Emerick. 'Tis your talk,
Is it, good statesman Laska?
Laska. No, not mine, 15
Not mine, an please your Majesty! There are
Some insolent malcontents indeed that talk thus—
Nay worse, mere treason. As Bathory's son,
The fool that ran into the monster's jaws.
Emerick. Well, 'tis a loyal monster if he rids us 20
Of traitors! But art sure the youth's devoured?
Laska. Not a limb left, an please your Majesty!
And that unhappy girl—
Emerick. Thou followed'st her
Into the wood? [Laska bows assent.
Henceforth then I'll believe
That jealousy can make a hare a lion. 25
Laska. Scarce had I got the first glimpse of her veil,
When, with a horrid roar that made the leaves
Of the wood shake—
Emerick. Made thee shake like a leaf!
Laska. The war-wolf leapt; at the first plunge he seized her;
Forward I rushed!
Emerick. Most marvellous!
Laska. Hurled my javelin; [30]
Which from his dragon-scales recoiling—