TELL. You’ve picked the smallest one.
GES. I know I have.
TELL. Oh! do you? But you see
The color on’t 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 hit’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! (_Throws away the apple._)
I will not murder him,
If I can help it--for the honor of
The form thou wearest, if all the heart is gone.
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 cannot 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. How looks he?
VER. Clear and smilingly;
If you doubt it, look yourself.
TELL. No--no--my friend;
To hear it is enough.
VER. He bears himself so much above his years.
TELL. I know! I know!