Gessler.Where are my servants?
Quick! Take her hence! I may forget myself,
And do the thing I shall repent.
Rudolph.My lord,
The servants cannot pass; the place above
Is crowded by a bridal company.
Gessler. I've been too mild a ruler to this people;
They are not tamed as they should be; their tongues
Are still at liberty. This shall be alter'd!
I will break that stubborn humour; Freedom
With its pert vauntings shall no more be heard of:
I will enforce a new law in these lands;
There shall not—
[An arrow pierces him; he claps his hand upon his heart, and is about to sink. With a faint voice
God be merciful to me!
Rudolph. Herr Landvogt—God! What is it? Whence came it?
Armgart [springing up].
Dead! dead! He totters, sinks! 'T has hit him!
Rudolph [springs from his horse].
Horrible!—O God of Heaven!—Herr Ritter,
Cry to God for mercy! You are dying.
Gessler. 'Tis Tell's arrow.
[Has slid down from his horse into Rudolph's arms, who sets him on the stone bench.