Oh Heavens! you but exasperate his rage!
RUDENZ.
My people I forsook—renounced my kindred—
Broke all the ties of nature, that I might
Attach myself to you. I madly thought
That I should best advance the general weal
By adding sinews to the Emperor's power.
The scales have fallen from mine eyes—I see
The fearful precipice on which I stand.
You've led my youthful judgment far astray—
Deceived my honest heart. With best intent,
I had well-nigh achiev'd my country's ruin.
GESSLER.
Audacious boy, this language to thy lord?
RUDENZ.
The Emperor is my lord, not you! I'm free
As you by birth, and I can cope with you
In every virtue that beseems a knight.
And if you stood not here in that King's name,
Which I respect e'en where 'tis most abused,
I'd throw my gauntlet down, and you should give
An answer to my gage in knightly sort.
Ay, beckon to your troopers! Here I stand;
But not like these
[Pointing to the people.]
—unarmed. I have a sword,
And he that stirs one step—
STAUFFACHER (exclaims).
The apple's down!