University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

A vestibule.
Orooko, Sebi, and Arak.
Orooko.
Go, summon without preface or delay,
The honor'd elders of the tribes to meet.

Sebi.
They hold the magistracy of the town.

Orooko.
No matter, go. Tell them I would impart
Things of most high concernment to us all.
They were not wont in the old better time,
To wait for dues of ceremonious state.
[Exit Sebi.
Who is with Yamos? who is with the King?

Arak.
He is alone.

Orooko.
What you here, Arak! Arak?

Arak.
Ah me, Sir, what has chanced? (aside)
He is perplex'd,
His thoughts coil inward, and his eyes are fierce,
As the fell snake's when it infolds itself
To spring upon its victim.

Orooko.
Where is the stranger?

Arak.
Antonio?

Orooko.
Where has he fled?

Arak.
How fled?
I saw him scarce a hundred breathings since,
Enter the portal of the Queen's apartment.
[Exit Orooko.
Surely some hideous madness touches all,
For thoughts, and fears impossible, appal me,
And when I told him where Antonio was,
He shriek'd as if he had a serpent trod.

Exit.