Oswald—I do not understand you.
Father Benedict—(Aside.) Can it be
They have not told him of the dream? Mum, then.
Oswald—Brother Andrew told me.
Father Benedict— And you understand
On whom this dark calamity shall fall?
Oswald—It has already fallen.
Father Benedict— Already fallen!
You think the stag is down, then, do you?
Oswald— Stag?
Father Benedict—You think the chase is run?
(Oswald looks at him blankly.) You seem to think
The dream has been fulfilled.
Oswald— I do. How not?
This last calamity fulfilled the dream.
Father Benedict—Fulfilled? Nay, nay. The chase has not begun.
The bruised stag is resting in the grove.
The hounds of Hell have yet to strike the trail,
And when they do, my feet are on the hills,
And the loud talbot's baying shall be still.