Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-01-21
WILLIAM TELL.

fFrom .sRemai ka bic Adventures of Celebrated Per
sons" published by Robt. Sears, New York;
elm the midst of Ancient Ueivetia, that
country renowned for valor, three cautons,
enclosed on all sides by the Steepest rocks had
preserved for many ages their simple manners.
Industry, frugality, truth, and modesty-those
virtues which the cOuquering kings of the
earth delight to baniSh-took refuge among
these mountains. There they remained long
concealed, nor complained of their peaceful
obscurity. Liberty in her turn fixed her seat
the summit OF these mountains, and from
that fortunate moment. none who are truly
brave wise, have pronounced without re-
spect, the names of Uri. of Schwiiz, or uder-
walden. The natives of these three cantons
pursued their daily labor in the fields, and es-
capped for mauy ages the misery produced by
the guilty madness of those fierce chieftains
who conquered the Roman Empire. They
formed out of its ruins a number of smaller
kingdoms, which they governed 10y the worst
laws that ignorance could invent in favor of
tyranny. But they deSpiSed. perhaps, the poor
shepherds and huSbaadmen of Uri, and on that
account permitted them 10 keep the cherished
name of freedom. They barely submitted to
these new Caesars and preserved thvir ancient
customs, their laws, and theiryirtues.
..No far from Aitnrf, their capital, on the
shore OF the lake which gives its name TO the
town, is high mountain, from which the triv-
eier, who pauses after the toll Of climbing its
steep sides, may discover a crowd of valleys
enclosed by rocks of diff rent size and shape.
sRiyulets or rapid torrents, sometimes fall
ing in cascades, across the rocks, sometimes
winding through beds of moss, descend into
the valley to water meadows covered with vast
fiocks,- or to supply the clear lake, in which
the young heifers delight to cool themselves
son the summit of the mountain was poor
hut, surrounded hy small field, vineyard,
and an orchard. \ laborer, rather hero,
though as vet he knew not his own powers,
r. Ia
try, received from his father, at the age of 20
wears this small Inheritance, and this was Will
liam Tell, the hero of Switzerland.
"Nature had endowed Tell with a fiae and
lofty soul heart fnll of benevolence, and a
frame strong and active. He was head tall
or than the tallest of his companions. He
could climb with firm step the most sfupen-
dous rocks; could leap over roaring torrents,
or chase the wild chamois in their fullest speed
TO the top Of the icy SUBMITS. tsis arms
could alone bend and break down the stubborn
oak after few strokes of his axe, and his
shoulders could bear its vast weight with all
its leafy branches.
son days of rejoicing, in the midst of the
games which the young archers carried on,
Tell, who had no equal in the art of shooting
with Il bow and arrow. was obliged to bc idle
while the prize disputed. He was seated
in spits of his youth, among the old men, who
were there as judges Confused at this honor,
ness to watch the fight of the swift arrows.
He applauded with rapture the archer whose
aim was the truest, and held ont his arms. as
If to embrac rival worthy OF himself. But
if il happened that the culver was emptied IN
vain. and no one had struck the dove; If the
bird tired Of its useless struggles, was perched
upon the top of the mast, and looking down
with Il fearless eye upon lis feeble enemies,
then William would rise, and taking his great
bow with three of the fallen arrows. with the
first he would strike the mast and put the bird
10 flight with the second he won!d cut the
string which hindered II from soaring on high,
and with the third seek it in the midst of the
clouds, and bring it palpitating to the feet OF
the astonshed judges"
Shortly after Tell came into possession, he
resolved to follow his fathers advice and mar
rv. He became enamored of beautiful Or
,ihan girl. called Edmea was united to her,
and bore her TO his cottage. Soon after, ms
heart rrioiced in the birth of son, whom ne
called Gemmi. Near his own abode, resided
q valued friend, Melctal, and the Two families
were united by the strongest bonds oil irlehu-
ship But while in the midst OF their haPl'l-
ness. the death of Rodophus, the Austrian
Sovereign, threatened TO put an ena 10 'he'i
freedom, and their peace OF heart.
ssRodoluhus whom fortune had seated on
the throre of the Caesars. had always respect
ed the liberty of Switzerland. Ihe hausnts
Albert who succeeded him. pulled mp win MS
vain titles, his vast dominions, and the COM
mand of all the armies of the empire, was eG
ragged that a few laborers and herdsmen shouIu
dare to think OF being independent OF his gov
ernment. He sent Governor among them 10
suhduc thei. noble spirit; and this Governor
was Gcsler, the bascst and most insolent oil the
Few Emperor's servants.
"Gesl.r, followed by armed slaves, OF whom
bs mNde cxecustousre st his pleasure, took Up