Unhappy man! Dare you confound the crime Of blood-imbrued ambition with the act Forced on a father in mere self-defence? Had you to shield your children's darling heads, To guard your fireside's sanctuary--ward off The last, the direst doom from all you loved? To Heaven I raise my unpolluted hands, To curse your act and you! I have avenged That holy nature which you have profaned. I have no part with you. You murdered, I Have shielded all that was most dear to me. (JOHN: You cast me off to comfortless despair!) I shrink with horror while I talk with you. Hence, on the dread career you have begun! Cease to pollute the home of innocence! (John turns to depart.) (JOHN: I cannot and I will not live this life!) And yet my soul bleeds for you. Gracious Heaven, So young, of such a noble line, the grandson Of Rudolph, once my lord and Emperor, An outcast--murderer--standing at my door, The poor man's door--a suppliant, in despair! (Covers his face.)

Wilhelm Tell Monologue

Rehearse Wilhelm Tell's monologue