Alb. To HIM who made me, mother. Alb. The name of Him who died For me and all men, that all men and I Emma. That's right! Remember that, my son: 'Tis more than friends or fortune; clothing, food; All things of earth; yea, life itself. It is To live when these are gone, where there are naught Alb. I will! Emma. You have been early up, when I, that play'd The sluggard in comparison, am up Full early; for the highest peaks alone, As yet, behold the sun. Now tell me what You ought to think on when you see the sun So shining on the peak? Alb. That as the peak Feels not the pleasant sun, or feels it least; So they who highest stand in fortune's smile Are gladden'd by it least, or not at all! Emma. And what's the profit you should turn this to? Alb. Rather to place my good in what I have Than think it worthless, wishing to have more: For more is not more happiness, so oft As less. Emma. I'm glad you husband what you're taught. He who finds which, has all-who misses nothing. Emma. A thing, the good Alone can profit by. Alb. My father's good. Emma. What say'st thou, boy? Alb. I say my father's good. Emma. Yes; he is good! what then? He is content-I'm sure he is not content; I would be busy; leave me. [Exit ALBERT. Why should my heart sink! 'tis for this we rear them! But mar their tender skin; gather them to us Closer than miser hugs his bag of gold; Bear more for them than slave, who makes his flesh To send them forth into a wintry world, To brave its flaws and tempests! They must go; Will own no cowering wing. 'Twas fine-'twas fine [Exeunt. -KNOWLES. SCENE GESLER. Gesler. Alone, alone! and every step the mist Into the gaping void, and headlong down Plunges to still more hideous death! Curs'd slaves! To let me wander from them! [Thunder.] Hoa!-Holloa! My voice sounds weaker to mine ear; I've not The strength to call I had, and through my limbs Look only on the strait wherein I stand, And pity it! Let me not sink! Uphold Support me! Mercy! mercy! Albert. I'll breathe Enter ALBERT. upon this level, if the wind Will let me. Ha! a rock to shelter me! Thanks to't. A man, and fainting! Courage, friend! Take heart-take heart; you're safe. How feel you now? [Gives him drink from a flask. Ges. Better. Alb. You have lost your way upon the hill? Alb. And whither would you go? Ges. To Altorf. Alb. I'll guide you thither. Ges. You're a child. Alb. I know The way the track I've come is harder far To find. Ges. The track you've come! What mean you? Sure You have not been still farther in the mountains? Alb. I've travelled from Mount Faigel. Ges. No one with thee? Alb. No one but God. Ges. Do you not fear these storms? Alb. God's in the storm. Ges. And there are torrents, too, That must be cross'd. Alb. God's by the torrent, too. Ges. You're but a child. Alb. God will be with a child. Ges. You're sure you know the way? Alb. 'Tis but to keep The side of yonder stream. Ges. But guide me safe, I'll give thee gold. All. I'll guide thee safe without. Ges. Here's earnest for thee. [Offers gold.] Here I'll double that, Yea, treble it, but let me see the gate Of Altorf. Why do you refuse the gold? Tak't. Alb. No. Ges. You shall. Alb. I will not. Ges. Why? I do not covet it; and, though I did, Ges. Ha!-who taught Thee that? Alb. My father. Ges. Does he live in Altorf? Alb. No, in the mountains. Ges. How! —a mountaineer? He should become a tenant of the city; Alb. Not so much as he might lose by't. Ges. Indeed! He also taught thee that? Alb. He did. Ges. His name? Alb. You may be an enemy of his. Alb. May be; but should you be An enemy Although I would not tell you My father's name, I'd guide you safe to Altorf. Will you follow me? Z Ges. Ne'er mind thy father's name: What would it profit me to know't? Thy hand; Alb. I never had An enemy. Ges. Lead on. Alb. Advance your staff As you descend, and fix it well. Come on. Ges. What, must we take that steep? Alb. "Tis nothing. Come, I'll go before-ne'er fear. Come on-come on! [Exeunt. -KNOWLES. SCENE-ALBERT AND GESLER AT THE GATE OF ALTORF. All. You're at the gate of Altorf. [Returning. Ges. Tarry, boy! Alb. I would be gone; I am waited for. Ges. Come back! Who waits for thee? Come, tell me, I am rich And powerful, and can reward. Alb. 'Tis close On evening; I have far to go! I'm late. Ges. Stay! I can punish, too. Alb. I might have left you, When on the hill I found you fainting, and The mist around you; but I stopp'd and cheer'd you, Till to yourself you came again. I offer'd To guide you, when you could not find the way, And I have brought you to the gate of Altorf. Alb. No. Ges. Why fear you, then, To trust me with your father's name?—Speak. Do you desire to know it? Ges. You have served me, And I would thank him, if I chanced to pass His dwelling. Alb. "Twould not please him that a service So trifling should be made so much of! Ges. Trifling: You've saved my life! |