 | The Bride |  |
SCENE IV.
A retired grove near the castle of Rasinga.Enter Samarkoon and a forest freebooter.
Sam.
Now, stop we here; in this sequester'd spot,
We may with freedom commune on the purpose
For which I would engage thy speedy aid.
Thou knowest who I am; and dost remember
Where, how, and when I last encounter'd thee?
Free.
I do, my lord; but though thou findst me thus,
Alone and slightly arm'd, be well assured
I will defend my life and liberty,
Against thyself (looking suspiciously around)
or any ambush'd band,
To the last bloody push of desperation.
Sam.
I know thou wilt; it is thy desp'rate prowess
That makes me now, all robber as thou art,
And lurking here disguised, as well I guess,
For no good end,—to seek thy amity.
Free.
My amity! the noble Samarkoon—
A chief of rank, and brother of Rasinga!
Sam.
Strong passion by strong provocation roused,
Is not a scrup'lous chooser of its means.
How many of these armed desperadoes,
From whose fell hands we did so lately rescue
That petty chieftain and his child, couldst thou
Within short time assemble?
Free.
Few remain
Of those who once, at sound of my shrill horn,
With spear and bow in hand, and quiver'd back
The deadly arrows bearing, issued forth
From cave or woody jungle, fierce but stealthy,
Like glaring, tawny pards,—few, few remain.
Sam.
But some remain?
Free.
Ay, some.
Sam.
And they are brave?
Free.
No braver bandits e'er in deadly strife
With man or tiger grappled.
Sam.
Enough! hie quickly to thy forest haunts,
And near the narrow pass where ye sustain'd
The onset of Rasinga, wait my coming
With all the armed mates thou canst assemble;
And there I'll join thee with a trusty band.
Do this, and thou shalt be rewarded richly.
Free.
I will; nor do I doubt the recompense
From such a noble chief will be most bountiful.
Sam.
Tis well; be speedy, secret, faithful,—brave,
I need not say. So let us separate,
Nor stay for further parley; time is precious.
Free.
I will but go to leave an offering
At the Wiharé yonder; then with speed
Wend to our woods.—But wherefore smilest thou?
Sam.
Dost thou regard such duties?
Free.
Ay, good sooth!
Who has more need of favour from the gods
Than he who leads a life of lawless peril?
[Exit.
Sam.
(exultingly).
Ay, now, Rasinga, set thy costly chamber,
While poor Artina sighs and weeps unheeded,
In gallant order for thy fair new bride!
Another bridegroom and another chamber
Abide her which thou little thinkest of.
[Exit.
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