My circle ’round the area hath beenCompleted now, but naught of life nor formsOf life my scan hath yet uncover’d.
HAN
[through comlink:]—Nay.There is not life enough upon this cubeOf ice to fill an empty space cruiser.The sensors have I put in place, so shallI now return unto the base.
LUKE
—’Tis well,And I, forsooth, shall soon meet with thee there.But I have spied a met’orite that hathIts landing made near here. So shall I goAnd fix my eyes upon the scene. I’ll notBe long, I warrant; then, I shall return.
Enter
WAMPA, aside.
WAMPA
You viewers all, whose gentle hearts do fearThe smallest womp rat creeping on the floor,May now perchance both quake and tremble here,When wampa rough in wildest rage doth roar.Pray know that I a wampa simple am,And take no pleasure in my angry mood.Though with great force this young one’s face I slam,I prithee know I strike but for my food.
LUKE
Alas, is this th’adventure I am due,To die upon a vicious monster’s whim?I am attackèd by this awful beast!O fate most wretched—shall I be his feast?
[Exit, pursued by a wampa.
Scene 2.
The rebel base on Hoth.
Enter
HAN SOLO.
HAN
A scoundrel may not rise above his place—This is a fact the galaxy doth teach.For e’en though I have join’d rebellion’s ranksThese many weeks and months, and gain’d respectWithin their noble band, my scoundrel pastDoth make its harsh demands upon my life.The bounty hunters sent by Jabba makePursuit to win the price upon my head.So must I go once more unto the depthsOf my old life, find Jabba of the HuttAnd pay his ransom, thus to free my soul.I would not leave my noble rebel friends,I would not leave the cause for which they fight,I would not leave the princess and her charm,I would not leave all these, and yet I must.A life’s not well lived under threat of death,Especially with men of cruel intent—Who for a price shall fill the Hutt’s demands—Upon the trail of my indebtedness.And so, my mate Chewbacca and I leaveUpon the instant that the ship is set to go.
Enter
CHEWBACCA, working on the Millennium Falcon.I say, Chewbacca, ho! Aye, Chewie!
CHEWBAC.
—Auugh!
HAN
Lose not thy temper, gentle Wookiee, nay,But practice patience; I shall help thee soon.
CHEWBAC.
Egh, auugh, egh.
[Exit Chewbacca. Han crosses to command center with Princess Leia and General Rieekan.
RIEEKAN
—Solo, wouldst thou speak with me?
HAN
Good general, the sensors are in place,And surely shalt thou know if aught comes nearOur hidden station here.
RIEEKAN
—Well. Prithee say,Commander Skywalker, hath he yet madeReport?