And are there countries with no mountains, father?
Yes, if we travel downward from our heights, And keep descending where the rivers go, We reach, a wide and level country, where Our mountain torrents brawl and foam no more, And fair large rivers glide serenely on. All quarters of the heaven may there be scann'd Without impediment. The corn grows there In broad and lovely fields, and all the land Is like a garden fair to look upon.
But, father, tell me, wherefore haste we not Away to this delightful land, instead Of toiling here and struggling as we do?
The land is fair and bountiful as Heaven; But they who till it never may enjoy The fruits of what they sow.
Live they not free, As you do, on the land their fathers left them?
The fields are all the bishop's or the king's.
But they may freely hunt among the woods?
The game is all the monarch's--bird and beast.
But they, at least, may surely fish the streams?
Stream, lake, and sea, all to the king belong.
Who is this king, of whom they're so afraid?
He is the man who fosters and protects them.
Have they not courage to protect themselves?
The neighbor there dare not his neighbor trust.
I should want breathing room in such a land. I'd rather dwell beneath the avalanches.
'Tis better, child, to have these glacier peaks Behind one's back than evil-minded men!
What is the cap to us? Come, let's begone.
[_As he is going_, FRIESSHARDT, _presenting his pike, stops him_.]
Stand, I command you, in the Emperor's name!
What would ye? Wherefore do ye stop me thus?
You've broke the mandate, and with us must go.
This way, you men! Good people, help! They're dragging him to prison!
[RÖSSELMANN _the Priest, and the_ SACRISTAN, _with three other men, enter_.]
Friend, thou art wrong. 'Tis Tell, An honest man, and worthy citizen.
WALTER (_descries_ FÜRST _and runs up to him_).
Grandfather, help, they want to seize my father!
Stay, I offer bail. For God's sake, Tell, what is the matter here?
He has contemn'd the Viceroy's sovereign power, Refusing flatly to acknowledge it.
And shall for this to prison? Come, my friend, Take my security, and let him go.
Keep your security for yourself--you'll need it. We only do our duty. Hence with him.
This is too bad--shall we stand by and see Him dragged away before our very eyes?