196
POCAHONTAS, OR THE SETTLERS OF VIRGINIA
bows and arrows, then youths with spears; they present the weapons as if to slay them, retire, and bring in pine branches, which they hold over the English in form of a canopy. The English rise, the dancers form in two lines, the King, having Pocahontas and Omaya on each side of him, leads the way, the English follow, the Indians holding the pine branches over the train. Exeunt all but Matacoran, who, during these ceremonies, stands apart, his arms folded, and looking sternly on. He comes forward.)
Matacoran. And lick we feet which soon will trample us in the dust, fold we to our bosoms those serpents which will soon entangle us in their coils, and then sting us to the death. Why this idle pageantry of crowning him a king, who is a king already! The coming of these pallid strangers bodes no good. Matacoran despises their friendship and disdains their gifts; and swears, by the heroic fame of his fathers, eternal enmity to the invader, and devoted fidelity to his king and country.
(Exit Matacoran.)
Scene 2. Interior of Barclay's hut.
(Enter Mantea and Rolfe.)
Mantea. Be seated, good sir; rest thee awhile, and such hospitality as this poor hut can afford, shall ever be at the service of Barclay's countrymen.
Rolfe. Thank thee, good dame. I left thy husband but a little while ago. I came to expedite the landing of the stores and presents.—Who have we here?
(Enter Pocahontas and Omaya.)
Pocahontas. Mother, I have hasten'd to tell thee how we receiv'd the noble strangers. (Sees Rolfe.) Ha! the handsome Cavalier!
Rolfe. Lady, you have made the English for ever your debtors, by the kind and flattering manner in which you receiv'd them. Of a truth, we were all most happy and content while at Weorocomoco.
Pocahontas. Our means were small compar'd to the quality of our guests; yet, such as they were, most freely offer'd, and we hope most pleasingly receiv'd.
Rolfe. May we not hope, lady, that thou wilt not always bury thy rare qualities in these wilds; thou should'st to England, where many will approve thy visit, and thou find much to admire.
Omaya. Oh do, dear lady; we shall be so delighted. Namoutac has told us of the royal court, and of the great ladies there, who are of such circumference that they could not enter the door of our king's palace, and so laden with braveries that pages are employ'd to carry them.
Pocahontas. I fear that a Virginian female would be but a poor personage where there is so much show and grandeur.
Rolfe. Pardon me, lady, thy worth and dignity will not be obscur'd, even by the state and splendour of the English court; the one is the genuine adornment of nature, the other the mere effect of art. An' ye will go, I could hope to be your squire; and trust me, lady, the kindness which you have shewn to my countrymen will be remember'd to thee in England.
Omaya. Oh do, dear lady, go; and we will carry with us our best plumes, and good store of red paint; and when my lady is deck'd in her armlets and blue beads, she will appear as royally as the best of them.
Pocahontas. Good girl, thy warm imagination foresees many pleasures in the far country, while thy long and faithful attachment to me, makes it sure, that if I go abroad, thou shalt accompany me.
Omaya. Thank'ee, thank'ee, dear lady; and when we come back, I shall take care to show Namoutac what it is to have travell'd—I shall indeed.
(Enter an Indian, with fruit.)
Indian. Barclay bade me give this fruit to an English Cavalier I should find here. He begs you will look to its seed immediately; it hath a rare seed, and ye'll find it worthy of your notice.
Rolfe. (Opens the fruit and discovers a billet.) Aha! something in the wind. (Aside.) Indian, I find indeed it is a most pleasant fruit, and of a winning flavour; tell Barclay the seed will be well car'd for.—Away.
(Exit Indian.)
Rolfe. (Reads.) "A panther lurks near the great oak, and will molest the gentle doe an' there be no lion to guard her on her way."—How's this, the princess menac'd; treachery abroad! her safety be my care. Lady, it behooves thee to return to Weorocomoco without delay, but
