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Will wasted strength recruit, and cheer your hearts.
Ere long I'll join you at the board, and fill
A hearty cup of health and thanks to all.

[Exeunt all but Samarkoon, the Bride, and her Female Attendants.

And now, dear maid, thou pearl and gem of beauty,

The prize for which this bloody fray was fought,
Wilt thou forgive a youthful lover's boldness,
And the rude outrage by his love committed?
Wilt thou not speak to me?

BRIDE.

What can I say?

I was the destined bride of great Rasinga;
My father told me so.

SAMARKOON.

But did thy heart—

Did thine own heart, sweet maid, repeat the tale?
And did it say to thee, "The elder chieftain
Is he whom I approve; his younger rival
Unworthy of my choice?"

BRIDE.

My choice! a modest virgin hath no choice.

That I have seen you both; that both have seen
My unveil'd face, alas! is my dishonour,
Albeit most innocent of such exposure.