Chapter 7

_1st. Falc._ Where is my lord? Where is count Roland?

_2d. Falc._ Giving his orders for tomorrow's journey.

_1st. Falc._ What, our departure then is fixed?

_2d. Falc._ It is: tomorrow we set off for Corbey, thereto sojourn awhile with my lord's friend, Marquis Alberti.

_Enter count_ Roland, _followed by two_ falconers.

_Count._ Come, brother falconers, break up our rural camp, give the hawks wing, and let another day of pure exhilirating pastime crown those we have enjoyed.

SONG--_count Roland._

I.

When the morning shines forth, and the zephyr's calm gale Carries fragrance and health over mountain and dale, Follow me, brother falconers, and share in those joys, Which envy disturbs not, nor grandeur destroys: Up hill, down the valley, all dangers we'll dare, While our coursers spurn earth, and our hawks sail in air. Dash on, my brave birds, Your quarry pursue; "Strike, strike!" be the words. Lalleugh! lalleugh!

II.

O'er plain, heath, and woodland, with rapture we roam, Yet, returning, still find the dear pleasure at home; Where inspiring good humour gives honesty grace And the heart speaks content in the smiles of the face. Dash on, &c.

_Count._ To day concludes our sylvan holiday. (_going._) Why, who comes here? As I live, my merry falconer, Christopher! And I'm impatient to be told the issue of his curious enterprise. Ha, ha, ha! to know if he's related to the house of Roland--

_Enter_ Christopher.

Well, Christopher, am I to call you cousin?

_Chris._ You are, my Lord; and with your leave I sha'n't copy our aunt the countess's example, and not notice those beneath us. No. How d'ye do, my fine fellows--how d'ye do?

_Bowing foppishly to the falconers._

_Count._ Aunt!--ridiculous! My uncle had no wife. I've heard indeed, he had a consequential housekeeper, whose niece, Ulrica, I once saw.

_Chris._ What, you've seen Ulrica? So have I, my Lord: and though it's bold work, life's so short, and love's so ridgety, mayn't I----mayn't I see her again, my lord?

_Count._ What, you'd return? (_Christopher nods assent._) Then go--go, and announce to marquis Alberti, that I shall visit him tonight. Mind, tonight! I will hear more of this new aunt of mine.

_Chris._ (_with great glee._) Tonight, my lord? And you, and you---- [_To the falconers._

_Count._ And all. And therefore, till we meet at Corbey Abbey, adieu, most noble cousin Christopher!

_1st._ and _2d. Falc._ (_bowing with ironical respect._) Adieu most noble nephew of the countess Roland!

_Chris._ Noble indeed! and give me money and a wife, see if I don't support nobility--I'll give such splendid entertainments----

_Count._ What, and like town-bred, ostentatious nobles; only to splendid company?

_Chris._ Certainly not, my lord; for your splendid company seldom invite again; and therefore I'll stick more to the trading line, where 'tis not giving dinners, but _lending_ them, to be repaid at high bill of fare interest; and so, till we meet at Corbey, adieu, most noble cousin! [_Exit._

_Count._ Now for our sport, which ends not in the field.

GLEE.

I.

When Phoebus' rays no more appear, And falc'ners further sport decline; When ploughmen from their fields repair, And mournful night-birds rend the air, Then give me wine: And at home the chase shall reign, For in wine it lives again.

II.

When loud the chilling tempest blows, And winter makes all Nature pine; When lowing herds, and rooks, and crows Do droop and moan at frost and snows, Then give me wine, &c.

[_Exeunt._