Tell as a Marksman — were forgotten
Tell — this Day endures
Ruddy as that coeval Apple
The Tradition bears —
Fresh as Mankind that humble story
Though a statelier Tale
Grown in the Repetition hoary
Scarcely would prevail —
Tell had a son — The ones that knew it
Need not linger here —
Those who did not to Human Nature
Will subscribe a Tear —
Tell would not bare his Head
In Presence
Of the Ducal Hat —
Threatened for that with Death — by Gessler —
Tyranny bethought
Make of his only Boy a Target
That surpasses Death —
Stolid to Love's supreme entreaty
Not forsook of Faith —
Mercy of the Almighty begging —
Tell his Arrow sent —
God it is said replies in Person
When the cry is meant —