ult.

LXVIII. WILLIAM TELL. (Concluded.)

SCENE 2.--Enter slowly, people in evident distress--Officers, Sarnem,
Gesler, Tell, Albert, and soldiers--one bearing Tell's bow and
quiver--another with a basket of apples.

Ges. That is your ground. Now shall they measure thence
A hundred paces. Take the distance.

Tell. Is the line a true one?

Ges. True or not, what is 't to thee?

Tell. What is 't to me? A little thing.
A very little thing; a yard or two
Is nothing here or there--were it a wolf
I shot at! Never mind.

Ges. Be thankful, slave,
Our grace accords thee life on any terms.

Tell. I will be thankful, Gesler! Villain, stop!
You measure to the sun.

Ges. And what of that?
What matter whether to or from the sun?

Tell. I'd have it at my back. The sun should shine
Upon the mark, and not on him that shoots.
I can not see to shoot against the sun:
I will not shoot against the sun!

Ges. Give him his way! Thou hast cause to bless my mercy.

Tell. I shall remember it. I'd like to see
The apple I'm to shoot at.

Ges. Stay! show me the basket! there!

Tell. You've picked the smallest one.

Ges. I know I have.

Tell. Oh, do you? But you see
The color of it is dark: I'd have it light,
To see it better.

Ges. Take it as it is;
Thy skill will be the greater if thou hitt'st it.
Tell. True! true! I did not think of that; I wonder
I did not think of that. Give me some chance
To save my boy!--
I will not murder him,
If I can help it--for the honor of
The form thou wearest, if all the heart is gone.
(Throws away the apple with all his force.)

Ges. Well: choose thyself.

Tell. Have I a friend among the lookers-on?

Verner. (Rushing forward.) Here, Tell.

Tell. I thank thee, Verner!
He is a friend runs out into a storm
To shake a hand with us. I must be brief.
When once the bow is bent, we can not take
The shot too soon. Verner, whatever be
The issue of this hour, the common cause
Must not stand still. Let not to-morrow's sun
Set on the tyrant's banner! Verner! Verner!
The boy! the boy! Thinkest thou he hath the courage
To stand it?

Ver. Yes.

Tell. Does he tremble?

Ver. No.

Tell. Art sure?

Ver. I am.

Tell. How looks he?

Ver. Clear and smilingly.
If you doubt it, look yourself.

Tell. No, no, m