FISHERMAN. Tell, Tell, the Lord has manifestly wrought A miracle in thy behalf! I scarce Can credit my own eyes. But tell me, now, Whither you purpose to betake yourself? For you will be in peril should the viceroy Chance to escape this tempest with his life. TELL. I heard him say, as I lay bound on board, His purpose was to disembark at Brunnen; And, crossing Schwytz, convey me to his castle. FISHERMAN. Means he to go by land? TELL. So he intends. FISHERMAN. Oh, then, conceal yourself without delay! Not twice will heaven release you from his grasp. TELL. Which is the nearest way to Arth and Kuessnacht? FISHERMAN. The public road leads by the way of Steinen, But there's a nearer road, and more retired, That goes by Lowerz, which my boy can show you. TELL (gives him his hand). May heaven reward your kindness! Fare ye well! [As he is going he comes back. Did not you also take the oath at Rootli? I heard your name, methinks. FISHERMAN. Yes, I was there, And took the oath of the confederacy; TELL. Then do me this one favor; speed to Buerglen My wife is anxious at my absence--tell her That I am free, and in secure concealment. FISHERMAN. But whither shall I tell her you have fled? TELL. You'll find her father with her, and some more, Who took the oath with you upon the Rootli; Bid them be resolute, and strong of heart, For Tell is free and master of his arm; They shall hear further news of me ere long. FISHERMAN. What have you, then, in view? Come, tell me frankly! TELL. When once 'tis done 'twill be in every mouth. [Exit. FISHERMAN. Show him the way, boy. Heaven be his support! Whate'er he has resolved, he'll execute. [Exit. SCENE II. Baronial mansion of Attinghausen. The BARON upon a couch dying. WALTER FURST, STAUFFACHER, MELCHTHAL, and BAUMGARTEN attending round him. WALTER TELL kneeling before the dying man. FURST. All now is over with him. He is gone. STAUFFACHER. He lies not like one dead. The feather, see, Moves on his lips! His sleep is very calm, And on his features plays a placid smile. [BAUMGARTEN goes to the door and speaks with some one. FURST. Who's there? BAUGMARTEN (returning). Tell's wife, your daughter; she insists That she must speak with you, and see her boy. [WALTER TELL rises. FURST. I who need comfort--can I comfort her? Does every sorrow centre on my head? HEDWIG (forcing her way in). Where is my child? Unhand me! I must see him. STAUFFACHER. Be calm! Reflect you're in the house of death! HEDWIG (falling upon her boy's neck). My Walter! Oh, he yet is mine! WALTER. Dear mother! HEDWIG. And is it surely so? Art thou unhurt? [Gazing at him with anxious tenderness. And is it possible he aimed at thee? How could he do it? Oh, he has no heart-- And he could wing an arrow at his child!