STUSSI. If honest men, now, had been in the ship, It had gone down with every soul on board:-- Some folks are proof 'gainst fire and water both. [Looking round. Where has the huntsman gone with whom I spoke? [Exit. Enter GESSLER and RUDOLPH DER HARRAS on horseback. GESSLER. Say what you please; I am the emperor's servant, And my first care must be to do his pleasure. He did not send me here to fawn and cringe And coax these boors into good humor. No! Obedience he must have. We soon shall see If king or peasant is to lord it here? ARMGART. Now is the moment! Now for my petition! GESSLER. 'Twas not in sport that I set up the cap In Altdorf--or to try the people's hearts-- All this I knew before. I set it up That they might learn to bend those stubborn necks They carry far too proudly--and I placed What well I knew their eyes could never brook Full in the road, which they perforce must pass, That, when their eyes fell on it, they might call That lord to mind whom they too much forget. HARRAS. But surely, sir, the people have some rights---- GESSLER. This is no time to settle what they are. Great projects are at work, and hatching now; The imperial house seeks to extend its power. Those vast designs of conquests, which the sire Has gloriously begun, the son will end. This petty nation is a stumbling-block-- One way or other it must be subjected. [They are about to pass on. ARMMGART throws herself down before GESSLER. ARMGART. Mercy, lord governor! Oh, pardon, pardon! GESSLER. Why do you cross me on the public road? Stand back, I say. ARMGART. My husband lies in prison; My wretched orphans cry for bread. Have pity, Pity, my lord, upon our sore distress! HARRAS. Who are you, woman; and who is your husband? ARMGART. A poor wild hay-man of the Rigiberg, Kind sir, who on the brow of the abyss, Mows down the grass from steep and craggy shelves, To which the very cattle dare not climb. HARRAS (to GESSLER). By Heaven! a sad and miserable life! I prithee, give the wretched man his freedom. How great soever his offence may be, His horrid trade is punishment enough. [To ARMGART. You shall have justice. To the castle bring Your suit. This is no place to deal with it. ARMGART. No, no, I will not stir from where I stand, Until your grace restore my husband to me. Six months already has he been in prison, And waits the sentence of a judge in vain. GESSLER. How! Would you force me, woman? Hence! Begone! ARMGART. Justice, my lord! Ay, justice! Thou art judge! The deputy of the emperor--of Heaven! Then do thy duty, as thou hopest for justice From Him who rules above, show it to us! GESSLER. Hence! drive this daring rabble from my sight!