Scene III
(The Forest, Osceola's cottage in the distance.
Enter Selma meeting Ostenee).
Ostenee
Rejoice, young boy! thine hour is come to die!
Thy soul shall dwell among the stars tonight,
The Fawn that meets the Lion in his path,
Expects no favors but the quietest death!
I come to tear that swan-down from thy back,
And send thee to the River of the Dead!
Therefore, prepare to match me in the fight!
For know, the Virgin of the first fond love,
Who loves her Selma as she does her life—
Lay on the bosom of my soul last night.
Selma
Base liar! say that dangerous lie again,
And this bare hand shall smite thee down to Hell!
Base dog! she sought thee only for my life!
Ostenee
Thy life! she sought me for her own—my love.
With this right hand I smoothed her raven locks,
While with her eyes she talked to me of love—
Whispering for more than her sweet tongue could say.
Selma
No! that Angelic look was fiercer far
Than Hell to thy damned soul! Come on!
Ostenee
I come!
(They fight desperately for some time. Enter Naymoyah).
Naymoyah
Hold, warriour! hold! Naymoyah comes to save!
(She stabs Ostenee in the back and he falls).
Ostenee
Matchi! Manitou! help, Naymoyah! help!
(Dies).
(Curtain falls)
