Sir, she sends this parting token, and will pray incessantly for your return.
Then success is certain! Come, see my armour.
(_While arming him._) I humbly hope, my lord, that, now, I have no hinderance you'll graciously permit my services. I have kill'd divers wild things in my time, and might be useful.
(_Dropping the armour._) Shall I! O dear!
'Twas but a sudden qualm--That was a real pain i' the back. [_Aside._
I mean to take thee but to the entrance of the forest.
There secure my horse, and wait my return. (_Draws his sword._) Now gentle fortune aid thy knight.
And let the Fates for good or ill combine, The star that leads me on, is, Eglantine.
_On one side a large Tree which can be climbed, at the back, a Cavern nearly covered with Underwood._
_The_ Peasants _enter who presented the Petition at Court._
Well, the king hath heard our petition, and here we go joyfully on our way home.
Troth, I am weary;--let us rest awhile; for when the wild man is once killed, this forest will be quite safe, and things will run in the right road again.
For my part I fear nothing but the wild man--Lack-a-day! it would do you good only, an't were to hear him roar--
That was no honest roaring. Such sweet sounds mean no good. I have rested enough now.
Don't hurry so, goodman Ambrose, the music is not so bad.
No matter--I wou'dn't dance with old nick for a partner, to the prettiest tune that ever was composed.
_Enter Three_ Pilgrims, _who join in the following_
(_Accompanied by one of them on the lute._)
"_Pilgrims._ The sun to ocean hies away. "The curfeu bell is ringing, "And pilgrims thro' the twilight grey, "Now cheer the way by singing. "While each, tho' weary, feels delight, "In thinking of his inn at night, "And ev'ry footstep moves in time, "As plays the distant village chime."
_Peasants._ He's coming. Hark! the wild man--
_Peasants._ Here you must not stand humdrumming. Yes, 'tis he--away! away!
_Characteristic Music, which varies with the Incidents of the following Scene._
_A strange kind of howling is heard--ORSON presents himself with an animal in his grasp, which he has just slain--a faint roar is heard of the old Bear--ORSON expresses satisfaction, intimating he has got food for her. The Bear enters--ORSON shews her the food, and in a playful manner, follows her into the cave._