TELL. If thou canst bear it, should not I? Go, now,
My son--and keep in mind that I can shoot--
Go, boy--be thou but steady, I will hit
The apple. Go! God bless thee--go. My bow!--
(_The bow is handed to him._)
Thou wilt not fail thy master, wilt thou? Thou
Hast never failed him yet, old servant. No,
I’m sure of thee. I know thy honesty.
Thou art stanch--stanch. Let me see my quiver.
GES. Give him a single arrow.
TELL. Do you shoot?
SOL. I do.
TELL. Is it so you pick an arrow, friend?
The point, you see, is bent; the feather jagged.
(_Breaks it._) That’s all the use ’tis fit for.
GES. Let him have another.
TELL. Why, ’tis better than the first,
But yet not good enough for such an aim
As I’m to take--’tis heavy in the shaft;
I’ll not shoot with it! (_Throws it away._) Let me see my quiver.
Bring it! ’Tis not one arrow in a dozen
I’d take to shoot with at a dove, much less
A dove like that.
GES. It matters not.
Show him the quiver.
TELL. See if the boy is ready.
(_TELL here hides an arrow under his vest_.)
VER. He is.
TELL. I’m ready, too! Keep silent for
Heaven’s sake and do not stir--and let me have
Your prayers--your prayers--and be my witnesses
That if his life’s in peril from my hand,
’Tis only for the chance of saving it. (_To the people._)
GES. Go on.
TELL. I will.
O friends, for mercy’s sake, keep motionless
And silent.
(_TELL shoots; a shout of exultation bursts from the crowd. TELL’S
head drops on his bosom; he with difficulty supports himself upon
his bow._)
VER. (_Rushing in with ALBERT._) Thy boy is safe, no
hair of him is touched.
ALB. Father, I’m safe! Your Albert’s safe, dear father,--
Speak to me! Speak to me!
VER. He cannot, boy.
ALB. You grant him life?
GES. I do.
ALB. And we are free?