University of Virginia Library

SCENE V.

A thick Forest. Enter Cornelio, Dalmasso, Cavaliers, and Hunters.
Dal.
It is most strange!—I know not how it chanc'd!
We've lost the princes, 'tis a full hour ago!

Cor.
Not strange, methinks, amidst our hot pursuit
Through such entangled mazes, whence look'd forth
Right many a wood-born face with blood-shot eyes,
That made us think of ourselves! 'Twas life 'gainst life;
And death's a spiteful brute, as the monks say.

Dal.
Think of your Order—be not thus profane.

Cor.
Absolve us, all good cavaliers and monks!
I'm lost in doubt—who saw the princes last?

Cav.
The boar grew furious, when from out the thicket
Where last he crouch'd, our dogs did riot him;
But still he fled.

Hunt.
Don Garcia, with a spear,
Press'd close upon his out-swell'd, panting flank!

Dal.
So did his noble brother; but that wolf—
Was't not a wolf that, at the moment, cross'd us?

Hunt.
It was.

Cor.
And in the fresh and fierce confusion
We've lost the princes, and our sport to boot;
For whither they are gone I cannot learn
From this oracular Muse that sings in man.

Cav.
Perchance, they're not far distant: best wait here?

Dal.
The princes seem'd most ardent in the chase,
Vying with each other—not i' the sweetest mood;
But hunting naturally excites the blood,
And makes men, for the time, wild and ferocious
As is the beast they hunt.

Cav.
Let us rest here!

Cor.
Rest is the wisdom learnt of useless action—
Oh what a devil of a thorn is here!
Dalmasso, what's the genus of a black-thorn?

Dal.
Oh, cease! cease! I've no mood.

Cor.
Pooh! pooh! they're safe.
By searching ye oft lose; by sitting still
Ye're found. My feet are sore and my joints ache:
Let's to yon tree, and seated 'neath its boughs,
Bring forth our wallets and beguile the time.

All.
Well said! well said!

Dal.
I would we had not lost them.

[Exeunt.