the outlaw.
19
Capt. Forward! my men. Now, by my halidame, there starts our game; the hunt is up;—seize, seize him instantly!
[Mountaineers gently interpose.
Capt. [To Moun.] Stand back, my friends; see you not the robber whom we seek? [Mountaineers remain silent.] Stand back or we will force you from your post.—On then, my men, the sturdy knaves abet him.
[Mountaineers draw weapons from beneath their dress.
1st Moun. We move not at thy proud request. Free men are we, that hold not to the slavish laws of citizens, but succor the oppressed.
Capt. Down, down with them my men!
[Helvitio joins the Mountaineers—a Skirmish—Soldiers disarmed.
Hel. [To Capt.] Rise, my brave foe, nor scorn
To take thy life a gift from outlawed hands.
For the space of three short hours,
Thou and thy men are captives;
That time elapsed, thou'rt free to seek again thy victor.
[Mountaineers gently interpose.
Capt. [To Moun.] Stand back, my friends; see you not the robber whom we seek? [Mountaineers remain silent.] Stand back or we will force you from your post.—On then, my men, the sturdy knaves abet him.
[Mountaineers draw weapons from beneath their dress.
1st Moun. We move not at thy proud request. Free men are we, that hold not to the slavish laws of citizens, but succor the oppressed.
Capt. Down, down with them my men!
[Helvitio joins the Mountaineers—a Skirmish—Soldiers disarmed.
Hel. [To Capt.] Rise, my brave foe, nor scorn
To take thy life a gift from outlawed hands.
For the space of three short hours,
Thou and thy men are captives;
That time elapsed, thou'rt free to seek again thy victor.
