198
POCAHONTAS, OR THE SETTLERS OF VIRGINIA
Priest. All thy enemies shall be in thy
power—so the god has promis'd.
(Exit Priest.)
Powhatan. But a little while, and these proud invaders will share the fate of their countrymen. They have brought me a crown, 't were better to have been an hoe or a hatchet. They ask the lands from the mountains to the sea; but will they be content with part, when their object is to take the whole? This Smith is a warrior; his air and manner is that of command—and then their dreadful fire arms. My daughter, too, favours these English; but I have sent Namoutac with a party, to seize and bear her to a distance, till my scheme has taken effect. I'll to the prince and hold deep counsel; and, ere another moon, I trust that my land will be rid of these formidable invaders.
(Exit Powhatan.)
Scene 4. A wood. The great Oak in the centre—a hollow in its side.
(Enter Rolfe.)
Rolfe. I have preceded my charge that I may reconnoitre the enemy, and see if the coast be clear. This is the spot alluded to in Barclay's billet. What a giant of the forest is here! Centuries have witness'd its growth, centuries have witness'd its prime, and centuries will elapse ere its final decay,—within its vast hollow, a cavalier, arm'd cap-a-pie, with lance in rest, might caracole a steed, and yet touch not the sides. But hark! I hear footsteps approaching; I will take Vantage of the cover this mighty tree affords, and form my ambuscade.
(Enters the tree.)
(Namoutac and Indians come through the wood.)
Namoutac. Hide ye in the adjoining thickets, and when ye shall hear my whoop, rush forth, seize the princess and Omaya, and bear them to the canoes, which shall convey them to Pawmunkee.—Down, down, they are coming.
(Indians hide.)
(Enter Pocahontas and Omaya.)
Pocahontas. Here is the great oak.
Omaya. And nothing seems to disturb the stillness of the scene, save the birds, which sing in joyous melody, and the playful squirrel, which pursues his gambols amid the limbs of this aged father of the forest, All is peace, and sure no cruel animal lurks hereabout to destroy two such harmless beings as we are.
(Whoop heard. Namoutac and Indians rush forth to seize Pocahontas and Omaya—at the same moment Rolfe comes from the tree, fires a pistol, Indians run off screaming.)
Namoutac. Aha! Sir Cavalier, is it thou? why you have really spoil'd a pleasant frolic.
Rolfe. Villain! confess thy treachery, or you die.
(Presents a pistol.)
Namoutac. A love affair, Master Rolfe, nothing more. I wish'd to surprise the damsels, and bear off Omaya, after the manner of love affairs, of which I have heard report in thy country; nothing more. Master Rolfe—nothing more.
Rolfe. Rascal, in my country where love affairs are conducted by treachery and outrage to the female parties, they end in the death of the traitors. Now you have play'd your part in this love affair, I shall play mine by shooting you thro' the head.
(Presenting pistol.)
Omaya. Oh, good Sir Cavalier, do spare poor Namoutac; his travels have turn'd his brain—he would not have behav'd so when he was only an Indian.
Rolfe. Begone, fellow! and when you next propose to alarm an innocent female, beware lest you find an English cavalier for her protector. (Exit Namoutac.) Thy guileless heart, my princess, knows not yet of the ways of treachery and deceit. This alarming affair happily ended, let us proceed.
Pocahontas. Whatever may have been the intention of those who surpris'd us, thy gallant deliverance claims our gratitude and regard.
Rolfe. A regard, dear lady, which I hope will be mutually increased on our further acquaintance. Yet speak not so favourably of a service which every cavalier is bound to render to thy sex. Come, let's on with our journey; and the gentle fawn of Virginia need fear no panther when the lion of England doth guard her on her way.
(Exeunt.)
Scene 5. Wood. Distant view of Weorocomoco.
(Enter Matacoran and Selictaz.)
Matacoran. Go, Selictaz, to all the tribes friendly to Powhatan, bid them muster
