William Tell Told Again Part 12

PLATE VIII.

They dealt that soldier thump on thump (He hadn't any notion, When on Tell's head he raised that b.u.mp, Of raising this commotion); Tell's arrow sped, the people crowed, And loudly cheered his action; While Tell's expressive features showed A certain satisfaction.

[Ill.u.s.tration: THE CROWD DANCED AND SHOUTED]

PLATE IX.

Now, when the cat's away, the mice Are very enterprising, But cats return, and, in a trice-- Well, Gessler nipped that rising.

And when those soldiers lodged complaint (Which truly didn't lack ground), The people practised self-restraint And fell into the background.

[Ill.u.s.tration: "COME, COME, COME!" SAID GESSLER, "TELL ME ALL ABOUT IT"]

PLATE X.

And Tell, before the tyrant hailed, No patriot you'd have guessed him, For even his stout bosom quailed When Gessler thus addressed him:-- "As you're the crack shot of these Swiss (I've often heard it said so), Suppose you take a shot at this, Placed on your youngster's head--so!"

[Ill.u.s.tration: "I HAVE HERE AN APPLE"]

PLATE XI.

"The bearing," as they say, "of that Lay in the apple-cation,"

And n.o.body will wonder at A parent's agitation; That anguish filled Tell's bosom proud Needs scarcely to be stated, And, it will be observed, the crowd Was also agitated.

[Ill.u.s.tration: THERE WAS A STIR OF EXCITEMENT IN THE CROWD]

PLATE XII.

Said Gessler, "This is all my eye!

Come, hurry up and _buck_ up!

Remember, if you miss, you die-- That ought to keep your pluck up.

The flying arrow may, no doubt, Your offspring's bosom enter--"

But here there rose a mighty shout: "By George! He's scored a centre!"

[Ill.u.s.tration: A MOMENT'S SUSPENSE, AND THEN A TERRIFIC CHEER AROSE FROM THE SPECTATORS]

PLATE XIII.

But, as the arrow cleft the core, Cried G. with indignation, "What was the second arrow for?

Come, no e-quiver-cation!

You had a second in your fist."

Said Tell, the missile grippin', "This shaft (had I that apple missed) Was meant for you, my pippin!"

[Ill.u.s.tration: "SEIZE THAT MAN!" HE SHOUTED]

PLATE XIV.

With rage the tyrant said, said he, "It's time to stop this prating; I find your style of repartee Extremely irritating.

You'll hang for this, be pleased to note."

On this they bound and gagged him (For Gessler's castle booked by boat), And through the village dragged him.

[Ill.u.s.tration: HE WAS LED AWAY TO THE Sh.o.r.e OF THE LAKE]

PLATE XV.

But slips between the cup and lip, When least expected, peer through-- A storm arose upon the trip Which Tell alone could steer through.

Thus, of all hands he quickly got (As you may see) the upper, At Gessler took a parting shot, And hurried home to supper.

[Ill.u.s.tration: TELL'S SECOND ARROW HAD FOUND ITS MARK]