[*] It was the custom at the Meetings of the Landes Gemeinde, or Diet,
to set swords upright in the ground as emblems of authority.
MAUER.
Let the Landamman step into his place,
And by his side his secretaries stand.
SACRIST.
There are three Cantons here. Which hath the right
To give the head to the united Council?
Schwytz may contest that dignity with Uri,
We Unterwald'ners enter not the field.
MELCH.
We stand aside. We are but suppliants here,
Invoking aid from our more potent friends.
STAUFF.
Let Uri have the sword. Her banner takes,
In battle, the precedence of our own.
FURST.
Schwytz, then, must share the honour of the sword;
For she's the honoured ancestor of all.
ROSSEL.
Let me arrange this generous controversy.
Uri shall lead in battle—Schwytz in Council.
FURST. (gives Stauffacher his hand).
Then take your place.
STAUFF.
Not I. Some older man.
HOFE.
Ulrich, the smith, is the most aged here.