SCENE V.

_A chaotic wilderness of icebergs._

_Enter the_ HUNTER, _and_ OLAF _carrying_ PAOLO, _who appears faint_.

_Hunt._ I hear their bark--we are not much ahead!

_Olaf._ How far is’t now unto the hunter’s cabin?

_Hunt._ A half hour it would take us, could we run At our best speed--but cumbered with the child, What can we do?

_Paol._ Dear father, I will run-- I will not cumber thee--I am strong now!

_Olaf._ My poor dear boy, thou canst not! would to heaven Thou wert at home!

_Paol._ How kind thou art, dear father! I will run on--I will not cumber thee!

_Hunt._ The wolves are here! Hark, hark! their barking comes Upon the passing wind!

_Paol._ Oh, they are here!

_Olaf._ How can we ’scape from them? I’ll sell my life Dearly for this child’s sake!

_Hunt._ Throw them the child! And while they gorge on him, we can escape.

_Olaf._ Thou devil of hell!

_Paol._ Sweet father, do it not!

[_The wolves surround them; and the hunter snatching up Paolo throws him among them._

_Paol._ Oh father, father, save me!

_Olaf._ My boy! my boy!

_Hunt._ It is too late--they tear him limb from limb! Now for escape! Run, run, and we shall reach A place of safety! [_He darts forward._

_Olaf._ God in heaven! my boy-- My gentle-hearted boy! my murdered boy!

[_He dashes among the wolves with his hunting knife, and then springs forward after the hunter._