University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

A small island, from which the former is seen in the distance, like a little pointed rock standing out of the sea.
Enter Sir Hubert de Grey, followed by two fishermen.
De Grey.
This little swarded spot, that o'er the waves,
Cloth'd in its green light, seem'd to beckon to us,
Right pleasant is: until our comrades join,
Here will we rest. I marvel much they stand
So far behind. In truth, such lusty rowers
Put shame upon their skill.

1st fish.
A cross-set current bore them from the track,
But see, they now bear on us rapidly. (Voices without.)

Holla!

2d fish.
They call to us.—Holla! holla!
How fast they wear! they are at hand already.

De Grey.
Right glad I am: the Lord of Lorne, I fear,
Will wait impatiently: he has already
With rapid oars the nearer mainland gain'd,
Where he appointed us to join him.—Ho!
[Calling off the stage.
Make to that point, my lads. (To those near him.)

Here, for a little while, upon the turf
We'll snatch a hasty meal, and, so refresh'd,
Take to our boats again.
Enter three other Fishermen, as from their boat, on the other side of the stage.
Well met, my friends! I'm glad you're here at last.
How was it that you took that distant track?

3d fish.
The current bore us wide of what we wist;
And, were it not your honour is impatient
Mainland to make, we had not come so soon.

De Grey.
What had detain'd you?

3d fish.
As near you rock we bore, that o'er the waves
Just shows its jetty point, and will, ere long,
Beneath the tide be hidd'n, we heard the sound
Of feeble lamentation.

De Grey.
A human voice?

3d fish.
I cannot think it was;
For on that rock, sea-girt, and at high tide
Sea-cover'd, human thing there cannot be;
Though, at the first, it sounded in our ears
Like a faint woman's voice.

De Grey.
Perceived ye aught?

3d fish.
Yes; something white that moved, and, as we think,
Some wounded bird that there hath dropp'd its wing,
And cannot make its way.

4th fish.
Perhaps some dog,
Whose master, at low water, there hath been,
And left him.

3d fish.
Something 'tis in woeful case,
Whate'er it be. Right fain I would have gone
To bear it off.

De Grey
(eagerly).
And wherefore didst thou not?
Return and save it. Be it what it may;
Something it is, lone and in jeopardy,
Which hath a feeling of its desperate state,
And therefore doth to woe-worn, fearful man,
A kindred nature bear.—Return, good friend:—
Quickly return and save it, ere the tide
Shall wash it from its hold. I to the coast
Will steer the while, and wait your coming there.

3d fish.
Right gladly, noble sir.

4th fish.
We'll gladly go:
For, by my faith! at night I had not slept
For thinking of that sound.

De Grey.
Heaven speed you then! whate'er ye bring to me
Of living kind, I will reward you for it.
Our different tracks we hold; nor longer here
Will I remain. Soon may we meet:
God speed you!

[Exeunt severally.