by the encumbrance of ideas which we have not mastered and cannot use. We have some vague idea, for instance, that constitutional government and slavery are inconsistent with each other; that there is a connection between private judgment and democracy, between Christianity and civilization; we attempt to find arguments in proof, and our arguments are the most plain demonstration that we simply do not understand the things themselves, of which we are professedly treating. [EMMA, the mother of ALBERT, alone.] Emma. O the fresh morning! Heaven's kind mes senger, That never empty-handed comes to those Who will best use its gifts. Praise be to Him! [Enter ALBERT.] Albert. My mother! Em. Albert! Bless thee! How early were you up? Alb. Before the sun. Em. Ay, strive with him. He never lies in bed When it is time to rise. Be like the sun. Alb. What you would have me like, I'll be like, As far as will to labor joined can make me. Em. Well said, my boy! Knelt you when you got up To-day? Alb. I did, and do so every day. Em. I know you do; And think you when you kneel To whom you kneel? Alb. To Him who made me, mother. Em. And in whose name? Alb. In the name of Him who died For me and all men, that all men and I Em. That's right! Remember that, my son;Forget all things but that-remember that! "Tis more than friends or fortune, clothing, food,-All things of earth,-Yes, life itself. It is To live, when these are gone where they are naught With God!-My son, remember that! Alb. I will! Em. I'm glad you mind the things you're taught. That is the lesson of content, my son; He who finds which, has all,-who misses, nothing! Alb. Content is a good thing. Em. A thing the good Alone can profit by. Alb. My father's good. Em. What sayest thou, boy? Alb. I say my father's good. Em. Yes, he is good! what then? Alb. I do not think He is content,-I'm sure he's not content; Em. I did not say all good men found content. I would be busy; leave me. Alb. You are not angry! Em. No, no, my boy. Alb. You'll kiss me? Em. Will I not! The time will come when you'll not ask your mother To kiss you! Alb. Never! Em. Not when you're a man? Alb. I'll never be a man to see that time! I'd rather die now, when I am a child, Than live to be a man, and not love you! Em. Live, live, to be a man, and love your mother! [They embrace,-ALBERT runs off.] Why should my heart shrink! 'Tis for this we rear them! Cherish their tiny limbs,-pine if a thorn But mar their tender skin,-gather them to us That knows no cowering wing! [Re-enter ALBERT with a bow and arrows, and a rude target, which he sets up, laying the bow and quiver on the ground. What have you there? Alb. My bow and arrow, mother. Em. When will you use them like your father, boy? Alb. Some time, I hope. Em. You boast! There's not an archer In all Helvetia, can compare with him! Alb. But I'm his son; and when I am a man, I may be like him. Mother, do I boast To think I may some time be like my father? For, ever as I wonder at his skill, He calls me boy, and says I must do more, Em. May you be such A man as he,-if Heaven wills, better. I'll Alb. I'll show you How I can shoot. [Shoots at the target.] Look, mother! there's within An inch! Em. O fie! it wants a hand. [Goes out.] Alb. A hand's An inch for me. I'll hit it yet. Now for it! [Shoots again. [Enter TELL, watching ALBERT some time in silence.] Tell. There's scarce a miss that comes so near the mark! Well aimed, young Archer! bends With what ease he The bow! To see those sinews, who'd believe Such strength did lodge in them? That little arm, To pull a sinewy tyrant from his seat; Living to see that day. What, Albert! Alb. Ah! My father! [Running to his father.] I did not look for you till noon, and thought come! Now this is happiness! Joy's double joy That comes before the time! Tell. You raise the bow Too fast. [To ALBERT, who has returned to his practice.] Bring 't slowly to the eye. [ALBERT shoots.] missed! How often have you hit the mark to-day? Alb. Not once yet. Tell. You're not steady. I perceived You've You wavered now. Stand firm!-let every limb Stand like the sculptor's statue on the gate Em. William, William! O, To be the parents of a boy like that!— Why speak you not? and wherefore do you sigh? Tell. You've missed again! [ALBERT shoots. Dost see the mark? Rivet your eye to it! Em. Why, William, don't you answer me? [ALBERT shoots. Tell. Again! How would you fare Suppose a wolf should cross your path, and you, Alone, with but your bow, and only time To fix a single arrow! "T would not do To miss the wolf! You said the other day, Were you a man, you'd not let Gesler live. 'T was easy to say that. Suppose you now, Your life or his depended on that shot!Take care! That's Gesler!-Now for liberty! Right to the tyrant's heart! [ALBERT shoots and hits the mark. |