I cou'dn't think of intruding further. VALENTINE. There secure my horse, and wait my return. (_Draws his sword._) Now gentle fortune aid thy knight. And let the Fates for good or ill combine, The star that leads me on, is, Eglantine. [_Exeunt on opposite sides._ SCENE V.-- _The Forest of Orleans._ (Richards.) _On one side a large Tree which can be climbed, at the back, a Cavern nearly covered with Underwood._ _The_ Peasants _enter who presented the Petition at Court._ First PEASANT. Well, the king hath heard our petition, and here we go joyfully on our way home. Second PEASANT. Troth, I am weary;--let us rest awhile; for when the wild man is once killed, this forest will be quite safe, and things will run in the right road again. Third PEASANT. For my part I fear nothing but the wild man--Lack-a-day! it would do you good only, an't were to hear him roar-- (_Music heard without._) Mercy on us? What was that? First PEASANT. That was no honest roaring. Such sweet sounds mean no good. I have rested enough now. [_Going._ Second PEASANT. Don't hurry so, goodman Ambrose, the music is not so bad. Third PEASANT. No matter--I wou'dn't dance with old nick for a partner, to the prettiest tune that ever was composed. [_Exeunt._ _Enter Three_ Pilgrims, _who join in the following_ _GLEE._ (_Accompanied by one of them on the lute._) "_Pilgrims._ The sun to ocean hies away. "The curfeu bell is ringing, "And pilgrims thro' the twilight grey, "Now cheer the way by singing. "While each, tho' weary, feels delight, "In thinking of his inn at night, "And ev'ry footstep moves in time, "As plays the distant village chime." _Re-enter the Peasants running._ _Peasants._ Mercy on us! _Pilgrims._ Strangers, say-- _Peasants._ Here he comes, _Pilgrims._ Which is our way? _Peasants._ Have you seen him? _Pilgrims._ Whom? _Peasants._ He's coming. Hark! the wild man-- _Pilgrims._ Tell us, pray. _Peasants._ Here you must not stand humdrumming. Yes, 'tis he--away! away! _All._ Away! away! [_Exeunt hastily._ _Characteristic Music, which varies with the Incidents of the following Scene._ _A strange kind of howling is heard--ORSON presents himself with an animal in his grasp, which he has just slain--a faint roar is heard of the old Bear--ORSON expresses satisfaction, intimating he has got food for her. The Bear enters--ORSON shews her the food, and in a playful manner, follows her into the cave._