Page:William Tell Told Again.djvu/158

90 “I shall not resist,” said Tell scornfully. “I should have known the folly of trusting to a tyrant to keep his word. My death will at least show my countrymen the worth of their Governor’s promises."

“Not so," replied Gessler; “no man shall say I ever broke my knightly word. I promised you your life, and I will give you your life. But you are a dangerous man, Tell, and against such must I guard myself. You have told me your murderous purpose. I must look to it that that purpose is not fulﬁlled. Life I promised you, and life I will give you. But of freedom I said nothing. In my castle at Küssnacht there are dungeons where no ray of sun or moon ever falls. Chained hand and foot in one of these, you will hardly aim your arrows at me. It is rash, Tell, to threaten those who have power over you. Soldiers, bind him and lead him to my ship.