In general this play is more objective than Schiller's other plays, and this was a quality which he admired in Goethe's work and strove for in his own. Despite the technical criticisms, we find that the play is filled with beautiful descriptions and noble sentiments nobly expressed. On the stage most of the scenes are exceedingly fascinating and effective. These beauties are quite sufficient to hide the lack of unity, and the total effect with the majority of the people is a high esthetic and ethical gratification. The play has remained one of the most popular pieces on the German stage and has had an incalculable effect in the cultivation of national feeling.
HERMANN GESSLER, _Governor of Schwytz and Uri_.
WERNER, _Baron of Attinghausen, free noble of Switzerland_.
WERNER STAUFFACHER, } CONRAD HUNN, } HANS AUF DER MAUER, } JORG IM HOFE, } _People of Schwytz_. ULRICH DER SCHMIDT, } JOST VON WEILER, } ITEL REDING, }
WALTER FÜRST, WILLIAM TELL, } RÖSSELMANN, _the Priest_,} PETERMANN, _Sacristan_, } _of Uri_. KUONI, _Herdsman_, } WERNI, _Huntsman_, } RUODI, _Fisherman_, }
ARNOLD OF MELCHTHAL, CONRAD BAUMGARTEN, } MEYER VON SARNEN, } STRUTH VON WINKELRIED, } _of Unterwald_. KLAUS VON DER FLUE, } BURKHART AM BUHEL, } ARNOLD VON SEWA, }
HEDWIG, _wife of Tell, daughter of Fürst_.
ARMGART, } MECHTHILD, } ELSBETH, } _Peasant women_. HILDEGARD, }
RUDOLPH DER HARRAS, _Gessler's master of the horse_.
MASTER STONEMASON, COMPANION AND WORKMEN.
MANY PEASANTS; MEN AND WOMEN FROM THE WALDSTETTEN.
TRANSLATED BY SIR THEODORE MARTIN, K.C.B, LL.D.
_A high rocky shore of the lake of Lucerne opposite Schwytz. The lake makes a bend into the land; a hut stands at a short distance from the shore; the fisher boy is rowing about in his boat. Beyond the lake are seen the green meadows, the hamlets and farms of Schwytz, lying in the clear sunshine. On the left are observed the peaks of the Hacken, surrounded with clouds; to the right, and in the remote distance, appear the Glaciers. The Ranz des Vaches, and the tinkling of cattle bells, continue for some time after the rising of the curtain._
FISHER BOY (_sings in his boat_) _Melody of the Ranz des Vaches_
The smile-dimpled lake woo'd to bathe in its deep, A boy on its green shore had laid him to sleep; Then heard he a melody Floating along, Sweet as the notes Of an angel's song. And as thrilling with pleasure he wakes from his rest, The waters are rippling over his breast; And a voice from the deep cries, "With me thou must go, I charm the young shepherd, I lure him below."