WILLIAM TELL, 23

TELL. (Bitterly.) Chairs, stools, all! Gesler’s bailiffs from us wrench,
Till nought is left for Switzers but the Bench !
No matter though; to work—which is the chair?

VER. Sit on that rail instead.

TELL. What, that one there?
It’s not a first-class rail, but it’ll do.

Now who begins the evening’s business ?

Mic. You!
Move on.
TELL. I shan’t; I’m comfortable here.
Mic. Stuff! Make a motion.
TELL. Now you’re meaning’s clear.

[Mr. TELL rises to address the meeting.