SCENE V.
Reading edition
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.