SCENE V.
The Salmon leap.
Fishermen cross the stage, and seem to point
out the spot where they mean to throw their nets;
after which—Enter Kildare, Moriat, and
Child, the two latter wearied with their long walk
in quest of her husband—Kildare points to a small
cell cut in the rock, where they may repose—she
enters it supporting her child, and, giving Kildare her
bracelet, by way of token, requests him to pursue his
search, resolved there to await his return.
Sitric enters gazing on her miniature—she,
absorbed in attention to her child, not observing him
—he starts on beholding her, and, comparing the
miniature with the original, is divided between affection
and the vow he had made to destroy her—affection
succeeds, and he dashes his drawn dagger to the
earth, which alarming her, she starts up with her
child—her parental scream arouses Sitric's attendant
guards, who rush on pointing their spears to her
breast—he commands them to withdraw, and, falling
at her feet, confesses his intention to murder her,
but vows rather to sacrifice his life than do her an
injury—trumpets are sounded without, he intimates
Cobthach's troops approach, she accepts his protection,
and they hurry off, (guarded by him,) during
the sound of trumpets.
