Act Two
The forest near Dongurh.
SCENE I
In the forest near Dongurh.
Bappa, Sungram. The Captain and Rajput soldiers, guarded by
Bheels.
BAPPA
Ponder it, captain. Sungram, see the bearers
Released, but let those cowards first be scourged
Who put their lives above their lady's honour.
Give golden largess to the faithful four
And send them with a script. Let Edur know
That Bappa holds his cherished daughter fast
And frees her not save for a lakh of mohurs,
Her insufficient ransom. If it displease him,
Let him come here with all his fighting men
And take her from my grip. Word it to wound him
So that he shall come thundering up the hills
Incensed inexorably.
Exit Sungram.
Soldier, again,
'Tis not my wont to slay my prisoners,
Who am a Rajpoot, and to pen you here
Eating your hearts away like prisoned lions
Were the world's loss and to myself no profit.
Take then your choice and either follow me
Or to your Edur back return unharmed.
CAPTAIN
Thou art a noble enemy, young chieftain;
But change thy boon; for I have lost my charge
Ingloriously and now can only entreat
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The use of my own sword to avenge my honour
On its betrayer. Living I go not back
To Edur.
BAPPA
Soldier, thou art too scrupulous.
The wariest captain need not think it shame
To be surprised among these mountains. If Edur
Receive you not, follow my fortunes, Rajpoot.
I am as noble as the prince you serve,
And he who waits on Bappa's fateful star
May be more fortunate than kings.
CAPTAIN
Chieftain,
Save my old master's blood I serve no other
Than noble Edur.
(suddenly with excitement)
What is that jewel, boy,
Upon thy sword-hilt? Where hadst thou that weapon?
BAPPA
What moves thee thus? It is my father's sword,
Though who my father was. Fate hides from me.
CAPTAIN
(with emotion)
I take thy offer, prince. I am thy soldier,
And all these men shall live and die for thee.
A SOLDIER
What dost thou, captain ?
CAPTAIN
I have never swerved
From the high path of Rajpoot honour. Trust me,
Rajpoots.
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SOLDIER
Thou wast our chief in war and always
We found thee valiant, proud and honourable.
Convince us that we may transfer unshamed
Our falchions only stained with foemen's blood,
And still we'll follow thee.
CAPTAIN
I will convince you
At a fit season.
BAPPA
Know'st thou something, soldier,
That's hid from me?
CAPTAIN
Pardon my silence, chieftain.
All things have their own time to come to light.
BAPPA
I will expect my hour then and meanwhile
Think myself twice as great as yesterday
Whom your strong hands now serve. Come, friends, with me;
Resume your swords for yet more glorious use
In Bappa's service.
Exeunt.
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