192
POCAHONTAS, OR THE SETTLERS OF VIRGINIA
prince, I would fly to the depths of the forests, and take up my abode with the panther.
(Enter Barclay and Namoutac.)
Barclay. My princess—let me say my own good child, this poor hut is always made cheerful and happy by thy presence. Know you my companion?
Omaya. Ah! it is, it is indeed Namoutac.
Pocahontas. Thy love hath made thee sharp-sighted, girl; thou hast the 'vantage of me.
Barclay. 'T is indeed Namoutac, tho' scarcely to be recognized as the wild Indian boy who used to climb like a squirrel for birds' nests, and dive in the rivers for shells. Namoutac can tell you much of his travels, and of the English who have just landed in Virginia.
Omaya. Tell me, Namoutac, whether the English maidens wear their plumes as high as we do, and whether in painting they use most, the red or the yellow.
Namoutac. Indeed, girl, I believe the English dames carry their heads to the full as lofty as ye do here, and they have quite as much red on their cheeks, tho' the yellow is not admired.
Barclay. Cannot you tell the princess somewhat of your adventures?
Namoutac. Were I to live to the age of Powhatan, I could not relate a thousandth part of the wonders I have seen, or the persons I have met with in that world of itself. Agreeably to the orders of my king, I commenc'd notching a stick for every person I met, but soon threw it away in despair, as all the sticks in Virginia would not suffice to notch down the numbers in yon mighty realm.
Omaya. Indeed, Namoutac, I do not think your travels abroad have much improv'd your taste in dress; I think you look'd far handsomer when you w^re formerly plum'd and painted among the young warriors in attendance on the king.
Pocahontas. Do tell me truly, Indian, what effects have your travels abroad had upon your attachments to your native country?
Namoutac. In good truth, lady, I can say, all which I have seen has impress'd me with the most exalted ideas of the power and grandeur of a people, who are as gods are to men. Still amid all the splendours of the courts of Europe, I have never forgot my native land, but long'd to re-visit even its poverty and nothingness; while amid the pomp and pageantry of England, I sighed for the sports of our rude forests, and the wild, free life of an Indian. I wish'd to be away from the restraints of civiliz'd society, to throw off the cumbrous dress which fetter'd my limbs, and re-assume my primitive nakedness and liberty; to enjoy the hunt and the dance, and again to become a son of Virginia.
Pocahontas. How call you the chiefs of the English lately arrived?
Namoutac. The leader is Smith, a renown'd chieftain in the three quarters of the world; his lieutenant, Master Percy, kinsman to the great Werowance Northumberland, whose territory alone could produce more bowmen than the whole kingdom of Powhatan; then Master West, related to the noble Lord de la War; then Master Rolfe, of gentle blood, with others of lesser note. I must to the king. Plow my heart will throb as I re-visit Weorocomoco and its well-remember'd scenes, where the earliest and happiest days of my life have been pass'd.
Omaya. And so you have not forgot the Weorocomoco and the merry dances we us'd to have there. I long to see you dress'd and painted as becomes you; for really, Namoutac, in these clothes you are hardly tolerable.
Namoutac. The sun shines for the last time upon Namoutac the English. Its morning beams will cheer him while roaming in his native forests, seeking the favourite haunts of his youth, dress'd in the garb of his country, his limbs will again become vigorous and elastic, he will be as swift as the deer of the hills, his heart will be as light as the feathers of his plume; such will soon be Namoutac the Indian. Namoutac the English, will be no more.
(Exit Namoutac.)
Barclay. Behold the force of early habits, as exemplified in this young native. Princess, the strangers are bound to your father's court, and soon as the presents are landed, will invest Powhatan with the regalia sent by the English monarch. It will be an imposing spectacle.
Pocahontas. But I must hasten to Weorocomoco, to prepare fitting entertainments for such noble guests. Omaya, we will take the near way path.
Omaya. We shall soon overtake Namoutac, and then we will fly by him to shew our speed, while in his clumsy clothes he will come toiling after us.
