Part 9 (1/2)

[_Leaning on him with innocent confidence._

ROLFE. Angel of purity! thou didst to-day feel pity; and now--Oh, rapturous task to teach thee the difference!--now, thou dost feel love.

PRINCESS. Love!

ROLFE. Love: the n.o.blest, the sweetest pa.s.sion that could swell thy angel bosom.

PRINCESS. Oh! I feel that 'tis very sweet. Lover, with thy lips thou didst make me feel it. My lips shall teach thee sweet love. [_Kisses him, and artlessly looks up in his face; placing her hand upon his heart._] Does thy heart beat?

ROLFE. Beat! O heaven!--

[_ROBIN, who had been with NIMA, comes forward._

ROBIN. Gad! we must end our amours, or we shall be left. Sir, my master, hadn't we better--

ROLFE. b.o.o.by! idiot!

_Enter WALTER._

WALTER. Sir, lieutenant, the captain awaits your coming up.

ROLFE. I'll follow on the instant.

PRINCESS. Thou wilt not go?

ROLFE. But for a time, love.

PRINCESS. I do not wish thee to leave me.

ROLFE. I must, love; but I will return.

PRINCESS. Soon--very soon?

ROLFE. Very--very soon.

PRINCESS. I am not pleased now--and yet my heart beats. Oh, lover!

ROLFE. My angel! there shall not a sun rise and set, ere I am with thee.

Adieu! thy own heavenly innocence be thy safeguard. Farewell, sweet love!

_Music. He embraces her and exit, followed by ROBIN and WALTER.

PRINCESS looks after him. A pause._

PRINCESS. O Nima!

NIMA. Princess, white men are pow-wows. The white man put his lips here, and I felt something--here--

[_Putting her hand to her heart._