Then you shall shield my breast, and I will yours, Thus each be strengthen'd by the other's strength. Yet wherefore talk ye, while our native land Is still to alien tyranny a prey? First let us sweep the foemen from the soil, Then reconcile our difference in peace! (After a moment's pause.) How! You are silent! Not a word for me? And have I yet no title to your trust?-- Then must I force my way, despite your will, Into the League you secretly have form'd. You've held a Diet on the Rootli,--I Know this,--know all that was transacted there; And though not trusted with your secret, I Have kept it closely like a sacred pledge. Trust me--I never was my country's foe, Nor would I ever have against you stood! Yet you did wrong--to put your rising off. Time presses! We must strike, and swiftly too! Already Tell is lost through your delay. (STAUFF: We swore that we should wait till Christmastide.) I was not there,--I did not take the oath. If you delay, I will not! (MELCH: What! You would--) I count me now among the country's chiefs, And my first duty is to guard your rights.

Rudolph Der Harras Monologue from Wilhelm Tell

Rehearse Rudolph Der Harras's monologue