SONG.—YARICO.
When the chace of day is done,
And the shaggy lion's skin,
Which for us, our warriors win,
Decks our cells at set of sun;
Worn with toil, with slap opprest,
I press my mossy bed, and sink to rest.
Then, once more, I see our train,
With all our chase renew'd again:
Once more 'tis day,
Once more our prey
Gnashes his angry teeth, and foams in vain.
Again, in sullen haste, he flies,
Ta'en in the toil, again he lies,
Again he roars—and, in my slumbers, dies.
Inkle and Trudge come forward.
Inkle. Our language!
Trudge. Zounds, she has thrown me into a cold sweat.
Yar. Hark! I heard a noise! Wowski, awake! whence can it proceed? [She awakes Wowski, and they both come forward—Yarico towards Inkle; Wowski towards Trudge.]
Yar. Ah! what form is this?——are you a man?
Inkle. True flesh and blood, my charming heathen, I promise you.
Yar. What harmony in his voice! What a shape! How fair his skin too——[Gazing.]
Trudge. This must be a lady of quality, by her staring.
Yar. Say, stranger, whence come you?
Inkle. From a far distant island; driven on this coast by distress, and deserted by my companions.
Yar. And do you know the danger that surrounds you here? Our woods are filled with beasts of prey—my countrymen too——(yet, I think they cou'd'nt find the heart)—might kill you.——It would be a pity if you fell in their way——I think I should weep if you came to any harm.
Trudge. O ho! It's time, I see, to begin making interest with the chamber maid. [Takes Wowski apart.]
Inkle. How wild and beautiful! sure there is magic in her shape, and she has rivetted me to the place. But where shall I look for safety? let me fly and avoid my death.
Yar. Oh! no—don't depart.——But I will try to preserve you; and if you are killed, Yarico must die too! Yet, 'tis I alone can save you; your death is certain, without my assistance; and, indeed, indeed you shall not want it.
Inkle. My kind Yarico! what means, then, must be used for my safety?
Yar. My cave must conceal you: none enter it, since my father was slain in battle. I will bring you food by day, then lead you to our unfrequented groves by moonlight, to listen to the nightingale. If you should sleep, I'll watch you, and awake you when there's danger.
Inkle. Generous maid! Then, to you will I owe my life; and whilst it lasts, nothing shall part us.
Yar. And shan't it, shan't it indeed?
Inkle. No, my Yarico! For when an opportunity offers to return to my country, you shall be my companion.
Yar. What! cross the seas!
Inkle. Yes, Help me to discover a vessel, and you shall enjoy wonders. You shall be decked in silks, my brave maid, and have a house drawn with horses to carry you.
Yar. Nay, do not laugh at me—but is it so?
Inkle. It is indeed!
Yar. Oh wonder! I wish my countrywomen could see me——But won't your warriors kill us?
Inkle. No, our only danger on land is here.
Yar. Then let us retire further into the cave. Come—your safety is in my keeping.
Inkle. I follow you—Yet, can you run some risk in following me?