(They hang back.)
How now—you never feared an enemy, so why fear me?
Eagle's Wing (bowing). Nay, sweet Princess, it may not be. We care not what of men we kill in fighting for our land, but this we cannot do—to raise a hand against a woman, and she our own Princess.
King (furious). How now! What talk is this? Ye speak as though you had no King and no commands. Slay on—strike true, and spare not man nor maid, for she no longer is a child of mine.
(Braves still hesitate.)
Ye will not? Dogs, wouldst have me do it for myself? I will, and, what is more, I'll slay you Eagle's Wing for this, and you too——
(Enter a warrior scout, L., who rushes up to the King and kneels while shots are heard outside.)
Scout. O King! There be more white devils over there. They're pressing on, and none can stand against them.
King to Warriors. Stand firm, and kill these devils as they come. To every brave who takes a white man's scalp I'll give the noblest feather for his head. Stand firm! Bend well your bows.
(While the King and Warriors are looking off L. towards the fight, Pocahontas takes Smith R., draws a dagger and cuts John Smith's arms lose. He shakes hands with her. Taking the dagger, he rushes to the King, and seizing his hair with one hand, and threatening him with the dagger with the other, he leads him C.)