University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

Another Part of the Forest.
Enter Herman.
HERMAN.
Why stay'st thou, Arnold? Why prevent me thus
From ranging freely through this wilderness
With its free denizens, the fit associates
Of a lost wretch like me? I'm not less savage,
Less outcast from society than they—

ARNOLD
(from behind).
Now have we reach'd the spot.

HERMAN.
'Tis Arnold's voice—

ARNOLD.
Where art thou, Herman!

HERMAN.
Here!
Enter Arnold and Ida.
Immortal pow'rs!
Do I behold thee, Ida?

ARNOLD.
We're pursued—
Here, take my weapon—see thou guard'st her well.
I must haste on, to summon further aid.

[Exit.
HERMAN.
Let who will come, I'll guard thee with my life.

IDA.
I fear not for myself. They will respect me.
But as for thee—

HERMAN.
Let's hasten quickly on—
This way—

IDA.
Impossible—dost thou not hear?

HERMAN.
We're circled in on ev'ry hand—I pray thee
Stand there aloof, and leave me here to face them.

IDA.
Abandon thee? No, never!

Enter Housdorff and Servants.
HOUSDORFF.
Here they are!
Seize him! Lay hold of him!

HERMAN.
Hear me—one word—

HOUSDORFF.
No words—Fall on—

IDA.
Forbear, I charge thee, Housdorff—
Hear me at least—

HOUSDORFF.
There will be time anon:
Our business is with that gentleman.
Give up thy sword, and yield thyself our pris'ner,
Or take the consequences of thy rashness.

HERMAN.
Were instant death the consequence, I would not
Purchase inglorious life on such condition.
Come on—I dare you all—

HOUSDORFF.
Now, lads—that's right—
[They fight—Herman is taken.
Beshrew me, but thou did'st it well, young man,
'Twas no boy's play to master thee. You, Peter,
And you, secure him well, see he escape not;
And do you, Gregory, hasten to the castle
With news of our success. It will be worth
A new suit to thee.—Come, my pretty lady,
You are my special charge.—Bring him along!

[Exeunt.