Part 8 (1/2)

Well, my dusky dear, how could you like such a man as I am?

NIMA. Are you a man?

ROBIN. I'll convince you of it some day. Hark ye, my dear.

[_Attempts to whisper._

NIMA. Ah! don't bite.

ROBIN. Bite! what do you take me for?

NIMA. A rac.o.o.n.

ROBIN. A rac.o.o.n! Why so?

NIMA. You run up the tree. [_Motions as if climbing._

LARRY. Well said, my little pagan Pythagoras!-- Ha! ha!

ROBIN. Hum! [_Retires disconcerted._

_ROLFE and PERCY come forward._

ROLFE. Tell me, in sooth, didst ever mark such sweetness!

Such winning--such bewitching gentleness!

PERCY. What, caught, my flighty friend, love-lim'd at last?

O Cupid, Cupid! thou'rt a skilful birder.

Although thou spread thy net, i' the wilderness, Or shoot thy bird-bolt from an Indian bow, Or place thy light in savage ladies' eyes, Or pipe thy call in savage ladies' voices, Alas! each tow'ring tenant of the air Must fall heart pierc'd--or stoop, at thy command, To sigh his sad notes in thy cage, O Cupid!

ROLFE. A truce; a truce! O friend, her guiltless breast Seems Love's pavilion, where, in gentle sleep, The unrous'd boy has rested. O my Percy!

Could I but wake the slumb'rer--

PERCY. Nay, i' faith, Take courage; thou hast given the alarm: Methinks the drowsy G.o.d gets up apace.

ROLFE. Say'st thou?

SMITH. Come, gentlemen, we'll toward the town.

NANTAQUAS. My sister, you will now return to our father.

PRINCESS. Return, my brother?

NANTAQUAS. Our father lives but while you are near him. Go, my sister, make him happy with the knowledge of his son's happiness. Farewell, my sister!

[_The PRINCESS appears dejected._

SMITH. Once more, my guardian angel, let me thank thee.

[_Kissing her hand._ Ere long we will return to thee, with presents Well worth a princess' and a king's acceptance.