MAS. M.
Down to a cap on bended knee, forsooth!
Rare jesting this with men of sober sense!

1ST W.
Nay, an it were the imperial crown! A cap!
Merely the cap of Austria! I've seen it
Hanging above the throne in Gessler's hall.

MASON.
The cap of Austria? Mark that! A snare
To get us into Austria's power, by Heaven!

WORK.
No freeborn man will stoop to such disgrace.

MAS. M.
Come--to our comrades, and advise with them!

[They retire up.]

TELL (to Stauffacher).
You see how matters stand.
Farewell, my friend.

STAUFF.
Whither away? Oh, leave us not so soon.

TELL.
They look for me at home. So fare ye well.