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?
Byron
--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!
Will it then never--never sink in the earth?
_C. Hun_. What dost thou mean? thy senses wander from thee.
