in spray over the rocks.

Enter BERTHA in a hunting dress. Immediately afterwards RUDENZ.

BERTHA.

He follows me. Now to explain myself!

RUDENZ (entering hastily).

At length, dear lady, we have met alone In this wild dell, with rocks on every side, No jealous eye can watch our interview.

Now let my heart throw off this weary silence.

BERTHA.

But are you sure they will not follow us?

RUDENZ.

See, yonder goes the chase. Now, then, or never!

I must avail me of the precious moment,-- Must hear my doom decided by thy lips, Though it should part me from thy side forever.

Oh, do not arm that gentle face of thine With looks so stern and harsh! Who--who am I, That dare aspire so high as unto thee?

Fame hath not stamped me yet; nor may I take My place amid the courtly throng of knights, That, crowned with glory"s l.u.s.tre, woo thy smiles.

Nothing have I to offer but a heart That overflows with truth and love for thee.

BERTHA (sternly and with severity).

And dare you speak to me of love--of truth?

You, that are faithless to your nearest ties!

You, that are Austria"s slave--bartered and sold To her--an alien, and your country"s tyrant!

RUDENZ.