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MONTEBESA.

Hush, hush! I hear the footsteps of a man,

But not Rasinga.—It is Samarkoon;
I know his rapid tread.—Be wise; be silent;
For he awhile must live in ignorance.

Enter Samarkoon, and Sabawatté retires to some distance.

A happy morning to you, youthful kinsman!

SAMARKOON.

As it may prove, good lady: happy morning

Oft leads to woeful eve, ay, woeful noon.

MONTEBESA.

These are strange sombre words; what is the matter?

Why dost thou look both sorrowful and stern?

SAMARKOON.

I have good cause, if that which I have heard

Be aught but a malignant, hateful tale,
On mere conjecture founded. Answer me,
If thou know'st nothing of a num'rous train
In preparation, by Rasinga's orders,
To fetch home to his house a fair young bride?

There's no such thing.—Speak—speak! I will believe thee;

For if to thee unknown, there's no such thing.—

[A pause, he looking inquisitively in her face.]
Thou dost not speak; thou dost not answer me;