Annette. I do, but why should we poor peasants worry over the affairs of the nobles?
William Tell. But they are our troubles, too. So to-night I have met with three and thirty men, brave and loyal hearts, who have sworn to resist our oppressors and free our land from tyranny.
Annette. But how can three-and-thirty men think to conquer the armies of foreign tyrants?
William Tell. Sometimes great events are brought about by small means. All the people in their hearts hate the false ruler of our poor country, and many of these will willingly die for her sake.
Annette. Thou art brave, my husband, but what can so few do?
William Tell. Think of it! The father of one of our band has just been put to a cruel death. No man knows where the tyrant will strike next. Perhaps Gessler will pick me out for the next victim.
Annette. Thee! What charge could he bring against thee?
William Tell. He could say that I am the friend of my country, which in the tyrant Gessler's mind is a crime.
Annette. But Gessler will never hear of us, humble peasants. He is too far above us to care what we think.
William Tell. Not so, my dear wife. Gessler will not permit us to hold our thoughts in secret. He has a plan to discover our inmost thoughts.