No More Learning

_Man_. I am most sick at heart--nay, grasp me not--
I am all feebleness--the mountains whirl
Spinning around me----I grow blind----What art thou?

_C. Hun_. I'll answer that anon. --Away with me----
The clouds grow thicker----there--now lean on me--
Place your foot here--here, take this staff, and cling
A moment to that shrub--now give me your hand,
And hold fast by my girdle--softly--well-- 120
The Chalet will be gained within an hour:
Come on, we'll quickly find a surer footing,
And something like a pathway, which the torrent
Hath washed since winter. --Come,'tis bravely done--
You should have been a hunter. --Follow me.

[_As they descend the rocks with difficulty, the scene closes. _




ACT II.


SCENE I. --_A Cottage among the Bernese Alps_. --
MANFRED _and the_ CHAMOIS HUNTER.

_C. Hun_.
No--no--yet pause--thou must not yet go forth;
Thy mind and body are alike unfit
To trust each other, for some hours, at least;
When thou art better, I will be thy guide--
But whither?

_Man_. It imports not: I do know
My route full well, and need no further guidance.

_C. Hun_. Thy garb and gait bespeak thee of high lineage--
One of the many chiefs, whose castled crags
Look o'er the lower valleys--which of these
May call thee lord? I only know their portals; 10
My way of life leads me but rarely down
To bask by the huge hearths of those old halls,
Carousing with the vassals; but the paths,
Which step from out our mountains to their doors,
I know from childhood--which of these is thine?

_Man_. No matter.

_C. Hun_. Well, Sir, pardon me the question,
And be of better cheer. Come, taste my wine;
'Tis of an ancient vintage; many a day
'T has thawed my veins among our glaciers, now
Let it do thus for thine--Come, pledge me fairly! 20

_Man_. Away, away! there's blood upon the brim!