poor master is going again, I fear?

Hugo.

Yes, I fear we are both going. But you see how it is with us—a willing horse, you know——

Agatha.

The poor princess will cry her eyes out, she's so sorry——

Hugo.

And so am I.

Agatha.

You sorry!—for what?

Hugo.

Why, to think that——that——

Agatha.

Oh, I know what you are sorry for—you've heard that Valentine has sworn to go alone, and that you will lose the honour of sharing in so hopeful an enterprize.

Hugo.

Has he? how lucky! (aside) Yes, I'm monstrous sorry—I didn't know it sooner. (apart)

Agatha.

I knew you'd feel hurt.

Hugo.

True—to think I that carried him in arms, when a boy, should see him go alone at these years.

Agatha.

Well, but if you were to ask him.——

Hugo.

What, to break his vow? I wou'dn't have such a sin at my door, for the honour of fighting the wildest man in Christendom.

Enter Valentine, with a Letter.

Valentine.

Agatha, present this to the princess, and tell her till Valentine can prove that gentle blood flows in his veins, her roseate cheek shall ne'er have cause to blush for him she has so honoured.

Agatha. (gives Valentine a Scarf.)

Sir, she sends this parting token, and will pray incessantly for your return.

[Exit.

Valentine.

Then success is certain! Come, see my armour.

Hugo.

(While arming him.) I humbly hope, my lord, that, now, I have no hinderance you'll graciously permit my services. I have kill'd divers wild things in my time, and might be useful.

Valentine.

Well, then, thou shalt go with me.

Hugo.

(Dropping the armour.) Shall I! O dear!

Valentine.

How now?

Hugo.

'Twas but a sudden qualm—That was a real pain i' the back.

[Aside.

Valentine.

I mean to take thee but to the entrance of the forest.

Hugo.

I cou'dn't think of intruding further.

Valentine.

There secure my horse, and wait my return. (Draws his sword.) Now gentle fortune aid thy knight.

[Exeunt on opposite sides.

SCENE V.—The Forest of Orleans. (Richards.)

On one side a large Tree which can be climbed, at the back, a Cavern nearly covered with Underwood.

The Peasants enter who presented the Petition at Court.

First Peasant.

Well, the king hath heard our petition, and here we go joyfully on our way home.

Second Peasant.

Troth, I am weary;—let us rest awhile; for when the wild man is once killed, this forest will be quite safe, and things will run in the right road again.

Third Peasant.

For my part I fear nothing but the wild man—Lack-a-day! it would do you good only, an't were to hear him roar—

(Music heard without.)

Mercy on us? What was that?

First Peasant.

That was no honest roaring. Such sweet sounds mean no good. I have rested enough now.

[Going.

Second Peasant.

Don't hurry so, goodman Ambrose, the music is not so bad.

Third Peasant.

No matter—I wou'dn't dance with old nick for a partner, to the prettiest tune that ever was composed.

[Exeunt.

Enter Three Pilgrims, who join in the following

GLEE.

(Accompanied by one of them on the lute.)

Re-enter the Peasants running.

[Exeunt hastily.

Characteristic Music, which varies with the Incidents of the following Scene.

A strange kind of howling is heard—Orson presents himself with an animal in his grasp, which he has just slain—a faint roar is heard of the old Bear—Orson expresses satisfaction, intimating he has got food for her. The Bear enters—Orson shews her the food, and in a playful manner, follows her into the cave.

Valentine enters, followed at cautious distance by