LETTER XV. TO A. J. KEMPE, ESQ., F. S. A. Lake of Lucerne. William Tell.- Count Rodolph of Habsbourg: made Emperor.- Swiss Confederacy.Adolphus of Nassau.Wars.-Adolphus killed.- Disputes continued. Albert's Spirit of Revenge, how exercised. Count Beringuer de Laudenberg. Herman Gessler.— Unterwalden.-Arnold de Melchthal. Werner Stauffacher. His Wife. Walter Fürst. — Midnight Meetings. The Grutli. The Confederates, November the 17th, 1307.- The Oath. Herman Gessler. The Test.-William Tell. -His Son. His extraordinary Story. - Bay of Uri. Tell's Adventure. The Hohle Gasse. -Spirit of the Time and of the Country. Scepticism respecting Tell's History.Its Truth vindicated. Tradition and History. - Tradition of the Cantons. My dear Brother, - Analogy. I HAVE now to speak of our excursion on the lake of Lucerne unquestionably the most magnificent of all the lakes of Switzerland and where the interest it inspires is heightened and sustained by mingling itself with so much of historical record, legend, and tradition. The lake of Lucerne is the lake of Tell, and, before we view it, it may not be amiss to say something more about that hero and the events in which he bore so conspicuous a part than you may, perhaps, be acquainted with, since you have not hitherto, I believe, given much attention to the history of Switzerland. About the year 1290, a certain Count Rodolph, of Habsbourg, was so much beloved and esteemed, on account of his humanity and courage, by the people of many large towns in Switzerland, where he acted as bailiff or governor for the Emperor of Germany, that the inhabitants of Schwyz implored him to become their governor also, as they were much disturbed by the quarrels that existed between the emperor and the pope. And so much had they likewise suffered from the oppressions of the feudal chiefs, who, inhabiting their strong and loftily situated castles, harassed the inhabitants of the valleys and the plains, that already had Uri, Schwyz, and Zurich entered into a defensive league against the incursions of these mountain tyrants. Soon after, on the death of the emperor, the nobles and princes of Germany, not being able to settle the succession to the throne of that empire among themselves, agreed to offer the imperial crown to the Count of Habsbourg, who was universally allowed to be wise, just, and brave. Thus was he chosen emperor: all Switzerland hastened to congratulate so good a man; and, though he now filled the first throne in Europe, he never ceased to cherish with affectionate zeal the Swiss people, to whom he granted innumerable privileges, and conferred upon their towns and cities the most honourable and substantial benefits, as proofs of his gene rosity and care. But this happy state of things totally changed on the death of the good Emperor Rodolph; for being succeeded by his son, Albert, that young prince soon made it appear that he had but two objects in view on ascending the imperial throne-namely, the aggrandisement of his domains, and the acquisition of arbitrary power. Totally disregarding all his father's solemn engagements and generous cares in favour of the Swiss, he violated the former and neglected the latter to such an extent, that the injured people could no longer doubt the days of tyranny and oppression were at hand. With a view to guard against these anticipated evils, the principal men of Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden assembled, and, in the year 1291, concluded a perpetual alliance, and engaged themselves by a solemn oath to defend each other in all extremities with the best powers they possessed those of counsel and of arms. Many nobles, abbots, and cities followed their example; and Albert soon after rendering himself no less obnoxious to the German princes, lost their favour also, and Adolphus of Nassau was elected emperor in his stead. Hence arose the war of who should be emperor; for both Albert and Adolphus had followers and partisans warm in their cause who maintained the contests which ensued with unmitigable fury. Adolphus was at length slain in battle; but his death did not confirm the crown in the possession of his rival, nor did it end the quarrels which had originally sprung from their claims. Albert, however, was still at the head of a strong force, and now proceeded to treat many of the towns and cities of Switzerland as rebellious towards himself, for having acknowledged the right of the deceased Adolphus. To Zurich he prepared to lay siege; but finding that city so bent on a gallant defence, that even the women took up arms, he offered terms of peace, and confirmed the privileges and liberties of all classes of its citizens. To the confederates of Waldstetten he offered terms which he hoped would lead them to submission, not to the empire of Germany, but to himself, the ex-emperor. Amongst other tempting offers, he declared he would confer chivalrous honours upon their leaders, and create from among them nobles of high degree. But these gallant mountaineers treated his offers with scorn, and declared they would accept no honours but those which might result from the restoration of the rights of their fathers; and that they would place themselves under no protection but that of the empire of Germany. Incensed by this answer, Albert thought only of revenge, and to compel by the most vexatious |