Insolent traitor! Bind him well.

_Albert._ Oh, father, I am afraid. Do not let the soldiers take me.

_William Tell._ Be calm, my son. No harm will come to thee.

_Gessler._ Indeed, and is this your son? Has he come to mock the cap of
our royal master, too? Seize the boy and bind him to yonder tree.

_William Tell._ What will you do with the boy? Does a captain war with a
child?

_Gessler._ We shall see. I hear you are a famous shot, William Tell, and
handle well the bow and arrow. We shall soon know your skill. Have you a
good arrow in your quiver? Perhaps you can shoot an apple from the head
of your child.

_Soldier._ Where shall I bind the boy, my captain?

_Gessler._ To yonder tree. If his father shoots the apple from his
child's head, he shall go free. If he fails he must die. Are you ready?

_William Tell._ Rather would I die than risk killing my eldest son. Let
him go, and take my life.

_Gessler._ That I shall not do. You must both die unless you save your
lives as I have said. Will you try the shot or are you afraid?

[Illustration]

_William Tell._ Bind the boy's eyes, I beg. He might move if he saw the
arrow coming, and my skill would be in vain.

_Gessler._ I am willing, for well I know you cannot cleave the apple at
that distance.

_William Tell._ Tyrant! I cannot fail now, when my son's life depends
upon me. Stand perfectly still, my brave boy, and father will not hurt
you. Now I pray for strength--my trusty arrow must not fail me! There!
[_He shoots._]

_Soldier._ See, my captain! The apple is split! That was a fine shot!

_Gessler._ Yes, it was a good shot, and I did not believe anyone could
make it. I suppose I must set you free. But why have you that other
arrow in your hand?

_William Tell._ To shoot you with it had I killed my darling boy.

_Gessler._ Seize him, my men!

_William Tell._ Never! Come, Albert! This arrow for him who stops me!

_Soldiers._ He has escaped!

TIME AND THE SEASONS

_Father Time._ I must call my children together and give them orders for
the New Year. Open the door, my servants, and let the Seasons appear.

_Spring_ (_entering_). Here I am, Father Time. What are your commands
for your youngest daughter?

_Father Time._ Welcome, my dainty Spring! It is your duty to call the
gentle rains to fall upon the thirsting ground. Yours is the pleasant
task to paint the blades of young grass a delicate green. You call the
birds back from the south a