The arrow flew, but none could tell
If apple pierced or humble son
Until one or the other fell
Determined contest lost or won
The dart flew like a bat from hell
Toward Walter, son of William Tell
Sir William Tell refused to bow
Before the lords who ruled the land
And hated they his stubborn prow
But feared the crossbow in his hand
‘He must be forced to bend somehow! '
So, swore they all with solemn vow
And then: ‘A contest! Fun for all! '
Let William shoot his famous bow
At distance great and target small
And by so doing he can show
He need not bow nor ever fall
Upon his face before us all
At last a target did unveil
An apple at one hundred yards
Sir William's face grew ghastly pale
He ne'er suspected such dark cards
The apple sat on Walter Tell
The humble son of William Tell
And fixed the arrow for its flight
'No need to shoot! Just simply bow! '
Said lords who thought they'd won the fight
Against Sir William Tell who now
Should slay his only son; but right
Prevails against the darkest night
The arrow flew, but none could tell
If apple pierced or humble son
Until one or the other fell
Determined contest lost or won
The dart flew like a bat from hell
Toward Walter, son of William Tell
The apple split with such a force
No trace of apple could be found
But all the country changed its course
No longer serfs to lords were bound
And freedom rose upon the shores
Because Sir Tell refused the lords
Pleasant ballad, suitable to set to music. By the way, these was the last opera by Rossini. The William's troubles about the head: to bow his or to endanger that of his son.
I loved this poem, very well penned, must read someore of your work now, regards Bob
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
best poem I have read in a while! awesome!