A worthy man, but not a freeman; no!
—No bondman can be judge in Switzerland.
STAUFF.
Is not Herr Reding here, our old Landamman!
Where can we find a worthier man than he?
FÜRST.
Let him be Amman and the Diet's chief!
You that agree with me, hold up your hands!
[All hold up their right hands.]
REDING (stepping into the centre).
I cannot lay my hands upon the books;
But by yon everlasting stars I swear,
Never to swerve from justice and the right.
[The two swords are placed before him, and a circle formed; Schwytz in the centre, Uri on his right, Unterwald on his left.]
REDING (resting on his battle sword).