Tell As A Marksman'were Forgotten

1152

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-