Eagle's Wing. My lord, we have just fought and foiled a very devil. We killed him not in order that you, our liege, might have him to see and question and to kill yourself. (Brings gun.) He used the lightning and the thunder of Heaven with this engine, so that he killeth those he hateth. Four of us lie yonder stricken dead therewith. He is a very devil.
King to Smith. So! What be you? Devil or witch or Indian painted white? What do you here?
Smith. Hail, King! I am no witch nor devil—nothing but a man—an Englishman, which is something more than a mere man. I came across the seas. Five moons it took me; so far away my country is. But here I am, and where I am there follow others. And we come to tell you of a greater King than thou. Our King who is now to be your king also.
King (very angry). What! a greater King than I? Knave, how dare you, whether devil or no—how dare thou speak like this?
King. Aye, I have heard of these white folk. Art not afraid?
Smith. Nay. I have faced the seas and storms, the anger of the elements, beside which the rage of men is very small. (Laughing.) Forget not—I am an Englishman—an Englishman knows not fear.
King. Ho! Say you so? We'll soon put that beyond all question by a proof. (Draws dagger, rushes on Smith with a yell, as if to stab him, and stops the knife only as it touches Smith's breast. Smith does not flinch.) Ah!
Smith. A joke was it. (Laughs.) By St. George, I thought you meant to kill me.
(Enter Princess Pocahontas (the King's daughter.) R. Aside.)
What is this strange being? A man, yet not a red man. He has a noble look. Alas! that he should fall into my father's power, for he will surely slay him.