Читать книгу The poetical works of George MacDonald in two volumes — Volume 1 - George MacDonald - Страница 31

WITHIN AND WITHOUT: A Dramatic Poem PART II SCENE XIX.—The river-side. LILIA seated in the boat; JULIAN handing her the bags

Julian.

There! One at a time!—Take care, love; it

is heavy.—

Put them right in the middle, of the boat:

Gold makes good ballast.

[A loud shout. He steps in and casts the chain loose, then pushes gently off.]

Look how the torches gleam

Among the trees. Thank God, we have escaped!

[He rows swiftly off. The torches come nearer, with cries of search.]

(In a low tone.) Slip down, my Lilia; lie at full length

In the bottom of the boat; your dress is white,

And would return the torches' glare. I fear

The damp night-air will hurt you, dressed like this.

[Pulling off his coat, and laying it over her.]

Now for a strong pull with my muffled oars!

The water mutters Spanish in its sleep.

My beautiful! my bride! my spirit's wife!

God-given, and God-restored! My heart exults,

Hovering about thee, beautiful! my soul!—

Once round the headland, I will set the sail;

The fair wind bloweth right adown the stream.

Dear wind, dear stream, dear stars, dear heart of all,

White angel lying in my little boat!

Strange that my boyhood's skill with sail and helm,

Oft steering safely 'twixt the winding banks,

Should make me rich with womanhood and life!

[The boat rounds the headland, JULIAN singing.]