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NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 
 
 SAVIOUR OF THE SWISS REPUBLIC. 
 
 A DRAMATIC POEM, 
 
 IN FIVE ACTS. 
 
 JOHN CHRISTIAN SOHAAD. 
 
 it 
 
 WASHINGTON, D. C: 
 
 McGILL & WITHEROW, PRINTERS AND STEREOTYPERS. 
 1866. 
 
 WbMB 
 
 h 
 

 Entered according to Act of Congress, by John Christian Schaad, in the Clerk's 
 office of the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia, in the year of our Lord one 
 thousand eight hundred and sixty-five. 
 
 fy Transfer 
 
 &• c - Public library 
 
 DEC 14 
 
TRAN 
 
 PROFESSOR HENRY W. LONGFELLOW, 
 
 IS EESPEOTFULLT INSOEIBED. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 The united efforts of the Swiss, and their success in repelling so 
 formidable an invader of their country as Charles the Bold, have 
 furnished subjects to numerous poetic effusions in English as well as 
 in other languages. "Who has not read Byron's beautiful tribute to 
 the Swiss in Childe Harold's pilgrimage ? 
 
 "Morat! the proud, the patriot field! where man 
 May gaze on ghastly trophies of the slain, 
 Nor blush for those who conquer'd on that plain : 
 Here Burgundy bequeathed his tombless host. 
 ***** 
 
 Morat and Marathon, twin names shall stand ! 
 They were true glory's stainless victories, 
 Won by the unambitious heart and hand 
 Of a proud, brotherly, and civic band, 
 All unbought champions in no princely cause." 
 
 The most beautiful episode in the history of Switzerland has 
 however, to the author's knowledge, never been brought before the 
 public, in a dramatic form. The greatest victory which the Swiss 
 ever obtained, the victory over themselves, through the efforts of a 
 
 5 
 
6 PEEFACE. 
 
 pious, warm-hearted patriot, seems, thus far, not to have attracted 
 the attention it deserves from poets. 
 
 The author, a native of Switzerland, having had the opportunity, 
 from his childhood, to devote considerable time to the study of his 
 country's history, has chosen the incident, alluded to above, as a 
 subject for a dramatic poem, with the purpose of showing to the 
 citizens of Switzerland's great Sister Eepublic, on this side of the 
 Atlantic, how, in times of internal dissensions amongst the constit- 
 uents of the Swiss Confederacy, matters were brought to a peaceful 
 issue to the satisfaction of all contending parties, preventing, thus, 
 a civil war which would have brought ruin and desolation upon the 
 country. 
 
 The author also takes this opportunity to give expression to his 
 feelings of gratitude to the Government of Switzerland for the ex- 
 ceedingly interesting and valuable documents, furnished to him from 
 the archives of different Cantons, and sent through the Swiss Con- 
 sulate General in Washington, to assist him in bringing a glorious 
 episode of the history of " Old Free Switzerland," in a new form, 
 before the American public. 
 
 Washington, D. C, December 1, 1865. 
 
Swtmrtte fawn*. 
 
 Nicholas of the Flue, a hermit. 
 
 Heney Im Geund, the pastor of Stanz,in the Canton of Unterwal- 
 
 den. 
 Aenolb, his brother, a peasant in Unterwalden. 
 
 ' ^Arnold's daughters. 
 Lilt, J 
 
 Aloys, his adopted son. 
 
 Adeian von Bubenbebg, ex-Lord Provost of Berne. 
 
 Julia, his daughter. 
 
 Edwaed, his son. 
 
 Rudolph, his page. 
 
 Nicholas von Schaenachthal, Lord Provost of Berne. 
 
 William, von Diessbach,] 
 
 
 , ex-Lords Provost. 
 Peteemann von Wabeen, 
 
 budolph von eelach, ) 
 
 _ ^Senators oi Berne. 
 
 Peteemann von Stein, J 
 
 Hanns Waldmann, of Zurich, commander-in-chief of the Swiss 
 
 forces. 
 
 John von Hallwyl, a nobleman of Berne. 
 
 Caspae von Hebtenstein, of Lucerne. 
 
 Louis, Count of Gruyeres. 
 
 Hanns Imhof, 
 
 Hanns Zumbeuni 
 
 Raetzi, Landammann, "l 
 
 DlETEICH InDEEHALDEN.J 
 
 1 
 
 lof Uri. 
 nnenJ 
 
 -of Schwytz. 
 
8 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 
 
 Paul Ennentaoheb,~) „ tt 
 
 ^oi Unterwalden. 
 Henby Zelgee, ) 
 
 Hanns Landenbeeg, of Zurich. 
 
 Ham's Tschudi, of Glaris. 
 
 Hanns Iten, of Zug. 
 
 Uleic von Hohensax, of Argovy. 
 
 Petee Rot, of Basil. 
 
 Jacob Bugniet, of Friburgh. 
 
 Hanns von StaaiO 
 
 vof Soleure, 
 Hemmann Hagen, J 
 
 Fostee, of Bienne. 
 
 William Heetee, of Strasbtirgh 
 
 Louis, Count of Oettingen. 
 
 Oswald, Count of Thierstein. 
 
 Rene op Anjou, Duke of Lorraine. 
 
 Chaeles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy. 
 
 Anthony, his half-brother. 
 
 Thomas, Duke of Somerset, 
 
 William, Prince of Orange, 
 
 Olivieb de la Maeche, 
 
 Ceevecoeue, 
 
 RuBEMPEE, 
 
 Count Campobasso, 
 
 Asteadamus, an astrologer 
 
 A page. 
 
 Senators of Berne ; bannerets of the eight Cantons ; two sergeants-at- 
 
 arms ; a chancellor and two secretaries of the Senate of Berne; 
 
 three priests of the Minster of St. Vincent ; women, children, . 
 
 and old men of Berne ; soldiers of the Swiss Confederacy and 
 
 their allies ; peasants and herdsmen of Unterwalden. 
 
 TIME: 
 
 Feom A. D. 1476 to 1482. 
 
 Officers of Charles. 
 
ACT I. 
 
 SCENE I. 
 
 The orchestra plays the air of the Switzer's Farewell. Whilst the 
 last sounds are lingering, the curtain slowly rises and presents to the 
 eye a landscape scene in the Canton of Unterwalden, not far from 
 the frontiers of the territory of Berne. In the foreground is a 
 substantial rustic dwelling house, with open windows. The inscrip- 
 tion, " Deo soli gloria," is painted in large letters above the door. 
 A flower garden is behind the house, from which gradually rises a 
 hill, covered with pine trees. In the distance are seen a few peaks 
 of the Bernese Alps, glowing in the light of the rising sun. 
 
 Aloys is standing on the summit of the hill, and plays the last 
 strains of the Switzer's Farewell on the Alpine horn. He then de- 
 scends. When he arrives before the house, the church bell in the 
 distance rings the Angelus. Aloys kneels down with head uncovered. 
 The orchestra plays a slow and plaintive symphony. 
 
 Mary, (sings within the house.) 
 Ave Maria ! 
 Queen of my soul ! 
 Mother of mercy, 
 Mother of God, 
 "Full of His graces, 
 
10 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 
 
 Here in the morning, 
 Call we on thee. 
 Pray for ub sinners, 
 Now and when dying ! 
 Ave Maria : 
 Queen of my soul ! 
 
 (Aloys arises; Mary appears at the door.) 
 
 Aloys. Exalted be the name of Jesus Christ. 
 Mary. Forever more, amen I 1 
 
 (Both remain silent and appear lost in contemplation of the scene 
 in the distance.) 
 
 Aloys. How beautiful! 
 
 The morning sun is greeting here the land, 
 As one to which he loves to show himself 
 At first. The Finsteraarhorn's pointed peak, 
 The Youngfrau, lofty, grand, majestic, like 
 A virgin queen — reflect his earliest beams 
 On adamantine crystal brows, as if 
 The land of freedom were most dear to him. 
 
 Mary. Yes, beautiful is this, our native land, 
 And worthy to be loved by all that are 
 Allowed to dwell within its happy bounds; 
 It seems to be Jehovah's favoured child. 
 
 Aloys. With bounteous hand He hath bestowed 
 on us 
 The choicest blessings — Liberty, and strength 
 Of arm to wield the mighty sword in her 
 
NICHOLAS OP THE FLUB. 11 
 
 Defence. What glorious lore is taught to all 
 
 The world by Switzerland ! What heroes' names 
 
 Presents her history to be embalmed 
 
 Forever in the mem'ry of her child ! 
 
 The names of Tell, of Melchthal, Winkelried, 
 
 Of d'Erlach, Bubenberg, and Scharnachthal. 
 
 Mary. Alas ! I fear we may become too proud, 
 And thus upon us bring the wrath of Him 
 Who giveth grace to humble worth. I fear 
 We may forget that all the blessings we 
 Enjoy, the victories our fathers' arms, 
 And we ourselves, have won on battle-fields, 
 Were naught but God Almighty's gracious boon 
 To humble praying granted in distress. 
 
 Aloys. 'Tis true; this fear I often feel myself, 
 Not here — for these, our peaceful valleys, where 
 Simplicity and frugal life have dwelt 
 For ages, where the peasant's honest heart 
 And sound, judicious sense ignores the great 
 Temptations, crimes, corruption, found in proud 
 And haughty cities, joined to Uri, Schwytz 
 And Unterwalden's league. 
 
 Mary. Methinks, my friend 
 
 Is most severe on allies who have brought 
 Much honor to our land. Dost thou forget 
 That d'Erlach, Bubenberg, and Scharnachthal 
 Are lords of noble Berne ? Have they not fought 
 At Unterwalden's side on Gran son's day? 
 
12 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 
 
 Aloys. Excuse my speech ! At TJnterwal den's side 
 They did not fight, but she at their's, to help 
 That lordly Berne against the host, arrayed 
 By Charles the Bold to crush the haughty town. 
 
 Mary. Be not unjust ! That Berne is proud, I 
 grant, 
 But haughty — no ! Remember all her past : 
 Alone she stood against the Habsburgh's host, 
 Against the nobles all at Donnerbuehl 2 
 And Laupen's bloody field, 3 where d'Erlachs twice 
 Defeated Freedom's foes. 
 
 Aloys. Was Berne, the proud, 
 
 On Sempach's sacred ground ? Hath she a name 
 Like — Winkelried ? 
 
 , Mary. Beware ! Dost thou pronounce 
 
 This hallowed name with rev'rence due ? Dost thou 
 Recall to mind to whom our fathers prayed 
 On that immortal day, before they rushed 
 Upon the Austrian host ? 
 
 Aloys. I do, but still 
 
 I love to hear thy lips repeat the words 
 By pray'r addressed to Him, on whom we look, 
 "With holy awe and gratitude profound, 
 As on our nation's Saviour, Jesus Christ. 
 
 Mary. Oh, may the words until the end of time 
 Be graved in every Switzer's heart, and thus 
 Proclaim to nations all, that Freedom's home 
 Is Christian land, and ever must be so ! 
 
NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 13 
 
 (Aenold Im Grund appears, unobserved by Maet and Aloys. 
 He listens with profound attention.) 
 
 Mary. ( With eyes uplifted, and with great emotion.) 
 
 Oh, Bounteous Christ in Heaven ! 
 
 By Thy most awful death, 
 
 "We, miserable sinners, 
 
 In peril and distress, 
 
 Beseech Thee in our anguish 
 
 To stand at our side ! 
 
 Assist us in preserving 
 
 A shield for our land ! 
 
 Protection to our people 
 
 Oh, Christ, in mercy grant. ( Weeps.) 
 Arnold. [Coming forward.) My child,thou speakest 
 
 well. The Switzer's firm 
 Belief shall ever be that his extolled 
 Redeemer heard the humble band before 
 Whom haughty Austria fell. The standard high, 
 The Switzer's banner bears the Christian sign — 
 The Cross. And this is Christian soil. No man 
 That feels ashamed to wear that honored sign 
 Here on his breast and on his arm, is fit 
 To be a citizen in Switzerland. 
 Lily. (Dressed in white with a blue ribbon around her 
 waist, comes out of the house.) 
 Good morrow, father ! darling Mary, come — 
 
 2 
 
14 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 
 
 Give me my morning kiss ! "What now, my own 
 Beloved sister weeps 1 
 
 Mary. [Pressing Lily to her heart) Be silent, child ! 
 I weep the tears of joy to be, alike 
 Thyself a Switzer's daughter, freed by Christ's 
 Most glorious sign. 
 
 Aloys. ( With enthusiasm.) "What might,in earth or 
 hell, 
 "Will stand against the Ckoss ! 
 
 Lily. Oh, Mary dear, 
 
 Shall I not tell what lovely dream I had, 
 Before I did awake this morning ? 
 
 Mary. Tell, 
 
 Sweet child, thy dream ! 
 
 Lily. Methought I saw above 
 
 The snowy mountain yonder — what's its name ? 
 
 Aloys. The Youngfrau, child. 
 
 Lily. The Holy Virgin stand, 
 
 With arms outspread, as if to bless the vales 
 Beneath. Oh, beautiful she looked amidst 
 A host of angels lovely ! 
 
 Mary. (Embracing Lily.) Child, dear child, 
 To such like thee, the blessed Heavenly Queen 
 Does love to show herself in slumbers sweet. 
 
 Lily. And then I saw above her head, with stars 
 Adorned as with a crown — a brilliant Ckoss, 
 As white as snow, in sunbeams' shine, and on 
 
NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 15 
 
 The Cross I read the words, in letters great : 
 " In this eternal peace with God is found !" 
 
 Arnold. [After deep reflection.) To children God 
 reveals the greatest truth 
 On earth. 
 
 Aloys. I think,that most of all the gifts 
 With which He blest our land, are due to this 
 Our child-like simple faith and trust in Him 
 "Whose majesty our native Alps reflect. 
 
 Arnold. Yes ! earnest souls and serious minds are; 
 formed 
 Midst scenes where nature shows, how great is God s 
 And man — how little ! 
 
 Mary. Still, how noble, great,. 
 
 In such as Winkelried ! 
 
 Lily. Oh, father dear ! 
 
 Didst thou not promise me to tell me once 
 What great grandfather said about the field 
 Of battle, many years ago ? 
 
 Arnold. I did 
 
 And think no better time is there than- now, 
 This beauteous Sunday morn. The bell hath not 
 Yet called for Holy Mass. Come here, my child ! 
 
 (Me takes a seat on a large bench before the house. Lily leans on. 
 his knees. Mary sits at her father's side- Aloys is standing- 
 on the foreground. All listen with profound attention.) 
 
 'Twas ninety years ago, the ancient hate 
 
 Of Austria's Duke, against our land, was stirred 
 
16 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUB. 
 
 Anew by some dispute on custom flues. 
 
 Elated by success in humbling some 
 
 Alsatian cities, be against us formed 
 
 A threat'ning league of nobles, bishops — all 
 
 Determined on destroying once the boors 
 
 And herdsmen who had dared to stand, resist 
 
 For years and years 'gainst Habsburgh's mighty 
 
 house. 
 One hundred, sixty-seven princes, lords 
 Both temp'ral and spiritual sent, within 
 Twelve days their challenge to the Swiss. To arms 
 They went, the men of Uri, Schwytz, Lucerne, 
 And Zug and Unterwalden. Leopold, 
 The Duke himself, with horse, eight thousand 
 
 strong, 
 Advanced through Arg'vy's vales. Twelve thou- 
 sand more 
 On foot, at little distance followed him. 
 Arriving on a plain near Sempach's lake, 
 The Austrian first beheld the forces small, 
 The Swiss opposed to his, in all not more 
 Than fourteen hundred strong. The Duke at once, 
 In looking with contempt at such a foe, 
 Commands the knights: "Dismount! we will not 
 
 wait 
 For those in rear. This day the lords alone 
 Will take revenge for insults and disgrace, 
 The sturdy boors, for near two hundred years 
 
NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 17 
 
 Have cast upon my house." They did dismount, 
 In phalanx close advanced against the Swiss. 
 The latter, taught by pious custom, fell 
 Upon their knees and prayed. My children, you 
 Have heard to whom. 
 
 (Abnold arises and comes to the foreground.) 
 
 They all arise and run 
 With thund'ring clamor down upon the foe. 
 In vain they try to break the Austrian line ; 
 And sixty Switzer's fall. The lords advance, 
 In bristled crescent form, and threaten all 
 At once to flank, on right and left, the band 
 So small. A dark and gloomy moment now 
 For Switzerland ! 
 
 " For liberty I will 
 Make way," exclaims the voice of Winkelried. 
 
 (Aloys starts with glistening eyes.) 
 
 " Beloved, faithful brethren : take in care 
 
 My wife and children dear. Remember ye 
 
 My blood ! " And with these words he grasps, within 
 
 His vig'rous arms, the lances he can reach. 
 
 He buries them into his heart — and falls. 
 
 Aloys. My country's saviour falls ! Immortal hence 
 Shall be the name of Unterwalden ! 
 
 Mary. !Nay ! 
 
 For Switzerland the whole, fell "Winkelried. 
 
18 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 
 
 Arnold. A gap is formed. The Swiss,with morn- 
 ing star 
 And battle-axe,break into Austria's ranks. 
 They deal the blows of death to right and left. 
 The. lord of Brandis falls, and Friesshard who 
 Had boasted once, alone to whip the boors — 
 He falls, and falls the banner of Tyrol. 
 The Austrian standard falls with Escheloh ; 
 In vain the knight of Aarburg tries to lift 
 Again the colors proud ; he falls — exclaims 
 In dying : " Save, save Austria, oh, my lord !" 
 With steady hand the banner holds on high 
 Once more Duke Leopold himself — and falls 
 The Duke of Austria. 
 
 Lily. God ! can this be true ? 
 
 Aloys. Thy great grandfather, child, himself was 
 there. 
 
 Arnold. Almighty God in judgment sat against 
 The wanton scorn of nobles who despised 
 His Holy Law — and thus was saved our land. 
 
 Mary. Come, let us go ! The bell is ringing now ; 
 The sacrifice will soon begin, and whilst 
 We kneel before the sacred shrine, we all 
 Will pray to God to bless forevermore 
 Our land, our home, our beauteous Switzerland. 
 
 [Exeunt.] 
 
NICHOLAS OF THE FLUB. 19 
 
 SCENE II. 
 
 The forest of Eanft in Unterwalden. The hermitage of Nicholas 
 OF the Flue is seen near a small chapel in the background. The 
 wild torrent of the Melch forms a cascade, and then flows through a 
 ravine, over which is erected a narrow bridge. Nicholas or the 
 Flue and Henry 1st Geund, the pastor of Stanz, are sitting on the 
 trunk of a fallen tree. 
 
 Henry. 'Tis as I said, no hope for peace. 
 
 Nicholas. . It grieves 
 
 My heart to hear the news my father brings. 
 I hoped that Charles, the noble Duke, for once 
 "Would learn, by his defeat, on Granson's field, 
 That God resists the haughty. Pride hath brought 
 To fall the mightiest houses, princes, kings, 
 Empires and commonwealths, from earliest times. 
 
 Henry. Alas ! that man will never learn the old 
 Eternal lesson, taught by Holy Writ 
 And all the Christian fathers ! 
 
 Nicholas. Charles the Bold, 
 
 Is he prepared again to come, invade, 
 "With force sufficient, Switzerland ? I thought, 
 Perhaps, his losses were so great, that now 
 He would be glad to treat for peace. His lands 
 Have suffered much by all his wars. 
 
 Henry. They say, 
 
 He seems to be bereft of self-control ; 
 In dark and gloomy musings lost, from time 
 To time, alike some furious wounded beast 
 
20 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUB. 
 
 That snaps at friend and foe, he will give vent 
 To fiercest rage and temper wild 'gainst all 
 That dare or are obliged to draw anear 
 His person. Spurning all his friends' advice, 
 He still is bent on naught but stern revenge. 
 
 Nicholas. Revenge 'gainst whom? The hand of 
 God ? Poor Charles ! 
 
 Henry. 'Tis said that every man of six in his 
 Dominions all, is called to arms ; the sixth 
 Of every pence is levied. Where the bells 
 Of churches seem in sound estate, and where, 
 In houses, iron kettles more than one 
 Are found, — they all are seized for casting guns. 
 The Duchess of Savoy, Iolanta, still 
 Assists him. Louis, King of France, the one 
 Who was the secret cause of all the strife 
 Between the Duke and Switzerland, is now 
 Evasive, vague, uncertain, wily, full 
 Of artful words in all he says, afraid 
 To break with Charles. The Emperor himself 
 Is trying to retard the measures which 
 The Swiss might take. 
 
 Nicholas. 'Tis not on foreign help 
 
 The Swiss must count, rely. Their strength is found 
 Within themselves. What say my gracious lords 
 Of Berne? 
 
 Henry. In Berne confusion seems to reign. 
 The Provosts Diessbach, Scharnachthal are both 
 
NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 21 
 
 For hot pursuit of war, but Bubenberg, 
 
 The noble stately lord, suspected friend 
 
 Of Charles, from council hath withdrawn, retir'd 
 
 To Spiez, his own ancestral seat. 
 
 (Aloys and Mary emerge from the forest) 
 
 What now ! 
 You children here ? I thought that you had left 
 The church for home. 
 
 Mary. I love to come, on days 
 
 Like this, in your wild solitude, to see 
 Our most revered, beloved, faithful friend, 
 The far-famed brother Claus. 
 
 Nicholas. The likes of thee, 
 
 My child, are ever welcome here. 
 
 Mary. And he, 
 
 My brother Aloys ? 
 
 Nicholas. Is welcome, too. 
 
 You both are dear to me, but where and how 
 Is she, thy little sister Lily? 
 
 Mary. Well ! 
 
 She went with father home from church. 
 
 Aloys. Alike 
 
 Her graceful namesake which .exhales her sweet 
 Perfume, in gratitude on high, for her 
 Creation, this beloved child, with thoughts 
 Angelic, pure, delights us all and seems 
 To make us breathe the air of spheres divine. 
 
22 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 
 
 Mary. [Smiling.) What music in thy words ! How 
 well thou couldst 
 Expound-to man the truth of G-od ! 
 
 Aloys. Beware ! 
 
 Mary. My worthy fathers both; we come to ask 
 For your advice. I think my brother here 
 Is now of age to choose the path of life 
 He ought to take. 
 
 Henry. Indeed ! the boy has grown 
 
 To be a man. 
 
 Nicholas. {Musingly.) How flies the time! It 
 seems 
 To me but yesterday I took him, then 
 A babe, to Arnold's house. 
 
 Mary. I deem 't is wrong 
 
 That he, with talents great, with knowledge deep 
 Endowed, should spend his life in toil obscure 
 In these, our valleys, like a peasant, or 
 A herdsman. 
 
 Henry. Proud, ambitious girl ! For him — 
 
 "What nobler calling could be wished ? 
 
 Mary. Your own ! 
 
 Henry. What he, you mean, he should become a 
 Priest? 
 
 Mary. Is there a calling higher in the world 
 Than that of him, who is a guide to man's 
 Immortal soul, a father mild, a judge 
 Of right and wrong? he comforts the distressed, 
 
NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 23 
 
 Uplifts the fallen, and diffuses life 
 Celestial in Holy Sacrament. 
 
 Henry. True ! 
 
 But feels the boy, within his inmost heart, 
 A call to serve the Lord, renounce the world 
 With all its charms ? 
 
 Aloys. Alas ! my father, no.! 
 
 Mary. I fear, thou knowest not thyself, my 
 friend ! 
 Thy soul is far too great to be absorbed 
 In love of things terrestrial. Love of God 
 Alone can quench thy thirst. 
 
 Aloys. 'Tis thy mistake, 
 
 My heart does yearn for earthly love, for one 
 That may respond, with tenderness sincere, 
 To all I feel, and gladden once a home 
 To me. 
 
 Nicholas. {To Mary.) Beware, lest thou mislead 
 the boy! 
 It is an awful thing to be a priest 
 Of God! The Bride of Christ rejects the heart 
 That fluctuates between the world and her. 
 
 Henry. Alas ! how few will think of this, before 
 They take upon themselves the sacred vows ! 
 How deep the fall of some hath been ! Disgrace 
 And shame they brought upon the Church, and 
 
 vice 
 Most vile into her sanctuary's halls; 
 
24 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 
 
 The Holy See itself hath been defiled 
 By men unfit for their vocation high. 
 "What unclean vessels for the source of life ! 
 
 Nicholas. Saint Peter fell ! and yet he had been 
 called 
 The Rock on which the Church shall ever stand. 
 The source of Life may flow through veins of lead 
 Or gold; its healing waters still remain 
 The same. Whatever men may do to bring 
 Disgrace upon their sacred calling, — she, 
 The Church of Christ forevermore will stand 
 Aloft, immaculate and pure, in all 
 Her bridal beauty. 
 
 Henry. True, Saint Peter fell ! 
 
 But he redeemed his fall by martyr's death. 
 The Church had then her foes without, but now 
 They are within herself. Corruption stains 
 Her priests and prelates. I^ay ! the Pope hath been 
 Accused of crimes atrocious. Sacred vows 
 Of nuns and monks to live a chaste, and pure, 
 And virtuous life, are spurned and ridiculed. 
 I, trembling, see a mighty storm approach, 
 That will, with rage and fury, shake the Church 
 To her foundation. 
 
 Nicholas. Let it come ! The storm 
 
 But purifies the air. The Church will stand 
 As firm as yonder snowy peaks, the Alps. 
 The Son of God hath promised to abide 
 
NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 25 
 
 With her until this earth shall be no more. 
 Jehovah reigns ! Who dares to doubt His word ? 
 
 ( Thunder is heard in the distance. Henry, Aloys, and Maey look 
 with amazement at the hermit, who stands erect, with eyes uplifted 
 to heaven.) 
 
 Mary. (Whispering to Aloys.) Behold! What fiery- 
 glow is on his face ! 
 As one transfigured, there he stands ! 
 
 Aloys. And God 
 
 Almighty thunders Amen to his words. 
 
 (All remain silent for awhile.) 
 
 Henry. My children, dark becomes the sky. We 
 are 
 Too late to reach our homes, before the storm 
 Will burst upon the valley. Here we may 
 A shelter take in yonder chapel. See ! 
 The rain begins to fall, and lightning rends 
 The clouds. 
 
 Mary. 'Tis meet to kneel in humble pray'r, 
 When God, in mighty voice, reminds us all 
 Of His omnipotence and majesty. 
 
 [Exeunf] 
 
26 NICHOLAS OF THE PLQE. 
 
 SCENE III. 
 
 A wild -forest. A path winds itself from the summit of a hill, 
 in the background, to its base. The rain is violently swept By the 
 wind through the trees. Thunder and lightning. Edward voh 
 Bubehberg, in a hunting dress, and with a cross-bow strapped over 
 his shoulder, appears on the top of the hill, and slowly descends the 
 path. He is lame, and leans on an Alpine staff. Arriving at the 
 foot of the bill, he sinks exhausted on the ground. 
 
 Edward. I can no more. Here must I die. Oh 
 God! 
 Away from home, from father, sister, friends ! 
 Oh, awful fate ! deserved by reckless wish 
 For roving, hunting, 'midst the forest wild ! 
 Two days have gone since, lost within the woods, 
 I've neither tasted food, nor other drink 
 But water. God ! Is there no help ? To die — 
 To be a prey to ravenous beast ! Oh God ! 
 My God ! Forgive my sins ! Remember not 
 The failings of my youth ! If Thou would' st still 
 Vouchsafe, in mercy, help to send, I vow 
 To make a pilgrimage to Holy Land. 
 It is too late ! My sight grows dim. The pangs. 
 Of death approach. Oh ! holy Virgin, pray 
 For me ! 
 
NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 27 
 
 (He swoons away. The storm, meanwhile has subsided. The church 
 bell in the distance rings the Angclus for the evening. A female 
 and two male voices are heard singing behind the scene.) 
 
 Ave Maria, 
 
 Star of the Sea ! 
 
 Ever in clanger 
 
 Fly we to thee, 
 
 When in the mountains, 
 
 When on the lake, 
 
 Tempests are raging, 
 
 Then we, .will take 
 
 Refuge W thee, 
 
 Ave Maria, 
 
 Star of the Sea ! 
 
 (Mary, followed by Henry Im Grtjnd and Aloys, appears on the top- 
 of the hill. They descend. Mary arrives near the tree where: 
 Edward is still lying senseless.) 
 
 Mary. Oh, Heavens, who is here ? 
 
 Aloys. (Hushing upon the scene.) A man 
 
 Asleep or dead ! 
 
 Mary. (Kneeling at Edward's side.) He must be 
 dead. How pale 
 He looks ! 
 
 Henry. (Passing his arm under Edward's head and' 
 placing the ear to his mouth.) He breathes. 
 
 Aloys. (Taking a flash from his pocket, pours its con- 
 tents into Edward's mouth.) Thank God ! Here 
 is some wine. 
 
28 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUEJ 
 
 Edward. (Opening his eyes, sees the face of Mary 
 bent over him.) What angel here ! Is this the 
 heavenly Land? 
 
 (The rays of the setting sun illuminate the scene. The curtain slowly 
 descends.) 
 
 END OF ACT I. 
 
ACT II. 
 
 SCENE I. 
 
 A large hall in the manor of Spiez. Portraits of the ancestors of 
 Adrian von Bubenberg are hanging on the wall. A helmet and 
 a mail coat are seen in the centre of the back ground, between two 
 Gothic windows, also a sword and two lances, under the portrait of 
 the founder of the family. 
 
 Adrian von Bubenbeeg is sitting on an arm- chair. He seems to 
 be absorbed in reading a large volume, placed on a stand before him. 
 Julia, his daughter, sits opposite to him near a round table, and is 
 engaged at some work of embroidery. She lifts her eyes, from time 
 to time, and seems to watch her father's countenance. 
 
 Adrian von Bubenbeeg shuts the book violently and walks, for 
 a few moments, up and down the hall. 
 
 Adrian. Accursed and hell-born snake — ingrati- 
 tude : 
 That thou shouldst dare to soil, with venom vile, 
 With mortal sting attack the noblest hearts, 
 The greatest souls ! 
 
 Julia. My father has again 
 
 Been reading Caesar. 
 
 3* 29 
 
30 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUB. 
 
 Adrian. Csesar ! yes ! the pride 
 
 Of ancient Rome, the man whose name, alike 
 A spell, hath ever acted on my mind, 
 From childhood's years. My blood will boil to 
 
 burst 
 My veins, as oft I think of all he did 
 For Rome, ungrateful Rome! To hazard life, 
 Estate, to serve his country's cause, to bring 
 Beneath the sway of Rome the world — for what ? 
 To meet the foul assassin's dagger, nay ! 
 Receive the death-blow from the hand of one 
 He loved. Ah, Julia ! when this tragic tale 
 I first did read, I wept, alike a child, 
 Whose father had been slain. 
 
 Julia. Was Brutus wrong, 
 To save the Commonwealth, to sacrifice 
 His friend ? Methinks he had a noble soul ; 
 He loved his country more than 
 
 Adrian. Hush, my child! 
 
 Thou dost not know, thy words recall a scene 
 From mem'ry of the past, that haunts me still. 
 I was then but a youth at Dijon's court. 
 Philip the Good, Burgundy's noble duke, 
 With kindest hospitality, retained 
 And treated me, as if I were his son. 
 And Charles, the heir, unhappy Charles ! who's now 
 Our country's foe, was then my inmost friend. 
 He was a youth of noble, gen'rous heart, 
 
NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 31 
 
 Of aspirations lofty, eagle-like, 
 
 And as a lion bold and brave, with mind 
 
 Imperial, proud, I grant, but just. He was 
 
 IBs country's idol, chivalrous in all 
 
 He did ; a hero whom the ancients would 
 
 Have ranked am ongst the gods. I loved that Charles ; 
 
 I love him still. 
 
 Julia. Your country's foe ? 
 
 Adrian. Alas ! 
 
 He was not always that; but listen, child ! 
 We often would review the past, converse 
 On Greek and Roman heroes great. The names 
 Of Alexander, Hannibal, inspired 
 With high, enthusiastic ardor both 
 Of us. But, more than all, the name of one 
 Appeared most dear to Charles. 
 
 Julia. Whose name? 
 
 Adrian.- The name 
 
 Of Julius Csesar. Ah ! in him he seemed 
 To live, to breathe. Th' illustrious hero's works 
 He daily read. What others wrote of him, 
 In prose or verse, he quoted. Once I heard 
 My friend describe the scene of Csesar's death. 
 With count'nance pale, with eyes in tears, he gazed 
 On me. In broken voice I heard him say : 
 " And Brutus, thou !" That look, that thrilling tone 
 Hath haunted ever since my mind. 
 
32 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUB. 
 
 (Rudolph, the page, enters and presents several letters on a salver to 
 Adrian.) 
 
 Rudolph. My lord, 
 
 The messenger from Berne hath come and brought 
 The missives here. 
 
 Adrian. 'Tiswell; thou can'st withdraw ; but tell: 
 That madcap boy of mine — hath he returned ? 
 
 Rudolph. Lord Edward ? No, not yet. 
 
 Julia. In truth, I feel 
 
 Alarmed. 'Twas fifteen days ago he left 
 The castle. 
 
 Adrian. Never fear ! Ill weed will grow, 
 Not perish. 
 
 Julia. Father ! Edward is not bad, 
 Not vicious. Wild and reckless he may be, 
 But still he has a heart as tender, warm, 
 As ever beat. His fault is spirit high, 
 Exuberance of strength, the Switzer's gift. 
 He wants a field to act, a chance to win 
 A name. This peaceful life at home is not 
 The one for him. 
 
 Adrian. He wants to go abroad, 
 
 To see the world, until, afar from home, 
 He will, with longing soul, regret the step 
 Which made him leave his Fatherland. Alas ! 
 The Switzer learns to feel the magic spell, 
 His country throws around his heart, but when 
 Abroad ! 
 
NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 33 
 
 {Opening one of the letters.) 
 
 But what is this ? "What hast thou done ? 
 Mischievous girl? Indeed, surprise and sport 
 And honor too, is here for thee. A German prince 
 Of old descent, immensely rich, requests, 
 In terms most formal, courteous, me to give 
 His son — thy hand. 
 
 Julia. (In a tone of vexation.) I know of whom 
 you speak, 
 I met that son of him who writes, in Berne. 
 I sometimes danced with him at balls. He is 
 A youth effeminate, and oily-tongued, 
 And dressed in costly silks and velvets ; wears 
 Around his neck such chains of gold, enough 
 To make him sweat beneath their weight, with hair 
 In curls perfumed, affected in his speech. 
 I noticed not the flattering things he said 
 To me, and thus I did not deem it worth 
 To say a word to you. 
 
 Adrian. Why, girl, dost thou, 
 
 In terms of such contempt, allude to one 
 That pays to thee the highest compliment 
 A man can pay to woman ? Answer me ; 
 Dost thou refuse the honor offered here ? 
 
 Julia. I do, and more, I feel insulted, vexed, 
 That such a silly fool should dare, presume 
 To think that I might be entranced by charms 
 Like his. 
 
34 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 
 
 Adrian. His rank and wealth may 
 
 Julia. What of rank ? 
 
 'No man who thinks an honor to bestow 
 On me shall ever have my hand. 
 
 Adrian. But child ! 
 
 Hast thou considered well ? 
 
 Julia. I do not love 
 
 The man. I cannot love him, never will. 
 I do despise him now. 
 
 Adrian. "What nonsense, girl ! 
 
 Who thinks of love, in days like these, when rank 
 And wealth are first to be considered ? Love ! 
 Is there such thing as love ? I thought that thou 
 Didst not believe in fancy whims as love. 
 
 Julia. My father wrongs himself in speech so 
 strange. 
 Would he have dared, in words like these, to woo 
 My sainted mother? Love; ah, sacred flame ! 
 Creation's essence, yea ! thou dost exist. 
 The loveliest, sweetest fragrance from the heart 
 Proceeds from thee. Thou art the highest boon 
 On earth bestowed on man, the tie that links 
 To immortality his soul. 
 
 Adrian. What bard 
 
 Or minstrel hath been here to sing such strains 
 To thee ? Perhaps at last thy heart is touched. 
 That handsome Duke Rene, whose cause, in Berne? 
 
NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 35 
 
 The women all will plead, hath cast an eye 
 On thee. 
 
 Julia. No mortal's image yet is here 
 Enshrined within my heart. I do not like 
 To hear you speak with levity of love — 
 And marriage. God hath sanctioned both. His 
 
 Church, 
 In Holy Sacrament, unites in bonds 
 Most beautiful, indissoluble, man 
 And woman, noblest creatures still of Him 
 Who first the world created ; strength and grace 
 United here by sacred rites, enhance 
 The realms of happiness on earth, prepare 
 The soul for higher bliss in Heav'n above. 
 
 Adrian. {Aside; musingly.) Her sainted mother! 
 How like her she looks 
 Her own, her very words she but repeats. 
 (To Julia.) Forgive, my child, for having thus dis- 
 turbed 
 Thy soul serene with mere ambitions whims 
 To see, my child — a princess ! 
 
 Julia. Princess, I ! 
 
 My father can forget, whose blood doth flow 
 Within my veins, forget who is himself ? 
 The prince is but the vassal of ajdng ; 
 On their estates, the lords of Berne themselves 
 Are kings ! 
 
 Adrian. Oh, glorious girl ! Come here into 
 
36 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE". 
 
 My arms ! Thou art, indeed, of Bubenbergs' 
 The worthy issue. 
 
 Julia. Father, now I know 
 
 You are yourself again. Your heart is right, 
 Would disapprove of sacrilegious bonds. 
 The woman who, for sordid motives, will 
 Degrade herself, pronounce a lie before 
 The altar, brings the curse of God upon 
 Her house. I feel no wish for change of life, 
 ~No wish to leave my native land. I love 
 My country, — love it ! Like the morning star 
 Of liberty, it shines to nations all. 
 With you, in this our home, I'm happy still. 
 The time may come y when I shall meet the soul 
 To which my own is tuned in harmony. 
 Do promise me to let the choice be mine, 
 To let me link my fate to one I love ! 
 
 Adrian. I do, my child ! 
 
 Rudolph. {Enters.) My lord, a peasant youth 
 Is here from Unterwalden, asking leave 
 To see your lordship. 
 
 Adrian. Well ! his name ? 
 
 Rudolph. Im Grund. 
 
 Adrian. Im Grund ! I know that name. Admit 
 the youth ! • 
 
NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 37 
 
 (Aloys, dressed in peasant's costume, enters and bows with stateliness 
 to Julia, and then to her father.) ^ 
 
 Aloys. Your lordship's most obedient. 
 
 Julia. (Aside with surprise.) What ? Is this 
 A peasant ? Look what noble mien ! what hands 
 And feet so small ! what lordly eagle eye ! 
 
 Adrian. Be welcome, friend! Are you, perhaps, 
 akin 
 To one I often saw in Berne, on days 
 "When delegates, from all the Cantons, met 
 In council hall — Arnold Im Grund? 
 
 Aloys. I am, 
 
 My lord, his son adopted. 
 
 Adrian. Here, your hand, 
 
 My friend ! A worthier man than he breathes not 
 In Unterwalden. Page, a cup of wine — 
 A chair! 
 
 (Rudolph draws an arm-chair to the centre of the hall, then leaves 
 for a moment, and reappears with a salver, on which he bears a 
 large silver cup, which he presents to Aloys.) 
 
 Aloys. Your health, my lady! your's, my lord! 
 
 (Drinks.) 
 Julia. (Aside.) What ease, 
 
 What grace, what dignity in all he does ! 
 Aloys. (Drawing a letter from his pocket.) 
 
 My lord, I bring a message here for you ; 
 
38 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 
 
 A letter written by your Lordship's son, 
 Who ill is lying in nay father's house. 
 
 Adrian. My son ! {Seizing the letter and opening it 
 hurriedly.) 
 
 Julia. My brother ill ? 
 
 Adrian. (Reading.) " These lines will be 
 Presented by the saviour of my life." 
 
 Julia. My brother's saviour, you ? Oh speak ! 
 What ill 
 Befell him ? 
 
 Adrian. (Reading.) " Hunting in the mountains 
 wild, 
 I lost my way, when I had crossed the pass 
 Of Briinig, in a forest dense. Without 
 A morsel there to eat, the second day, 
 Exhausted I had sunk and swooned away, 
 And given up myself as lost." 
 
 Julia. Poor boy ! 
 
 Adrian. " The Blessed Virgin must have heard my 
 words — 
 My last, in praying, uttered. Angels like 
 This youth you see, his lovely sister, with 
 A reverend father, found me, took me up, 
 And led me to their home. For sev'ral days 
 I lay in fever most severe ; but now 
 I'm out of danger ; weak, 'tis true, but care 
 Most tender here is taken of your son." 
 
NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 39 
 
 Julia. (Seizing with emotion the hand of Aloys.) 
 You saved my brother's life ! ISTo words can tell — 
 Express my gratitude to you. 
 
 Adrian. Nor mine. 
 
 My friend, we are your debtors all. My son 
 Is now your father's guest; you must be mine, 
 At least until my boy returns. 
 
 Aloys. You are 
 
 Too kind, my lord. My message done, I must 
 Return. We are in May. My father's herd 
 Shall leave, next week, the valley for the Alps. 
 I must be there. 
 
 Julia. (Aside.) A herdsman merely — he ? 
 
 Rudolph. (Enters.) My Lord von Hallwyl. 
 
 Adrian. John, my dearest friend, 
 
 What lucky star brings thee ? 
 
 Von Hallwyl. No lucky star 
 
 This time. 
 
 {Perceiving Aloys, he goes towards him and grasps warmly his hand.) ! 
 
 You here ? What gladdening surprise ! ! 
 Adrian. You know my friend ? 
 Von Hallwyl What, know him t 
 
 'tis the brave, 
 The noble herdsman, who, midst heroes all, 
 On Granson's battle-field, the bravest, dared — 
 When victory was won, and Scharnachthal, 
 My Lord Provost of Berne, the eldest knight, 
 
40 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 
 
 On Waldmann and myself bestowed the boon 
 Of knighthood, dared — when he was called to kneel, 
 And to receive the lordly title too, 
 Dared to decline the honor. 
 
 Julia. Noble men 
 
 Of nature titles never need. 
 
 Aloys. My Lords : 
 
 Forgive ! I am an humble herdsman poor, 
 An orphan child, adopted by Im Grund, 
 A worthy peasant, who from Brother Claua 
 A hermit 
 
 Adrian. Brother Claus, I know him well; 
 He is the wisest man in Switzerland, . 
 The holiest too. 
 
 Aloys. — Received me when a babe. 
 My parents are unknown to me. My name 
 In secret keeps the Brother Claus alone. 
 I know it not, and thus I thought I had 
 No right to take the honor offer'd me. 
 
 Adrian. No matter who you are, you saved my son. 
 He is the last of Bubenbergs. 
 
 Von Hallwyl. {To Adrian.) My friend, 
 I am in haste. I wish to have a word , 
 On state affairs, with you alone. 
 
 Adrian. {To Aloys.) At all 
 
 Events you shall not leave to-day. Remain 
 With Julia here, my daughter, till the bell 
 Will call to dinner ! 
 
NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 41 
 
 (Exeunt Adrian and von Hallwyl.) 
 
 Julia. (After a few moments of silence.) Thus the 
 herdsman's life 
 Is all to you ? No higher aim you have ? 
 
 Aloys. It is a peaceful, happy, modest life. 
 That giveth time to deep and solemn thought, 
 To meditations on the mysteries 
 The world presents. The greatest men of old 
 Were herdsmen. Kings were not. ashamed to guard 
 Their flocks in Greece and Rome. To herdsmen first 
 The King of kings vouchsafed to show himself 
 At Bethlehem. 
 
 Julia. (Aside.) What strange bewitching spell 
 In all his words ! 
 
 (Enter again Adkian and von Hallwyl.) 
 
 Adrian. ( Whispering.) It cannot be, my Mend ! 
 
 Aloys has risen from his seat, and is looking at the volume on the 
 stand before the arm chair. 
 
 Von Hallwyl. Your Fatherland in peril will you 
 leave — 
 Forsake ? 
 
 Adrian. My Fatherland hath spurned my own 
 Advice in proper time. This war then might 
 Have been avoided. 
 
 Von Hallwyl. Bubenberg, you know, 
 In council on this point, we did agree. 
 Like you, I was opposed to French intrigue 
 
 4* 
 
42 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 
 
 And bribery. I am no friend of him, 
 That sneaking Louis, king of France. 
 
 Adrian. It is 
 
 Enough to move the stones, to see the bold 
 And manly, honest, gen'rous, candid heart 
 Entangled by the snares of such a cur, 
 A hypocrite 
 
 Julia. My father ! 
 
 Adrian. Child, I know 
 
 I will forget myself, when kings descend 
 To play the fox. And Brutus, thou ! 
 
 Von Hallwyl. {Pointing to the portraits on the wall.) 
 
 Behold ! 
 Your fathers look upon you here. They all 
 Have stood to Berne in danger's hour. Your friend, 
 The Duke, hath not alone offended Berne ; 
 He tramples on the rights of man, on all 
 That's sacred to humanity. 
 
 Aloys. {Reading aloud.) " All men, 
 By nature, freedom love and hate to be 
 In servitude." Ah, Csesar ! hads't thou thought 
 Of this at Rome, no Brutus might have been. 
 
 Adrian. { With astonishment.) 
 A herdsman reading, quoting Csesar ! "Who 
 Hath mentioned names like these to you ? 
 
 Aloys. My lord, be not surprised ! I learned the 
 tongue 
 
NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 43 
 
 Of ancient Rome, in winter evenings long, 
 From worthy Father Henry, Priest of Stanz. 
 Von Hallwyl. The country is in danger, friends, 
 again. 
 The Duke of Burgundy, with stronger force, 
 Than once before, prepares to come. They say 
 He does advance with eighty thousand men, 
 Besiege the town of Morat. Cavalry, 
 The best of England, headed by the Duke 
 Of Somerset, he hath engaged. With guns 
 Of siege five hundred 
 
 Julia. God save my country ! 
 
 Adrian. And Brutus, thou ! 
 
 Von Hallwyl. The Duke in rage hath sworn, 
 He will exterminate the commonwealth 
 Of Berne, and force again beneath his sway 
 The world. As Caesar he will rule. Shall Berne 
 Submit ? 
 
 Adrian. {Laboring under violent struggle with himself, 
 takes the sword from the wall, unsheathes it, and 
 comes to the centre of the scene.) 
 
 ~Ro ! Caesar's arm shall never rule 
 In Berne ! A commonwealth of nobles proud, 
 And burghers, artisans, united all 
 By one great feeling — love of native soil — 
 She shall remain, as long as this my arm 
 Can sway the sword 
 
44 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 
 
 Von Hallwyl. Oh, noble Bubenberg ! 
 
 Adrian. To future ages shall the name of Berne, 
 A model State, by wisdom, justice ruled, 1 
 The home of freedom be bequeathed to all 
 Our children. Each of them shall ever, proud 
 "With head uplifted, royal, dare to say : 
 I too, was born in Berne! The Lords of Berne 
 "Will have no master but the King of kings. 
 
 (Adrian and von Hallwyl join their hands. Aloys comes quietly 
 between them, and places his hand on theirs.) 
 
 Aloys. And Unterwalden stands to Berne ! myself 
 I'll lead the van. Nor Lords nor peasants now, 
 In danger one, as brothers, Switzers all 
 Unite against the foe to stand — or fall ! 
 
 SCENE II. 
 
 Before Arnold Im Grund's house in Unterwalden. Mary is at 
 her knitting work ; Edward von Bubenberg sitting on a rustic 
 arm chair ; Lily at his side. 
 
 Lily. My Lord, I like to hear you talk of all 
 Your city's wonders. 
 
 Mary. Berne, indeed, must be 
 
 A splendid place. 
 
 Edward. 'Midst Uechtland's cities, Berne 
 
 Is like a solid wall, a bulwark strong 
 For lands, where freedom's day was dawning first. 
 
NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 45 
 
 Lily. Are not the people there most proud ? 
 
 Edward. They are. 
 
 Lily. The Blessed Virgin was not proud. 
 
 Edward. My child : 
 
 The Lord of Berne uplifts his head 'midst men — 
 His equals — bows, like you, in humble faith 
 Before his God. 
 
 Mary. And justice, equity, 
 
 Have ever dwelt in Berne. Of Switzerland 
 The oldest noble families are there. 
 
 Edward. There is a house in which the Habsburghs 
 served 
 As pages once. If ever you should come 
 To Berne, how happy I shall be to show 
 Her beauties all to you ! 
 
 Mary. To me, my Lord, 
 
 A peasant girl ? 
 
 Edward. My guardian angel, who 
 Has saved my life. 
 
 Mary. My Lord, you overrate 
 
 The little I have done. The one to whom 
 You prayed, the Blessed Virgin, sent you help. 
 
 Edward. Sent you. 
 
 Arnold. ( With hat and riding whip in his hands, ap- 
 pears.) 
 
 Oh, Lily, darling, wilt thou come 
 With me to visit Brother Claus ? I'll seat 
 Thee on my horse before me. 
 
46 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 
 
 Lily. [Clapping her hands with joy.) Brother Claus, 
 The holy man ! How happy I shall be ! 
 
 {Exeunt Arnold and Lilt.) 
 
 Edward. What pleasant, cheerful life yon lead in 
 this 
 So peaceful valley ! How I feel regret 
 To leave it, leave my kindest friends, and — you ! 
 
 Mary. My Lord will soon forget us in the crowd 
 Of Berne's bewitching beauties. 
 
 Edward. You, I should 
 
 Forget ? No nevermore t if I should live 
 A thousand years. 
 
 Mary. The heart of man will oft 
 
 Deceive its owner. 
 
 Edward. Never me ! Before 
 
 I leave, I feel compelled to say a word 
 To you. 
 
 Mary. My Lord ! 
 
 Edward. I love you, Mary, love 
 "With all my heart 
 
 Mary. {Bursting into tears.) My Lord, this is too 
 much! 
 Remember who you are, and who am I ! 
 
 Edward. Have I offended you? Forgive ! With 
 heart 
 Sincere, most earnest, do I love. You are 
 A Switzer's daughter, I — a Switzer's son. 
 
NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 47 
 
 Mary. A nobleman, a Lord of Berne ! 
 
 Edward. And you 
 
 A noble woman, lov'liest of your sex ! 
 What change you have effected in my mind ! 
 Your presence acts alike a soothing breeze 
 On me. My reckless, stormy nature yields 
 At once to influence so sweet, so pure, 
 So holy. 
 
 Mary. Fancy's work all this may be, 
 My Lord. I am an humble peasant girl, 
 Not used to speech so flatt'ring. 
 
 Edward. Mary, how, 
 
 On themes like these, can you believe I use 
 But words of sacred truth ? When shades of death 
 Were threat'ning me, I made a vow to go 
 To see the Holy Grave 
 
 (Bells begin to ring in the distance. The sounds of horns ate heard 
 from different directions.) 
 
 Mary. Oh, Heavens ! hark ! 
 
 What's this ? Alarum bells, the horns of war ! 
 
 (Enter again Aenold and Lily.) 
 
 My father, what, you here so soon ? 
 
 Arnold. We met 
 
 The Brother Claus not far from here. He comes 
 Himself to us, and brings some serious news. 
 
48 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 
 
 {Alarum bells in the neighborhood. Enter Aloys and several young 
 peasants and herdsmen.) 
 
 Lily. {Rushing into the arms of Aloys.) 
 Oh, brother mine, what now ? You look so strange. 
 
 Aloys. To arms, whoever bears the Switzer's name ! 
 The horn of war is blown throughout the land. 
 
 Arnold. What now, when spring hath just begun, 
 and herds 
 Should go to Alps? 
 
 Aloys. No herds may soon be left 
 
 To guard in Unterwaldeh here, if Berne, 
 Her bulwark, falls. 
 
 Edward. Is Berne besieged ? 
 
 Aloys. Not yet, 
 
 But Moral 
 
 Edward. What, so near? A town but five 
 Short leagues from Berne. 
 
 Aloys. Your noble father there 
 
 Hath gone to keep, defend the place. 
 
 Edward. Against 
 
 His friend, the Duke ? 
 
 Aloys. No friendship could retain 
 
 My Lord von Bubenberg from serving now 
 His country, when in danger. 
 
 Edward. Oh, and I 
 
 Am here ! 
 
 Aloys. To arms, ye men ! I've pledged to Bern- 
 The youth of Unterwalden. 
 
NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 49 
 
 Arnold. Youth is haste. 
 
 The season now is not the same as when 
 In March, the snow was on the Alps. 
 
 (Enters Nicholas of the Flue ; all the men uncover their heads.) 
 
 Nicholas. My friends : 
 
 The council of the Canton hath resolved 
 To send to Berne the banner of the land. 
 
 All the young men. To arms ! Hurrah ! hurrah ! 
 hurrah ! 
 
 (Exeunt all but Nicholas, Arnold, Mart, and Lilt. The ringing 
 of the bells continues. The echos of voices in different direc- 
 tion are Jieard singing: 
 
 To arms ! 
 To arms ! to arms ! hurrah ! 
 
 ( Variations on the Alpine horn on the call to arms.) 
 
 Mary. Come; Lily ! thou 
 
 And I, we can but pray to God that He 
 In mercy may protect our land. 
 
 (Exeunt.) 
 
 Arnold. I fear, 
 
 This love of war which here our youth betray, 
 "Will soon become a curse to Switzerland. 
 No more content to humble toil to give 
 Their strength, they rush to arms, to battle-fields, 
 And find their joy in shedding blood, remind 
 Us of the beasts, that once have tasted gore, 
 
50 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 
 
 "Will quench their thirst in naught besides. I feel 
 Alarmed for future days. This king of France, 
 That first hath offer'd gold for Switzers' arms, 
 Will soon corrupt our youth, and make them spurn 
 The toil for daily bread. 
 
 Nicholas. My friend is right. 
 
 I fear myself this will become a curse, 
 Disgrace to all the Swiss, and bring the wrath 
 Of God upon the nation. Man was doomed 
 To labor, till the soil, and not to slay 
 His brother. War and bloodshed take their source 
 From sin. 
 
 Arnold. Methinks I heard my Brother say 
 That God is peace. 
 
 Nicholas. And peace He is and love, 
 
 To him that leads a sinless life, but God 
 Is justice, too ! A stern avenger on 
 The haughty one who will defy His law, 
 And trample on the rights of man. 
 
 Arnold. In davs 
 
 Of yore the Switzers went to war to stand 
 Against oppressors vile, defend their rights 
 Alone. What now, when rulers will allow 
 To sell the blood of man, accept from kings 
 And princes — bribes as hath heen done ? 
 
 Nicholas. For sins, 
 
 Like these, their offspring once will have to pay, 
 To suffer. When the love of sordid gain, 
 
NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 51 
 
 The thirst of gold shall once possess the Swiss 
 To lend their arms to foreign kings, to crush — 
 Oppress their people, soon or late, the curse 
 Of God will fall upon the Switzers. "War 
 Will come — invade the land, and those on whom 
 The mercenaries helped to place the yoke, 
 Themselves will take revenge, from power hurl 
 The ones who bear the names of those that first 
 This traffic sanctioned. Dark will be the cloud 
 On Switzerland, but sins of nations must 
 Be drowned in blood ! 
 
 Arnold. [Aside.) What strange, prophetic words ! 
 How sad and yet sublime he looks ! (Aloud.) Is 
 
 now 
 This awful doom to come on us ? This war 
 With Charles 
 
 {Enter Maky and Lily, unobserved by the speakers.) 
 
 Nicholas. Is not the one of which I speak. 
 
 In war like this, the Swiss are for the right, 
 And God will help them still. 
 
 Arnold. Then all must take 
 
 The sword in Unterwalden. 
 
 Mary. (Throioing her arms around her father's neck.} 
 
 Father, no ! 
 You are too old, too weak. You cannot go. 
 Your wound is not yet healed. 
 
 Arnold. My child, I bled 
 
52 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 
 
 On Granson's field, two months ago; I'm strong 
 Again. My country calls. 
 
 Mary. But if you sink 
 
 In death, who then shall be my father ? 
 
 Arnold. [Pointing upward.) God 
 
 In Heaven. 
 
 Lily. ( With hands crossed.) God in Heaven, hear 
 thy child ! 
 Preserve, protect my father I 
 
 (The blasts of a powerful horn are heard.) 
 
 Arnold. Hark! "What sounds 
 
 Most awful from the East ? 
 
 Cheers behind the scene. Enter again Aloys, Edward, with several 
 young peasants and herdsmen, all armed and equipped. Maey 
 retires to one side of the stage.) 
 
 Aloys. Hurrah ! The men 
 
 Of Uri ! 
 
 (Hanks Im Hof, bearing the banner of Uri, appears on the summit of 
 the hill. He is followed by the warriors of that Canton. 
 . Everg man bears on his left arm a red band, with a white 
 Cross in the centre. They all descend the path in single file, 
 and come on the scene. Whilst they are loudly welcomed by 
 the men of Uhterwalden, Edwaed approaches Maey.) 
 
 Edward. Mary, when, alive from war, 
 I shall return, and when the Holy Land 
 I shall have seen, I'll come again to speak 
 
NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 53 
 
 Of love to you, till then remember me ! 
 Farewell ! 
 
 Mary. My Lord, farewell ! 
 
 Arnold. Be welcome, Harms, 
 
 My old and faithful friend ! I feel ashamed 
 To see you on the march, whilst I, as yet 
 Am not prepared. 
 
 Harms Im Hof. The land of Tell is first 
 To come, when freedom is in danger. 
 
 Aloys. .We, 
 
 The youth of Unterwald are ready too. 
 
 Edward. And I, a Bubenberg, will join your band, 
 For one for all, and all for one, we are 
 In Switzerland. 
 
 (The tinkling of a little bell is heard. Two boys dressed in white 
 gowns, followed by the priest He net Im Gbuitd in surplice, 
 and bearing the holy sacrament appear in the background. 
 The whole crowd prostrate themselves in silence.) 
 
 Henry. From scenes of death I come. 
 
 To scenes of death you go. The Church of Christ 
 Bestows on all her children — care in life 
 Or death, and gives her blessing ever, when 
 For righteous cause they work, or live, or fight, 
 Or die. 2 
 
 (He makes the sign of the Cross three times over the kneeling crowd'. 
 
 Nicholas of the Flue alone arises, and stands with hands 
 
 and eyes uplifted to heaven.) 
 5* 
 
54 NICHOLAS OF- THE FLUE. 
 
 Nicholas. Almighty, everlasting God ! 
 Be thou with them ! Let Thine archangel walk, 
 "With flaming sword, before the host that dares 
 Forever to uphold, defend the truth : 
 That Man is free ! and tyrants shall not live, 
 Or thrive, within the bounds of Switzerland. 
 
 {The curtain falls.) 
 
 shd of act n. 
 
ACT III. 
 
 SCENE I. 
 
 The hall of the Senate in Berne. In the background arm-chairs 
 in a semi-circle, gradually rising from each side towards the centre, 
 where, under a baldachin, is the seat of the Lord Provost, surmounted 
 by the armorial escutcheon of Berne. A desk covered with green 
 velvet, edged with golden fringes, before it. A bar separates the 
 space, occupied by the seats of the Senate, from the foreground. 
 Within the semi-circle, three writing desks. 
 
 At the rising of the curtain the thunder of cannon is heard from 
 the distance, amidst the tolling of bells. This continues at intervals 
 during the whole scene. In the foreground of the hall, seats are 
 placed on each side. 
 
 Enter Hams Waldmann, John von Hallwyl, Louis, Count of 
 Gruy^res, all in armor. 
 
 Waldmann. The Senate tarries long to meet. 
 'Tis time 
 To know what shall be done. If not relieved, 
 I fear for Morat. 
 
 Von Hallwyl. Never I, as long 
 As Bubenberg is there alive. I know 
 
 55 
 
56 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 
 
 The man. Two thousand there with him have kept 
 The town 'gainst sixty thousand, now for ten 
 Or eleven days. 
 
 Von Gruyhes. The walls are undermined, 
 They say, the towers shot to atoms all. 
 
 Von Hallwyl. In Bubenberg, there still remains a 
 wall, 
 A massive wall — himself. 
 
 ( Cheers behind the scene. The Uri horn is heard. Enters Hanns Im 
 
 Hop.) 
 
 Waldmann. Be welcome, friend! 
 
 My Lords, personified, in one most brave, 
 The land of Tell is here. 
 
 Im Hof. Confederates 
 
 In need will find the men of Uri true 
 To death. 
 
 Waldmann. And Zurich not yet here ! I begged, 
 Besought my countrymen to hasten. Cheers 
 Again ! Perhaps at last! 
 
 {Enter Arnold Im Geund, Paul Ennentacher, and Caspar von 
 Hertenstein.) 
 
 Ah, no ! not they ! 
 'Tis Unterwalden and Lucerne must take 
 The rank before my native town, 
 
 Von Hertenstein. My friend 
 
 Most worthy, rains and muddy roads have much 
 Detained us all. A longer march than we 
 
NICHOLAS OF THE FLUB. 57 
 
 Your countrymen will have. Bat hush ! I hear 
 The signal bell. The Senate comes. 
 
 (Enter first two sergeants-at-arms in long cloaks, half red, Jthlf black. 
 One bears a sceptre of solid silver, the other a civic crown, 
 which both are placed on the desk of the Lord Prwo&t. The 
 sergeants-at-arms take position at each extremity of the semi- 
 circle. Then enter Nicholas von Scharnachthal, Lord 
 Provost; William von Diessbach, and Petermann von Wa- 
 BERN, ex-Lords Provost; Kudolph von Erlach, and the re- 
 maining Senators, all dressed in black, with sivords at their 
 aides. They take their seats, the Lord Provost that in the 
 centre, under the baldachin. The chancellor and two secre- 
 taries occupy places within the semi-circle. 
 
 Waldmann. (Aside to Von Hallwyl.) How grave, 
 How dignified your rulers look ! Like kings 
 They sit on thrones, with calm and undisturbed 
 Expression, whilst the thund'ring cannon roars. 
 How I should like to see this royal mien 
 In Zurich's councils too ! 
 
 Von Halhoyl. My Lord Provost 
 Arises. Silence now must reign around. 
 
 Von Scharnachthal. (Lifting the sceptre with his 
 right hand, at which sign all the Senators rise and 
 uncover.) 
 
 In God Almighty's name ! 
 
 All the Senators. Amen ! 
 
 Von Scharnachthal. Provost 
 
 And Senate of the Commonwealth of Berne, 
 In council here assembled, have resolved : 
 
58 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 
 
 Whereas His Highness most serene, the Duke 
 
 Of Burgundy, hath come again, with force 
 
 Invade^. Berne's hereditary lands, 
 
 And now is laying siege around the town 
 
 Of Morat ; since the forces we ourselves 
 
 Have called to arms are in the field, and all 
 
 Confederates and allies shall be here 
 
 To-day, we have resolved now to appoint 
 
 Of chief commanders three most valiant knights 
 
 Whom, summoned here, my Lords, you see before 
 
 You. Well beloved and known by all at home 
 
 And feared abroad they are. And since in war 
 
 Like this, where Berne is most exposed, 'tis meet 
 
 That Berne should be the first to march, and thus 
 
 My Lord von Hallwyl here is called to lead 
 
 The van; my Lord Hanns Waldmann, Zurich's pride, 
 
 The main ; my Lord von Hertenstein the rear. 
 
 (Noise and cheers behind the scene. Drums cmd trumpets are heard. 
 Enter Hanks Landenbeeg, Uleic von Hohensax, Pete-.. RotT 
 William Heetee, Fostee of Bienne, Count Louis of Oetting^n, 
 Count Oswald of Thiestein. 
 
 Waldmann. {Shaking hands cordially with Landenberg.) 
 My Lords, most thankful for the honor high 
 Conferred on me, I can your Lordships now 
 Inform, that Zurich's force hath come in full. 
 
 Landenberg. Three thousand men, and Sargans, 
 Thurgovy, 
 With us. 
 
NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 59 
 
 Von Hohensax. From Argovy, my Lords, I bring 
 Two thousand. 
 
 Peter Hot, Basil, two thousand too, and horse 
 One hundred. 
 
 Foster. Bienne is here. 
 
 Von Hallwyl. As ever, Bienne 
 
 And Berne are one. 
 
 William Herter. And Strasburgh sends of horse 
 Three hundred, cannons twelve, and marksmen still 
 Four hundred. 
 
 Von Halhoyl. Berne, my Lord, hath in the field 
 Eisrht thousand, all most anxious for the word 
 To march. 
 
 Von Scharnachthal. The order will be issued now. 
 To-night the march begins. 
 
 (Cheers outside. Music, drums. Enters Rese, Duke of Lorraine. 
 All the Senators rise. Those on the foreground give way to 
 the Duke, who comes to the centre, before the railing. The 
 Senators resume their seats.) 
 
 Rene. Magnificent, 
 
 Most gracious Lords of Berne r 1 magnanimous 
 In all your deeds, in virtues great, and just, 
 Defenders of oppressed : an exile here 
 I come, of country, home, estate deprived 
 By Charles, your foe and mine. In vain I have 
 Besought for help His Majesty, the King 
 Of France. I come to you and humbly ask, 
 Your Lordships may most graciously allow 
 
60 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 
 
 Thai I, with few who have remained to me 
 Yet faithful from Lorraine, may join your host. 
 Von Scharnachthal. Your Highness most serene, 
 if we Provost 
 Express the thanks of Berne for honor, such 
 As offered here, we hope, my Lords, we shall 
 But shape, in words, the Senate's sentiment 
 Unanimous. 
 
 ( All the Senators bow in acquiescence.) 
 
 "With sorrow deep, we all 
 Have heard, how arbitrary hands have seized 
 The realms of fair Lorraine, without a just 
 Apparent cause. 
 
 Von Erlach. Your Lordships' leave ! I move, 
 His Highness to appoint to a command. 
 
 Von Scharnachthal. The chief commanders have 
 been named. It is 
 Their privilege, their own, chiefs to appoint 
 To their divisions. 
 
 Von Hallwyl. Right in time, my Lords, 
 This offer comes. His Highness in the van 
 May take the third division. First of all 
 The men of Forest Cantons, Entlibuch 
 And Oberland, commands the chief of Schwytz, 
 Of Schwytz renowned, the heart of Switzerland. 
 And since His Highness, Archduke Sigismond 
 Of Austria, now in peace and friendship bound 
 
NICHOLAS OF THE FLUB. (J| 
 
 To us, forgetful of all feuds of yore, 
 Between the house of Habsburgh and ourselves, 
 Hath sent the valiant Count of Thierstein here, 
 With force most unexpected, cavalry 
 Adapted well to act on ground, like that 
 !Near Morat, he the horsemen may command. . 
 I hope my Lords approve of this design. 
 
 Von Scharnaddhal. ]STo better man hath Berne to 
 send than him, 
 The hero who, with Hunyad, Corvin, 
 Podiebrad abroad, on Granson's field 
 At home, hath won undying fame. My Lord 
 Yon Hallwyl, we, the Senate trust in you. 
 But furthermore we are instructed, now 
 To read to all the chiefs assembled here, 
 "What from Lucerne, the Diet of the land 
 Hath sent to be addressed to all the troops. 
 The delegates of the eternal league 
 Of Uri, Schwytz, and Unterwald, Lucerne, 
 And Zurich, Glaris, Zug, and Berne,have passed 
 The ordinance, to wit : " From hence no more 
 " Shall volunteers irregular be left 
 " To go to war without command. The chiefs 
 " Must be obeyed by all, and every one 
 " Goes in the field in armor which, nor day 
 " E'er night he is to leave, as long as lasts 
 " The war. All private feuds and riots wild, 
 " By penalty of death, we here forbid; 
 
 6 
 
62 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 
 
 " And gambling, swearing, cursing, idle noise 
 
 " Shall not be suffered in the field. No man 
 
 " Shall leave the ranks without permission. Each 
 
 " In order goes against the foe, a word 
 
 " To God, and then, with open eye and arm 
 
 " Unwearied, slays as many as he can. 
 
 " JSo captives are desired. Whoever turns 
 
 " To fly is slain by those behind him. Those 
 
 " Attempting to desert, for perjury 
 
 " "With death will be rewarded. Helpless age 
 
 " Or sex let none molest ! Let none forget 
 
 " In church or priest to honor God, the Judge 
 
 " Of war ! No mill shall be destroyed. The van 
 
 " Shall burn no place. Provision there the rear 
 
 " May find. In order to prevent dispute 
 
 " And quarrels all, no booty shall be touched 
 
 " Before the victory is won, and then 
 
 " Authorities, with fairness, will divide 
 
 " The spoil." 2 Such is the law, on oath to be 
 
 Observed by all. 
 
 A Sergeant-at-arms. Your leave, my Lord Provost: 
 A messenger from Morat hath arrived 
 With news important, 
 
 Von Scharnachthal. Let him come before 
 The Senate ! 
 
 (Enters Aloys, covered with dust.) 
 
 What, the herdsman knight ! my Lords : 
 
NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 63 
 
 Arise ! Of Unterwalden's sons you see 
 The bravest here. 
 
 {All the Senators rise, and look vnth an admiring smile on Aloys.) 
 
 Aloys. My Lords, this message will 
 Excuse, I hope, appearance so unfit 
 As mine, before a council so august, 
 Magnificent, as that of Berne. 
 
 {He gives a letter to the sergeant-at-arms, who presents it to the Lord 
 
 Provost. ) 
 
 Arnold. (In a low voice, to Aloys.) My son, 
 Be welcome ! 
 
 Von Hallwyl. Noble boy ! As soon as we 
 Have finished here, you come with me. You are 
 This day in Berne my guest. A friend of your's 
 Is at my house; most gladly she will see 
 You there. To-night we march. 
 
 Von Scharnaehthal. Your Lordships' leave ! 
 
 This letter comes from valiant Bubenberg 
 
 Himself. (Reads.) " As long as there a vein within 
 
 Us lives, not one of us will yield. I send ' 
 
 In haste these lines to you, my Lord Provost. 
 
 The messenger, your Lordship, knows. He can 
 
 Relate, in words, what time will not allow 
 
 To write."' 
 
 {To Aloys.) 
 
 My brave Sir herdsman, knight, will please 
 Inform us all, what circumstance hath brought 
 Him here. 
 
64 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 
 
 Aloys. My Lords, excuse a herdsman's simple 
 speech ! 
 Affairs in Morat gloomily would look, 
 If Lord von Bubenberg did not infuse 
 In every man his own heroic mind ; 
 For yesterday again the town sustained 
 A storm terrific. Hell itself appeared 
 In rage to have unchained its demons all, 
 From South, from East, from West, against the meek 
 But faithful town. As if by earthquake shocked — 
 The walls and houses trembled. Shot on shot 
 Like hail around us fell. A breach was made. 
 The enemy with shouts of joy upon 
 It rushed, but met a living fence he could 
 Not climb. With loss of seven hundred men 
 He was repulsed. O'er ditches filled with brush, 
 With ladders came the foe, and crowd on crowd 
 Arrived, with yells infernal, tried to scale 
 The walls. In vain ! My Lord Commander seemed 
 To be in every place at once, with words 
 
 Of Fatherland and death for liberty 
 Inspiring every soul; and thus the third 
 Attempt to storm the town was baffled too ; 
 At least a thousand enemies fell in this 
 Assault, and Morat still is standing. Hard, 
 Indeed, the press is now upon it. Day 
 
 And night the men must work 
 
 Von Scharnachthal. Relief will go 
 
 To-night. 
 
NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 65 
 
 ( Taking the sword from the table.) 
 
 And now in God Almighty's name ! 
 "We take, unsheathe the swords and lift them up 
 And swear, that we, like one, will all, for God 
 And country fight, avenge injustice done. 
 Oh, God ! in mercy help us to defend 
 Our land, as Thou hast done so oft before ! 
 
 (All the Senators, with swords uplifted, stand in solemn silence at their 
 places. The rays of the setting sun fall upon the scene.) 
 
 SCENE II. 
 
 A garden behind the mansion of John von Hallwyl, on Younker 
 street, in Berne. Enter Julia von Bubenbeeg and Rene, Duke of 
 Lorraine. 
 
 Julia. And thus, Your Highness says, they rose to 
 greet 
 The herdsman knight ? 
 
 Rene. The herdsman king, his name 
 
 Should be. Though modest, like a king he stood 
 
 'Midst kings, his equals, spake in language terse, 
 
 Precise, as orator of nature. All 
 
 The Senate listened, spell-bound, to his tale. 
 
 How proud, my Lady, there would you have been, 
 
 To hear him speak of his commander, Lord 
 
 Von Bubenberg, your most illustrious sire ! 
 
 Julia. And not a word of what he did himself. 
 6* 
 
68 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 
 
 My "brother writes that, when the breach was made, 
 My father was the first to leap into 
 The hollow space. The largest gun of siege 
 Just glared him in the eye. The burning lunt 
 
 The master gunner lifted to the vent 
 
 The herdsman's arrow pierced his heart, and thus 
 Was saved my father. 
 
 Bene. Strange it is ! This youth 
 
 So modest, unassuming he appears 
 At first, but when by thought or feeling moved, 
 His eyes, like sparks of fire intense, assume 
 A lustre, dazzling him who dares to meet 
 His look. A mystic spell you feel. Methinks 
 The eye of Csesar must have been like his. 
 
 Julia. The freeman's eye ! It beams of love of 
 home, 
 Of Fatherland and liberty. 
 
 Bene. Alas ! 
 
 Of Fatherland I am deprived. My own, 
 My beautiful Lorraine I dare to see 
 No more ! 
 
 Julia. Your Highness still may hope. Perhaps 
 To-morrow's day will show, what doom awaits, 
 Unjust, unreined ambition, thirst of power. 
 
 Bene. Oh, noble lady, fit to wear a crown ! 
 "What gratitude I owe to you for all 
 The kind regards, the pleading of my cause 
 Before your mighty rulers ! "Words in vain 
 
NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 67 
 
 Would dare to tell, express, what feels my heart 
 For you. Alas ! I have my crown no more. 
 
 Julia. Your Highness maybe sure, I feel with deep 
 Regret your loss of country. 
 
 Bene. Pity moves 
 
 Forever woman's heart for others' woe. 
 
 Julia. Your Highness, pity why ? 
 
 Rene. I dare not hope 
 
 For more, but if I had my crown, my land, 
 To you, most noble lady, would I be 
 So bold to offer all 
 
 Julia. (Starting with surprise.) Your Highness ! 
 
 Rene. Crown — • 
 
 "With heart and hand. 
 
 Julia. Your Highness most serene : 
 Indeed, I feel surprised at words so strange, 
 And ill prepared to answer compliment 
 So flatt'ring, honorable 
 
 Rene. Could I dare 
 
 To hope ? 
 
 Julia. Your Highness' friend sincere I am, 
 Shall ever be, but love — 
 
 Rene. You do not feel 
 
 For me. I read it in your eye. I know 
 My fate, farewell ! 
 
 (Exit Julia.) 
 Farewell, to country, home ! 
 Farewell to hope, to love ! Oh, bitter pang 
 
68 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 
 
 Of all the worst to say — farewell to love ! 
 
 To plant a heavenly image in the heart. 
 
 Adorn with fancy's colors all its charms ; 
 
 To dream by day and night about the fair 
 
 And lovely form, that, like a fairy, haunts 
 
 The chambers of the soul; — to idolize 
 
 That object more beloved than self, than all 
 
 The world; to concentrate your feelings, thoughts, 
 
 Ambition's wishes, aspirations high 
 
 On her you love — and then to be compelled 
 
 To tear away that image from the heart : 
 
 "What torture! Bleeding roots in vain resist 
 
 The grasp of hands that snatch from you the plant 
 
 So fondly cultured. All the universe 
 
 Becomes a vacuum, dark, immense, without 
 
 A sun, a star, within the soul. 
 
 Farewell 
 To love ! Unfortunate Rene ! Unmanned 
 I sink beneath the blows of fate. Oh life : 
 What burden ! 
 
 (Music in the distance playing a martial air.) 
 
 Hark ! am I myself no more ? 
 Have I forgot Lorraine ? Ah, no ! To thee 
 My country, still I owe a debt. I must 
 Avenge thy wrongs, deliver thee from chains. 
 One goal at least I have attained : I dare 
 To meet in arms the tyrant of my land. 
 
NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 69 
 
 Let private grief be hushed for my Lorraine, 
 Now whole to her, and all for her — Lorraine ! 
 
 [MriL] 
 
 (Enters Julia.) 
 
 Julia. He's gone. 'Twas well I left. I could not 
 trust 
 Myself. Poor Duke, so noble, handsome, still 
 So young, unfortunate, bereft of all 
 He loves ! I felt my heart in pity yield, 
 And yet 
 
 (Enter John von Hallwyl and Aloys, in armor, but without helmets.) 
 
 Von Hallwyl. My cousin look ! At last I have 
 Prevailed on him to take the armor, sword 
 And spurs, becoming knights. The name he will 
 Not take. How do you like the change ? 
 
 Julia. I see 
 
 No change but garments mere. 
 
 Von Hallwyl. You know I have 
 
 Appointed him my aid de camp. 
 
 (Enters a page.) 
 
 Page. My Lord 
 
 Von Hertenstein is waiting in the hall 
 For orders. 
 
 Von Hallwyl. Well, I leave my friend with you, 
 My cousin. 
 
 [Exit] 
 
70 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 
 
 Julia. Thus again you have refused 
 The title you so well deserve ? 
 
 Aloys. I do 
 
 Not know my name, my origin as yet. 
 
 Julia. But you have won a name, a noble one. 
 The house of Bubenberg, with justice, calls 
 You now its tutelary knight. You saved 
 At first my brother's, then my father's life. 
 What can I do for you ? 
 
 Aloys. A lovely smile 
 
 From you, most gracious lady, is reward 
 Sufficient for the little I have done. 
 
 Julia. There is a tone of sadness in your voice 
 "Which speaks of silent grief. You left a home, 
 A beauteous one, my brother says. Is there, 
 Perhaps, a being whom your heart regrets ? 
 Who is that lovely Mary? 
 
 Aloys. Mary — why ? 
 
 My sister. 
 Julia. She your real sister? 
 
 Aloys. ISTo ! 
 
 But such she is to me. 
 
 Julia. I am your friend. 
 
 But tell me, do you love her ? 
 
 Aloys. Mary? yes, 
 
 Most dearly as a sister who, from years 
 Of childhood was my playmate. Sweet hath been 
 To me her friendship. Radiant beams her smiles 
 
NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 71 
 
 Have cast upon the morning of my life. 
 
 'She is as gentle as a dove, so mild, 
 
 So modest, pious, pure, and yet so firm 
 
 In her resolve. She hath her quiet ways, 
 
 A mind well cultured with her country's lore, 
 
 A heart most tender, ever ready to 
 
 Assist the ones in need. She is beloved 
 
 By all — the angel of the house. 
 
 Julia. [Aside.) I fear 
 
 My brother hath in him a rival. {Aloud.) Then 
 You feel most happy in your home ? 
 
 Aloys. Alas ! 
 
 That home is not my own. I feel I am 
 A stranger there 'midst strangers, kind to me, 
 'Tis true. 
 
 Julia. You never loved ? 
 
 Aloys. Alas ! I dare 
 
 Not love ! 
 
 Julia. You dare not love ? The man who dares, 
 "With lion heart, to meet the foe, who, like 
 A king before the Senate stood, the man 
 Of whom our heroes all with high respect 
 And admiration speak, yet dares not love ? 
 
 Aloys. My Lady, please forgive ! I feel so sad 
 In touching themes like this. I love — but love 
 In vain. The one I love is far, too far, 
 Above myself. 
 
 Julia. In Unterwalden ? 
 
72 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 
 
 Aloys. No ! 
 
 Julia. Then where is she ? 
 
 Aloys. I dare not tell. 
 
 Julia. Not tell 
 
 To me, your friend ? 
 
 Aloys. To yon; oh, no ! I could 
 
 Not dare to be so bold to lift my eyes 
 
 So high ! Excuse my words ! I do not know 
 What next may yet escape my lips. I must 
 Depart. My heart will break. 
 
 Julia. But stay! You have 
 
 Refused to kneel before my Lord Provost ; 
 Will you refuse to wear this scarf I wrought 
 For you ? If not — then kneel that I may place 
 It on your shoulder, with my hand. The words, 
 In gold embroidered here, shall be your own 
 Device from hence fore'er : Remember me ! 
 
 Aloys. Remember you ? Could I behold you once 
 And then forget you ever ? 
 
 Julia. Kneel, my knight! 
 
 (Aloys kneels down.) 
 
 My colors you shall wear, the white and blue, 
 The white of innocence and purity 
 The emblem, — blue, of love eternal. 
 
 Aloys. Love ! 
 
 Can this be true ? Oh, should I dare to hope, 
 Aspire Is this a dream ? 
 
NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 73 
 
 Julia. Arise, and draw 
 
 The sword ! 
 
 Aloys. [Arising, and unsheathing his sword.) 
 For God, my country, and 
 
 Julia. For whom ? 
 
 Aloys. For you! 
 
 Julia. For God, your country, and for me, 
 
 Your own forever, Julia J 
 
 SCENE III. 
 
 The street of the Cross, in Berne. Night. The houses are all 
 illuminated. Tables covered with all kinds of refreshments are set 
 at each side of the street. Women of all classes wait on the march- 
 ing troops. In the background the council hall ; a roofed piazza in 
 front of it, with stairs ascending on both sides from the street. 
 John von Hallwtl, Hanns Waldmann, Caspar von Herten- 
 stein, Bene, Duke of Lorraine, the Lord Provost, and the Senate of 
 Berne are reviewing the troops from the piazza. As the latter march 
 over the scene, those of each Canton separately, they are cheered by 
 the multitude. Every Swiss warrior has a red band with a white 
 cross on the left arm. 
 
 WAR HYMN OF THE SWISS. 
 
 UEI. 
 
 When foreign hosts invade the sacred soil 
 Of Liberty, the Uri horn is first, 
 With mighty blast, to call, from peaceful toil, 
 The sons of Tell, who all forever thirst 
 
 To die or stand 
 
 For Switzerland, 
 Their own, their own most glorious Fatherland. 
 
74 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 
 
 SCHWYTZ. 
 
 The Cross of Schwytz appears in red to show : 3 
 Our fathers bought us freedom with their blood. 
 The nation's heart with love will ever glow 
 For justice, right, and Schwytz will march, with God 
 
 To die or stand 
 
 For Switzerland, 
 Our own, our own beloved Fatherland. 
 
 UNTERWALDEN. 
 
 The key of Unterwalden shuts the gate 4 
 Of freedom's vales against the tyrant's hand. 
 The sons of "Winkelried will share the fate 
 Of Liberty's defenders' faithful band, 
 
 Will die or stand 
 
 For Switzerland, 
 Their own, their own immortal Fatherland. 
 
 LUCERNE. 
 
 To the rescue, 
 To the rescue 
 Of the country we come. 
 From the mountain, 
 From the valley, 
 From the castle, the drum 
 Is calling the herdsman, the peasant, the knight, 
 To march to the field, for the country to fight. 
 
 ZURICH. 
 
 To the rescue, 
 To the rescue 
 Of the country we come. 
 From the hamlet, 
 
NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 75 
 
 From the village, 
 From the city, the drum 
 Is rousing the burghers and artisans all 
 lor the league, the eternal, to conquer or fall. 
 
 GLARIS. 
 
 Land of Glaris, show thy banner, 
 Naefels saw victorious ! 
 Fridolin, thy sainted patron, 
 Hence forever glorious, 5 
 There appears as thy protector, 
 Blessings calling from on high 
 On thy sons, to him devoted, 
 Eeady for their homes to die. 
 
 ZUG. 
 
 Humbly comes the smallest Canton, 
 Least in size, not least in love 
 For the Fatherland, the common. 
 Like a meek, a modest dove 
 Zug appears to need protection 
 'Gainst her mighty neighbor's hand ; 
 Still, with joy, her sons will ever 
 Come to fight for Switzerland. 
 
 BERNE. 
 
 Hail to the brothers arriving, 
 Berne in distress to defend ! 
 Hail to the Cross, the beloved 
 Sign of the Swiss, on the band 
 Borne on the arm of the champion 
 When, for the league, in a war I 
 
76 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 
 
 Hail to the lords and the peasants, 
 Coming from near and afar, 
 Here to assist in maintaining 
 Eight for the home of the Free ! 
 Nobles and peasants united, 
 Switzers forever will be ! 
 
 CHORUS OP THE EIGHT CANTONS. 
 
 Yea — brothers, Switzers all, and true, as heretofore 
 We will be one, be one, be one forevermore! 
 
 ( The curtain falls.) 
 
 END OF ACT III. 
 
ACT IV. 
 
 SCENE I. 
 
 Headquarters of Charles, Duke of Burgundy, before Morat. A 
 chamber in the camp-house of the Duke. Time, June 22, 1476, one 
 o'clock, A. M. Olivier de la Marche is seen placing a richly gilt 
 volume on a small table, before a magnificent camp-bed. Enters 
 William, Prince of Orange. 
 
 William. What! so late, 
 
 And still the Duke hath not returned ? 
 
 Olivier. He left 
 
 The tent, an hour ago, to take a last 
 Survey of outposts on the South. 
 
 William. The first 
 
 To rise, the last to rest, His Highness seems 
 Of matter formed, supernal, different 
 From other mortals. Even whilst asleep 
 His mind appears to work, not to repose. 
 
 Olivier. Yet all his cheerfulness of former times 
 
 Is gone. That fatal day of Granson changed 
 
 His mood. His confidence in self, his own 
 7* „ 
 
78 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 
 
 Creative genius, there received a shock 
 
 That lamed the eagle's wings, and now in vain 
 
 He tries to soar to wonted spheres ; but here 
 
 He comes ! His face is flushed. His piercing eye, 
 
 In wrath and anger, seems to glow. 
 
 {Enter Chaeles, Duke of Burgundy ; Thomas, Duke of Somerset 
 • Anthony, Ceevecoeub, Rubempee,) 
 
 Charles. ( Throwing himself on an arm-chair.) 
 
 'Tis past 
 Endurance ! Here this petty town you can 
 Not take. If thus, in things so small, you fail, 
 What then must I expect in things of great 
 Import ? 
 
 Anthony. My liege and august brother knows, 
 That shot and men have not been spared. 
 
 Charles. It seems 
 
 Your shot is made of clay or dust, and all 
 Your men are soulless puppets. 
 
 Anthony. Morat's pierced 
 
 And shattered walls, and fallen towers speak, 
 In different terms, of all that hath been done. 
 What earthly power can sustain this town, 
 I cannot say. 
 
 (Enters Count Campobasso.) 
 
 Charles. I hope you bring at last 
 The answer I expect, from him I once 
 With favors showered, whom, in friendship bound 
 
NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 79 
 
 To me, I always thought. What message sends, 
 By flag of truce, my valiant Bubenberg? 
 Will he surrender? 
 
 Campobasso. No, my liege ! he begs 
 
 Your Highness to remember but the wor d 
 
 Charles. What word ? 
 
 Campobasso. Thermopylae ! 
 
 Charles. Leonidas — 
 
 He wants to play. By Sainted George ! he shall 
 Not have the chance. I know the stuff of which 
 That man is made. In purpose firm as rocks, 
 I do regret to have his like against me. Since 
 I learned that he, my former friend, commands 
 The town, I comprehend, the task is great, 
 Immense, to crush a mind like his. My name 
 Shall not, with that of Xerxes, go to times 
 To come. I wish for contest fair. The boors 
 Of Berne who dare to call themselves the lords, 
 I long to humble, crush, avenge the foul 
 Disgrace my fright'ned troops for once did bring 
 On mo and my, till then, unconquered arms. 
 But Bubenberg I wish to spare. We need 
 Pursue the siege no more. I am informed, 
 The forces of the Swiss are on the march. 
 In fair and open field, I wish to meet — 
 Defeat them. Tricks of cunning I despise. 
 The Lion of Bourgogne will not to ruse 
 Ignoble condescend. 
 
80 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 
 
 Anthony. My liege, forgive 
 My boldness ! "Well it would havel)een, I think, 
 To act, with sentiment so noble, fair, 
 Towards that brave and unsuspecting band 
 Surrend'ring Granson's castle, on the word 
 Of promise given by 
 
 Charles. {Furious.) "Who dares to speak 
 Of things like these, remind me of mistakes 
 I did not make? The garrison was hung, 
 As I had ordered ; none had right to grant 
 A pardon, in my name. 
 
 Anthony. 'Twas Konchant's deed, 
 
 I know. He trusted in Tour Highness' great 
 And gen'rous mind. 
 
 Campobasso. My liege most high was right 
 
 To make example of that stubborn band, 
 And show the boors, what fate awaits them all, 
 If they will dare to vex the lion proud. 
 
 Anthony. The natt'rer's honeyed tongue I will 
 not use. 
 I do regret for fair Burgundy's name, 
 The act that hath exasperated all 
 Our foes to fight with lion's wrath. 
 
 Campobasso. My Lord 
 
 Would be, perhaps, a little more correct 
 [n saying, that they fight like bears — the beasts 
 Of Berne. 
 
 Anthony. Like wounded bears, they fought, indeed, 
 
NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 81 
 
 And forced us to retreat. I think the host, 
 Arrayed against us, must not be despised. 
 The Swiss are valiant, coarse and boorish, true ! 
 But love of country is their virtue high ; 
 And let us not forget, that Habsburgh's pride 
 Was humbled deeply by their sturdy arms ! 
 
 Charles. And Habsburgh's scion now, alike a hound 
 That licks the hand which beats him, fawns in dust 
 Before his victors, nay ! he even sends 
 His troops to help the boors against the prince, 
 Defender of the rights of crowns. I grant 
 That fortune once forsook us on that day 
 At Granson, but, my valiant friends, before 
 Whom Prance is trembling, you to whom 
 The king of England owes his throne, the men 
 Before whom- fell Liege, and at the sight 
 Of whom Lorraine hath disappeared, you will 
 Avenge your prince on vile and haughty boors. 
 Shall chivalrous Bourgogne, her honor see 
 Defiled, my father's mem'ry trodden down 
 In filth, by coarse and vulgar hands ? I say 
 It shall not be ! Arise ! We will now take 
 Revenge for you and for myself. 'Tis not 
 For conquering lands I take the sword. I long 
 To fight for honor now. My friends shall have 
 The spoil. I promise, they shall dwell in Berne's 
 And Friburgh's mansions. All what the}?', the boors 
 Have heaped of plunder, robbed from us, shall be 
 
82 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 
 
 Your own. By Sainted George ! revenge we'll have 
 On perjured rascals, knaves 1 
 
 Anthony. My liege ! 
 
 Charles. I will 
 
 Not bear reply, and now I wish to be 
 Alone. 
 
 {Exeunt all except Chaeles.) 
 
 Charles. [After a pause.) 
 
 Alone — In truth I am in all 
 The world! No equal to myself — the thought 
 Is grand, imperial. Thus to look, with eye 
 Majestic, down, from Alpine height, on all 
 My species, kings and princes, boors ; to have 
 Them all arrayed against myself alone, 
 Like furious waves that splash against the rock ; 
 To keep in awe the world; to rule with will 
 Of iron strength the will of those around 
 Me, who, like pigmies yield to giants strong : 
 'Tis glorious ! Still I feel not happy, long 
 For more. I long for friendship true, for one 
 With soul as great as nature breathed into 
 My being. Where is she, the like of mine, 
 Amongst my fellow-rulers, kings ? In vain 
 I look for great and noble souls. The king 
 Of France is great alone in craft, intrigue, 
 And longing to bereave me of my lands. 
 Oh, that I once had crushed the false, the vile 
 
NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 83 
 
 And treach'rous snake, when, in my hands, before 
 Liege, I held him captive ! He hath brought 
 This broil of mine, with Switzerland, with Berne 
 About. Oh, Berne ! I hate thy name. 'Tis thou 
 Alone that dared to fling the gauntlet bold 
 Into my face with proud defiance. Berne — 
 I will yet crush thy lords. Magnificent 
 They call themselves. Magnificent shall naught 
 Be called, in this my age, besides the name 
 Of bold Bourgogne ! 
 
 {After musing in silence for a while.) 
 
 The Emperor ? He's false 
 And jealous, hates to see the court I hold, 
 Eclipse his own in splendor. Habsburgh's blood 
 Betrays the boor from whom it comes. Though oft 
 Arrayed against the Swiss, the Habsburgh comes 
 Himself from boorish Switzer's source, a count 
 Of small and poor estate, whom chance and priests 
 Exalted to imperial rank. Oh, let 
 This war but once be ended, then I will 
 With France and Habsburgh settle! They shall 
 
 feel 
 The lion's paw, and Burgundy shall yet 
 Extend from sea to sea, in East and "West; 
 Myself her Caesar I will be. Let all 
 The world in hate arise 'gainst Charles! What 
 
 needs't 
 Thou fear? Ccesarem vehis! 
 
84 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 
 
 (A tap on the door is heard. ) 
 
 Who is there, 
 That dares to disobey my orders, come 
 So late as this to vex, disturb me now ? 
 
 (Enters Asteadamus, the astrologer.) 
 
 Astradamus. Your Highness wished to see me ? 
 
 Charles. Ah ! 'tis you, 
 
 My learned doctor, true ! I sent for you. 
 What say the stars to-night ? 
 
 Astradamus. The stars are dumb ; 
 
 The sky is overcast with clouds. 
 
 Charles. And thus 
 
 The stars, like cowards lazy, hide themselves 
 When wanted most. 
 
 Astradamus. Forbear, my liege ! Do not 
 
 Accuse the stars ! They govern men, but God 's 
 Above the stars. Though things on earth may 
 
 change, 
 And dynasty to dynasty succeed, 
 Though revolutions, wars and earthquakes may 
 The surface of this planet shake, the stars 
 Remain the same. The six most brillliant eyes 
 Of Ursa major look with ever calm 
 Indifference on things, events, that here 
 On earth will stir the hearts and minds of men ; 
 And Aldebaran's near Orion's van 
 As on Creation's day. 
 
NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 85 
 
 Charles. I know your lore. 
 
 "Pis not for speech, like this, I called you here., 
 But tell me, when and where you saw my own ? 
 My guardian star, of late ? 
 
 Astradamus. "When last I saw 
 
 It — there it was on zenith's height, eclipsed 
 In brilliancy the stars of rulers all. . 
 In vain a neb'lous circle tried to dim 
 Its lustre for a time, 
 
 Charles. By Sainted George ! 
 
 It never shall ! Before another sun 
 Hath set, its brightness shall eclipse the stars 
 Of all that, in my age, have dared to cross 
 My path. 
 
 Astradamus. I hope it will be so, but still, 
 My liege, remember what I said: Astra 
 Regunt homines, sed regit astra 
 JDeus ! 
 
 Charles. You may withdraw ! 'Tis all I wished 
 To know of you. 
 
 {Exit ASTEADAMUS.) 
 
 The old adage ! "When man 
 Becomes perplexed in thoughts and problems deep, 
 He cannot solve — then will he talk of God. 
 Is there a God? Oh, question most profound ! 
 Portentous thought that often will impede 
 My greatest schemes ! If what the priests have 
 taught 
 
86 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 
 
 Me, from my youth, be true, and Christ be God, 
 Then who shall have a chance more bright than I 
 Before that God ? Is there a land in which 
 His temples are as splendid as in mine ? 
 Have I not prayed, and prayed, as much as do 
 His priests the most devout, the Office read, 
 And Mass attended every day ? Have I 
 Eot vowed to free the Holy Land, as soon 
 As all my foes, here in the West, should be 
 Subdued ? Have I not honored Church and priest, 
 And Saints, and holy relics ? Where is found 
 A land with greater justice ruled than mine ? 
 Have I oppressed my subjects? No! To all — 
 The rich, the poor, I wish to be a friend, 
 A father. Why that God should be against 
 Myself, I cannot understand. My wealth 
 I have bestowed to deck His shrines with all 
 The costliest tissues, jewels. Who will find, 
 In royal chapels, ostensorium 
 Like mine ? 
 
 {After a pause) 
 
 And yet, in spite of all this, doubt, 
 Most cruel doubt, will oft besiege my mind. 
 I see so much of falsehood, mixed with all 
 That wears religious colors. Pride, intrigue, 
 And lust, hypocrisy, and love of gain, 
 Are hidden under cloaks most sacred. Why — 
 
NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 87 
 
 If there be such, a God, who hateth sin, 
 Doth He allow His own defenders, priests, 
 Belie His law and precepts by their lives fB 
 I've ponder'd, ponder'd over this so oft, 
 And other problems, still more difficult, 
 And all the pang of thinking leaves me here, 
 In mist of darkness. 
 
 Man — for what design 
 Mysterious hath he been created ? "Who 
 Can tell ? Might he not be, as sages said, 
 Of old — himself a part of what the priest 
 Is calling God ? Am I a God ? 
 
 But truce 
 To metaphysic musing now ! I need 
 Some rest, some sleep. Whate'ei* I am, I am 
 Myself alone in species ; trust I must 
 Alone in force within myself. My mind 
 I must infuse into my host, that will, 
 That conquering strength which Csesar, Hannibal r 
 And Alexander would infuse into 
 Their legions. Who shall dare to ^cope with me ? 
 
 {Me lies down and falls asleep. The scene darkens. The tapestry, in 
 the background, is slowly withdrawn, and, in a tableau, is: 
 shown — 
 
 THE DREAM OF CHARLES THE BOLD. 
 
 ( The forest of Banft is seen through a rosy mist. Nicholas of the 
 Flue, Mart, and Lily are kneeling before a simple wooden 
 Cross, erected before the hermitage. The orchestra accompa- 
 
88 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 
 
 nies, in a slow and solemn symphony, the chanting of the 
 prayers. ) 
 
 Lily. Redeemer mine 
 
 In Heav'n above, 
 Before Thy sign 
 Of bounteous love, 
 At break of day, 
 I call on Thee, 
 And humbly pray, 
 Preserve to. me 
 A father's life ! 
 With mighty hand, 
 In bloody strife, 
 My native land 
 Protect against 
 A haughty foe, 
 By pride incensed, 
 To strike the blow 
 Of Death to all 
 Who will defend, 
 At Freedom's call, 
 My Fatherland ! 
 
 Mary. Before Thy throne 
 
 We sink in dust, 
 Oh, God ! Alone 
 In Thee we trust. 
 The foe may boast, 
 
NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 89 
 
 With haughty pride, 
 Of all his host : 
 We pray — abide 
 With us, oh, God ! 
 As sinners — we 
 Deserve the rod, 
 But still to Thee, 
 In anguish — wo, 
 We fly to pray : 
 In grace bestow 
 Thy help this day 
 On those who go, 
 With sword in hand, 
 Against the foe 
 Of Switzerland! 
 
 Nicholas of the Flue. [Arising with hands wplifted } 
 
 and turning his eyes on Charles.) 
 
 Thus saith the Lord 
 Of Hosts, by all 
 In Heav'n adored : 
 The proud will fall 
 And lose his throne ; 
 Like grass his lines, 
 They shall be mown. 
 Before My shrines 
 The humble, meek 
 The trusting child 
 
 8* 
 
90 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 
 
 That comes to seek 
 A father mild — 
 Alone I will 
 Exalt and hear. 
 My Mercy still 
 On those that fear 
 My name, and keep 
 My will — My Law 
 In rev'rence deep, 
 In holy awe — 
 I will impart, 
 Bestow my grace. 
 The pure in heart 
 Shall see my face ! 
 
 (End of the dream.) 
 
 Charles. (Awakening, rises from his couch, looks hag- 
 gardly around, and sluggers over the scene.) 
 
 A child, a woman, and a hermit old ! 
 
 Is this a dream of warning purport, or 
 
 A whim of evil spirits, used to scare 
 
 A weak and superstitious coward ? Ah ! 
 
 You missed your mark. And y et this chant so weird, 
 
 In mournful echoes lingers in my soul. 
 
 Away with vain forebodings ! Charles : art thou 
 
 A child? 
 
NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. '91 
 
 (He rings a bell. A page appears with a small package in his hand.) 
 
 A cup of wine! How is the night? 
 
 Page. Your Highness most serene, the day begins 
 To dawn. It raineth still. 
 
 Charles. What have you here ? 
 
 Page. The messenger from Ghent hath brought — 
 
 Charles. From Ghent ? 
 
 'Tis from the Duchess, I suppose 
 
 (Exit page. Breaking open the package, and taking out a miniature 
 richly incased in jewels.) 
 
 Ah, no ! 
 
 (Kissing the miniature.) 
 
 My child, my darling Mary, pride of all 
 Bourgogne ! What sweet surprise ! How beautiful ! 
 How like herself ! A noble prize for which 
 Tarent, Savoy, and Austria, England, France — 
 Are vieing with each other, who may win 
 Thy heart and hand, now Europe's richest boon. 
 
 (Be-enters the page, and presents a golden cup to the Duke, who 
 drinks,) 
 
 Charles. (To the page.) 
 'Tis time my generals should meet. You may 
 To council call them here. 
 
 (Exit page. Charles opens a letter and reads .) 
 
 " Illustrious sire 
 "And most beloved father ! Here I send 
 
92 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 
 
 "Your faithful daughter's likeness, which, I hope, 
 
 «' You will be pleased to see. I think of you, 
 
 "Dear father, day and night, and wish to be 
 
 " Forever at your side. Oh, that I might 
 
 "Again behold you once at Dijon's court! 
 
 " I felt so happy there with you. Alas ! 
 
 "That war should tear you from your child, and 
 
 keep 
 " My heart in constant fear for you ! I wish 
 " You could have shunned this strife with Switzer- 
 land. 
 " A dream I had, some nights ago, hath filled 
 " My soul with strange and dark presentiment. 
 "I saw a child, a recluse old and feeble, with 
 "A youthful virgin pray before a Cross 
 
 "Against my own beloved father." 
 
 What! 
 This dream, the very one I had myself! 
 Is then the world of spirits, too, in league 
 Against my house ? My child, my lovely child, 
 My only true devoted friend, must thou 
 "With fancies strange in slumbers be disturbed ? 
 I'll show to-day that dreams will but deceive 
 The ones that have no faith in self. 
 
 And yet, 
 I wish, my child, that thou wert here with me. 
 Thy presence, like a soothing breeze, to calm 
 Will ever bring the stormy waves within 
 
NICHOLAS OP THE FLUB 93 
 
 My soul, when I am crossed, in lofty schemes, 
 By dull and common-place, or stubborn minds. 
 But here my generals come. I must defer 
 The reading of thy dear epistle, child ! 
 To moments of repose. 
 
 (Enter Akthont, Thomas, Duke of Somerset ; William, Prince of 
 Orange; Crevecoeuk, Campobasso, Olivier de la Maeche.) 
 
 "What prospect now 
 Have we for meeting with the foe to-day ? 
 Are things prepared as I have ordered ? 
 
 Anthony. Yes, 
 
 My liege. The Count of Romont holds with force 
 The western shore of Morat's lake, and will 
 Arrive in time to fall upon the right, 
 The weakest flank the foe hath to oppose. 
 
 Charles. 'Tis one advantage we shall have this time ; 
 The foe will be obliged to come on plain, 
 On even ground, and not, according to 
 His custom, fight in narrow defile, where, 
 With one to three of us, he dared to brave 
 My valiant host. 
 
 Somerset. And cavalry will here, 
 
 At least, now be of some avail. I think 
 The foe is weak in horse. 
 
 Campobasso. He hath of them 
 A handsome number, led, I learned, by Count 
 Yon Thierstein, Duke Rene, and 
 
94 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 
 
 Charles. What, the boy 
 
 Lorraine, is he with them ? 
 
 Campobasso. The same, my liege. 
 
 Charles. The houses Anjou, Habsburgh, and the 
 boors 
 Of Berne : what combination strange ! But do 
 You know what force, in numbers, they can bring, 
 To bear upon our own? 
 
 Anthony. I cannot say. 
 
 No gold can buy the meanest churl to act 
 As spy. 
 
 Campobasso. A scout, of Lombardy, by birth, 
 But versed in German tongue, whom I had sent 
 In peasant's garb to Berne but yesterday, 
 Hath just returned. He thinks the foe must be 
 At least some thirty thousand strong. 
 
 Charles. The odds 
 
 Are then for us; and now, my Lords, let all 
 Be done as I have ordered ! When the Swiss 
 Appear, receive them well with shot ! A hedge 
 Towards the south will hide, protect our men. 
 The infantry, in columns deep and dense, 
 Will stand behind, in order to repel 
 The foes, if they should dare to come, advance 
 Up to the cannons' mouths. And now, though kings 
 And princes, boors and stars, and spirits, dreams — 
 May try to cast the darksome cloud of fear 
 
NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 95 
 
 Around the soul of Charles, their efforts shall 
 Be vain. Bourgogne, forever live Bourgogne ! 
 All. Bourgogne, Bourgogne, forever live Bour- 
 gogne ! 
 
 (Music in the camp playing the national air of Burgundy.) 
 
 SCENE II. 
 
 A forest on the summit of a hilly ridge, south of Morat. The van 
 of the Swiss army on the right side, extending to the background. 
 To the left, in the distance, the tents of the Burgundian camp ; and 
 beyond the latter the lake of Morat. 
 
 Von Hallwyl surrounded by Aloys, Duke Rene, Count von 
 Thierstein, William Herter, and Arnold Im Grund are in the 
 foreground. 
 
 Von Hallwyl. [Addressing the troops.) 
 " Most valiant men, confederates in one 
 Eternal league united : there — before 
 You, are your brothers' murderers of Brie 
 And Granson. They have cast the lot upon 
 Your land, your wives and children at Lausanne. 
 You wish revenge for this. You see them there, 
 In numbers strong. Remember well this day, 
 Confederates, this day — the same on which 
 A hundred thirty-seven years ago, 
 Our fathers met the foe on Laupen's field ! 
 And, though in numbers less than he, their arms 
 United conquered all. That God who gave 
 Them victory is still the same, and still 
 
96 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUB. 
 
 There breathes in you the same undaunted mind. 
 
 Let every one of you then fight, as if 
 
 The day's success, the commonwealth of all 
 
 Confederates, the weal of all he loves, 
 
 "Were placed into his hands alone. And now, 
 
 Oh, brothers ! so that He who did assist 
 
 Our fathers may His help on us bestow, 
 
 Collect your inmost thoughts and let us pray ! 2 " 
 
 (All kneel down, and remain with arms outspread and eyes uplifted 
 during the prayer. Von Hallwtl holds the standard of the 
 Confederacy (a white Greek cross in a red field) in his left hand. 
 
 Von Hallwyl. Almighty everlasting God and Lord 
 Of hosts, eternal Judge of nations all : 
 Before Thy throne we here prostrate ourselves, 
 And humbly pray for help. Without Thine arm 
 "We can do naught, but Thou art mighty, strong, 
 And wilt assist Thy children in distress. 
 "We trust in Thee, through Christ's redeeming death. 
 
 Arnold Im Grand. Our Father, Thou who art in 
 Heav'n above, 
 Most hallowed be Thy name ! Thy kingdom come ! 
 Thy will be done on earth as it is done 
 In Heaven ! Give us this day our daily bread ! 
 Forgive our sins, as we forgive to those 
 That sin against ourselves, and lead us not 
 Into temptation, but deliver us 
 From evil ! Amen ! 
 
 All. Amen ! 
 
NICHOLAS OF THE FLUB. 97 
 
 (The sun breaks through the clouds at this moment.) 
 
 Von Hallwyl. ]STow arise ! 
 
 Arise ! You see that God Himself will light 
 Us on the way. Remember now jour wives 
 And children ! Youths of Switzerland : will you 
 Allow that foreign arms should e'er possess 
 The ones you love ? 
 
 ( They all arise and advance in a dense line. The cann'on begins to 
 roar in the distance. Music playing martial airs. During 
 the noise, shouts, cheers, and tumult of the battle, the scene 
 changes.) 
 
 SCENE III. 
 
 The interior of the great Minster cf St. Vincent, in Berne. Night. 
 The church is crowded by women, children, and decrepit old men, 
 all on their knees. A black curtain is drawn between the Sanctuary 
 and the congregation. A large, white Latin cross is seen on the 
 curtain. Three priests, in white surplices, are kneeling before the 
 railing, at the sides of which a few tapers are burning. The organ 
 elowly accompanies the chant of the priests. 
 
 De profundis Domine: 
 Omnes ad Te hodie 
 Veniraus clamantes. 
 Rex, Creator omnium 
 Angelorum, hominum : 
 Audi nos orantes ! 
 
 9 
 
08 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 
 
 Voces nostras non sperne, 
 Sancte Deus aeterne, 
 Judex nationum ! 
 Tanto in periculo. 
 Dona nostro populo, 
 Vi precationum, 
 Et per Tuam gratiam, 
 Domine : victoriam, 
 Pacem diuturnam ! 
 Regni Tui gloria, 
 Et Misericordia, 
 Sanctum Tuum nomen — 
 Semper sint perpetua, 
 Omnia per saecula 
 Saeculorum, Amen! 3 
 
 (A pause during which all remain in solemn silence.) 
 
 A single voice from the choir. Eyrie eleison! 
 Eyrie eleison ! 
 
 Chorus. Kyri-e 
 Eleison ! 
 
 ( The dawn begins to break through the upper windows. Music is heard, 
 at first in the distance, then coming nearer and nearer. Shouts 
 of victory are heard from without.) 
 
 Another voice from the choir. 
 
 Christe, Christe, eleison ! 
 (Enter John von Hallwtl, Adrian von Bubeneeeg, Nicholas 
 
 VON SCHAENACHTHAL, HANNS WALDMANN, ALOYS, EdWABD 
 
NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 99 
 
 VON BlTBENBERG, ARNOLD Im GrUND, RUDOLPH VON ERLACH, 
 
 Duke Rene, Oaspab von Hertenstein, /oKowed by the Sen- 
 ators of Berne and a crowd of soldiers, all walking with heads 
 uncovered, through the middle aisle. John von Hallwyl 
 bears, in his right hand, the ducal standard of Burgundy. 
 When the procession reaches the centre of the church, the cur- 
 tain is slowly withdrawn from the Sanctuary, and the altar 
 appears entirely illuminated. All present prostrate themselves. 
 Von Hallwyl advances towards the railing, and places the 
 conquered banner at the foot of the altar. One of the priests 
 intones the " Gloria." Above the Crucifix in the middle of the 
 altar appear, in large, brilliant characters the words : 
 
 GLORIA IN EXCELSIS 
 DEO! 
 
 Whilst the choir chant the first part of the " Gloria in excelsis" the 
 curtain falls.) 
 
 END OP ACT IV. 
 
ACT V, 
 
 SCENE I. 
 
 The forest of Kanft. Before the hermitage of Nicholas of the 
 Flue. Arnold Im Getjnjd, Mary, Hanns Zumbrunnen of Uri, 
 Dietrich Inderhalden of Schwytz, Henry Zelger, of Unter- 
 
 walden. 
 
 Nicholas. Be welcome, friends, here in my solitude ! 
 
 Arnold. We come to ask you for advice about 
 The welfare of the land. 
 
 Nicholas. What now ? The land, 
 
 It is at peace at last. Ycur neighbors all, 
 The king of France, the Emperor, the Duke 
 Of proud Milan, the Duchess of Savoy, 
 They all with deep respect, and most of them 
 With fear, behold the valiant Switzer's League, 
 And Charles the Bold is now no more. 
 
 Arnold. He was 
 
 A noble foe. Indeed I grieved to hear, 
 With what an awful end he met at last ; 
 
 9* 101 
 
102 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 
 
 A fate that ought to teach forever all 
 Ambition's victims blind, that none do sit 
 So safe and firm on solid thrones, that, stood 
 The storms of ages, yet may fall, decay, 
 And crumble into dust. 
 
 Nicholas. Th' Almighty's see 
 
 Alone remains unmoved. Before His throne, 
 His judgment seat, the nations all appear, 
 And onward pass into oblivion, if 
 Their hands are stained with guilt, injustice, wrong, 
 And blood untimely shed. The end of Charles, 
 To princes not alone may teach, that thirst 
 For ruling power, once will bring disgrace 
 Upon their heads. 
 
 Arnold. 'Tis true we are at peace 
 
 With all around us. Oh ! that God would grant 
 We were at peace amongst ourselves. 
 
 Mary. I fear, 
 
 The great success with which the Swiss have kept 
 Their foes at bay, for generations now, 
 Will fill their hearts with pride and vain conceit 
 That leadeth, soon or late, to deeds unjust. 
 
 Nicholas. I understand, contentions now arise 
 Amongst the Cantons all, about the spoils 
 The victory o'er Charles has thrown into ■* 
 
 The Switzers' hands. 
 
 Arnold. My Brother Claus speaks well. 
 
 I wish that all the booty, seized from Charles, 
 
NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 103 
 
 "Were buried deep in Morat's lake, in which 
 His soldiers were engulphed. But now what can 
 Be done ? Our youth are mad by thirst of gold. 
 
 Zumbrunnen. 'Tis not the only cause of wild dispute 
 Amongst the Cantons now; you know that oft, 
 When deputies from all the League would meet, 
 On council days to act, deliberate 
 On common weal, the Forest Lands would have 
 To feel the overbearing haughty airs 
 Of deputies from cities rich and proud. 
 
 Zelger. And often we, the simple herdsman, have 
 Been drawn, against our will and wish, into 
 The brawls and petty quarrels, which the lords 
 And burghers would incite amongst themselves. 
 'Tis hard for us, the founders of the League, 
 For TJri, Schwytz, and Unterwalden now, 
 To be dictated to by those who owe 
 Their strength: to oar assistance. 
 
 Inderhalden. Neither have 
 
 The Forest Lands forgotten yet the vile 
 And shameful treachery of Zurich which, 
 For fifteen years, seceded from the League, 
 And warred against her brethren, joined their foes. 
 
 Nicholas. The past is gone. For this offence the 
 pride 
 Of Zurich hath been humbled ; but of late, 
 She acted nobly for the League with you. 
 When civil war is o'er, the sooner you 
 
104 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUB. 
 
 Forget, forgive the mutual wrongs, the more 
 You will enhance your bliss; the stronger will 
 Become the tie 'midst brothers reconciled. 
 
 Zumbrunnen. The cities of Soleure and Friburgh 
 now 
 Present themselves before the Diet of 
 The land, and humbly ask to be allowed 
 To join the Switzers' mighty League. 
 
 Nicholas. For you 
 
 Their warriors fought, on Morat's day. 
 
 Inderhalden. But Berne, 
 
 Lucerne and Zurich wildly claim for them 
 The right to be admitted. Still, methinks, 
 "With reasons sound, the Forest Lands object 
 To see so many cities in the League. 
 
 Zclgcr. The Forest Cantons, too, have been refused 
 The share they claim from conquered spoil. In vain 
 The Diet hath assembled, several times, 
 To bring about a friendly end to all 
 Dispute. The cities will not yield. "What shall 
 Become of us, I do not know. 
 
 Nicholas. I hope 
 
 That, envy, greedy selfishness, and mean 
 Desire of wealth will nevermore succeed 
 In bringing ruin on the sacred League. 
 My worthy friends must trust in God, and pray 
 That lie may guide them on their duty's path. 
 
NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 105 
 
 Zumbrunnen, Inderhalden, and Zelger. 
 We will, most worthy Brother Claus. 
 
 Arnold. And ask 
 
 To be remembered in your pray'rs. Farewell! 
 
 {Exeunt all but Mary, who looks somewhat embarrassed.) 
 
 Nicholas. What ails my child ? This sadness I've 
 observed 
 For weeks. Thou art not well ; thy face is pale, 
 Thy eyes are red, as if from weeping. Speak 
 To me, my child ! " 
 
 Mary. [Bursting into tears.) Oh, father, can I help 
 It, being much alarmed? Two years have now 
 Elapsed since Aloys and 
 
 Nicholas. Edward, Lord 
 
 Von Bubenberg, have gone to Palestine. 
 
 Mary. And now for thirteen months, no news hath 
 come. 
 
 Nicholas. Thou art mistaken, child. Be cheerful ! 
 Both 
 Will soon return. A pilgrim from the East 
 Was here but yesterday. He saw them both, 
 And sound in health, in Venice safely land. 
 
 Mary. Oh, thanks, my worthy father ! God be 
 praised ! 
 They did not fall, as I have feared, into 
 A corsair's hands. 
 
 Nicholas. Indeed, myself, I much 
 
106 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 
 
 Rejoice at their return. They will be rich 
 In pious lore from Holy Land. 'Twas well 
 For them to have escaped from passions fierce, 
 Aroused within the breasts of Switzers now, 
 By love of plunder, envy, avarice, 
 Which, like a plague, are threatening the land. 
 
 Mary. Oh! father, is it true, and must it come 
 To pass ? Is there no help ? Is Switzerland 
 To be a prey to fell dissension ? 
 
 Nicholas. Child ! 
 
 I hope it not. May God Almighty guide — 
 Direct our rulers' hearts ! 
 
 Mary. Oh, father ! pray 
 
 To God for us, for this, our dearest home, 
 Our Fatherland ! 
 
 Nicholas. I will, my child, do thou 
 The same ! 
 
 SCENE II. 
 
 A chamber in the mansion of Bubenberg, in Berne. Adrian is 
 reclining on a large arm-chair ; Julia, kneeling at his side, and hold ■ 
 ing one of his hands in hers. 
 
 Julia. My father, speak! I cannot bear 
 Suspense. Is there no hope ? 
 
 Adrian. My child, I fear 
 
 My days are number'd. 
 
 Julia. No ! it cannot be. 
 
NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 107 
 
 You are not old. You must, you will get well 
 Again. 
 
 Adrian. Alas ! for thee, my daughter, I 
 Would gladly wish it could be thus. I am 
 Not old in years, and yet how old in sad 
 Experience, disappointment's bitter pangs ! 
 Ingratitude hath been my share for all 
 I've done. I'm tired of the world, with all 
 Its vain delusive show, pretence and base 
 Hypocrisy. 
 
 Julia. My father, please be calm ! 
 "Pis not for self that you have lived and worked. 
 Your country, Berne, the whole of Switzerland, 
 "Will ever bless your name, uphold your high, 
 Your noble, matchless sacrifice of self 
 Unto her youth, in future days, and stir 
 Their souls, with patriotic zeal and flame, 
 To follow your example. 
 
 Adrian. Glory, fame, 
 
 Renown : what sounds so hollow, empty on 
 The verge of dark eternity ! My child, 
 Disturb me not, in time so solemn, now, 
 "With words of vain, self-glorious praise. I have 
 Confessed, and am prepared to die. Oh, that 
 My son were here, my blessing to receive ! 
 
 Julia. I must beseech you, father, banish from 
 Your mind the mournful thought of death ! 
 You still may live for years. The vigor of 
 
108 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE 
 
 Your frame is, surely, not yet gone. Oh ! let 
 Me cheer you up again ! 
 
 (A knock at the door is heard; Julia arises; enter John von HALL- 
 WYL.) 
 
 Adrian. So soon, my friend ? 
 
 Von Halhoyl. I heard hut now, you sent for me. 
 I came 
 At once. 
 
 Adrian. My child, I wish to see my friend 
 Alone. 
 
 Julia. I will withdraw. 
 
 {Exit.) 
 
 Adrian. I sent for you. 
 I do not wish my child should ever know 
 The secret of my talk, and yet 
 
 Von Hallwyl. "What now ? 
 
 You hesitate 
 
 Adrian. You always were my friend. 
 I will confess to you, what heavy weight 
 Is on my heart. 
 
 Von Hallwyl. Your confidence is dear 
 To me. 
 
 Adrian. I feel that death approaches me. 
 I should depart with ease, if I could leave 
 My children free from care. Alas ! it can 
 Not he. My wealth is gone. I am involved 
 In debt, and most of mine estate is now 
 
NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 109 
 
 Most heavily encumber'd. War, expense 
 
 For travel, embassies, and want of care, . • 
 
 And gen'rous trust in others brought me down 
 
 To this. My daughter loves a noble youth, 
 
 You know. She is betroth'd to him. He soon 
 
 May now return and claim her hand. Alas ! 
 
 Von Hallwyl. "What then, my friend ? 
 
 Adrian. The child of Bubenberg, 
 
 My child is portionless. Her father's name 
 Will be disgraced. He dies insolvent ; more 
 Than this — the felon's doom awaits his last 
 Remains, his ashes 1 
 
 Von Hallwyl. Never ! no, this shall 
 Not be, as long as Berne will stand on her 
 Foundation. All I have, I pledge for you. 
 Your daughter, leave unto my care ! The name x 
 Of Bubenberg, the noblest name of Berne, 
 Shall still remain untarnished, and yourself 
 Repose within the vault of your renowned 
 Ancestors. 
 
 Adrian. Thanks to God ! I have not been 
 Mistaken in my friend. My darling child 
 Will not to insult, suffering, be exposed. 
 My son will soon return from Palestine. 
 He hath a sword to carve his way ; he is 
 A man, but Julia, my daughter 
 
 Von Hallwyl. Shall 
 
 Not want, shall be provided for. Myself 
 10 
 
110 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 
 
 I will adopt her. Berne : what shame, disgrace 
 Woulds't thou deserve to let thy saviour's child, 
 Thy noblest ornament, be brought to ill ! 
 
 Adrian. Oh, God of mercy, thanks ! for now I can 
 Depart in peace. My friend, you have restored 
 To me the trust in man, in friendship true. 
 But oh ! my pride is humbled into dust ; 
 A Bubenberg — a beggar! 
 
 Von Hallwyl. No ! I represent 
 
 But Berne, your country, which can never pay 
 The debt she owes to you. I beg my friend 
 Not to alarm, but calm himself about 
 His children's future. Now far different themes 
 I have to call your mind to ponder on. 
 Most serious news hath come this morning from 
 Lucerne. The Forest Lands are raving mad 
 Against the cities. Thus the Diet hath 
 Again adjourned, and met without success. 
 
 {Enter Julia.) 
 
 Julia. Forgive my interrupting you. My Lords 
 Von Stein, von Erlach, and von Scharnachthal 
 Have come, and urgently request to see 
 You. 
 
 Adrian. Now? 
 
 Von Hallwyl. I know they come to ask for your 
 Advice about the country's weal. Von Stein 
 Hath just returned this morning from Lucerne. 
 
NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. Ill 
 
 Adrian. Admit my Lords ! 
 
 Julia. But, father, yon are ill. 
 
 Their visit will excite you. 
 
 Adrian. Hush, my child ! 
 
 In life or death — my country first ! 
 
 {Enter Peteemann von Stein, Nicholas von Schaenachthal, and 
 Rudolph von Eelach.) 
 
 Von Erlach. Our eyes, 
 
 My Lord, are gladdened by the sight of you. 
 
 Von Scharnachthal. I hope you feel relieved from 
 fever's grasp. 
 
 Von Stein. The pride of Berne you are. Your life 
 is dear 
 To all her children. 
 
 Adrian. Thanks, my noble Lords ! 
 
 What tidings from Lucerne ? 
 
 Von Erlach. Most threat'ning for ' 
 
 The League. 
 
 Adrian. The League ? 
 
 Von Stein. The Forest Cantons will 
 
 Not yield a single point. Their wrath against 
 Lucerne and Zurich, Berne, for daring to 
 Ally themselves with Friburgh and Soleure, 
 Hath swelled, increased to madness, rage. They say 
 That forming leagues, with lands or towns, is 'gainst 
 The covenant that binds the Cantons all. 
 Adrian. The Forest Lands, in fact, are clinging to 
 
112 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 
 
 The letter's strictest sense. We know it all i 
 The covenant of the eternal. League 
 Was formed with this condition. 
 
 Von Stein. What shall we 
 
 The cities, strongest in the League, shall we 
 The nobles, yield, submit to boors? 
 
 Adrian. Is there 
 
 Another way ? 
 
 Von Stein. The League may be dissolved. 
 We can secede. 
 
 Adrian Secede, from what ? 
 
 Von Stein. The League I 
 
 Adrian. Secede ! Oh, God ! Is it for this that I 
 Have fought and bled ? Secede ! Oh, thought con- 
 ceived 
 In Hell! Oh! heresy most damning! What, 
 Dissolve the League eternal ? Who hath dared 
 
 ( Arising from his seat. ) 
 
 To utter words like these to me, a lord 
 Of Berne, a Bubenberg, a Switzer's son ? 
 
 [He falls exhausted on his chair.) 
 
 Julia. For Heaven's sake! You kill my father 
 
 thus. 
 Von Stein. Forgive ! I did not think it would 
 affect 
 Him so. 
 
 Von Erlach. What shall the cities 
 
NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 113 
 
 Adrian. Yield — I say — 
 
 Submit to all to save the League ! The boors — 
 You call them ? Ah, the noble hearts that felt 
 And beat for us ! And must it come to this, 
 That they should be despised and scorned, because 
 Their sturdy hands that fought for us, for Berne, 
 Must till the soil, in time of peace, to gain 
 Their daily bread ! The boors ? Are they not men 
 Like us, created with immortal souls, 
 To God accountable for all their deeds 
 And thoughts? Oh! friends, remember how con- 
 tempt 
 For lowly caste hath brought the haughty down 
 Into the dust — remember Charles the Bold ! 
 
 Von Stein. 'Tis not their calling we despise, but we 
 Object to be exposed to insult coarse 
 And language rude, their delegates did heap 
 Upon the courteous knights and noble lords 
 Who met with them in council. More than this, 
 Not we, but they, the Forest Lands, were first 
 To threaten with secession from the towns. 
 
 Adrian. ISTo matter who they were that utter'd first 
 The word of treason to the League, they all 
 Deserve the nation's fullest curse. The League! 
 It must forever be preserved, and last 
 As long as yonder snow-capped mountains stand. 
 
 Von Hallwyl. The Forest Lands were founders of 
 
 the League : 
 10* 
 
114 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 
 
 For years they held at bay their foes, without 
 The help of Zurich, Berne, Lucerne. 
 
 Von Stein. Have not 
 
 Your fathers fought against them, too ? Methinks, 
 
 Your house hath sided long with Habsburgh 
 
 Von Hallwyl. True ! 
 
 But Hallwyl's scion learned to love, respect 
 The sterling virtues of the peasants in 
 The Forest Lands, their honest purpose, clear, 
 Straightforward way, in action and in thought. 
 I am their friend. 
 
 Adrian. And so am I. They may 
 
 Be blunt in speech and obstinate in will; 
 But whosoever knows them well, will find 
 Their hearts as true as steel. 
 
 Julia. Oh, father, thanks ! 
 
 I know you are your country's warmest friend ; 
 I love to hear you speak of those to whom 
 "We owe so much. 
 
 Von Scharnachthal. We much regret that you 
 Are ill, my Lord. Your power, influence 
 Amongst the Forest Lands is great. ISTot one 
 Of us, the nobles here, would better suit 
 To undertake an embassy to all 
 The Forest Cantons. You are loved, revered, 
 By herdsman and by peasant there, and might 
 To peaceful issue bring contentions all. 
 We are suspected. 
 
NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 115 
 
 Adrian. You, suspected, why ? 
 
 Von Scharnachthal. They cast reproach on up, 
 because they think 
 Or fancy, that the nobles ever look 
 With supercilious contempt upon 
 Their rustic manners, customs, 
 
 Adrian. "Well! perhaps, 
 
 They are not wrong in this. I often warned 
 The youth of Berne, the nobles to avoid 
 To give offence, by haughty sneer, to those 
 That are by birth not noble. Why ? Above 
 All things, the nobleman must show himself 
 A noble man, magnanimous in deed 
 And sentiment, in lofty virtues give 
 Example to the lowly, ignorant; 
 Be courteous, kind, forbearing to the ones 
 That earn, by daily toil, their bread, be just 
 
 rfi„ ii . _ _i . -i i • . 
 
 j-\j tUeiii, tuiu. evex leauy to proiect, 
 
 Defend their rights, uplift the fallen ones, 
 And bring them back upon their duty's path ; 
 Assist them in their struggles, needs. Ah, friends : 
 If we oppress the poor, despise the hand 
 That works, or soon or late, th' avenging God 
 Will bring us down, perhaps, below themselves, 
 Beneath their yoke. My Lords of Berne, beware ! 
 The world is going onward, leveling more 
 And more the difference of caste, and throws 
 Aside, like garments torn and old, the whims 
 
116 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 
 
 And prejudice of former times, and men 
 Of innate worth alone will rise and stand, 
 Direct events and issues great, and, though 
 From lowly source they may have come, they will 
 By toil arrive to stations, where they shall 
 Eclipse the nobleman by birth, and lift 
 Their heads, with majesty, as noblemen 
 Of nature. 
 
 (Rudolph the page appears and beckons to Julia, who goes towards 
 the door, and disappears behind the scene.) 
 
 Julia. (Outside.) Holy Virgin! God be praised! 
 My own beloved brother! 
 
 (Enter Edward with Julia in his arms,follcnved by Aloys.) 
 
 HJdward. (Bushes towards his father, and sinks on his 
 knees before him.) 
 
 Father, here 
 I am ! 
 
 Adrian. My son ! 
 
 (Sinks backward on his chair into a swoon.) 
 
 Julia. ( Throwing her arms around him.) 
 
 Oh ! God in heaven ! he 
 Is dying. 
 
 Von Hallwyl. No ! he breathes, though heavily. 
 It was imprudent, thus to take him by 
 Surprise. He was excited much before 
 You came. 
 
NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 117 
 
 Aloys. We did not know that he was ill. 
 
 Von Scharnachthal. ( To- von Stein and von Erlach.) 
 My Lords, we better go ! 
 
 Adrian. ( Opening his eyes.) Am I awake ? 
 Is this my son ? Are you my children here ? 
 
 Julia. Your own, yOur Edward, Julia, all you love. 
 
 Aloys. (Approaching and seizing his hand.) And here 
 your friend from Unterwalden. 
 
 Adrian. God • 
 
 Forgive my weakness and ingratitude I 
 I am unworthy of Thy blessings all. 
 My children, you, my friends, around me here — 
 
 (He seizes the hand of Julia and that of Aloys, and joins them 
 before him.) 
 
 Receive, my son, this hand ! "lis all I have 
 To give you ; she's my richest treasure. 
 
 Aloys. (Sinking on his knees, overpowered by emotion.) 
 
 Thanks, 
 My Lord ! I cannot tell, express in words 
 My gratitude. 
 
 Adrian. May God forever bless 
 You both ! I die contented, happy now. 
 
 Julia. Oh, father ! 
 
 Adrian. Children, friends, farewell ! My time 
 Hath come. Farewell to Berne, beloved Berne, 
 My native land ! My friends, hold fast and cling 
 Forever to the League ! Almighty God : 
 
1T8 NICHOLAS OF THE FL0E. 
 
 Preserve in one an ever — lasting bond — 
 
 My Fatherland ! 
 
 [Dies.] 
 
 (The orchestra plays a Requiem.) 
 
 SCENE III. 
 
 The forest of Ranft. Nicholas of the Flue is kneeling before 
 the Cross. Midnight. 
 
 Nicholas. " Oh Lord, my God, vouchsafe 
 
 I' To take myself away from me, and let 
 " Me be Thy own entire ! Oh, Lord, my God : 
 " In grace bestow on me, whatever may 
 " Me nearer bring to Thee ! ! God, my Lord, 
 " Take all away from me that might withdraw 
 " My heart from Thee !" 
 
 (Enter Henry Im Gruhd, the pastor of Stanz.) 
 
 Henry. (Aside.) He is at pray'r. I dare 
 
 Not now disturb him, yet delay is loss, 
 Perhaps, to all the land. 
 
 (Nicholas arises, and slowly turns towards the hermitage.) 
 
 Good evening, 
 Or rather, morning I should say. 'Tis past 
 Midnight, my pious Brother. 
 
 Nicholas. "Who is here, 
 
 In night so dark, some wander'r lonely — lost? 
 
 Henry. 'Tis I, your friend Im Grund. 
 
NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 119 
 
 Nicholas. I ought to know 
 
 Your voice, my rev'rend Father, well. 
 
 Henry. I come 
 
 In greatest haste to see you. 
 
 Nicholas. "What mishap 
 
 Hath taken place ? 
 
 Henry. ( With emotion, and tears in his eyes.) 
 Alas ! I hardly know, 
 How to express my anguish, grief, in words. 
 "What Austria and Burgundy in vain 
 Have tried to do, the Swiss have done themselves. 
 Their League — it is dissolved ! 
 
 Nicholas. Dissolved? The !League 
 
 Committed suicide ? But when ? 
 
 Henry. To-day. 
 
 The Diet, which you have advised yourself 
 To meet at Stanz, hath held a last, a wild 
 And stormy session there. The deputies 
 In rage accused and cursed each other, till, 
 At last, they left the council hall at night, 
 Determined to depart to-morrow, thence 
 No more to meet again. In vain Soleure 
 And Friburgh did beseech them all, to saves 
 The League, to cease contentions on their claims 
 To be admitted as Confederates. 
 They would withdraw. The grudge of old between 
 The Cantons Sehwytz and Zurich burst, alike 
 
120 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 
 
 A blazing flame, from hidden caves, where hate 
 And secret rancor still were burning kept, 
 And unsubdued by years of peace. The men 
 Of Schwytz, with furious clamor, brought again 
 The former cause of quarrel up, recalled 
 St. Jacob's field, 2 whilst Zurich would reply — 
 Vociferate but " Greifensee !" 3 
 
 Nicholas. It was 
 
 An awful deed, that bloody butchery 
 At Greifensee, of civil feuds a fell 
 Remembrance, aptest to inflame the men 
 Of Zurich. 
 
 Henry. Thus they parted. Yainly Zug 
 And Glaris tried to interfere, and bring 
 To calm the furious elements — and speak 
 About the glorious past, the victories 
 By arms united, won. The raging storm 
 Of passion seemed to have effaced from hearts 
 And minds, and swept from memory, the deeds 
 Of Granson, Morat, Nancy, 4 where they all 
 Had fought against the common foe. 
 
 Oh, friend ! 
 The Fatherland is sinking 1 Here I am 
 Impelled by grief, despair, to beg, beseech 
 You — come, and help to save the country ! All 
 What you can do with God and men, oh, try 
 To do avert the downfall of the land ! 
 
NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 121 
 
 Nicholas. Becalm yourself, my rev'rend Father, — 
 
 go, 
 
 Return to Stanz, endeavor to retain 
 The deputies, and tell them, Brother Claus, 
 Before the Diet, yet does humbly wish 
 To say a word ! 
 
 Henry. If there is left a hope 
 
 To save the land — it is with you. 
 
 Nicholas. Forgive ! 
 
 I am a man, a mortal mere, and God 
 Alone can move the hearts, by selfishness 
 Misled, to yield to charity ; but trust 
 In Him ! 
 
 Henri/. I ought to trust ; I am a pries* 
 By office bound, to give example to 
 The flock to whom I preach the Word of God. 
 And yet, how often will discouragement 
 And melancholy doubt possess my mind, 
 When thinking of Mie ways and deeds of men ' 
 How little yet their nature hath been brought 
 Beneath the gentle rule of love, as taught 
 By Christ ! I feel perplexed, and often lost 
 Within that darksome labyrinth — the soul 
 Of man. What mystery is there contained ! 
 The flower from the ground comes forth, exhales 
 Her sweet perfume towards the sky and — fades ; 
 The bird breaks through his shell, and with 
 Astonishment beholds the world so grand, 
 11 
 
122 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 
 
 So beautiful around him, sings, in notes 
 Melodious, a hymn of gratitude 
 To his Creator — dies, and Mother Earth 
 Will press them both unto her loving heart 
 And whisper: Well, my children, you have done, 
 Fulfilled your mission, now return to dust, 
 From whence you came, and rest forevermore ! 
 But man — Humanity ? What dark and strange 
 Enigma to the thinking mind her life 
 Presents — enigma which, in vain have tried 
 To solve, the sages of the world ! 
 
 Nicholas. My friend, 
 
 'Tis. solved — there in the Cross, the sign of Love, 
 Of universal Brotherhood. Through years, 
 By thousands still to come, through mists of doubt, 
 Of error, superstition, unbelief, 
 Through seas of blood and purifying fire, 
 Humanity will have to pass, to reach 
 At last her destiny in yonder si^n — 
 The Cross. She will awake one glorious morn 
 And hail her Sabbath day of rest in peace 
 And love. 
 
 SCENE IV. 
 
 The council hall of the Diet of Stanz, in Unterwalden. Seats for 
 the delegates on both sides in the foreground. An elevated desk, 
 with an arm-chair behind it, in the centre. A railing separates the 
 epace, occupied by the delegates, from the background, where out- 
 
NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 123 
 
 siders are standing, Caspar von Hertenstein, delegate of Lucerne ; 
 Jacob Bugniet, of Friburgh ; Hanns von Staal, chancellor of So- 
 leure ; Hanns Tschudi, delegate of Glaris, are seen conversing together 
 in the foreground. 
 
 Bugniet. The Diet is to meet again 
 To-day. From what I saw, last evening, 
 It is to end in naught but broil. We may 
 As well depart. There is no more for us 
 To do or hope, for Friburgh and Soleure. 
 
 Von Staal. Let us await the issue, friends ! you 
 
 know, 
 At all events, we have not much to lose. 
 For if the Switzers' League should perish, we, 
 The cities, can in covenant unite. 
 
 Von Hertenstein. "We must, indeed, protect our^ 
 
 selves against 
 This fiery peasant element, that will 
 Forever take the lead in questions all, 
 Dictate, with boorish arrogance, to us, 
 What must be done. It can no more be borne* 
 The city of Lucerne hath been the first 
 To enter, with the Forest Lands, into 
 A league for mutual defence, but now 
 Since black ingratitude is all she reaps 
 From them, since men are found within their midst, 
 Who highly stood in office once, that will 
 In secret schemes contrive to spread revolt 
 Amongst our own dependents, in the land 
 
124 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE\ 
 
 Of Entlibuch, Lucerne will be the first 
 To leave the League. 5 
 
 Tsohudi. I hope, my Lord, you will 
 
 "With patience wait another day, before 
 You take this step so fatal to us all. 
 
 (Enter Petekmann von Stein, and William von Diessbach, dele- 
 gates of Berne.) 
 
 Von Diessbach. Good day, my Lords ! What now 
 we meet again 
 Convoked by whom — a priest ? 
 
 Von Staal. The world-renowned 
 
 Most pious Brother Claus hath sent, last night, 
 By him the word to us to wait. 
 
 Von Diessbach. To wait 
 
 For what ? 
 
 Von Staal. He hath expressed the earnest wish 
 To speak to us, before we part, perhaps 
 Forever. 
 
 Von Diessbach. Does he think he can succeed 
 With them, to reason bring the obstinate, 
 Uncourteous churls that have insulted us 
 And all the cities, now for years ? 
 
 (Enter Hanns Waldmann, delegate of Zurich.) 
 
 You, too, 
 Have come ? I thought that you had left the town 
 Last evening, ere the mob of boors incensed, 
 With threat'ning yells surrounded us, and we 
 
NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 125 
 
 Could hardly cross the street and gain, behind 
 Our bolted doors, a refuge safe. 
 
 Waldmann. I heard 
 
 Of that disgraceful scene, but was myself 
 Not present ; here I did remain until 
 The priest of Stanz, with whom I had to speak, 
 Had left me in the dark. But what ? We are 
 Alone, the cities' delegates, and not 
 A single Forest Lander here ? Will they, 
 Perhaps, refuse to come? Methinks, it is 
 Of little import now. It is too late. 
 The abyss hath become too great between 
 The cities and the Forest Lands, but we 
 At least, my Lords, of Zurich, Berne, Lucerne, 
 And Friburgh and Soleure, united may 
 Remain, forget the feuds of old amongst 
 Ourselves, the feuds in which we mostly were 
 Involved by them, who now insult us. 
 
 (i?n£er HannsZumbeunnen, delegate of Uri; Dieteioh Indeehalden, 
 Raetzi, Landammann of Schwytz ; Heney Zelgee, of Unter- 
 walden; Hanks Iten, of Zug. Among the spectators in the 
 background are seen Aloys, Aenold and Heney Im Geund, 
 
 JOHN VON HaLI/WYL, EdWAED VON BUBENBEEG, HANNS IMC 
 
 Hop, of Uri, Hagen, of Soleure.) 
 
 Here 
 
 They come. They look like angry dogs. Let us 
 
 Remain as calm, composed as we can be ! 
 11* 
 
126 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 
 
 (The delegates from the cities bow, with cold and haughty mien, to 
 those of the Forest Lands, who seem to take no notice whatever 
 of their manner, and abruptly turn to the left side of the hall, 
 where they seat themselves, grouping together.) 
 
 Inderhalden. You see, what prospect here we have, 
 The proud, 
 The sneering airs, with which we are received 
 "What is the use to come, renew the scenes 
 Of yesterday ? 
 
 Harms Iten. The hermit hath not yet 
 Arrived. 
 
 Zumbrunnen. I hope, that when he comes, he will 
 Reprove them well for haughty arrogance. 
 'Tis not in hope, that they will yield, we come ; 
 'Tis but to see their own confusion. 
 
 Raetzi. Here 
 
 We are, the founders of the League ; we have 
 Received Lucerne, and Zurich, Berne within 
 Our midst. Their wealth, prosperity, would have 
 Been brought to naught ere this. "We all have bled 
 For them, and now what thanks do we receive ? 
 
 Inderhalden. Is it a wonder ? What can we expect 
 From Zurich's traffic-ridden people, who, 
 For gold or profit, readily will sell 
 Themselves, their souls unto the evil one? 
 As long as they could find advantage in 
 The League, as long as there a penny was 
 To gain ; as long as they could use our arms 
 
NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 127 
 
 To help them in their feuds, we then were called 
 Confederates, beloved, dear. 
 
 Zumbrunnen. I am 
 
 Not much surprised at Zurich's conduct, grudge 
 And rancor; treach'rous to the League before, 
 But forty years ago, and whipped into 
 Allegiance then, she never will forget 
 Her own humiliation ; but that Berne, 
 Ungrateful Berne ! should thus degrade herself 
 And leave her faithful friends, the Forest Lands, 
 That have assisted her in need, distress, 
 So often ; Berne, whom we have saved, that she 
 Should thus affront Us,- and refuse to grant 
 The shares of spoil we are entitled to— 
 'Tis past my comprehension. 
 
 Inderhalden. Fools that we' 
 
 Have been ! The Lords of Berne look with contempt 
 On us. They think, we have no right to things 
 That once belonged to princes, nobles like 
 Themselves. The cities, they intend to keep,- 
 Withhold from us the booty, rather to 
 Dissolve the League, than to give up the part 
 We claim. 
 
 Hanns Tschudi. ( (Joining into the middle of the scene.) 
 My Lords and delegates : would it 
 Not suit your worships, since we are again 
 Assembled here, to take our wonted seats ? 
 And whilst we wait, at least, let us observe 
 
128 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUB. 
 
 The Diet's customary forms, for sake 
 Of self-respect ! 
 
 Von Hertenstein. "What further need of forme ? 
 The spirit is departed, gone ! 
 
 Waldmann. The League 
 
 Hath proved to he a failure in the end. 
 
 Von Stein. And all the common struggles, toil for 
 her, 
 Have been for naught. Our fathers, we ourselves, 
 Have hied in vain ! 
 
 Zelger. And please, my Lords, to tell 
 
 Whose fault it is ? 
 
 Zambruimen. Who first hath set aside 
 The covenant that once was formed, by all 
 Of you consented to, and now is spurned, 
 And violated, spat upon, by you, 
 The cities ? 
 
 Inderhalden. Who refused to us, your own 
 Companions in arms, the lawful share 
 Of booty taken from the foe, and who 
 Hath treated us, with arbitrary hands, 
 As if we were your subjects mere, and not 
 Your equals? 
 
 Von Diessbaeh. Equals ? you to us ! 
 
 Inderhalden. I knew, 
 
 The Lord of Berne would show the cloven foot 
 At last. 
 
Nicholas of the' fli?e. 129 
 
 Zumbrunnen. Your equals, no ! superiors — 
 To you we are. ¥'ve whipped your betters. 
 
 Waldmann. Where ? 
 
 At Greifensee ? 
 
 Inderkalden. At Greifensee ! so let 
 
 It be ! There traitors and their allies once - 
 Received what they deserved. 
 
 Waldmann. [Grasping the hilt of his sword.) 
 
 Who dares to call- 
 TJs traitors here? 
 
 Inderhalden. {Drawing his sword.) 
 
 I dare, you demagogue, 
 You sneaking dog ! 
 
 Waldmann. This calls for blood, revenge! 
 
 [Immense sensation amongst the delegates. Von Diessbach, von 
 Stein, Zumbrunnen, and Zelge'R throw themselves between 
 Waldmann and Inderhalden, who, brandishing their swords 
 endeavor to meet. 
 Enters Nicholas of the Flue. All the delegates uncover their 
 heads and make way before him. Waldmann and Inder- 
 halden put up their swords, and remain standing each at one 
 extremity of the scene.) 
 
 Nicholas. (After a long 'pause, during which he looks 
 around with calm but melancholy dignity, scan- 
 ning the countenance of each delegate.) 
 
 And hath it come to this ? Must brothers draw 
 
 The sword against each other ? 
 
 {All the delegates bend their eyes upon the ground.) 
 
130 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 
 
 " Good my Lords, 
 " Confederates, beloved, faithful : here 
 " I come, an old and feeble man. I have 
 " Been called from solitude by one who is 
 " To me an excellent Father, friend, that I 
 " Might speak to you about the Fatherland. 
 "' I have nor art, nor science. I am a man 
 " Unlearned. But what I have, I will impart 
 " To you from God, who saved your fathers oft, 
 " In times when great distress was threatening 
 " The land, and who, on days of battle, gave 
 " You victory. 
 
 " Confederates : why have 
 " Yon gone to war? Because it could not be 
 " Avoided. Say, by what have you obtained 
 '■ Yonr victories ? By strength alone of arms 
 " United. Now you will dissolve your League, 
 " On spoils' account? Confederates, I pray, 
 " Allow no such report to go abroad from you ! 
 " I faithfully advise, I earnestly beseech 
 " You, from the cities, to dissolve the pacts 
 " Offensive to your old confederates. 
 *' And you, from Forest Lands, I do entreat : 
 " Remember how Solenre and Friburgh fought 
 " For you ! Receive them in your League ! 
 " Misunderstandings may 'midst brothers oft 
 " Arise. "When these occur, remain to old 
 " And equitable custom true! Be just 
 
NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 131 
 
 "To all contending parties .! Conquered lands 
 " In war — let them be shared amongst yourselves, 
 " According to the Canton's size, extent; 
 " And booty, in proportion to the men 
 " Each Canton sent into the field! 
 
 " Do not 
 " Extend too far the hedge that now surrounds 
 " You ! Shun to interfere with foreign brawls! 
 " Be neighbors courteous, kind, and peaceable ! 
 il But whosoever should attempt to crush — 
 " Oppress you, then let him find — men! And be 
 " It far from you, that any one should take, 
 " Accept, in gold, reward for service to 
 " The Fatherland ! Beware of factions, strifes 
 -" Amongst yourselves ! They would destroy you all. 
 " Confederates, oh brothers ! Love ye one 
 " Another ! 
 
 " May Almighty God, in grace, 
 " Be bountiful to you, as He hath been 
 "It heretofore!'' 6 
 
 (Nicholas stands with eyes and hands uplifted to Heaven. The dele- 
 gates look with emotion, first at him, then at each other. At last, 
 in one spontaneous burst of feeling, they rush into each other' ' s 
 arms, with tears in their eyes.) 
 
 Hanns Waldmann. [Extending his hand to Inderhal- 
 
 den.) Forgive ! 
 Inderhalden, Forget! 
 Nicholas. And now, 
 
132 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 
 
 Be brothers as before ; be one, be one, 
 Be one forevermore ! 
 
 SCENE V. 
 
 The forest of Ranft. Bells are ringing in the distance, in all direc- 
 tions. Now and then, the sounds of Alpine horns are heard. The 
 hermitage of Nicholas of the Flue is adorned with garlands of 
 evergreens. Julia and Maey are sitting on the trunk of a tree in 
 the foreground. Lilt is occupied in twining a wreath of flowers at 
 the foot of the Cross. 
 
 (Lilt sings .) 
 
 "Peace in the solitude, 
 
 Peace dwelleth here ; 
 Breezes are whispering 
 
 Peace to my ear. 
 -Gentle and beautiful 
 
 Voices I hear ; 
 Voices of angels sing, 
 
 Lingering near : 
 Peace in eternity, 
 Peace dwelleth herel 
 Julia. How sweetly sings 
 
 The child ! How happy there she looks amidst 
 Her lovely flower sisters ! 
 
 Mary. Happy, now, 
 
 Indeed, we all should feel. Was ever there 
 A day more glorious in the land? You hear — 
 The bells are ringing all, in village, town, 
 
NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 133 
 
 And hamlet, from the vales of Rhaetia to 
 The distant chains of Jura, and to-night 
 The fires of joy, from mount to mount, they will 
 Be seen, throughout the whole of Switzerland. 
 
 Julia. [Embracing Mary.) My darling sister, God 
 be praised ! I think 
 No greater victory the Swiss have won 
 Than that we celebrate to-day. Themselves 
 They've conquered ; within their hearts, their own 
 Resentment crushed. 
 
 Mary. How wonderful ! And all 
 
 Is due to him, whose quiet, lone retreat 
 "We have adorned, in gratitude ; whose name 
 From hence the Swiss will ever bless, exalt — 
 
 Julia. — Imprint in characters indelible 
 Into their children's hearts the name so sweet, 
 Melodious, of ISTich'las of the Flue. 
 
 Mary. I feel so happy, too, that one like you, 
 My Lady — 
 
 Julia. Lady — why not sister now ? 
 Your sister ? Are you not my brother's own 
 Betrothed ? 
 
 Mary. I hardly dare to dream, as yet, 
 It can be true that he should love and choose 
 A simple peasant girl. 
 
 Julia. Why not ? You are 
 
 The very one adapted to himself, 
 To make him happy. Modest, gentle child : 
 12 
 
134 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 
 
 Your quiet ways have won his heart. I know 
 My brother. All he needs is one like you. 
 To tame his reckless mind. His heart is true ! 
 
 Mary. I know it well. 
 
 Julia. I should be satisfied, 
 
 If all could be so easily arranged 
 In my affections, as in yours. Although 
 My most lamented father did express 
 His wish, that I should have my choice, and on 
 His dying bed he placed my lover's hand 
 In mine, and blessed us both, my relatives 
 And guardians now object ; and though they all 
 Respect the manly worth of him I love, 
 They say he hath no home. His real name 
 Is still a mystery. My noble friend 
 Von Hallwyl, and myself, have come to ask 
 The Brother Claus to tell what he alone 
 Does know about his birth and parentage. 
 
 Mary. I hope you will succeed ; but none, as yet, 
 Could ever be enlighten'd on this point. 
 The Brother Claus will give no answer, when 
 He's questioned on this subject. 
 
 Julia. Strange it is 
 
 That one so noble, highly gifted by 
 The bounteous hand of nature, should remain 
 In ignorance about his origin. 
 
 {Voices singing in the distance behind the scene:) 
 
NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 135 
 
 Is there on earth a happier life 
 Than that of Switzer herdsmen free ? 
 On sunny Alps, away from strife 
 Of cities' throng, they sing the glee : 
 When the morning is dawning, 
 To the mountain they go ; 
 And the cow-bells are ringing, 
 And the little lambs springing, 
 And the merry boys singing : 
 To the mountain, to the mountain, to the mountain we got 
 Diuli-a, iulia, iuli-a-ho ! 
 
 {Bhter Nicholas of the Flue, Henry Im Grtjnd, John von Hall- 
 wyl, and Arnold Im Grund. Lilt arises and takes the hand of 
 Nicholas. ) 
 
 Lily. Good evening, Brother Clans ! Yon see 
 what here 
 I made for yon ? 
 
 Nicholas. "lis beantifhl, my child ; 
 
 Bnt as you twined this wreath beneath the Cross, 
 I think 'tis best adapted to adorn 
 The Cross. 
 
 Von Hallwyl. [Aside to Julia.) Be cheerful, friend C 
 The Brother Clans 
 Will speak, he says, in proper time, and soon, 
 On what concerns yon most. 
 
 (Aloys, Eeward, and a crowd of herdsmen, peasants, men and wo- 
 men, appear on the top of the hill, behind the hermitage.) 
 
 The crowd. All hail ! all hail ! 
 
 To Brother Claus, the saviour of the land ! 
 
136 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 
 
 ( The crowd divides and makes way to the delegates of the Diet of 
 Stanz. Each of the latter is preceded by a banneret, bearing the 
 colors of his respective Canton. 
 
 The crowd. All hail to Brother Claus, the saviour of 
 The League ! 
 
 {Music. Ringing of bells. Variations on the Alpine horn in the 
 distance.) 
 
 Waldmann. (Stepping forward.) Most pious Brother 
 
 Nicholas : 
 "We come to thank you faithfully for all 
 The care, and labor, and fidelity 
 "With which you have brought blessings on us all. 
 May God reward you in eternity ! 
 
 Inderhalden. From civil war you have preserved 
 the land ; 
 For God hath given grace unto your words. 
 
 Nicholas. To Him alone belongs the glory, not 
 To me. Prostrate yourselves before His throne, 
 And, with humility, as children meek, 
 Confide in Him ; and He will bless you all ! 
 But now, my friends, a duty yet remains 
 For me to be performed ; and since a crowd 
 Of witnesses is present here, I may 
 Not choose a better moment. 
 
 (He beckons to Aloys to come forward. The latter advances, with 
 an expression of anxious expectation. Julia, Maey, Lily, John 
 von Hallwyl, Heney and Aenold Im Geund, and Edwaed, form 
 a semicircle around him.) 
 
NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 137 
 
 All of you 
 "Who are assembled here, you know this youth. 
 Thus far he hath been looked upon as one, 
 By fell misfortune cast into the world, 
 To be of charity an object mere. 
 And yet by innate worth he raised himself 
 To highest fame, amongst his countrymen. 
 You've seen him here a modest herdsman, like 
 The humblest of yourselves. You've seen him, then 
 On battle-fields, amongst the first of all 
 The heroes stand; you know that he refused 
 The honored title knighthood gives. What need 
 Had he of title — nobleman by birth ? 
 
 Arnold. What, nobleman, you say ? Is he of noble 
 blood? 
 
 Nicholas. Of noble blood ? the noblest of the land £ 
 In Switzerland, no nobler name than his 
 Is found, revered by all. 
 
 Julia. Oh, speak, explain ! 
 
 Nicholas. Forbear in patience ! So that all of you 
 May understand the reasons, why this youth 
 Himself was kept in ignorance so long 
 About his birth, I must declare, that I 
 Was bound, by solemn promise, given to 
 His father, on his dying bed. The youth 
 Was then a babe. His birth had cost a life — 
 His mother's. Once in deepest night, his sire, 
 The grandson of a hero, known by all 
 12* 
 
138 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 
 
 * 
 
 At home and far abroad, had sent for me. 
 
 He begged me to accept in charge the child, 
 
 To bring him up amongst the herdsmen of 
 
 The land, to keep in secret all about 
 
 His noble birth, descent ; that he might learn 
 
 To love, respect the simple customs which 
 
 Have here, within these vales, preserved a home 
 
 For Freedom and Equality. He asked 
 
 That he should well be taught in Christian lore, 
 
 Religion's essence : love of fellow-men, 
 
 And love of country — safest guarantees 
 
 Of states and commonwealths to have, within 
 
 Their midst, the source that keeps, refreshes life 
 
 Amongst a nation's citizens. And when 
 
 To manhood grown, the child should have displayed, 
 
 By virtuous actions, worthiness to bear 
 
 A noble name, that then alone I should 
 
 Inform him of his glorious ancestry. 
 
 The time hath come. The youth hath well deserved 
 Of honors all and 
 
 (Looking with a smile on Julia.) 
 
 happiness in store 
 For him. This package, sealed, was left unto 
 My care. His father's will is here contained. 
 It leaves, bequeathes to him the whole estate, 
 His ancestors have held for centuries. 
 
NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 139 
 
 Von Hallwyl. But say ! what is his name ? 
 
 Nicholas. ( Taking Aloys by the hand.) His name ? 
 Come forth, 
 And all of you may stand aside, for here 
 Behold, revere the great-grandson of him, 
 Who fell at Sempach : Arnold Struthan, knight 
 
 Of "WlNKELRIED ! 
 
 Julia. {Falling on her knees.) Of Winkelried ! 
 
 {Profound sensation amongst the crowd.) 
 
 Nicholas. And now, 
 
 Let me repeat to you the words with which 
 His ancestor took leave of yours', and fell : 
 " Confederates ! remember ye my blood !" 
 
 Henry Im Grund. Almighty God, be praised 
 
 FOREVERMORE ! 
 
 (The Angelus rings for the evening. All prostrate themselves. Whilst 
 a single voice sings the " Ave Maria, geatia plena !" in the 
 distance, the glow of a large bonfire illuminates the scene. The 
 curtain slowly descends.) 
 
 END OF ACT V. 
 
NOTES. 
 
 ACT I 
 
 1. Page 10. " Gelobt sey Jesus Ohristus!" — Answer: " In Uwigkeit, 
 Amen/" This form of pious salutation is still in use in Catholic 
 Germany and the Catholic Cantons of Switzerland, where the Ger- 
 man language is spoken. 
 
 2 and 3. Page 12. In 1298, the Bernese, under the command of 
 Ulric von Erlach, defeated an army of nobles hostile to their com- 
 monwealth at Donnerbuehl, near the gates of the city of Berne. In 
 1330, Rudolph von Erlach, the son of the former, at the head of 
 5,500 Bernese, and their allies from the Forest Cantons, obtained a 
 victory over an army of nearly 20,000, in the battle of Laupen. 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 1. Page 44. " A model State, by wisdom, justice ruled." John von 
 Muller, in his history of the Swiss Confederacy, pays the following 
 tribute to the old aristocratic government of Berne : 
 
 " In the whole extent of the history of mankind, it will not be 
 easy to find a commonwealth which, for so long a period, was admin- 
 
 141 
 
142 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 
 
 istered with more wisdom and integrity, on the whole, and would 
 have better deserved to last forever, than that of Berne." (Vol. I, 
 page 460, note 117.) 
 
 2. Page 53. The reader will recollect that in 1476, all the Swiss 
 Cantons were still Catholic. 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 1. Page 59. " Magnijiques Seigneurs de Berne" was the title by 
 which the members of the aristocratic government of that Canton 
 were addressed. 
 
 2. Page 62. See John von Miillers Geschichte der Schweizerischen 
 Eidgenossenschaft, vol. V, page 50. 
 
 3. Page 74. " The Cross of Schwytz," &c. 
 
 4. Page 74. " The key of Unterwalden," &c. — A small, white cross, 
 in the right corner of a red field, is seen in the armorial escutcheon 
 of Schwytz, whilst that of Unterwalden has a white key in a red 
 field. 
 
 5. Page 75. " Naefels saw victorious, 
 
 Fridolin, thy sainted patron," &c. 
 The battle of Naefels, in the Canton of Glaris, was fought on April 
 9, 1388, two years after that of Sempach. Six thousand Austrians 
 were completely routed by 530 Swiss. St. Fridolin, the patron 
 Saint of the Glarners, appears on their escutcheon. 
 
 ACT IV. 
 1. Page 82. Von Midler's Geschichte, &c, vol. V, page 52. 
 
NICHOLAS OF THE FLUB. 143 
 
 2. Page 96. Ibid, page 69. 
 
 3. Pages 97-8. — Translation : 
 
 " From the depths, oh Lord, this day we all come crying unto 
 Thee, King, Creator of all angels and men, hear us praying ! Do 
 not despise our voices, holy, everlasting God, Judge of nations ! In 
 such great danger, oh Lord, grant unto our people, through the 
 strength of prayers and through Thy grace, victory and lasting 
 peace ! May the glory of Thy kingdom and mercy last ; may Thy 
 name be holy for all ages to come ! Amen ! 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 1. Page 109. " The felon's doom awaits his last remains, his ashes." 
 The bodies of insolvent debtors were doomed to be buried near a 
 place, where dead animals were interred. 
 
 2. Page 120. " St, Jacob' s field." — This memorable battle was fought 
 near the city of Basil, in 1444, during the wars of the Swiss against 
 the city of Zurich, which had seceded from the League, and was 
 assisted by the Emperor of Germany and the King of France in her 
 struggles against her old confederates Fifteen hundred Swiss 
 attacked an army of 30,000 Armagnacs, who, headed by the Dau- 
 phin, afterwards Louis XI, king of France, had come to the relief of 
 Zurich. The brave band of the Swiss was overpowered and almost 
 entirely annihilated, not, however, until their enemy had 8,000 
 killed, and lost 1,500 horses. 
 
 3. Page 120. " Greifensee." — During the civil war, alluded to 
 above, the castle of Greifensee, defended by a detachment of depend- 
 ents of Zurich, was taken by the Swiss Confederates. Sixty of the 
 garrison were executed in one day, by order of Itel Reding, the 
 commander of the troops of Schwytz. 
 
144 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 
 
 4. Page 120. It was in the battle near Nancy that Charles the 
 Bold lost his life. About 8,000 Swiss had come to assist Bene, Duke 
 of Lorraine, in recovering his realm. 
 
 5. Allusion is made here to Peter am Stalden of Entlibuch, who 
 was concerned in a conspiracy against the government of Lucerne. 
 Some of the prominent men of Unterwalden were said to be impli- 
 cated in tbe plot, for which Am Stalden was executed. 
 
 6. Page 181. See Von Muller's Geschichte, &c, vol. V, page 253. 
 The whole address is taken from the old chronicles. 
 
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