[The music of the wedding party is again heard
from the top of the pass, but more softly.
GESSLER.
Where are my knaves?
Drag her away, lest I forget myself,
And do some deed I may repent hereafter.
HARRAS.
My lord, the servants cannot force a passage;
The pass is blocked up by a marriage party.
GESSLER.
Too mild a ruler am I to this people,
Their tongues are all too bold; nor have they yet
Been tamed to due submission, as they shall be.
I must take order for the remedy;
I will subdue this stubborn mood of theirs,
And crush the soul of liberty within them.
I'll publish a new law throughout the land;
I will——
[An arrow pierces him,—he puts his hand on his heart,
and is about to sink—with a feeble voice.
Oh God, have mercy on my soul!
HARRAS.
My lord! my lord! Oh God! What's this? Whence came it?
ARMGART (starts up).
Dead, dead! He reels, he falls! 'Tis in his heart!
HARRAS (springs from his horse).
This is most horrible! Oh Heavens! sir knight,
Address yourself to God and pray for mercy;
You are a dying man.
GESSLER.
That shot was Tell's.