You're joking now. A beast devoid of reason.

WERNI.

That's easy said. But beasts have reason too-- And that we know, we men that hunt the chamois.

They never turn to feed--sagacious creatures!

Till they have placed a sentinel ahead, Who p.r.i.c.ks his ears whenever we approach, And gives alarm with clear and piercing pipe.

RUODI (to the shepherd).

Are you for home?

KUONI.

The Alp is grazed quite bare.

WERNI.

A safe return, my friend!

KUONI.

The same to you?

Men come not always back from tracks like yours.

RUODI.

But who comes here, running at topmost speed?

WERNI.

I know the man; 'tis Baumgart of Alzellen.

CONRAD BAUMGARTEN (rushing in breathless).

For G.o.d's sake, ferryman, your boat!

RUODI.

How now?

Why all this haste?

BAUMGARTEN.

Cast off! My life's at stake!

Set me across!

KUONI.

Why, what's the matter, friend?

WERNI.

Who are pursuing you? First tell us that.

BAUMGARTEN (to the fisherman).

Quick, quick, even now they're close upon my heels!

The viceroy's hors.e.m.e.n are in hot pursuit!

I'm a lost man should they lay hands upon me.

RUODI.

Why are the troopers in pursuit of you?

BAUMGARTEN.

First save my life and then I'll tell you all.

WERNI.

There's blood upon your garments--how is this?

BAUMGARTEN.

The imperial seneschal, who dwelt at Rossberg.

KUONI.

How! What! The Wolfshot? [3] Is it he pursues you?

BAUMGARTEN.

He'll ne'er hunt man again; I've settled him.

ALL (starting back).

Now, G.o.d forgive you, what is this you've done!

BAUMGARTEN.

What every free man in my place had done.

I have but used mine own good household right 'Gainst him that would have wronged my wife--my honor.

KUONI.

And has he wronged you in your honor, then?

BAUMGARTEN.

That he did not fulfil his foul desire Is due to G.o.d and to my trusty axe.

WERNI.

You've cleft his skull, then, have you, with your axe?

KUONI.

Oh, tell us all! You've time enough, before The boat can be unfastened from its moorings.

BAUMGARTEN.

When I was in the forest, felling timber, My wife came running out in mortal fear: "The seneschal," she said, "was in my house, Had ordered her to get a bath prepared, And thereupon had taken unseemly freedoms, From which she rid herself and flew to me."

Armed as I was I sought him, and my axe Has given his bath a b.l.o.o.d.y benediction.

WERNI.

And you did well; no man can blame the deed.

KUONI.

The tyrant! Now he has his just reward!

We men of Unterwald have owed it long.

BAUMGARTEN.

The deed got wind, and now they're in pursuit.

Heavens! whilst we speak, the time is flying fast.