WALT.
There at the door she stands, and can no further,
She trembles so with terror and with joy.
TELL.
Oh Hedwig, Hedwig, mother of my children!
God has been kind and helpful in our woes.
No tyrant's hand shall e'er divide us more.
HEDW. (falling on his neck).
Oh, Tell, what anguish have I borne for thee!
[Monk becomes attentive.]
TELL.
Forget it, now, and live for joy alone!
I'm here again with you! This is my cot!
I stand again upon mine own hearthstone!
WILL.
But, father, where's your crossbow? Not with you?
TELL.
Thou shalt not ever see it more, my boy.
Within a holy shrine it has been placed,
And in the chase shall ne'er be used again.
HEDW.
Oh, Tell! Tell!
[Steps back, dropping his hand.]
TELL.
What alarms thee, dearest wife?