Then you shall shield my breast and I will yours; Thus each be strengthened by the others' aid! Yet wherefore talk we while our native land Is still to alien tyranny a prey? First let us sweep the foeman 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 formed. You've held a Diet on the Rootli,--I Know this,--know all that was transacted there! And though I was not trusted with your secret, I still have kept it like a sacred pledge. Trust me, I never was my country's foe, Nor would I ever have ranged myself against you! Yet you did wrong to put your rising off. Time presses! We must strike, and swiftly, too! Already Tell has fallen a sacrifice To your delay. (STAUFFACHER: We swore to wait till Christmas.) I was not there,--I did not take the oath. If you delay I will not! (MELCHTHAL: What! You would----) I count me now among the country's fathers, And to protect you is my foremost duty.

Ulrich Von Rudenz Monologue from Wilhelm Tell

Rehearse Ulrich Von Rudenz's monologue