Scene I.
The Coast of Brittany near Yveloc. Early morning. A Storm.
Enter Sailors, dripping wet.
First Sail.
Hech! how the rain drifts! Sure the
devil's loose to-night.
Sec. Sail.
I'll go no further; skulk under the rock
till it bates.
[Thunder.
First Sail.
Ay, growl away! We are safe this
bout, though I think we ne'er ran so close for't before.
Sec. Sail.
The boson's gone.
First Sail.
Ay, and a dozen more, washed over
like hen-coops. Who was't caught in the shrouds, and
went by with the mizen? How he cried, as the wind
whistled him over!
Third Sail.
(within).
Hollo! comrades!
First Sail.
Was 't a shout, or the wind roaring?
Sec. Sail.
A-hoy!
Third Sail.
(within).
Where? Where?
Sec. Sail.
By the old black rock! Under the dog's nose!
First Sail.
Here's another hath shirked the devil.
Enter Third Sailor.
Well met ashore, lad! Give me thy hand. How cam'st
thou safe, not being i' th' boat?
Third Sail.
They hung us ropes over the cliff, and we shelled up like monkeys.
Sec. Sail.
Where be the rest? Has she parted yet?
Third Sail.
I warrant you. Not a bit as big as your hand left. Is my lord safe?
First Sail.
Ay, ay; and hath brought the dead
lady to shore with him. He stuck to her all night,
though he had nigh drowned for 't twice or thrice.
Third Sail.
She 's a witch, and floats.
First Sail.
And hath charmed our lord,—a plague
of her painted face!
Sec. Sail.
For thy life, man! Yonder he comes!
Enter Eliduke, bearing the dead body of Estreldis,
her hair hanging dripping over his arm, a Peasant guiding him.
Eli.
Who 's here? What, from the wreck? Teach
your tongues silence, fellows! Let this night die from
your memories! Alas! you 're drenched. There's
gold. He dies that dares to follow. On, lead on.
[
Exeunt
Eliduke
and Peasant.
Third Sail.
Even lots! even lots! This is true
stuff. I'd run old Davy as close again for the same pay.
First Sail.
Ay, we may be wrecked a dozen
times, for what our betters care; but being aboard
themselves, they see some spice of danger in it, and
that breeds a fellow-feeling. Let's go drink.
Sec. Sail.
Ay, ay, and wash out this salt stuff.
[Exeunt.
