MAMATEE. The back is clad--the heart, alas! goes bare. Oh, I would rather shiver in the snow-- My heart downed softly with Tecumseh's love-- Than sleep unprized in warmest couch of fur. I know your love is wide, and, for that I Share but a millionth part of it, and feel Its meagreness, I plead most eagerly For this poor white, whose heart is full of love, And gives it all to her. TECUMSEH. It cannot be! You know not what you ask. 'Tis 'gainst our law, Which, breached, would let our untamed people through. LEFROY. I care not for your cruel law! The heart Has statutes of its own which make for love. TECUMSEH. You'd cross me too! This child's play of the heart, Which sterner duty has repressed in me, Makes even captives bold. (_Aside_.) I like his courage! MAMATEE. If duty makes Tecumseh's heart grow cold, Then shame on it! and greater shame on him Who ever yet showed mercy to his foes, Yet, turning from his own, in pity's spite Denies it to a girl. See, here I kneel! IENA. And I! O uncle, frown not on our love! TECUMSEH. By the Great Spirit this is over much! My heart is made for pity, not for war, Since women's tears unman me. Have your will! I shall respect your love, (_To Lefroy_.) your safety too. I go at once to sound the Wyandots Concerning some false treaties with the whites. The Prophet hates you, therefore come with me. [_The_ PROPHET _rushes in with a band of Braves._] PROPHET. She's here! Take hold of her and bear her off! TECUMSEH. (_Menacingly_) Beware! Lay not a finger on the girl! [_The Braves fall back_.] PROPHET. There is no law Tecumseh will not break, When women weep, and pale-face spies deceive. MAMATEE. Ah, wretch! not all our people's groans could wring A single tear from out your murderous eye. PROPHET. This is my captive, and his life is mine! [_Seizing_ LEFROY, _and lifting his hatchet_.] IENA. (_Rushing to_ LEFROY) Save him! Save him! TECUMSEH. Your life will go for his-- One blow and you are doomed! [TECUMSEH _grasps the_ PROPHET'S _uplifted axe_.] END OF FIRST ACT. ACT II. SCENE FIRST:--BEFORE THE PROPHET'S TOWN. _Enter_ TECUMSEH _and_ LEFROY. TECUMSEH. No guard or outlook--here! This is most strange. Chance reigns where prudence sleeps! _Enter a_ BRAVE. Here comes a brave With frenzy in his face Where is the Prophet? BRAVE. He fasts alone within the medicine-lodge, And talks to our Great Spirit. All our braves, Huddling in fear, stand motionless without, Thrilled by strange sounds, and voices not of earth. TECUMSEH. How long has it been thus?