Oh, it is _Fate_; and Fate we must obey.
[_Takes ring from his finger_.]
Let the ship go; but with my heart I stay.
[_Attempts to place ring on_ GIRL’S _finger_. _She wrenches her hand
free_, _and stands with both hands behind her as she speaks with
suppressed emotion_.]
The heart of every Island girl on earth
I think hides one sweet dream, and it is this;
To one day meet a man of higher birth—
To win his heart,—to feel his tender kiss—
And sail with him to some far distant land.
This too has been my dream; wherein your face
Shone like a beacon.
[_Repels_ RALPH _as he starts forward_.]
But I know your race,
Too well, too well. I know how such dreams end,
You could not claim me in your land, my friend,
For colour prejudice is rampant there.