ROSSEL.
The boy's alive!
MANY VOICES.
The apple has been struck!
[Walter Furst staggers and is about to fall. Bertha supports him.]
GESSL. (astonished).
How? Has he shot? The madman!
BERTH.
Worthy father!
Pray you, compose yourself. The boy's alive.
WALT. (runs in with the apple).
Here is the apple, father! Well I knew
You would not harm your boy.
[Tell stands with his body bent forwards, as if still following the arrow. His bow drops from his hand. When he sees the boy advancing, he hastens to meet him with open arms, and, embracing him passionately, sinks down with him quite exhausted. All crowd round them deeply affected.]
BERTH.
Oh, ye kind Heavens!
FURST (to father and son).
My children, my dear children!
STAUFF.
God be praised!