s even so.

SCENE IV.--KING ERIC'S COURT.

KING [_rushes in excitedly_]--Where is my daughter? My daughter! [OMAR
_appears in response to bell._] Omar, scour the kingdom for that
wretched Sir Constantine. He no doubt knows something about my daughter.

[OMAR _retires, while_ KING _walks up and down stage in anger
until_ OMAR _returns._]

OMAR [_returns and bows low_]--Your Majesty, I have searched everywhere
except in the forest.

KING--What! not found my daughter? Now methinks the forest is the very
place to which she and her scoundrel Knight would take themselves. Now
will I creep all through the forest, and mayhap I will find these
madcapped lovers. Their ill-gained happiness will soon be brought to an
end.

SCENE V.--THE FOREST.

[_Knight and Lady enter arm in arm._]

KNIGHT [_radiantly_]--We are now safe. Thy father would never hunt us
here. We shall spend our day in the forest.

PRINCESS--It is even so.

KNIGHT [_looking around joyously_]--The birds shall sing at our wedding.
Fragrant wild flowers shall be thy wedding bouquet. Oh! let us scorn not
Nature, for she and Love are great friends.

PRINCESS--Yea, 'tis so.

[_The King's voice is heard without._]

KNIGHT [_suddenly in alarm_]--Ah, woe! woe! Here comes thy father. I
must not flee, but fight.

PRINCESS [_clinging to Knight_]--Oh! go not forth, my Knight!

KNIGHT--That angry voice! I hoped never to hear more. I am young, I
thought experienced. He is old, yet mighty.

KING [_enters_]--Fight with me, Sir Knight, and defend your lady with
your body. Do your best, for I am come to test your fame.

[_Duel with swords,_ KNIGHT _falls._]

KNIGHT--Alas! I am weak and my courage fails. Spare me, O King.

KING--So, thou pleadest for mercy. Yea, mercy thou shalt have. But go
thou away, far away. Be banished, nevermore to return.

[KNIGHT _departs mournfully._]

KING [_embracing daughter tenderly_]--Weep not, daughter. I shall banish
thy lover till thou shalt be more careful how thou dost elope. Have done
with thy weeping. Thou shalt have no tears left for thy other lovers if
they dare to come.

PRINCESS [_in tears_]--Ah, cruel father! dost thou have no pity for me?

KING--Why did'st thou not tell me before, oh, daughter! I knew not how
true was thy love. Would I could call the brave Sir Constantine back.
But that is against the law.

SCENE VI.--THE KNIGHT'S DEATH.

KNIGHT [_calls_]--Oh, Omar!

[