The Middlebury galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1848-1850, 1849-02-13
FOR TIE MIppLEBURY GALAXY.
W 1 L L 1 A NJ T ELL
TRANSLATED FROM TIE FRENCH.

! In the midst of the country of the ancient
IIelvetii, so renowned for the valor of its nhabit
ants, were three cantons, enclosed on all SIDES BY
inaccessible rocks. The people who dwelt hero
retained those simple manners which the Crea.
tor of the world at first gave to mankind, to pre-
serve them from vice. Frueality, sincerity mod
esty. and all the virtues, seemed to have sought
n retreat behind these mountains. Liberty nj
length, took her scat upon their heights and
since that fortunate day, the truly wise and hero
| ic never pronounce, but with respect the names
of Uri. of Schwitz, and of Underwald. The in.
habitanfs of these three cantons. always occupied
with rural labors, escaped, for many ages the
crimes and misery produced by the ambitious
quarrels of those numerous chiefs wLo on the &C.
struction of the Roman Empire, usurped the gov
ernment of their fellows ruling BY a code found
ed in tyranny, ignorance. and superstition. For
gotten, perhaps despised, by the devastators OF
the world, the laborers of Uri, though submissive
to the new Caesars, bore rs yet the consoline
name of freemcn, and observed their ancient laws
and customs.
Not far from Altorf their capital. upon the bor-
ders of lake wich gave its name to the village
was high mountain, on the summit of which
was poor cottage, surrounded bv a small field,
containing vines and fruit trees. There dwelt the
father of William Tell. When William had
reached his twentieth year, he received this little
estate as an inheritance from his father
"Mv son." said the old man to him, when dy-
ing, ~ have laborcd-my work is done. Sixty
years have passed away in this peaceful asylum,
without vice having dared to cross the threshold
of my door; without one of my nights having
been troubled by remorse. Labor as have done.
my son. Like me, choose wife whose wisdom,
love, and patient devotion, shall double thy limo
cent pleasures. and lessen thy sorrows. The vir-
Int 1,clf
Adieul Moderate thy grief Death is easy for
the good man. Dwell where 1 leave thee, ifthou
wouldst be free, but if ever a tyrant dares to al
tack our ancient liberty, William, die for thy
country-and thou wilt find that Deaths sweet"
After having rendered the last duties to his
venerable father he accustomed himselfeach eve
ming, to repair to his tomb, and there review his
| conduct through the day. In this way, he learn
ed to govern his passions, though naturally vio-
| lent and became master of his most impetuons
desires. He shared with the poor the produce of
his fields, and hastened his own work, to gain an
opportunity to assist those who had need of aid.
Nature, in bestowng upon William a soul so
beautiful, had given him also great strength of
body. In stature, he surpassed, by a whole head,
the tallest of his companions. Early accustomed
to climb his native hills and 10 the use OF the bow
and arrow, as well as the oar, he was renowned
for his dexterty and skill: in all their youthful
sports.
William wished to marry according TO his faith
er's request And the young Edmee attracted
his attention. Edmee was the most lovely of the
daughters of Uri. Peace, gentleness, and reason
had chosen her for their sanctuary. An orphan,
and without fortune she had dwelt from her in
fancy with an old man, the astrelative of her in
digent family.
Edmee watched the focks of this virtuous old
man, during the day, and returned, with the shades
of evening to arrange their dwelling, and pre-
pare their simple repast. She would then retire
to rest, satisfied with the day and happy to have
acquitted the sweet debt of gratitude. sure that
the next day would bring her the same pleasure.
Tell would sometimes visit her old benefactor du-
ring Edmees absence, to hear him speak of her
patience and goodness, and how each day she
became more dear to him. Tears would come
in the old mans eyes, as he spoke of the thousand
kindnesses bestowed by Edmee upon his feeble
old age. Tell loved her for these filial demon
STATIONS of virtue, and resolved TO offer her his
hand. 1t was accepted-and thus Hymen plant
ed happiness in his cottage.
Labor had new charms, because Edmee sbar-
ed its fruits They enjoyed the double pleasures
of friendship and mutual respect. They were al
wavs striving to be more worthy of each other
and their souls became more beautiful in ex-
changing all their thoughts and sentiments. They
were best with son. The young and charming
Gemmi was, during his infancy, under the care OF
Edmee, but after he had attained his sixth year,
he accompanied William 10 the fields, where he