Gessler.Which now
Is not a time for settling or admitting.
Mighty things are on the anvil. The house
Of Hapsburg must wax powerful; what the Father
Gloriously began, the Son must forward:
This people is a stone of stumbling, which
One way or t'other must be put aside.
[They are about to pass along. The Woman throws herself before the Landvogt.
Armgart. Mercy, gracious Landvogt! Justice! Justice!
Gessler. Why do you plague me here, and stop my way,
I' th' open road? Off! Let me pass!
Armgart.My husband
Is in prison; these orphans cry for bread.
Have pity, good your Grace, have pity on us!
Rudolph. Who or what are you, then? Who is your husband?
Armgart. A poor wild-hay-man of the Rigiberg,
Whose trade is, on the brow of the abyss,
To mow the common grass from craggy shelves
And nooks to which the cattle dare not climb.
Rudolph [to Gessler]. By Heaven, a wild and miserable life!
Do now! do let the poor drudge free, I pray you!
Whatever be his crime, that horrid trade
Is punishment enough.
[To the Woman] You shall have justice:
In the Castle there, make your petition;
This is not the place.
Armgart.No, no! I stir not
From the spot till you give up my husband!
'Tis the sixth month he has lain i' th' dungeon,
Waiting for the sentence of some judge, in vain.
Gessler. Woman! Wouldst' lay hands on me? Begone!