Smith.Had not your people first beset me, king,I would have prov'd a friend and brother to them;Arts I'd have taught, that should have made them gods,And gifts would I have given to your people,Richer than red men ever yet beheld.Think not I fear to die. Lead to the block.The soul of the white warrior shall shrink not.Prepare the stake! amidst your fiercest tortures,You'll find its fiery pains as nobly scorned,As when the red man sings aloud his death-song.Pocahontas.Oh! shall that brave man die!Music. TheKingmotions with his hand, andSmithis led to the block.Miami.[To executioners.] Warriors, when the third signal strikes, sink your tomahawks in his head.Pocahontas.Oh, do not, warriors, do not! Father, incline your heart to mercy; he will win your battles, he will vanquish your enemies! [First signal.] Brother, speak! save your brother! Warriors, are you brave? preserve the brave man! [Second signal.]Miami, priest, sing the song of peace; ah! strike not, hold! mercy!Music. The third signal is struck, the hatchets are lifted up: when thePrincess, shrieking, runs distractedly to the block, and pressesSmith'shead to her bosom.White man, thou shalt not die; or I will die with thee!Music. She leadsSmithto the throne, and kneels.My father, dost thou love thy daughter? listen to her voice; look upon her tears: they ask for mercy to the captive. Is thy child dear to thee, my father? Thy child will die with the white man.Plaintive music. She bows her head to his feet.Powhatan, after some deliberation, looking on his daughter with tenderness, presents her with a string of white wampum.Pocahontas, with the wildest expression of joy, rushes forward withSmith, presenting the beads of peace.Captive! thou art free!—Music. General joy is diffused—MiamiandGrimoscoonly appear discontented. The princeNantaquascongratulatesSmith. ThePrincessshows the most extravagant emotions of rapture.Smith. O woman! angel sex! where'er thou art,Still art thou heavenly. The rudest climeRobs not thy glowing bosom of its nature.Thrice blessed lady, take a captive's thanks![He bows upon her hand.Pocahontas.My brother!—[Music.Smithexpresses his gratitude.Nantaquas.Father, hear the design that fills my breast. I will go among the white men; I will learn their arts; and my people shall be made wise and happy.Pocahontas.I too will accompany my brother.Miami.Princess!—Pocahontas.Away, cruel Miami; you would have murdered my brother!—Powhatan.Go, my son; take thy warriors, and go with the white men. Daughter, I cannot lose thee from mine eyes; accompany thy brother but a little on his way. Stranger, depart in peace; I entrust my son to thy friendship.Smith.Gracious sir,He shall return with honours and with wonders;My beauteous sister! noble brother, come!Music. Exeunt, on one side,Smith,Princess,Nantaquas,Nima, and train. On the other,King,Priest,Miami, &c. The two latter express angry discontent.SceneII.A forest.EnterPercy,Rolfe.Rolfe.So far indeed 'tis fruitless, yet we'll on.Percy.Aye, to the death.Rolfe.Brave Percy, come, confessYou have forgot your love.Percy.Why, faith, not quite;Despite of me, it sometimes through my mindFlits like a dark cloud o'er a summer sky;But passes off like that, and leaves me cloudless.I can't forget that she was sweet as spring;Fair as the day.Rolfe.Aye, aye, like April weather;Sweet, fair, and faithless.Percy.True alas! like April!Song—Percy.Fair Geraldine each charm of spring possest,Her cheek glow'd with the rose and lily's strife;Her breath was perfume, and each winter'd breastFelt that her sunny eyes beam'd light and life.Alas! that in a form of blooming May,The mind should April's changeful liv'ry wear!Yet ah! like April, smiling to betray,Is Geraldine, as false as she is fair!Rolfe.Beshrew the little gipsy! let us on.[ExeuntPercy,Rolfe.EnterLarry,Walter,Robin, &c.Larry.Go no further? Och! you hen-hearted cock robin!Robin.But, master Larry—Walter.Prithee, thou evergreen aspen leaf, thou non-intermittent ague! why didst along with us?Robin.Why, you know, my master Rolfe desired it; and then you were always railing out on me for chicken-heartedness. I came to shew ye I had valour.Walter.But forgetting to bring it with thee, thou wouldst now back for it; well, in the name of Mars, go; return for thy valour, Robin.Robin.What! alone?Larry.Arrah! then stay here till it comes to you, and then follow us.Robin.Stay here! O Lord, methinks I feel an arrow sticking in my gizzard already! Hark ye, my sweet master, let us sing.Larry.Sing?Robin.Sing; I'm always valiant when I sing. Beseech you, let us chaunt the glee that I dish'd up for us three.Larry.It has a spice of your cowardly cookery in it.Walter.But since 'tis a provocative to Robin's valour—Larry.Go to: give a lusty hem, and fall on.Glee.We three, adventurers be,Just come from our own country;We have cross'd thrice a thousand ma,Without a penny of money.We three, good fellows be,Who wou'd run like the devil from Indians three;We never admir'd their bowmandry;Oh, give us whole skins for our money.We three, merry men be,Who gaily will chaunt our ancient glee,Though a lass or a glass, in this wild country,Can't be had, or for love, or for money.Larry.Well, how do you feel?Robin.As courageous as, as a—Larry.As a wren, little Robin. Are you sure, now, you won't be after fancying every deer that skips by you a divil, and every bush a bear?Robin.I defy the devil; but hav'n't you heard, my masters, how the savages go a hunting, drest out in deer-skin? How could you put one in mind, master Larry? O Lord! that I should come a captain-hunting! the only game we put up is deer that carry scalping knives! or if we beat the bush to start a bold commander, up bolts a bloody bear![WalterandLarryexchange significant nods.Larry.To be sure we're in a parlous case. The forest laws are dev'lish severe here: an they catch us trespassing upon their hunting ground, we shall pay a neat poll-tax: nothing less than our heads will serve.Robin.Our heads?Walter.Yes, faith! they'll soon collect their capitation.They wear men's heads, sir, hanging at the breast,Instead of jewels; and at either ear,Most commonly, a child's, by way of ear-drop.Robin.Oh! curse their finery! jewels, heads, O Lord!Larry.Pshaw man! don't fear. Perhaps they'll only burn us.What a delicate roasted Robin you wou'd make!Troth! they'd so lick their lips!Robin.A roasted robin!—Walter.Tut! if they only burn us, 'twill be brave.Robin shall make our death-songs.Robin.Death-songs, oh![Robinstands motionless with fear.Larry.By the good looking right eye of Saint Patrick,There's Rolfe and Percy, with a tribe of Indians.[Looking out.Robin.Indians! they're pris'ners, and we—we're dead men![WhileWalterandLarryexeunt,Robingets up into a tree.]O Walter, Larry! ha! what gone, all gone!Poor Robin, what is to become of thee?EnterSmith,Pocahontas,Nantaquas,Percy,Rolfe,NimaandIndians,LarryandWalter.Smith.At hazard of her own dear life she saved me.E'en the warm friendship of the prince had fail'd,And death, inevitable death, hung over me.Oh, had you seen her fly, like Pity's herald,To stay the uplifted hatchet in its flight;Or heard her, as with cherub voice she pled,Like Heav'n's own angel-advocate, for mercy.Pocahontas.My brother, speak not so.[Bashfully.Rolfe.What gentleness!What sweet simplicity! what angel softness!Rolfegoes to her. She, timidly, but with evident pleasure, receives his attentions. During this scene thePrincessdiscovers the first advances of love in a heart of perfect simplicity.Smith, &c., converse apart.Robin.[In the tree.] Egad! there's never a head hanging to their ears; and their ears hang to their heads, for all the world as if they were christians; I'll venture down among them.[Getting down.Nima.Ah![Bends her bow, and is about to shoot at him.Larry.Arrah! my little dark Diana, choose noble game, that's only little Robin.Robin.Aye, bless you, I'm only little Robin.[Jumps down.Nimaexamines him curiously, but fearfully.Robin.Gad, she's taken with my figure; ah! there it is now; a personable fellow shall have his wench any where. Yes, she's admiring my figure. Well, my dusky dear, how could you like such a man as I am?Nima.Are you a man?Robin.I'll convince you of it some day. Hark ye, my dear.[Attempts to whisper.Nima.Ah! don't bite.Robin.Bite! what do you take me for?Nima.A racoon.Robin.A racoon! Why so?Nima.You run up the tree.[Motions as if climbing.Larry.Well said, my little pagan Pythagoras!—Ha! ha!Robin.Hum![Retires disconcerted.RolfeandPercycome forward.Rolfe.Tell me, in sooth, didst ever mark such sweetness!Such winning—such bewitching gentleness!Percy.What, caught, my flighty friend, love-lim'd at last?O Cupid, Cupid! thou'rt a skilful birder.Although thou spread thy net, i' the wilderness,Or shoot thy bird-bolt from an Indian bow,Or place thy light in savage ladies' eyes,Or pipe thy call in savage ladies' voices,Alas! each tow'ring tenant of the airMust fall heart pierc'd—or stoop, at thy command,To sigh his sad notes in thy cage, O Cupid!Rolfe.A truce; a truce! O friend, her guiltless breastSeems Love's pavilion, where, in gentle sleep,The unrous'd boy has rested. O my Percy!Could I but wake the slumb'rer—Percy.Nay, i' faith,Take courage; thou hast given the alarm:Methinks the drowsy god gets up apace.Rolfe.Say'st thou?Smith.Come, gentlemen, we'll toward the town.Nantaquas.My sister, you will now return to our father.Princess.Return, my brother?Nantaquas.Our father lives but while you are near him. Go, my sister, make him happy with the knowledge of his son's happiness. Farewell, my sister![ThePrincessappears dejected.Smith.Once more, my guardian angel, let me thank thee.[Kissing her hand.Ere long we will return to thee, with presentsWell worth a princess' and a king's acceptance.Meantime, dear lady, tell the good PowhatanWe'll show the prince such grace and entertainment,As shall befit our brother and his son.Adieu, sweet sister.Music. They take leave of thePrincess; she remains silently dejected; her eyes anxiously followRolfe, who lingers behind, and is the last to take leave.Princess.Stranger, wilt thou too come to Werocomoco?Rolfe.Dost thou wish it, lady?Princess.[Eagerly.] O yes!Rolfe.And why, lovely lady?Princess.My eyes are pleased to see thee, and my ears to hear thee, stranger.Rolfe.And did not the others who were here also please thy sight and hearing?Princess.Oh! they were all goodly; but—their eyes looked not like thine; their voices sounded not like thine; and their speeches were not like thy speeches, stranger.Rolfe.Enchanting simplicity! But why call me stranger? Captain Smith thou callest brother. Call me so too.Princess.Ah, no!Rolfe.Then thou thinkest not of me as thou dost of him? [She shakes her head and sighs.] Is Captain Smith dear to thee?Princess.Oh yes! very dear; [Rolfeis uneasy.] and Nantaquas too: they are my brothers;—but—that name is not thine—thou art—Rolfe.What, lovely lady?Princess.I know not; I feel the name thou art, but I cannot speak it.Rolfe.I am thy lover, dear princess.Princess.Yes, thou art my lover. But why call me princess?Rolfe.Dear lady, thou art a king's daughter.Princess.And if I were not, what wouldst thou call me?Rolfe.Oh! if thou wert a beggar's, I would call thee love!Princess.I know not what a beggar is; but oh! I would I were a beggar's daughter, so thou wouldst call me love. Ah! do not longer call me king's daughter. If thou feelest the name as I do, call me as I call thee: thou shalt bemylover; I will bethylover.Rolfe.Enchanting, lovely creature![Kisses her ardently.Princess.Lover, thou hast made my cheek to burn, and my heart to beat! Mark it.Rolfe.Dear innocence![Putting his hand to her heart.Princess.Lover, why is it so? To-day before my heart beat, and mine eyes were full of tears; but then my white brother was in danger. Thou art not in danger, and yet behold—[Wipes a tear from her eye.] Besides, then, my heart hurt me, but now! Oh, now!—Lover, why is it so?[Leaning on him with innocent confidence.Rolfe.Angel of purity! thou didst to-day feel pity; and now—Oh, rapturous task to teach thee the difference!—now, thou dost feel love.Princess.Love!Rolfe.Love: the noblest, the sweetest passion that could swell thy angel bosom.Princess.Oh! I feel that 'tis very sweet. Lover, with thy lips thou didst make me feel it. My lips shall teach thee sweet love. [Kisses him, and artlessly looks up in his face; placing her hand upon his heart.] Does thy heart beat?Rolfe.Beat! O heaven!—[Robin, who had been withNima, comes forward.Robin.Gad! we must end our amours, or we shall be left. Sir, my master, hadn't we better—Rolfe.Booby! idiot!EnterWalter.Walter.Sir, lieutenant, the captain awaits your coming up.Rolfe.I'll follow on the instant.Princess.Thou wilt not go?Rolfe.But for a time, love.Princess.I do not wish thee to leave me.Rolfe.I must, love; but I will return.Princess.Soon—very soon?Rolfe.Very—very soon.Princess.I am not pleased now—and yet my heart beats. Oh, lover!Rolfe.My angel! there shall not a sun rise and set, ere I am with thee. Adieu! thy own heavenly innocence be thy safeguard. Farewell, sweet love!Music. He embraces her and exit, followed byRobinandWalter.Princesslooks after him. A pause.Princess.O Nima!Nima.Princess, white men are pow-wows. The white man put his lips here, and I felt something—here—[Putting her hand to her heart.Princess.O lover!She runs to the place whenceRolfewent out, and gazes after him.Music. Enter from opposite side,Miami.Miami.[Sternly.] Princess!Princess.[Turning.] Ah!Miami.Miami has followed thy steps. Thou art the friend of the white men.Princess.Yes, for they are good and godlike.Miami.Mine eyes beheld the pale youth part from you; your arms were entwined, your lips were together![Struggling with jealousy.Princess.He is my lover; I am his lover.[Still looking afterRolfe.Miami.[Stamps with anger.] Hear me! In what do the red yield to the white men? and who among the red men is like Miami? While I was yet a child, did the dart which my breath blew through my sarbacan ever fail to pierce the eye of the bird? What youth dared, like Miami, to leap from the precipice, and drag the struggling bear from the foaming torrent? Is there a hunter—is there a warrior—skilful and brave as Miami? Come to my cabin, and see the scalps and the skins that adorn it. They are the trophies of the Susquehannock!Princess.Man, mine eyes will never behold thy trophies. They are not pleased to look on thee.[Averting her eyes with disgust.Miami.Ha! [Pause—he resumes in a softened tone.] Princess, I have crossed many woods and waters, that I might bear the daughter of Powhatan to my nation. Shall my people cry out, with scorn, "behold! our prince returns without his bride?" In what is the pale youth above the red Miami?Princess.Thine eyes are as the panther's; thy voice like the voice of the wolf. Thou shouldst make my heart beat with joy; and I tremble before thee. Oh no! Powhatan shall give me to my lover. I will be my lover's bride!Music.Miamistamps furiously; his actions betray the most savage rage of jealousy; he rushes to seize thePrincess, but, recollecting that her attendants are by, he goes out in an agony, by his gestures menacing revenge. ThePrincessexit on the opposite side, followed by train.SceneIII.Werocomoco.Music. Enter from the palacePowhatanandGrimosco; met by thePrincess, who runs to her father.Powhatan.My daughter!Princess.O father! the furious Miami!Powhatan.What of the prince?Princess.Father, my father! do not let the fierce prince bear me to his cruel nation!Powhatan.How!Princess.By the spirit of my mother, I implore my father. Oh! if thou deliver me to the Susquehannock, think not thine eyes shall ever again behold me; the first kind stream that crosses our path shall be the end of my journey; my soul shall seek the soul of the mother that loved me, far beyond the mountains.Powhatan.Daughter, mention not thy mother!Princess.Her shade will pity her unhappy child, and I shall be at rest in her bosom.[Weeping.Powhatan.Rest in my bosom, my child! [She starts with joyful emotion.] Thou shalt not go from thy father.Princess.Father; dear father![Seizing his hand.Music. AnIndianenters, bearing a red hatchet.Indian.King!Powhatan.Thou art of the train of the Susquehannock: speak.Indian.My prince demands his bride.[ThePrincessclings fearfully to theKing.Powhatan.Tell thy prince, my daughter will not leave her father.Indian.Will Powhatan forget his promise to Miami?Powhatan.Powhatan will not forget his promise to her mother; and he vowed, while the angel of death hovered over her, that the eye of tender care should never be averted from her darling daughter.Indian.Shall not then my prince receive his bride?Powhatan.The daughter of Powhatan—never.Indian.Take then his defiance.[Music. He presents the red hatchet.Powhatan.The red hatchet! 'Tis well. Grimosco, summon our warriors.Grimosco.O king! might I—Powhatan.Speak not. Tell our chiefs to assemble; and show them the war-signal [ExitGrimosco.]. Go, tell your master, the great Powhatan will soon meet him, terrible as the minister of vengeance. [ExitIndian.] The chiefs approach. My child, retire from this war scene.Princess.O dear parent! thine age should have been passed in the shade of peace; and do I bring my father to the bloody war-path?Powhatan.Not so; the young prince has often dared my power, and merited my vengeance; he shall now feel both.Princess.Alas! his nation is numerous and warlike.Powhatan.Fear not, my child; we will call the valiant Nantaquas from his brothers; the brave English too will join us.Princess.Ah! then is thy safety and success certain.[Exit into palace, followed byNima, &c.Music. EnterGrimoscoandWarriors.Powhatan.Brave chieftains! need I remind you of the victories you have gained; the scalps you have borne from your enemies? Chieftains, another victory must be won; more trophies from your foes must deck your cabins; the insolent Miami has braved your king, and defied him with the crimson tomahawk. Warriors! we will not bury it till his nation is extinct. Ere we tread the war-path, raise to our god Aresqui the song of battle, then march to triumph and to glory.Song to Aresqui.Aresqui! Aresqui!Lo! thy sons for war prepare!Snakes adorn each painted head,While the cheek of flaming redGives the eye its ghastly glare.Aresqui! Aresqui!Through the war-path lead aright,Lo! we're ready for the fight.War Song.First Indian.See the cautious warrior creeping!Second Indian.See the tree-hid warrior peeping!First Indian.Mark! Mark!Their track is here; now breathless go!Second Indian.Hark! Hark!The branches rustle—'tis the foe!Chorus.Now we bid the arrow fly—Now we raise the hatchet high.Where is urg'd the deadly dart,There is pierced a chieftain's heart;Where the war-club swift descends,A hero's race of glory ends!First Indian.In vain the warrior flies—From his brow the scalp we tear.Second Indian.Or home the captiv'd prize,A stake-devoted victim, bear.First and Second Indian.The victors advance—And while amidst the curling blaze,Our foe his death-song tries to raise—Dance the warriors' dance.[War-dance.Grand Chorus.Aresqui! Aresqui!Through the war-path lead aright—Lo! we're ready for the fight.[March to battle.ACT III.SceneI.Jamestown—built.WalterandAlice.Walter.One mouthful more. [Kiss.] Oh! after a long lent of absence, what a charming relish is a kiss, served from the lips of a pretty wife, to a hungry husband.Alice.And, believe me, I banquet at the high festival of return with equal pleasure. But what has made your absence so tedious, prithee?Walter.Marry, girl, thus it was: when we had given the enemies of our ally, Powhatan, defeature, and sent the roughMiami in chains to Werocomoco, our captain dispatches his lieutenant, Rolfe, to supply his place, here, in the town; and leading us to the water's edge, and leaping into the pinnace, away went we on a voyage of discovery. Some thousand miles we sailed, and many strange nations discovered; and for our exploits, if posterity reward us not, there is no faith in history.Alice.And what were your exploits?Walter.Rare ones, egad!We took the devil, Okee, prisoner.Alice.And have you brought him hither?Walter.No: his vot'riesRedeem'd him with some score or two of deer-skins.Then we've made thirty kings our tributaries:Such sturdy rogues, that each could easilyFillip a buffalo to death with 's finger.Alice.But have you got their treasures?Walter.All, my girl.Imperial robes of raccoon, crowns of feather;Besides the riches of their sev'ral kingdoms—A full boat load of corn.Alice.Oh, wonderful!Walter.Aye, is it not? But, best of all, I've kiss'dThe little finger of a mighty queen.Sweet soul! among the court'sies of her court,She gave us a Virginian mascarado.Alice.Dost recollect the fashion of it?Walter.Oh!Were I to live till Time were in his dotage,'Twould never from mine eyes. Imagine first,The scene, a gloomy wood; the time, midnight;Her squawship's maids of honour were the masquers;Their masks were wolves' heads curiously set on,And, bating a small difference of hue,Their dress e'en such as madam Eve had onOr ere she eat the apple.Alice.Pshaw!Walter.These dresses,All o'er perfum'd with the self-same pomadoWhich our fine dames at home buy of old Bruin,Glisten'd most gorgeously unto the moon.Thus, each a firebrand brandishing aloft,Rush'd they all forth, with shouts and frantic yells,In dance grotesque and diabolical,Madder than mad Bacchantes.Alice.O the powers!Walter.When they had finished the divertisementA beauteous Wolf-head came to me—Alice.To you?Walter.And lit me with her pine-knot torch to bedward,Where, as the custom of the court it was,The beauteous Wolf-head blew the flambeau out,And then—Alice.Well!Walter.Then, the light being out, you know,To all that follow'd I was in the dark.Now you look grave. In faith I went to sleep.Could a grim wolf rival my gentle lamb?No, truly, girl: though in this wildernessThe trees hang full of divers colour'd fruit,From orange-tawny to sloe-black, egad,They'll hang until they rot or ere I pluck them,While I've my melting, rosy nonpareil.[Kiss.Alice.Oh! you're a Judas!Walter.Then am I a Jew!EnterSmith,Percy,Nantaquas,Larry, &c.
Smith.Had not your people first beset me, king,I would have prov'd a friend and brother to them;Arts I'd have taught, that should have made them gods,And gifts would I have given to your people,Richer than red men ever yet beheld.Think not I fear to die. Lead to the block.The soul of the white warrior shall shrink not.Prepare the stake! amidst your fiercest tortures,You'll find its fiery pains as nobly scorned,As when the red man sings aloud his death-song.
Smith.Had not your people first beset me, king,I would have prov'd a friend and brother to them;Arts I'd have taught, that should have made them gods,And gifts would I have given to your people,Richer than red men ever yet beheld.Think not I fear to die. Lead to the block.The soul of the white warrior shall shrink not.Prepare the stake! amidst your fiercest tortures,You'll find its fiery pains as nobly scorned,As when the red man sings aloud his death-song.
Pocahontas.Oh! shall that brave man die!
Music. TheKingmotions with his hand, andSmithis led to the block.
Miami.[To executioners.] Warriors, when the third signal strikes, sink your tomahawks in his head.
Pocahontas.Oh, do not, warriors, do not! Father, incline your heart to mercy; he will win your battles, he will vanquish your enemies! [First signal.] Brother, speak! save your brother! Warriors, are you brave? preserve the brave man! [Second signal.]Miami, priest, sing the song of peace; ah! strike not, hold! mercy!
Music. The third signal is struck, the hatchets are lifted up: when thePrincess, shrieking, runs distractedly to the block, and pressesSmith'shead to her bosom.
White man, thou shalt not die; or I will die with thee!
Music. She leadsSmithto the throne, and kneels.
My father, dost thou love thy daughter? listen to her voice; look upon her tears: they ask for mercy to the captive. Is thy child dear to thee, my father? Thy child will die with the white man.
Plaintive music. She bows her head to his feet.Powhatan, after some deliberation, looking on his daughter with tenderness, presents her with a string of white wampum.Pocahontas, with the wildest expression of joy, rushes forward withSmith, presenting the beads of peace.
Captive! thou art free!—
Music. General joy is diffused—MiamiandGrimoscoonly appear discontented. The princeNantaquascongratulatesSmith. ThePrincessshows the most extravagant emotions of rapture.
Smith. O woman! angel sex! where'er thou art,Still art thou heavenly. The rudest climeRobs not thy glowing bosom of its nature.Thrice blessed lady, take a captive's thanks!
Smith. O woman! angel sex! where'er thou art,Still art thou heavenly. The rudest climeRobs not thy glowing bosom of its nature.Thrice blessed lady, take a captive's thanks!
[He bows upon her hand.
Pocahontas.My brother!—
[Music.Smithexpresses his gratitude.
Nantaquas.Father, hear the design that fills my breast. I will go among the white men; I will learn their arts; and my people shall be made wise and happy.
Pocahontas.I too will accompany my brother.
Miami.Princess!—
Pocahontas.Away, cruel Miami; you would have murdered my brother!—
Powhatan.Go, my son; take thy warriors, and go with the white men. Daughter, I cannot lose thee from mine eyes; accompany thy brother but a little on his way. Stranger, depart in peace; I entrust my son to thy friendship.
Smith.Gracious sir,He shall return with honours and with wonders;My beauteous sister! noble brother, come!
Smith.Gracious sir,He shall return with honours and with wonders;My beauteous sister! noble brother, come!
Music. Exeunt, on one side,Smith,Princess,Nantaquas,Nima, and train. On the other,King,Priest,Miami, &c. The two latter express angry discontent.
SceneII.A forest.
EnterPercy,Rolfe.
Rolfe.So far indeed 'tis fruitless, yet we'll on.Percy.Aye, to the death.Rolfe.Brave Percy, come, confessYou have forgot your love.Percy.Why, faith, not quite;Despite of me, it sometimes through my mindFlits like a dark cloud o'er a summer sky;But passes off like that, and leaves me cloudless.I can't forget that she was sweet as spring;Fair as the day.Rolfe.Aye, aye, like April weather;Sweet, fair, and faithless.Percy.True alas! like April!
Rolfe.So far indeed 'tis fruitless, yet we'll on.
Percy.Aye, to the death.
Rolfe.Brave Percy, come, confessYou have forgot your love.
Percy.Why, faith, not quite;Despite of me, it sometimes through my mindFlits like a dark cloud o'er a summer sky;But passes off like that, and leaves me cloudless.I can't forget that she was sweet as spring;Fair as the day.
Rolfe.Aye, aye, like April weather;Sweet, fair, and faithless.
Percy.True alas! like April!
Song—Percy.
Fair Geraldine each charm of spring possest,Her cheek glow'd with the rose and lily's strife;Her breath was perfume, and each winter'd breastFelt that her sunny eyes beam'd light and life.Alas! that in a form of blooming May,The mind should April's changeful liv'ry wear!Yet ah! like April, smiling to betray,Is Geraldine, as false as she is fair!
Fair Geraldine each charm of spring possest,Her cheek glow'd with the rose and lily's strife;Her breath was perfume, and each winter'd breastFelt that her sunny eyes beam'd light and life.
Alas! that in a form of blooming May,The mind should April's changeful liv'ry wear!Yet ah! like April, smiling to betray,Is Geraldine, as false as she is fair!
Rolfe.Beshrew the little gipsy! let us on.
[ExeuntPercy,Rolfe.
EnterLarry,Walter,Robin, &c.
Larry.Go no further? Och! you hen-hearted cock robin!
Robin.But, master Larry—
Walter.Prithee, thou evergreen aspen leaf, thou non-intermittent ague! why didst along with us?
Robin.Why, you know, my master Rolfe desired it; and then you were always railing out on me for chicken-heartedness. I came to shew ye I had valour.
Walter.But forgetting to bring it with thee, thou wouldst now back for it; well, in the name of Mars, go; return for thy valour, Robin.
Robin.What! alone?
Larry.Arrah! then stay here till it comes to you, and then follow us.
Robin.Stay here! O Lord, methinks I feel an arrow sticking in my gizzard already! Hark ye, my sweet master, let us sing.
Larry.Sing?
Robin.Sing; I'm always valiant when I sing. Beseech you, let us chaunt the glee that I dish'd up for us three.
Larry.It has a spice of your cowardly cookery in it.
Walter.But since 'tis a provocative to Robin's valour—
Larry.Go to: give a lusty hem, and fall on.
Glee.
We three, adventurers be,Just come from our own country;We have cross'd thrice a thousand ma,Without a penny of money.We three, good fellows be,Who wou'd run like the devil from Indians three;We never admir'd their bowmandry;Oh, give us whole skins for our money.We three, merry men be,Who gaily will chaunt our ancient glee,Though a lass or a glass, in this wild country,Can't be had, or for love, or for money.
We three, adventurers be,Just come from our own country;We have cross'd thrice a thousand ma,Without a penny of money.
We three, good fellows be,Who wou'd run like the devil from Indians three;We never admir'd their bowmandry;Oh, give us whole skins for our money.
We three, merry men be,Who gaily will chaunt our ancient glee,Though a lass or a glass, in this wild country,Can't be had, or for love, or for money.
Larry.Well, how do you feel?
Robin.As courageous as, as a—
Larry.As a wren, little Robin. Are you sure, now, you won't be after fancying every deer that skips by you a divil, and every bush a bear?
Robin.I defy the devil; but hav'n't you heard, my masters, how the savages go a hunting, drest out in deer-skin? How could you put one in mind, master Larry? O Lord! that I should come a captain-hunting! the only game we put up is deer that carry scalping knives! or if we beat the bush to start a bold commander, up bolts a bloody bear!
[WalterandLarryexchange significant nods.
Larry.To be sure we're in a parlous case. The forest laws are dev'lish severe here: an they catch us trespassing upon their hunting ground, we shall pay a neat poll-tax: nothing less than our heads will serve.
Robin.Our heads?
Walter.Yes, faith! they'll soon collect their capitation.They wear men's heads, sir, hanging at the breast,Instead of jewels; and at either ear,Most commonly, a child's, by way of ear-drop.Robin.Oh! curse their finery! jewels, heads, O Lord!Larry.Pshaw man! don't fear. Perhaps they'll only burn us.What a delicate roasted Robin you wou'd make!Troth! they'd so lick their lips!Robin.A roasted robin!—Walter.Tut! if they only burn us, 'twill be brave.Robin shall make our death-songs.Robin.Death-songs, oh![Robinstands motionless with fear.Larry.By the good looking right eye of Saint Patrick,There's Rolfe and Percy, with a tribe of Indians.[Looking out.Robin.Indians! they're pris'ners, and we—we're dead men!
Walter.Yes, faith! they'll soon collect their capitation.They wear men's heads, sir, hanging at the breast,Instead of jewels; and at either ear,Most commonly, a child's, by way of ear-drop.
Robin.Oh! curse their finery! jewels, heads, O Lord!
Larry.Pshaw man! don't fear. Perhaps they'll only burn us.What a delicate roasted Robin you wou'd make!Troth! they'd so lick their lips!
Robin.A roasted robin!—
Walter.Tut! if they only burn us, 'twill be brave.Robin shall make our death-songs.
Robin.Death-songs, oh![Robinstands motionless with fear.
[Robinstands motionless with fear.
Larry.By the good looking right eye of Saint Patrick,There's Rolfe and Percy, with a tribe of Indians.[Looking out.
[Looking out.
Robin.Indians! they're pris'ners, and we—we're dead men!
[WhileWalterandLarryexeunt,Robingets up into a tree.]
O Walter, Larry! ha! what gone, all gone!Poor Robin, what is to become of thee?
O Walter, Larry! ha! what gone, all gone!Poor Robin, what is to become of thee?
EnterSmith,Pocahontas,Nantaquas,Percy,Rolfe,NimaandIndians,LarryandWalter.
Smith.At hazard of her own dear life she saved me.E'en the warm friendship of the prince had fail'd,And death, inevitable death, hung over me.Oh, had you seen her fly, like Pity's herald,To stay the uplifted hatchet in its flight;Or heard her, as with cherub voice she pled,Like Heav'n's own angel-advocate, for mercy.Pocahontas.My brother, speak not so.[Bashfully.Rolfe.What gentleness!What sweet simplicity! what angel softness!
Smith.At hazard of her own dear life she saved me.E'en the warm friendship of the prince had fail'd,And death, inevitable death, hung over me.Oh, had you seen her fly, like Pity's herald,To stay the uplifted hatchet in its flight;Or heard her, as with cherub voice she pled,Like Heav'n's own angel-advocate, for mercy.
Pocahontas.My brother, speak not so.[Bashfully.
[Bashfully.
Rolfe.What gentleness!What sweet simplicity! what angel softness!
Rolfegoes to her. She, timidly, but with evident pleasure, receives his attentions. During this scene thePrincessdiscovers the first advances of love in a heart of perfect simplicity.Smith, &c., converse apart.
Robin.[In the tree.] Egad! there's never a head hanging to their ears; and their ears hang to their heads, for all the world as if they were christians; I'll venture down among them.
[Getting down.
Nima.Ah!
[Bends her bow, and is about to shoot at him.
Larry.Arrah! my little dark Diana, choose noble game, that's only little Robin.
Robin.Aye, bless you, I'm only little Robin.
[Jumps down.
Nimaexamines him curiously, but fearfully.
Robin.Gad, she's taken with my figure; ah! there it is now; a personable fellow shall have his wench any where. Yes, she's admiring my figure. Well, my dusky dear, how could you like such a man as I am?
Nima.Are you a man?
Robin.I'll convince you of it some day. Hark ye, my dear.
[Attempts to whisper.
Nima.Ah! don't bite.
Robin.Bite! what do you take me for?
Nima.A racoon.
Robin.A racoon! Why so?
Nima.You run up the tree.
[Motions as if climbing.
Larry.Well said, my little pagan Pythagoras!—Ha! ha!Robin.Hum!
Larry.Well said, my little pagan Pythagoras!—Ha! ha!
Robin.Hum!
[Retires disconcerted.
RolfeandPercycome forward.
Rolfe.Tell me, in sooth, didst ever mark such sweetness!Such winning—such bewitching gentleness!Percy.What, caught, my flighty friend, love-lim'd at last?O Cupid, Cupid! thou'rt a skilful birder.Although thou spread thy net, i' the wilderness,Or shoot thy bird-bolt from an Indian bow,Or place thy light in savage ladies' eyes,Or pipe thy call in savage ladies' voices,Alas! each tow'ring tenant of the airMust fall heart pierc'd—or stoop, at thy command,To sigh his sad notes in thy cage, O Cupid!Rolfe.A truce; a truce! O friend, her guiltless breastSeems Love's pavilion, where, in gentle sleep,The unrous'd boy has rested. O my Percy!Could I but wake the slumb'rer—Percy.Nay, i' faith,Take courage; thou hast given the alarm:Methinks the drowsy god gets up apace.Rolfe.Say'st thou?Smith.Come, gentlemen, we'll toward the town.
Rolfe.Tell me, in sooth, didst ever mark such sweetness!Such winning—such bewitching gentleness!
Percy.What, caught, my flighty friend, love-lim'd at last?O Cupid, Cupid! thou'rt a skilful birder.Although thou spread thy net, i' the wilderness,Or shoot thy bird-bolt from an Indian bow,Or place thy light in savage ladies' eyes,Or pipe thy call in savage ladies' voices,Alas! each tow'ring tenant of the airMust fall heart pierc'd—or stoop, at thy command,To sigh his sad notes in thy cage, O Cupid!
Rolfe.A truce; a truce! O friend, her guiltless breastSeems Love's pavilion, where, in gentle sleep,The unrous'd boy has rested. O my Percy!Could I but wake the slumb'rer—
Percy.Nay, i' faith,Take courage; thou hast given the alarm:Methinks the drowsy god gets up apace.
Rolfe.Say'st thou?
Smith.Come, gentlemen, we'll toward the town.
Nantaquas.My sister, you will now return to our father.
Princess.Return, my brother?
Nantaquas.Our father lives but while you are near him. Go, my sister, make him happy with the knowledge of his son's happiness. Farewell, my sister!
[ThePrincessappears dejected.
Smith.Once more, my guardian angel, let me thank thee.
[Kissing her hand.
Ere long we will return to thee, with presentsWell worth a princess' and a king's acceptance.Meantime, dear lady, tell the good PowhatanWe'll show the prince such grace and entertainment,As shall befit our brother and his son.Adieu, sweet sister.
Ere long we will return to thee, with presentsWell worth a princess' and a king's acceptance.Meantime, dear lady, tell the good PowhatanWe'll show the prince such grace and entertainment,As shall befit our brother and his son.Adieu, sweet sister.
Music. They take leave of thePrincess; she remains silently dejected; her eyes anxiously followRolfe, who lingers behind, and is the last to take leave.
Princess.Stranger, wilt thou too come to Werocomoco?
Rolfe.Dost thou wish it, lady?
Princess.[Eagerly.] O yes!
Rolfe.And why, lovely lady?
Princess.My eyes are pleased to see thee, and my ears to hear thee, stranger.
Rolfe.And did not the others who were here also please thy sight and hearing?
Princess.Oh! they were all goodly; but—their eyes looked not like thine; their voices sounded not like thine; and their speeches were not like thy speeches, stranger.
Rolfe.Enchanting simplicity! But why call me stranger? Captain Smith thou callest brother. Call me so too.
Princess.Ah, no!
Rolfe.Then thou thinkest not of me as thou dost of him? [She shakes her head and sighs.] Is Captain Smith dear to thee?
Princess.Oh yes! very dear; [Rolfeis uneasy.] and Nantaquas too: they are my brothers;—but—that name is not thine—thou art—
Rolfe.What, lovely lady?
Princess.I know not; I feel the name thou art, but I cannot speak it.
Rolfe.I am thy lover, dear princess.
Princess.Yes, thou art my lover. But why call me princess?
Rolfe.Dear lady, thou art a king's daughter.
Princess.And if I were not, what wouldst thou call me?
Rolfe.Oh! if thou wert a beggar's, I would call thee love!
Princess.I know not what a beggar is; but oh! I would I were a beggar's daughter, so thou wouldst call me love. Ah! do not longer call me king's daughter. If thou feelest the name as I do, call me as I call thee: thou shalt bemylover; I will bethylover.
Rolfe.Enchanting, lovely creature!
[Kisses her ardently.
Princess.Lover, thou hast made my cheek to burn, and my heart to beat! Mark it.
Rolfe.Dear innocence!
[Putting his hand to her heart.
Princess.Lover, why is it so? To-day before my heart beat, and mine eyes were full of tears; but then my white brother was in danger. Thou art not in danger, and yet behold—[Wipes a tear from her eye.] Besides, then, my heart hurt me, but now! Oh, now!—Lover, why is it so?
[Leaning on him with innocent confidence.
Rolfe.Angel of purity! thou didst to-day feel pity; and now—Oh, rapturous task to teach thee the difference!—now, thou dost feel love.
Princess.Love!
Rolfe.Love: the noblest, the sweetest passion that could swell thy angel bosom.
Princess.Oh! I feel that 'tis very sweet. Lover, with thy lips thou didst make me feel it. My lips shall teach thee sweet love. [Kisses him, and artlessly looks up in his face; placing her hand upon his heart.] Does thy heart beat?
Rolfe.Beat! O heaven!—
[Robin, who had been withNima, comes forward.
Robin.Gad! we must end our amours, or we shall be left. Sir, my master, hadn't we better—
Rolfe.Booby! idiot!
EnterWalter.
Walter.Sir, lieutenant, the captain awaits your coming up.
Rolfe.I'll follow on the instant.
Princess.Thou wilt not go?
Rolfe.But for a time, love.
Princess.I do not wish thee to leave me.
Rolfe.I must, love; but I will return.
Princess.Soon—very soon?
Rolfe.Very—very soon.
Princess.I am not pleased now—and yet my heart beats. Oh, lover!
Rolfe.My angel! there shall not a sun rise and set, ere I am with thee. Adieu! thy own heavenly innocence be thy safeguard. Farewell, sweet love!
Music. He embraces her and exit, followed byRobinandWalter.Princesslooks after him. A pause.
Princess.O Nima!
Nima.Princess, white men are pow-wows. The white man put his lips here, and I felt something—here—
[Putting her hand to her heart.
Princess.O lover!
She runs to the place whenceRolfewent out, and gazes after him.
Music. Enter from opposite side,Miami.
Miami.[Sternly.] Princess!
Princess.[Turning.] Ah!
Miami.Miami has followed thy steps. Thou art the friend of the white men.
Princess.Yes, for they are good and godlike.
Miami.Mine eyes beheld the pale youth part from you; your arms were entwined, your lips were together!
[Struggling with jealousy.
Princess.He is my lover; I am his lover.
[Still looking afterRolfe.
Miami.[Stamps with anger.] Hear me! In what do the red yield to the white men? and who among the red men is like Miami? While I was yet a child, did the dart which my breath blew through my sarbacan ever fail to pierce the eye of the bird? What youth dared, like Miami, to leap from the precipice, and drag the struggling bear from the foaming torrent? Is there a hunter—is there a warrior—skilful and brave as Miami? Come to my cabin, and see the scalps and the skins that adorn it. They are the trophies of the Susquehannock!
Princess.Man, mine eyes will never behold thy trophies. They are not pleased to look on thee.
[Averting her eyes with disgust.
Miami.Ha! [Pause—he resumes in a softened tone.] Princess, I have crossed many woods and waters, that I might bear the daughter of Powhatan to my nation. Shall my people cry out, with scorn, "behold! our prince returns without his bride?" In what is the pale youth above the red Miami?
Princess.Thine eyes are as the panther's; thy voice like the voice of the wolf. Thou shouldst make my heart beat with joy; and I tremble before thee. Oh no! Powhatan shall give me to my lover. I will be my lover's bride!
Music.Miamistamps furiously; his actions betray the most savage rage of jealousy; he rushes to seize thePrincess, but, recollecting that her attendants are by, he goes out in an agony, by his gestures menacing revenge. ThePrincessexit on the opposite side, followed by train.
SceneIII.Werocomoco.
Music. Enter from the palacePowhatanandGrimosco; met by thePrincess, who runs to her father.
Powhatan.My daughter!
Princess.O father! the furious Miami!
Powhatan.What of the prince?
Princess.Father, my father! do not let the fierce prince bear me to his cruel nation!
Powhatan.How!
Princess.By the spirit of my mother, I implore my father. Oh! if thou deliver me to the Susquehannock, think not thine eyes shall ever again behold me; the first kind stream that crosses our path shall be the end of my journey; my soul shall seek the soul of the mother that loved me, far beyond the mountains.
Powhatan.Daughter, mention not thy mother!
Princess.Her shade will pity her unhappy child, and I shall be at rest in her bosom.
[Weeping.
Powhatan.Rest in my bosom, my child! [She starts with joyful emotion.] Thou shalt not go from thy father.
Princess.Father; dear father!
[Seizing his hand.
Music. AnIndianenters, bearing a red hatchet.
Indian.King!
Powhatan.Thou art of the train of the Susquehannock: speak.
Indian.My prince demands his bride.
[ThePrincessclings fearfully to theKing.
Powhatan.Tell thy prince, my daughter will not leave her father.
Indian.Will Powhatan forget his promise to Miami?
Powhatan.Powhatan will not forget his promise to her mother; and he vowed, while the angel of death hovered over her, that the eye of tender care should never be averted from her darling daughter.
Indian.Shall not then my prince receive his bride?
Powhatan.The daughter of Powhatan—never.
Indian.Take then his defiance.
[Music. He presents the red hatchet.
Powhatan.The red hatchet! 'Tis well. Grimosco, summon our warriors.
Grimosco.O king! might I—
Powhatan.Speak not. Tell our chiefs to assemble; and show them the war-signal [ExitGrimosco.]. Go, tell your master, the great Powhatan will soon meet him, terrible as the minister of vengeance. [ExitIndian.] The chiefs approach. My child, retire from this war scene.
Princess.O dear parent! thine age should have been passed in the shade of peace; and do I bring my father to the bloody war-path?
Powhatan.Not so; the young prince has often dared my power, and merited my vengeance; he shall now feel both.
Princess.Alas! his nation is numerous and warlike.
Powhatan.Fear not, my child; we will call the valiant Nantaquas from his brothers; the brave English too will join us.
Princess.Ah! then is thy safety and success certain.
[Exit into palace, followed byNima, &c.
Music. EnterGrimoscoandWarriors.
Powhatan.Brave chieftains! need I remind you of the victories you have gained; the scalps you have borne from your enemies? Chieftains, another victory must be won; more trophies from your foes must deck your cabins; the insolent Miami has braved your king, and defied him with the crimson tomahawk. Warriors! we will not bury it till his nation is extinct. Ere we tread the war-path, raise to our god Aresqui the song of battle, then march to triumph and to glory.
Song to Aresqui.
Aresqui! Aresqui!Lo! thy sons for war prepare!Snakes adorn each painted head,While the cheek of flaming redGives the eye its ghastly glare.Aresqui! Aresqui!Through the war-path lead aright,Lo! we're ready for the fight.
Aresqui! Aresqui!Lo! thy sons for war prepare!Snakes adorn each painted head,While the cheek of flaming redGives the eye its ghastly glare.Aresqui! Aresqui!Through the war-path lead aright,Lo! we're ready for the fight.
War Song.
See the cautious warrior creeping!
See the cautious warrior creeping!
See the tree-hid warrior peeping!
See the tree-hid warrior peeping!
Mark! Mark!Their track is here; now breathless go!
Mark! Mark!Their track is here; now breathless go!
Hark! Hark!The branches rustle—'tis the foe!
Hark! Hark!The branches rustle—'tis the foe!
Now we bid the arrow fly—Now we raise the hatchet high.Where is urg'd the deadly dart,There is pierced a chieftain's heart;Where the war-club swift descends,A hero's race of glory ends!
Now we bid the arrow fly—Now we raise the hatchet high.Where is urg'd the deadly dart,There is pierced a chieftain's heart;Where the war-club swift descends,A hero's race of glory ends!
In vain the warrior flies—From his brow the scalp we tear.
In vain the warrior flies—From his brow the scalp we tear.
Or home the captiv'd prize,A stake-devoted victim, bear.
Or home the captiv'd prize,A stake-devoted victim, bear.
The victors advance—And while amidst the curling blaze,Our foe his death-song tries to raise—Dance the warriors' dance.[War-dance.
The victors advance—And while amidst the curling blaze,Our foe his death-song tries to raise—Dance the warriors' dance.[War-dance.
[War-dance.
Aresqui! Aresqui!Through the war-path lead aright—Lo! we're ready for the fight.[March to battle.
Aresqui! Aresqui!Through the war-path lead aright—Lo! we're ready for the fight.[March to battle.
[March to battle.
SceneI.Jamestown—built.
WalterandAlice.
Walter.One mouthful more. [Kiss.] Oh! after a long lent of absence, what a charming relish is a kiss, served from the lips of a pretty wife, to a hungry husband.
Alice.And, believe me, I banquet at the high festival of return with equal pleasure. But what has made your absence so tedious, prithee?
Walter.Marry, girl, thus it was: when we had given the enemies of our ally, Powhatan, defeature, and sent the roughMiami in chains to Werocomoco, our captain dispatches his lieutenant, Rolfe, to supply his place, here, in the town; and leading us to the water's edge, and leaping into the pinnace, away went we on a voyage of discovery. Some thousand miles we sailed, and many strange nations discovered; and for our exploits, if posterity reward us not, there is no faith in history.
Alice.And what were your exploits?Walter.Rare ones, egad!We took the devil, Okee, prisoner.Alice.And have you brought him hither?Walter.No: his vot'riesRedeem'd him with some score or two of deer-skins.Then we've made thirty kings our tributaries:Such sturdy rogues, that each could easilyFillip a buffalo to death with 's finger.Alice.But have you got their treasures?Walter.All, my girl.Imperial robes of raccoon, crowns of feather;Besides the riches of their sev'ral kingdoms—A full boat load of corn.Alice.Oh, wonderful!Walter.Aye, is it not? But, best of all, I've kiss'dThe little finger of a mighty queen.Sweet soul! among the court'sies of her court,She gave us a Virginian mascarado.Alice.Dost recollect the fashion of it?Walter.Oh!Were I to live till Time were in his dotage,'Twould never from mine eyes. Imagine first,The scene, a gloomy wood; the time, midnight;Her squawship's maids of honour were the masquers;Their masks were wolves' heads curiously set on,And, bating a small difference of hue,Their dress e'en such as madam Eve had onOr ere she eat the apple.Alice.Pshaw!Walter.These dresses,All o'er perfum'd with the self-same pomadoWhich our fine dames at home buy of old Bruin,Glisten'd most gorgeously unto the moon.Thus, each a firebrand brandishing aloft,Rush'd they all forth, with shouts and frantic yells,In dance grotesque and diabolical,Madder than mad Bacchantes.Alice.O the powers!Walter.When they had finished the divertisementA beauteous Wolf-head came to me—Alice.To you?Walter.And lit me with her pine-knot torch to bedward,Where, as the custom of the court it was,The beauteous Wolf-head blew the flambeau out,And then—Alice.Well!Walter.Then, the light being out, you know,To all that follow'd I was in the dark.Now you look grave. In faith I went to sleep.Could a grim wolf rival my gentle lamb?No, truly, girl: though in this wildernessThe trees hang full of divers colour'd fruit,From orange-tawny to sloe-black, egad,They'll hang until they rot or ere I pluck them,While I've my melting, rosy nonpareil.[Kiss.Alice.Oh! you're a Judas!Walter.Then am I a Jew!
Alice.And what were your exploits?
Walter.Rare ones, egad!We took the devil, Okee, prisoner.
Alice.And have you brought him hither?
Walter.No: his vot'riesRedeem'd him with some score or two of deer-skins.Then we've made thirty kings our tributaries:Such sturdy rogues, that each could easilyFillip a buffalo to death with 's finger.
Alice.But have you got their treasures?
Walter.All, my girl.Imperial robes of raccoon, crowns of feather;Besides the riches of their sev'ral kingdoms—A full boat load of corn.
Alice.Oh, wonderful!
Walter.Aye, is it not? But, best of all, I've kiss'dThe little finger of a mighty queen.Sweet soul! among the court'sies of her court,She gave us a Virginian mascarado.
Alice.Dost recollect the fashion of it?
Walter.Oh!Were I to live till Time were in his dotage,'Twould never from mine eyes. Imagine first,The scene, a gloomy wood; the time, midnight;Her squawship's maids of honour were the masquers;Their masks were wolves' heads curiously set on,And, bating a small difference of hue,Their dress e'en such as madam Eve had onOr ere she eat the apple.
Alice.Pshaw!
Walter.These dresses,All o'er perfum'd with the self-same pomadoWhich our fine dames at home buy of old Bruin,Glisten'd most gorgeously unto the moon.Thus, each a firebrand brandishing aloft,Rush'd they all forth, with shouts and frantic yells,In dance grotesque and diabolical,Madder than mad Bacchantes.
Alice.O the powers!
Walter.When they had finished the divertisementA beauteous Wolf-head came to me—
Alice.To you?
Walter.And lit me with her pine-knot torch to bedward,Where, as the custom of the court it was,The beauteous Wolf-head blew the flambeau out,And then—
Alice.Well!
Walter.Then, the light being out, you know,To all that follow'd I was in the dark.Now you look grave. In faith I went to sleep.Could a grim wolf rival my gentle lamb?No, truly, girl: though in this wildernessThe trees hang full of divers colour'd fruit,From orange-tawny to sloe-black, egad,They'll hang until they rot or ere I pluck them,While I've my melting, rosy nonpareil.[Kiss.
[Kiss.
Alice.Oh! you're a Judas!
Walter.Then am I a Jew!
EnterSmith,Percy,Nantaquas,Larry, &c.