A DRAMATIC POEM
<1The deck of an ancient ship. At the right of the stage is the mast,
with a large square sail hiding a great deal of the sky and sea
on that side. The tiller is at the left of the stage; it is a long oar
coming through an opening in the bulwark. The deck rises in a
series of steps hehind the tiller, and the stern of the ship curves
overhead. When the play opens there are four persons upon the
deck. Aibric stands by the tiller. Forgael sleeps upon the raised
portion of the deck towards the front of the stage. Two Sailors
are standing near to the mast, on which a harp is hanging.>1
i{First Sailor.} Has he not led us into these waste seas
For long enough?
i{Second Sailor.} Aye, long and long enough.
i{First Sailor.} We have not come upon a shore or ship
These dozen weeks.
i{Sccond Sailor.} And I had thought to make
A good round Sum upon this cruise, and turn -For I am getting on in life -- to something
That has less ups and downs than robbery.
i{First Sailor.} I am so tired of being bachelor
I could give all my heart to that Red Moll
That had but the one eye.
i{Second Sailor.} Can no bewitchment
Transform these rascal billows into women
That I may drown myself?
i{First Sailor.} Better steer home,
Whether he will or no; and better still
To take him while he sleeps and carry him
And drop him from the gunnel.
i{Second Sailor.} I dare not do it.
Were't not that there is magic in his harp,
I would be of your mind; but when he plays it
Strange creatures flutter up before eyes,
...
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