The Indian Princess. James Nelson Barker

Чтение книги онлайн.

      Robin. Shall I tell you in earnest what we play in this merry comedy?

      Larry. Be doing it.

      Robin. Then we play the parts of two fools, look you, to part with all at home, and come to these savage parts, where, Heaven shield us, our heads may be parted from our bodies. Think what a catastrophe, master Larry!

      Larry. So the merry comedy ends a doleful tragedy, and exit fool in the character of a hero! That's glory, sirrah, a very feather in our cap.

      Robin. A light gain to weigh against the heavy loss of one's head. Feather quotha! what use of a plumed hat without a head to wear it withal?

      Larry. Tut, man, our captain will lead us through all dangers.

      Robin. Will he? an' he catch me following him through these same dangers —

      Larry. Och, you spalpeen! I mean he'll lead us out of peril.

      Robin. Thank him for nothing; for I've predetermined, look you, not to be led into peril. Oh, master Larry, what a plague had I to do to leave my snug cot and my brown lass, to follow master Rolfe to this devil of a country, where there's never a girl nor a house!

      Larry. Out, you driveller! didn't I leave as neat a black-ey'd girl, and as pretty a prolific potato-patch all in tears —

      Robin. Your potato-patch in tears! that's a bull, master Larry —

      Larry. You're a calf, master Robin. Wasn't it raining? Och, I shall never forget it; the thunder rolling, and her tongue a-going, and her tears and the rain; och, bother, but it was a dismal morning!

      [Speaks.] And then she gave me this beautiful keep-sake [Shows a pair of scissors.], which if ever I part with, may a tailor clip me in two with his big shears. Och! when Katy took you in hand, how nicely did you snip and snap my bushy, carroty locks; and now you're cutting the hairs of my heart to pieces, you tieves you —

      [Speaks.] And then each bush and leaf seem'd to sigh, and say, "don't forget us, Larry." I won't, said I. – "But arrah, take something for remembrance," said they; and then I dug up this neat jewel [Shows a potato.]; you're a little withered to be sure, but if ever I forget your respectable family, or your delightful dwelling place – may I never again see any of your beautiful brothers and plump sisters! – Och! my darling, if you had come hot from the hand of Katy, how my mouth would have watered at ye; now, you divil, you bring the water into my eyes.