Page:William Tell Told Again.djvu/118

62 hoisted Tell on to their shoulders, and, having coughed once or twice, he said:

“Gentlemen——”

Cheers from the crowd.

“Gentlemen,” said Tell again, “this is the proudest moment of my life.”

More cheers.

“I don’t know what you want me to talk about. I have never made a speech before. Excuse my emotion. This is the proudest moment of my life. To-day is a great day for Switzerland. We have struck the first blow of the revolution. Let us strike some more.”

Shouts of “Hear, hear!” from the crowd, many of whom, misunderstanding Tell’s last remark, proceeded to hit Leuthold and Friesshardt, until stopped by cries of “Order!” from Ulric the smith.

“Gentlemen,” continued Tell, “the ﬂood-gates of revolution have been opened. From