_A Wood._ (Richards.)
_Enter AGATHA, dressed as a_ Page.
AGATHA.
There goes my lady, drest and arm'd so like Sir Valentine, that if
he were to meet her, he'd think it were a second self. She bade me
follow at some distance to avoid suspicion, and mislead any who might
pursue her--I fear she will prove but a weak defender of the poor Lady
Florimonda, who, if Sir Valentine do not quickly overtake us, must, of
force, be married to the pagan sorcerer.
_ROMANCE._
'Tis far away o'er yonder plains,
A cruel pagan tyrant reigns,
And holds a christian maid in chains,
Ah, well-a-day, poor lady!
II.
And ev'ry day some gallant knight,
Who strives to win this lady's right,
Is by the pagan slain in fight.
Ah, well-a-day, poor lady!
III.
And ere the sun forsake the sky,
Unless more powerful aid is nigh,
The pagan she must _wed_, or _die_.
Ah, well-a-day, poor lady!
IV.
And, now, fair Eglantine is gone,
By jealous pangs her bosom torn,
To save her love, or die forlorn.
Ah, well-a-day, poor lady!
[_Exit._
_Enter HENRY and HAUFRAY, from opposite sides._
HENRY.
This way, my friend, our foe is in our power. Yonder he walks in
_armour_, but _alone_.
HAUFRAY.
Nay, Henry, this way lies the road--Unarm'd he comes perhaps to meet
the princess.
HENRY.
Your jealousy has blinded you. I say with swiftest pace he there eludes
our vengeance, close followed by his page.
HAUFRAY.
Ambition makes you mad. Stand back, and as he passes, unprotected by
his wild associate, here let's attack him.
HENRY.
You fear to face him. I'll believe my eyes and go alone. By heav'n,
'tis he indeed.
HAUFRAY.
Now will you believe your eyes?
_They conceal themselves--VALENTINE enters, and is attacked by
HAUFRAY, who is overthrown, when HENRY aims a blow behind
VALENTINE--ORSON suddenly enters, catches HENRY up, and carries
him away--HAUFRAY is beaten off by VALENTINE, who follows--ORSON
re-enters, signifies that he has thrown HENRY into the river,
but not finding VALENTINE where he left him, the wild man picks
up the swords of the disarmed adversaries, and runs off, in
pursuit of him._