BAUM. (still kneeling). Then must I fall into the tyrant's hands. And with the shore of safety close in sight! Yonder it lies! My eyes can see it clear, My very voice can echo to its shores. There is the boat to carry me across, Yet must I lie here helpless and forlorn. KUONI. Look! who comes here? RUODI. 'Tis Tell, ay, Tell, of Burglen.[*] [*] Burglen, the birthplace and residence of Tell. A chapel, erected in 1522, remains on the spot formerly occupied by his house. [Enter Tell with a crossbow.] TELL. What man is he that here implores of aid? KUONI. He is from Alzellen, and to guard his honour From touch of foulest shame, has slain the Wolfshot, The Imperial Seneschal, who dwelt at Rossberg. The Viceroy's troopers are upon his heels; He begs the ferryman to take him over, But frightened at the storm he says he won't. RUODI. Well, there is Tell can steer as well as I. He'll be my judge, if it be possible. [Violent peals of thunder--the lake becomes more tempestuous.] Am I to plunge into the jaws of hell? I should be mad to dare the desperate act. TELL. The brave man thinks upon himself the last. Put trust in God, and help him in his need! RUODI. Safe in the port, 'tis easy to advise. There is the boat, and there the lake! Try you! TELL. The lake may pity, but the Viceroy never. Come, risk it, man! SHEPHERD and HUNTSMAN. O save him! save him! save him! RUODI. Though 'twere my brother, or my darling child, I would not go. 'Tis Simon and Jude's day, The lake is up, and calling for its victim. TELL. Nought's to be done with idle talking here. Each moment's precious; the man must be help'd, Say, boatman, will you venture? RUODI. No; not I. TELL. In God's name, then, give me the boat! I will, With my poor strength, see what is to be done! KUONI. Ha, gallant Tell! WERNI. That's like a huntsman true. BAUM. You are my angel, my preserver, Tell. TELL. I may preserve you from the Viceroy's power, But from the tempest's rage another must. Yet better 'tis you fall into God's hands, Than into those of men. [To the herdsman.] Herdsman, do thou Console my wife if I should come to grief. I could not choose but do as I have done. [He leaps into the boat.] KUONI (to the fisherman). A pretty man to keep a ferry, truly! What Tell could risk, you dared not venture on. RUODI. Far better men would never cope with Tell. There's no two such as he 'mong all our hills. WERNI (who has ascended a rock). Now he is off. God help thee, gallant sailor! Look how the little boat reels on the waves! There! they have swept clean over it. And now-- KUONI (on the shore). 'Tis out of sight. Yet stay, there 'tis again! Stoutly he stems the breakers, noble fellow! SEPPI. Here come the troopers hard as they can ride! KUONI. Heavens! so they do! Why, that was help, indeed. [Enter a troop of horsemen.] 1ST H. Give up the murderer! You have him here! 2ND H. This way he came! 'Tis useless to conceal him! RUODI and KUONI. Whom do you mean?