"Soldier, soldier, marry me,With your fife and drum."
"Soldier, soldier, marry me,With your fife and drum."
Christinesuddenly appears in the background and surveys the party with astonishment.
Christine.Heavens! what do I see? Lenox, and with a female so affectionately?
Lenox.Your spirits charm me, dear Adela, and revive those feelings for you, that time has impaired, but not destroyed. But come, let us in and see your worthy father.
[Leads her into the tent to the left.
Christine.Cruel, unkind, false Lenox! Are these your vows of constancy? are these your protestations of love? Scarcely are you free from our cottage, when your vows and pledges are but air. Wretched Christine! what will become of you? I have deserted my father's house to avoid a hateful match, and seek the protection of the man I love; he is false, and I am lost. What's to be done? Return home a penitent, and meet the frowns of my father, and be wedded to the man I hate? Never. Seek out Lenox, and upbraid him with his falsehood? No, pride and wounded honour will not permit me. Let him go—he is a wretch who trifles with the affections of a woman. I care not what becomes of me, despair is all that I have left. Ha! a thought strikes me with the lightning's force—the army—I will enlist—this disguise is favourable, and in the battle's rage, seek that death which quickly awaits me—'tis resolved. [Corporalpasses over the stage.] Hist, corporal.
Corporal.Well, my lad, what would ye?
Christine.I would enlist, good corporal, and serve my country.
Corporal.Enlist! As a drummer or fifer, I suppose.
Christine.No; in the ranks—and though small, you will find me capable. Give me your musket. [Christinetakes the musket, shoulders, presents, and goes through a few motions.]
Corporal.Well done, my little fellow; you'll do, if it's only for a fugelman; come along to our sergeant, and receive the bounty.
[Exit.
Christine.Now, Lenox, now am I fully revenged for your cruel desertion.
[Follows.
End of the First Act.
SceneI.York, in Upper Canada; a Tavern meanly furnished.
EnterLaRole, in pursuit of the chambermaid.
LaRole.Come here, you littel demoiselle—you bootiful sauvage, vy you run vay from me—hay?
Maid.I wish you would let me alone, mounsure, you officers' gentlemen are very disagreeable things.
LaRole.Disagreeable? ma foi! I am one joli garçon, one pretti batchelor; disagreeable? I vill tell you, ma belle grizette, I am maître de mode, I give de leçons for dance, to speake de English, and de Française aussi; I can fence, aha! or fight de duel, or de enemi, je suis un soldat.
Maid.Well, if you're a soldier, you have no business to be following me up and down the house like a pet lamb. Why don't you go to camp?
LaRole.Camp? vat is de camp? Oho, le champ de bataille; I shall tell you, mademoiselle, I did fight at the bataille de Vittoria, com un diable, like littel devil. I did kill beaucoup d'Anglais. Mai my maître, le capitain, he did give me a dam tump on my head wis his rapier, and did knock me down from on top of my horse, and make a me von prisonier.
Maid.Poor fellow! And so, mounsure, you were made prisoner?
LaRole.Oui, ven I could not run avay, begar I surrender like von brave homme, and now I am jentiman to capitain Pendragoon; I do brus his coat, poudre his hair, and pull his corset tight, and ven he was order to come to Amérique, and fight wis de Yankee Doodel, begar me come too. I arrive ici, I am here, to make a littel de love to you.
Maid.Well now, once for all, I tell you not to be following me; I don't like Frenchmen—I can't parlyvoo.
LaRole.You no like de Frenchiman? O quell barbare! vy you ave von abominable goût, mademoiselle, von shockin taste.I shall tell you, mademoiselle, en my contree, en France, de ladies are ver fond of me. O beaucoup, I am so charmant—so aimable, and so jentee, I have three five sweetheart, ami de cœur, mai for all dat I do love you ver mush, par example.
Maid.Let me go! [Bell rings.] There, your master calls you.
[Exit.
LaRole.Dam de littel bell, I vill not come; mon maître he always interrupt me ven I make de love to the pretti ladi, he be jealous, begar I vill not come.
[Exit opposite side.
EnterCaptain Pendragon, dressed in the British uniform, but in the extreme of fashion—throws himself into a chair.
Pendragon.Oh, curse such roads! My bones are making their way out of their sockets—such vile, abominable, detestable—Waiter!—If my friends at Castle Joram only knew the excruciating fatigues which I am undergoing in this barbarous land—Why, waiter!—or if his highness the commander-in-chief was only sensible of my great sacrifices to—Why, waiter! where the devil are you?
EnterWaiter.
Waiter.Here I be, sir.
Pendragon.Why didn't you come when I first called? Do you think I've got lungs like a hunter? I'm fatigued and hungry. Get me an anchovy, a toast, and a bottle of old port.
Waiter.A what, sir? an ancho—
Pendragon.Yes, sir, an anchovy—small ones—delicate.
Waiter.Why, sir, we don't know what these are in this country.
Pendragon.The devil you don't! Then pray, sir, what have you to eat in this damn'd house fit for a gentleman?
Waiter.Why, sir, not much—the army eats us out of house and home. We have some very excellent fresh bear meat, sir.
Pendragon.Bear meat! Why, what the devil, fellow, do you take me for a Chickasaw, or an Esquimau? Bear meat! the honourable captain Pendragon, who never ate anything more gross than a cutlet at Molly's chop-house, and who lived on pigeons' livers at Very's, in Paris, offered bear meat in North America! I'll put that down in my travels.
Waiter.Why, sir, it is considered here a great delicacy.
Pendragon.The devil it is! Then pray, sir, what are your ordinary fares, if bear's meat is considered a delicacy?
Waiter.Why, truly, sir, this is but a young country, and we have to live upon what we can catch. Pray, would you fancy some 'possum fat and hominy?
Pendragon.Oh, shocking! begone, fellow—you'll throw me into a fever with your vile bill of fare. Get me a cup of tea—mix it, hyson and souchong, with cream and muffins.
Waiter.We can't give you any of those things, sir.—However, you can have an excellent cup of sage tea, sweetened with honey.
Pendragon.Sage tea! Why, you rascal, do you intend to throw me into a perspiration by way of curing my hunger? or do you take me for a goose or a duck, that you intend stuffing me with sage? Begone, get out, you little deformed fellow! [ExitWaiter.] I shall perish in this barbarous land—bear meat, 'possum fat, and sage tea! O dear St. James! I wish I was snug in my old quarters. LaRole! [EnterLaRole.] Where the devil do you hide yourself in this damn'd house? Why, I shall starve—there's nothing to eat, fit for a gentleman.
LaRole.Oui, monsieur, dis is von damn contree, I can find nosing to eat. I did look into all de pantri, mai parbleu, I find only a ver pretti demoiselle, mai, I could not eat her.
Pendragon.We must be off to the camp, LaRole, my quarters there will be infinitely more agreeable. I shall get the blue devils in this cursed place.
LaRole.Vell, sair, I have all de devils ventre bleu, das you can imagine; dere is no politesse, no respect, nosing paid to me.
Pendragon.My fit of the blues is coming on me; sing me a song, LaRole.
LaRole.A chanson? Vell, sair, I shall sing to frighten avay de littel blue devil; vill you I shall sing de English or de Française?
Pendragon.Oh, English, by all means—curse your foreign lingo.
LaRole.Ahem! Ahem! you shall understand.
Vat is dis dull town to me,Robin Hadair?Vere is all de joys on earth, datMake dis town—
Vat is dis dull town to me,Robin Hadair?Vere is all de joys on earth, datMake dis town—
[A bugle sounds without.
Ha! what is dat? who de devil intrup me in my chanson?
Indian Chief.[Speaks without.] Have them all ready, with their rifles and tomahawks in order; [Enters with anotherIndian.] and you, Coosewatchie, tell our priests to take their stand on yonder hill, and as my warriors pass them, examine whether they have fire in their eyes. [ExitIndian.] How now, who have we here?
Pendragon.[Examining him with his glass.] Where the devil did this character come from? he's one of the fancy, I suppose.
Indian.Who and what are you?
Pendragon.Who am I? Why, sir, I am the honourable captain Pendragon, of his majesty's guards, formerly of the buffs.
Indian.[Aside.] The officer who is to be under my command. Well sir, you have lately arrived from across the great waters: How did you leave my father, the King of England?
Pendragon.How! call my most gracious sovereign your father? Why, sir, you are the most familiar—impertinent—'sdeath! I shall choke—What the devil do you mean?
Indian.[Coolly.] What should I mean, young man, but to inquire after the health of my father, who commands my respect, who has honoured me with his favours, and in whose cause I am now fighting.
Pendragon.Well, sir, if you have the honour to hold a commission from his majesty, I desire that you will speak of him with proper awe, and not call him your father, but your gracious master.
Indian.Young man, the Indian warrior knows no master but the Great Spirit, whose voice is heard in thunder, and whose eye is seen in the lightning's flash; free as air, we bow the knee to no man; our forests are our home, our defence is our arms, our sustenance the deer and the elk, which we run down. White men encroach upon our borders, and drive us into war; we raise the tomahawk against your enemies, because your king has promised us protection and supplies. We fight for freedom, and in that cause, the great king and the poor Indian start upon equal terms.
Pendragon.A very clever spoken fellow, pon honour; I'll patronise him.
LaRole.Parbleu, he is von very sensible sauvage; vill you take von pinch snuff?
Indian.Pshaw!
LaRole.He say pshaw, I see he is born in de voods.
Pendragon.And are you prepared to fan these Yankees? We shall flog them without much fatigue, I understand.
Indian.Not so fast, young soldier; these pale-faced enemies of ours fight with obstinacy; accustomed to a hardy life, to liberty and laws, they are not willing to relinquish those blessings on easy terms; if we conquer them, it must be by no moderate exertions: it will demand force and cunning.
Pendragon.Oh, dry dogs, I suppose, not to be caught napping; well, I'm up to them, we'll fan them in high style; the ragged nabobs, I understand, are not far off, and our troops are in fine preservation.
Indian.True, preparation must be made to meet them. You are under my orders.
Pendragon.The devil I am!
Indian.Aye, sir; your general, at my request, has ordered you here to take command of a company of my warriors; but you must not appear in that dress: change it quickly, or they will not be commanded by you; they are men, and fight under the orders of men.
Pendragon.Change my dress! why what the devil do you mean, sir?
Indian.Mean? that you should appear in the ranks like a warrior, and not like a rabbit trussed for dressing—off with these garments, which give neither pleasure to the eye nor ease to the limbs—put on moccasins, wrap a blanket around you, put rings through your nose and ears, feathers in your head, and paint yourself like a soldier, with vermilion.
Pendragon.Why, this is the most impertinent and presuming savage in the wilds of North America. Harkee, sir, I'd have you to know, that I am a man of fashion, and one of the fancy—formerly of the buffs, nephew of a peer of the realm, and will be a member of parliament, in time; an officer of great merit and great services, Mr.—Red Jacket. Paint my face, and fight without clothes? I desire, sir, that you will please to take notice, that I fought at Badahoz with the immortal Wellington, and had the honour to be wounded, and promoted, and had a medal for my services in that affair, Mr.—Split-log. Put rings in my nose? a man of taste, and thene plus ultraof Bond-street, the very mirror of fashion and elegance? Sir, I beg you to observe, that I am not to be treated in this manner—I shall resent this insult. Damme, I shall report you to the commander-in-chief at theHorse Guards, and have you courtmartialled for unfashionable deportment—Mr.—Walk-in-the-Water.
Indian.Come, come, sir, enough of this trifling; I do not understand it; you have heard my orders—obey them, or, after the battle, I'll roast you before a slow fire!
[Exit.
LaRole.O le barbare! O de dam sauvage! dis is de most impertinent dog in de vorld. Roast before de fire! Parbleu, mon maître, ve are not de littel pig.
Pendragon.I'm horrified! lost in amazement! but I'll resent it. Damme, I'll caricature him.
LaRole.Oh, I vish I vas fight encore at Saragossa, vis mi lor Villainton; par example, I did get some hard tumps, mai I did get plenti to eat; but ici I ave nosing but de little bear to mange.
Pendragon.Come along—courage, LaRole. We'll fan the Yankee Doodles in our best style, and then get a furlough, and be off to White-Hall, and the rings in our noses will afford anecdotes for the bon-ton for a whole year. Allons.
[Exeunt.
SceneII.The American Camp at daybreak. The drum and fife plays the reveille. Sentinels on duty before the tents.
Lenoxenters from the tent on the right,GeneralandAdelafrom the left.
Lenox.Good morning, general; you are "stirring with the lark"—and you also, Adela.
General.The times require the utmost vigilance, Lenox: the enemy cannot escape a battle now, and we must be prepared at all points to meet him. Decision and energy cannot fail to promote success.
Adela.And what is to become of me, father, in the battle? Am I to ride the old trooper again, and run the risk of having the tip of my nose carried away by a musket ball, and left on the field of battle in all my glory?
General.You shall be taken care of, dear Adela; we will place you in the rear, among the baggage-wagons.
Adela.And if they should be captured, I become also a prisoner, and probably a prize to some gallant Indian chief, who will make me his squaw, and teach me to kill deer. O delightful thought!
[Bugles sound.
General.The troops are under arms, and approaching.
[Quick march—theGeneral,LenoxandAdelapass to the left, and stand near the tent; the troops advance;Christineis among them, dressed in uniform; they pass round the stage in regular order, then form the line two deep;Christineis in front on the right, and keeps her eye fixed anxiously onLenox; drum beats the roll; the troops come to an order, and then proceed through the manual by the tap of drum, and finally to a present; theGeneral,Lenox, and other officers advance, and pass through the line in review; the flags wave, and the band strikes up "Hail Columbia."]
General.Well—everything is right. And now, soldiers, to your posts; remember, discipline, subordination, courage, and country, and victory will be ours. [General,LenoxandAdela, enter the tent to the left. The troops march off.Christineand aSoldier, headed by aCorporal, return to relieve guard at each tent. Port arms and whisper the countersign.Christineis placed before the tent on the right, her comrade on the left.Corporalretires with the two relieved sentries. After a pause, she beckons to her comrade.]
Christine.Hist—comrade!
Soldier.Well, what is it?
Christine.Will you exchange places? There is no difference—and the sun will be too powerful for me presently. Look, here is a dollar.
Soldier.With all my heart. [They cross quickly, theSoldierreceives the money—Christinenow paces before the tent into whichLenox,Adelaand theGeneralhave retired.]
Christine.Could I but see the false, perfidiousLenox, and upbraid him with his cruelty! [She is in great uneasiness, pauses occasionally, and looks into the tent—her comrade is watching her.Lenoxsings within.]
Shall the pleasures of life unknown fade away,In viewing those charms so lovely and gay?Shall the heart which has breath'd forth rapturous flame,Be hid from the world and unsought for by fame?Thus spoke the fond Roscoe to Scylla the fair,As he gaz'd on her charms, with a love-soothing care:Hear now the last wish, that fondly I sigh,I'll conquer in love, or in battle I'll die.He girded his armour and flew to the field,Determin'd while life flow'd never to yield;The foe was subdued, but death's cruel dartWas aim'd at the valiant and fond Roscoe's heart:But the blow was defeated—he lived to enjoyThe sight of his Scylla, no longer so coy,And his laurels fresh bloom'd, as she smil'd on the youth,And gave her fair hand in reward for his truth.
Shall the pleasures of life unknown fade away,In viewing those charms so lovely and gay?Shall the heart which has breath'd forth rapturous flame,Be hid from the world and unsought for by fame?
Thus spoke the fond Roscoe to Scylla the fair,As he gaz'd on her charms, with a love-soothing care:Hear now the last wish, that fondly I sigh,I'll conquer in love, or in battle I'll die.
He girded his armour and flew to the field,Determin'd while life flow'd never to yield;The foe was subdued, but death's cruel dartWas aim'd at the valiant and fond Roscoe's heart:
But the blow was defeated—he lived to enjoyThe sight of his Scylla, no longer so coy,And his laurels fresh bloom'd, as she smil'd on the youth,And gave her fair hand in reward for his truth.
Christine.Ha, that false voice! I can no longer bear it! [Throws down her gun, and is about entering the tent, when her comrade, who has been attentively regarding her movements, rushes over and seizes her.]
Soldier.Where are you going?
Christine.Unhand me this instant!
[Struggles.
Soldier.Guards, there!
Enter anOfficerwithSoldiers, who attempts to seizeChristine—she draws her sword and stands on the defensive, and after some resistance, escapes.
Officer.Pursue him quickly!
[Soldierspursue.
Soldier.He crosses the bridge.
Officer.The sentinels will reach him with their guns.
[Muskets discharged.
Soldier.They have him—he is not hurt.
General,AdelaandLenoxrush from the tent.
General.What means this confusion?
2nd Officer.The sentinel who was placed here on duty, attempted, for some desperate purpose, to enter your tent; but being discovered, he refused to surrender, drew his sword on me and the guard, and, after some resistance, has been disarmed and secured.
Lenox.Good heavens! What object could he have had?
2nd Officer.I know not—but he is a new recruit, probably a spy from the enemy.
General.It must be so—see that a court martial be called to try him, and bring the result to me without delay. If he is guilty, a dreadful example shall be made of him. Begone.
[ExeuntGeneral,Soldiers, &c.
SceneIII.Another Part of the Camp.
EnterJasper,JerryandPeasants.
Jasper.Nowhere to be found. I have asked everybody in the camp in vain—she is lost to me. Unhappy, cruel girl! to quit her old and fond father thus.
Jerry.Unhappy girl! to leave me in such an ungenteel manner too, run away from me on my wedding day! but I'll find her out.
Jasper.Impossible! we must return, dejected and disappointed.
Jerry.I'll peep into every tent, bribe the sogers—I've got a little money left. [JasperandPeasantsretire.Corporalcrosses the stage.] Hist, corporal!
Corporal.Well, what would you?
Jerry.Why no, sure—it isn't—yes, it is—why Corporal Flash, how do you do? Don't you know me?
Corporal.Can't say I do, sir.
Jerry.Why, not know Jerry Mayflower? Don't you remember me at the battle of Queenstown, when you were in the boat and I on land, and you were crossing to fight Johnny Bull, and I didn't cross at all?
Corporal.Oh, I remember you now—I remember calling you a cowardly rascal at the time.
Jerry.So you did—how have you been? I am very glad to see you—you're not killed, I take it?
Corporal.No, not exactly killed—but I was wounded—an honour which you didn't seem to care much about.
Jerry.No, not much; I'm not very ambitious that way.
Corporal.What brings you to the camp, just when we are about having another brush with the enemy—do you want to run away again? Zounds! you deserve a round hundred at the halberts.
Jerry.Yes, I deserve many things that I don't get—but pray, corporal, mout you have seen a young woman in this here camp lately?
Corporal.Oh, plenty, among the suttlers.
Jerry.No, a kind of a pretty girl, a little lady-like, parlyvoos, and carries her head up straight.
Corporal.No—I've seen no such person.
Jerry.Well, Corporal Flash, I've a little cash, and what say you to a jug of whiskey punch? Brave men, you know, like you and I, should drink with one another.
Corporal.With all my heart; you're good for nothing else but to drink with.
Jerry.Then come along, my boy; we'll drown care, raise our spirits, and swallow the enemy in a bumper.
[Exeunt.
SceneIV.A Prison.
Enter twoOfficers,GuardsandChristine.Officersseat themselves at a table, with pens and ink.
1st Officer.Young man, come forward. You have been charged with an act of mutiny, and with an attempt, for some unknown cause, to force your way, with arms in your hand, into the tent of the commanding general. We are convened for your trial—we have examined the testimony; and as you are a stranger in our ranks, no feelings of prejudice could have given a false colouring to that testimony. What have you to say?
Christine.Nothing.
Officer.Nothing?
Christine.Nothing! [With firmness.] I am guilty!
Officer.Have a care, pause before you make this avowal of your guilt.
Christine.[With settled firmness.] I have considered it well, and am ready to meet the consequences. I am guilty. [With a burst of anguish.] Oh, most guilty!
Officer.Unhappy young man, what could have tempted you to this act? Who set you on?
Christine.Seek not to know the cause, 'tis buried here. Do your duty—I am prepared for the result.
Officer.[To the Board.] The charge is fully admitted, and the rules of war prescribe the punishment. The object he had in view must yet be discovered; 'tis plain, however, that he is a spy, and has no hope of pardon. Record the verdict and sentence, for the inspection and concurrence of the general. [Officerwrites. The company rise from the table, and one approachesChristine, who appears buried in thought.]
Officer.Young man, I deeply commiserate your unhappy situation, but the rules of war are rigid, and must be enforced. You must prepare to die!
Christine.[Starts, but recovers herself quickly.] I am ready.
Officer.I would offer you hope, but acts of mutiny, and when covering such suspicious motives as yours, cannot be pardoned. You have but a day to live. I deeply regret it, for you appear to have qualities which, in time, would have made you a valuable citizen. You are cut off in youth, probably from the hopes of a fond parent.
Christine.[In agony.] Oh, no more—no more!
Officer.All the sympathy and indulgence which can be offered you shall be yours! Farewell.
[ExitOfficers,Guards, &c.
Christine.At length 'tis concluded, and an ignominious death terminates my unmerited sufferings. Cruel father! and still more cruel Lenox! thus to have wounded the heart that loved you. Oh, what a situation is mine! separated from all I hold dear, sentenced to die, and in this disguise; to leave my poor father, and to know that death, alone, can tell my sad story. What's to be done? Discover all? No, no. Expose my weakness and folly—to see the false Lenox wedded to another, and I forced to accept the hand I loathe—to be pointed at for one who, lost to the delicacy of her sex, followed a perfidious lover in disguise, and, tortured by jealousy, enlisted, was mutinous, and sentenced to die; but who, to save a miserable life, avowed her situation, and recorded her disgrace at once? Never, never! let me die, and forever be forgotten—'tis but a blow, and it will end the pangs which torment me here. [Enter aSoldier, who beckons.] I am ready, lead the way.
[Exit.
SceneV.Another part of the Prison.
Enter theJailor, drivingJerrybefore him.
Jailor.In, in, you mutinous dog! do you come here to breed a riot in our camp?
Jerry.Now, my dear good-natured jailor, only have pity on me, and I'll tell you all about it.
Jailor.I won't hear you—didn't you breed a riot?
Jerry.Why no, it was not me. I am as innocent as a young lamb. I'll tell you how it was—come, sit down on this bench with me. [They sit.] You must know that I'm a farmer, pretty well off, as a body mout say, and I wanted a wife; hard by ourvillage, there lived an old soger with a pretty daughter, so I courted the old man for his daughter, and he consented to the match.
Jailor.Well?
Jerry.And so I got together all my neighbours, and, with music, went to the old soger's to get my sweetheart, when, lo and behold! after all my trouble, she refused me plump.
Jailor.No, did she?
Jerry.Ay, indeed; she didn't seem stricken with the proposal—and for fear her father would force her to marry me, egad, she run away.
Jailor.And where did she go?
Jerry.I can't say, but her father and a wholeposse comitatus, as we justices call 'em, went in search of her to the camp, and when I came here, I found some of my old comrades who fought with me at Queenstown; and so having a little money, we went to take a comfortable pitcher of whiskey punch together, and so, while over our cups, they doubted my valour, and hinted that I run away before the battle.
Jailor.Well, and what did you do?
Jerry.Why, I offered to fight 'em single-handed all round, and we got into a dispute, and so when my money was all gone, they tweaked my nose, boxed my ears, and kick'd me out of the tent. So I then kick'd up a row, and—that's all.
Jailor.A very pretty story, indeed! You look like a mutinous dog—so come, get into the black hole.
Jerry.Now, my dear jailor, do let me escape, and I'll give you the prettiest little pig in my farmyard.
Jailor.What! bribe an honest and humane jailor, and with a pig? In with you.
Jerry.Well, but I've nothing to eat—I shall be half starved.
Jailor.Oh no, you shall have something to employ your grinders on. [Goes out, and returns with a black loaf, and a pitcher of water.] There!
Jerry.O dear, nothing else but black bread and cold water? Can't you get me a pickle?
Jailor.I think you're in a devil of a pickle already—come, get in! [Removes a board from the scene, which discovers a small dark hole.Jerrysupplicates.]
Jerry.How long am I to be here, Mr. Jailor, in company with myself?
Jailor.That depends on your good behaviour. [Cannon are heard.] There! the battle has commenced.
Jerry.[Putting his head out of the hole.] O dear, what's that? The great guns are going off. Are you sure, my dear jailor, that this prison is bomb proof?
Jailor.Take your head in, you great land turtle.
Jerry.Oh, what will become of me?
End of the Second Act.
Scene in front of a pavilion tent; trumpets and drums sounding.
EnterGeneral,Lenox,Soldiers,Officers, &c.
General.At length victory has crown'd our arms, and the result of this action will keep alive the spirits of our troops, and the hopes of our country. Hark! the bugles are sounding a retreat, and the enemy has abandoned the field and taken to his entrenchments. Lenox, your hand—your conduct this day has confirmed our hopes—allow me in the name of our country to thank you.
Lenox.Not a word, dear general, not a word; I have merely done my duty, and done no more than every soldier in our ranks.
General.What is the result of this day's action?
Lenox.The enemy has lost upwards of 500 in killed and wounded, and several principal officers have been taken prisoners.
General.In what position were they when the attack became general?
Lenox.The British commander, pressed by our artillery under Towson, issued in all his force from his entrenchments. It was a gallant sight, to see his solid columns and burnished arms advance on the margin of the river, and his cavalry, with lightning's force, dart on our flanks to turn and throw them into confusion: but they were met by the volunteers under the brave Porter, and gallantly repulsed.
General.Go on.
Lenox.The enemy then condensed his forces and crossed the bridge, and was encountered on the plains of Chippewa by Scott, with his brigade, when the action became severe and general. No ambuscade or masked batteries were held in reserve—the enemy was not a moment concealed from our view—no tangled thicket or umbrageous groves gave effect or facility to our rifles:the battle was fought on a plain—where man grappled man, force was opposed to force, skill to skill, and eye to eye, in regular, disciplined, and admirable order.
General.How near were you to the British general?
Lenox.In sight and hearing. Charge the Yankees! said a hoarse voice which I knew to be his. Charge away! said our ardent troops, as they advanced with fixed bayonets; the fire became dreadful, and our stars and stripes were seen waving in the blaze. Scott rode through the lines cheering the men, and gallantly leading them on; Jessup and his third battalion turned the right flank of the enemy after a dreadful conflict; Ketchum had kept up a cross and ruinous fire; and Towson, from his dread artillery, scattered grape like hail amongst them. On, on! cried Leavenworth, the day's our own, my boys! Just then a shot struck down my comrade, Harrison, and shattered his leg.
General.Well?
Lenox.He grasped his sword and fought on his stump, clinging to the spot like fire-eyed Mars; the enemy, pressed on all sides, gave way; our troops pursued, and the flight became general. At length we drove them to their entrenchments, and remained masters of the field. Our trumpets sounded their retreat; victory perched on our eagles, and our bands struck up the soul-inspiring air of "Hail, Columbia, happy land!"
General.Well done, my brave fellows! This action will teach the enemy to respect that valour which they cannot subdue. See that the wounded prisoners are taken care of: give them all succor: victory loses half its value, when it is not tempered with mercy.
[ExitGeneral.
Lenox.Now to my dear Christine, to receive from her the reward which I hope I have fairly earned, and seek with her the joys of tranquillity and love.
Enter aSoldier.
Soldier.Towards the conclusion of the battle we made two Indian warriors prisoners, who were fighting desperately; we have them with us.
Lenox.Bring them in; I will examine them, touching the number and force of their tribe. [ExitSoldier, who returns withPendragonandLaRole, with a file of men; both are painted and dressed as Indians;Pendragonpreserves his opera-glass, andLaRolehis snuff-box.]
Pendragon.What are we brought here for, fellow?
Lenox.Warriors, the fate of battle has placed you in our power; yet fear nothing, we shall treat you like men and soldiers. Deeply do we regret to see you take up arms against us, instigated by foreign influence, and bribed by foreign gold. How numerous is your tribe?
Pendragon.Why what the devil, sir, do you take us for Choctaws? Can't you tell a man of fashion in masquerade?
Lenox.Who and what are you?
Pendragon.I am the honourable Captain Pendragon, of his Majesty's Coldstream guards.
Lenox.ThehonourableCaptain Pendragon, and taken prisoner fighting in the ranks with Indians, and in disguise? A man of rank and fashion, and a soldier, changing his complexion, his nature and his character—herding with savages—infuriating their horrid passions, and whetting their knives and tomahawks against their defenceless prisoners? Impossible! And who are you, sir?
[ToLaRole.
LaRole.[Taking snuff.] Begar, sair, I am von man of fashion aussi, I am valet de sham to capitain Pendragoon; ve are in de masquerade, sair.
Pendragon.It's very true, sir, 'pon honour—we are in masquerade, though you look as if you doubt it. War, sir, is a kind of a—a singular science, and if you are to be knock'd on the head, 'tis of very little consequence whether your nose is tipped with blue or red, damme. I am in your power, sir, and a man of fashion, 'pon honour.
Lenox.Well, sir, if your example is to govern men of honour or men of fashion, I hope I am ignorant of the attributes of the one, or the eccentricities of the other. However, mercy to prisoners, even when they have forfeited mercy, may teach your nation lessons of toleration and humanity. Your life is safe, sir.
Pendragon.Sir, you speak very like a gentleman, and I shall be happy to taste Burgundy with you at the Horse Guards.
Lenox.I thank you, sir.
LaRole.Par example, dis Yankee Doodel is von very pretti spoken jeune gentiman, I will give him de encouragement. Sair, I vill be ver happy to serve you en my contree, to take un tasse de caffee at de Palais Royale en Paris wid you, to dress your hair, or pull your corset tight.
EnterGeneral,AdelaandOfficer.
General.Who have we here?
Lenox.Prisoners, sir, and in disguise.
Adela.As I live, an Indian dandy!
Pendragon.A lady? [With an air of fashion.] Ma'am, your most devoted slave—inexpressibly happy to find a beautiful creature in this damn'd wilderness. You see, ma'am, I am a kind of a prisoner, but always at home, always at my ease,à-la-modeSt. James—extremely rejoiced to have the honour of your acquaintance. A fine girl, LaRole, split me!
LaRole.Oh, oui, she is very fine, I like her ver mush.
Adela.Pray, sir, may I ask how came you to fancy that disguise?
Pendragon.Oh, it's not my fancy, 'pon honour, though I am one of the fancy; a mererusse de guerre. We on the other side of the water, have a kind of floating idea that you North Americans are half savages, and we must fight you after your own fashion.
Adela.And have you discovered that any difference exists in the last affair in which you have been engaged?
Pendragon.Why, 'pon my soul, ma'am, this Yankee kind of warfare is inexpressibly inelegant, without flattery—no order—no military arrangement—nodeployingin solid columns—but a kind of helter-skelter warfare, like a reel or a country-dance at a village inn, while the house is on fire.
Adela.Indeed?
Pendragon.All true, I assure you. Why, do you know, ma'am, that one of your common soldiers was amusing himself with shooting at me for several minutes, although he saw from my air, and my dodging, that I was a man of fashion? Monstrous assurance! wasn't it?
Adela.Why ay, it was rather impertinent for a common soldier to attempt to bring down a man of fashion.
LaRole.Oui—it is dam impertinent, mai par example, de littel bullet of von common soldat, he sometime kill von great general.
Pendragon.Pray, ma'am, will you permit me to ask, when you arrived from England, and what family has the honour to boast of so beautiful a representative?
Adela.Sir, I am not of England, I stand on my native soil.
Pendragon.Oh.
Adela.And much as I esteem English women for their many amiable qualities, I hope that worth and virtue are not wholly centered in that country.
Pendragon.Why, 'pon my soul, ma'am, though it is not fashionable this year to be prejudiced, yet were I to admit that I saw any beauty or elegance in America, my Bond-Street friends would cut me—split me!
Adela.I cannot admire their candour. Merit is the exclusive property of no country, and to form a just estimate of our own advantages, we should be ever prepared to admit the advantages possessed by others.
Enter aSoldier.
Soldier.We have surprised and made captive the celebrated Indian chief, who fought so desperately against us.
General.Bring him before us. [ExitSoldier.] He has long been the terror of the neighbourhood, and the crafty foe of our country.
EnterSoldierswith theIndian Chief.
Indian.Who among you is the chief of these pale-faced enemies of our race?
General.I am he.
Indian.'Tis well, sir; behold in me your captive, who has fallen into your power after a resistance becoming a warrior. I am ready to meet that death which I know awaits me.
General.Chief, your fears are groundless; we intend you no harm, but by our example, teach you the blessings of valour and mercy united.
Indian.Wherefore show me mercy? I ask it not of you.—Think you that I cannot bear the flames? that a warrior shrinks from the uplifted tomahawk? Try me—try how a great soul can smile on death. Or do you hope that I will meanly beg a life, which fate and evil fortune has thrown into your hands?
General.We ask no concessions of you, warrior; we wish to see you sensible of the delusions into which foreign nations have plunged you. We wish to see you our friend.
Indian.Your friend? Call back the times which we passed in liberty and happiness, when in the tranquil enjoyment of unrestrained freedom we roved through our forests, and only knew the bears as our enemy; call back our council fires, our fathers and pious priests; call back our brothers, wives and children, which cruel white men have destroyed.—Your friend? You came with the silver smile of peace, and we received you into our cabins; we hunted for you, toiled for you; our wives and daughters cherished and protected you; but when your numbers increased, you rose like wolves upon us, fired our dwellings, drove off our cattle, sent us in tribes to the wilderness, to seek for shelter; and now you ask me, while naked and a prisoner, to be your friend!
General.We have not done this, deluded man; your pretended advocates, over the great waters, have told you this tale.
Indian.Alas! it is a true one; I feel it here; 'tis no fiction: I was the chief of a great and daring tribe, which smiled on death with indifference and contempt; my cabin was the seat of hospitality and of love; I was first in council, and first in the field; my prosperity increased, my prospects brightened; but the white man came, and all was blasted.
General.What has been done, was the result of war.
Indian.Wherefore wage war against us? Was not your territory sufficiently ample, but did you sigh for our possessions? Were you not satisfied with taking our land from us, but would you hunt the lords of the soil into the den of the otter? Why drive to desperation a free and liberal people? Think you I would be your enemy unless urged by powerful wrongs? No, white man, no! the Great Spirit whom we worship, is also the God whom you adore; for friends we cheerfully lay down our lives; but against foes, our lives are staked with desperation. Had I taken you prisoner, death should have been your portion; death in cruel torments. Then why spare me? why spare the man whose knife was whetted against your life?
General.To show, by contrast, the difference of our principles. You would strike down the captive who implores your protection: we tender life and liberty to the prisoner, who asks himself for death.
Indian.Is this your vengeance?
General.It is. The Great Spirit delights in mercy. Be thou our friend, warrior; bury thy tomahawk deep in earth; let not jealous foreigners excite thy vengeance against us; but living as we do in one territory, let us smoke the calumet of peace,you and all your tribe, and let concord hereafter reign amongst us.—Be this the token.
[Gives a belt of wampum.
Indian.Brother, I accept the token; forgive my rage, and pardon my unjust anger. Protect our warriors and wives; guard their wigwams from destruction; soften their prejudices and remove their jealousies. Do this, and the red man is your friend. I have urged you far to end my life: you have tempered your passions with mercy, and we are no longer foes. Farewell!
[Exit.
LaRoleParbleu, dis general is like von great Roman. I vill speak von vord pour myself, I vill make de speech like de sauvage.
General.[ToLaRole.] And you, sir, it appears, are in disguise, unlike a civilized soldier; you have been taken in the ranks with Indians.
LaRole.Sair, mon general, you sall here vat I am goin to say. I am von Frenchiman; in my contree every Frenchiman he is von soldat.
General.Well?
LaRole.Begar, sair, I must fight vid somebody, because it is my bisness. In de Egypt I did fight 'gainst de Turc; in Europe I did fight de whole vorld vis de Grand Napoleon, and in Amérique I did fight against you vid myself. Mais, you take a me de prisonier, I can fight no more; I vill trow myself on de protection of dis contree; I vill no more fight contree de Yankee Doodel; I vill stay here and eat de ros beef vid you, and mon capitain là, he may go to de devil.
General.Admirably concluded. And you, sir, what can we do to lighten your captivity?
Pendragon.Why sir, if war was not my profession, I'd sell out; but it's always my maxim to obey orders, whatever they may be: therefore, shall be happy to have a brush with you in war, and equally happy to crack a bottle of Burgundy with you in peace; a flash in the pan in one way, or a puff from a segar in another; a bullet under the ribs in battle, or a country dance in a ball-room; all's one to me, if it's only fashionably conducted.
General.Well, let's into my tent and partake of some refreshment. We may not always meet as enemies.
Pendragon.[ToAdela.] Allow me the felicity of your little finger. [Aside.] She's struck with my figure, split me! LaRole, take notice.
LaRole.Oh, you are de littel devil among de ladies.
[Exeunt.
SceneII.A Prison.
Christineseated on a bench; her appearance betrays grief and despair.
Christine.At length the weary night has passed away, and day dawns, but brings no joy or comfort to my aching heart. Alas! alas! Christine, where are all the bright visions thy fond fancy painted? where is that content and love which gleamed through the casement of our cottage, when my dear father smiled on his child, and entwined around her his protecting arms: when the false Lenox, too, with honeyed lips, and tones soft as zephyrs, vow'd eternal love? Let me not think of them, or I shall go mad. Oh, what a contrast! pent up in a vile prison, and in disguise! condemned to die, and perishing unknown and unprotected. On the one side, my grave yawns for me; and on the other, a false lover, and a cruel father, drive me to despair. My brain is on fire! [Hurries about with rapid strides. Music loud and violent.] Ha! what is this? [Tears the miniature from around her neck.] Lenox, these are thy features! thy mild looks beam hope and joy upon me. [Kisses it.] Could such a face be false? Away with it! even now he weds another. [Throws the miniature indignantly from her.] So, 'tis gone, and I am left alone in darkness and despair. [She stands transfixed with grief—muffled drum rolls—she starts.] Ha! they come for me! Be firm, my heart!
Enter anOfficerand a file ofSoldiers.
Officer.Young man, your hour has arrived; the detachment waits without to receive you.
Christine.[Faintly.] I am ready.
Officer.Can I serve you in any manner? Is there no letter—no remembrance that you would wish sent to father or friend?
Christine.Oh, forbear!
Soldier.[Picking up the miniature.] See, sir, here is a miniature.
Officer.[Examining it.] By Heavens, they are the features of Captain Lenox! How came you by this? What! a thief too? 'Tis well your career is cut short.
Christine.Oh no, no! Give it me, I implore you; 'tis mine.
Officer.I shall restore it to the rightful owner. Come, we wait.
Christine.Lead on. A few fleeting moments, and all my troubles will be at an end.
[Exeunt.
SceneIII.Before the Tent.
EnterGeneral,Soldiers, &c., with papers.
General.He has not confessed who set him on?
Officer.He has not, but admits the crime.
General.[Returning papers.] 'Tis well—see him executed according to the sentence. Hard and imperious duty, which, at once, shuts out hope and mercy!
[ExitGeneral.
Officer.Now to seek for Lenox, and restore to him his miniature.
[Exit.
SceneIV.The Camp, as in Act I, Scene III; the stage is thrown open, drums roll, and the procession enters for the execution ofChristine; she is in the centre, between the two detachments; her coat is off, and the stock unloosened from her neck—her step is firm, until she reaches the tent ofLenox, when she clasps her hands and hangs down her head in despair. Procession makes the circuit of the stage with slow steps, and when opposite the tent she kneels; anOfficerplaces the bandage over her eyes, and gives a sign to a detachment of four to advance; they step forward, and level their muskets at her; at the moment,Lenoxrushes from the tent with the miniature in his hand and strikes up their guns.
Lenox.Hold! for your lives! [Rushes down toChristine, and tears the bandage from her eyes.] 'Tis she! 'tis she! 'tis my own, my beloved Christine!
[Holds her in his arms; she faints.
2nd Officer.What means this?
Lenox.Stand off, ye cruel executioners, would you destroy a woman?
Officer.A woman? Heavens! how did this happen?
EnterGeneral,Adela,LaRole,Soldiers, &c.
Lenox.Support her, Adela, support my dear Christine!
[Adelaassists.
Christine.[Recovering.] Where am I? [SeesLenoxandAdela.] Hide me, save me from that horrid sight!
Lenox.Do you not know me, dear Christine?
Christine.Traitor, begone! let me die at once! Is she not your bride?
Lenox.No, by Heavens, no! 'tis my early friend, my dear companion. Could you doubt my love?
Christine.Not married? not your betrothed? O Lenox, are you then faithful?
Lenox.Could Christine doubt my vows?
Christine.I see it all—I have been deceived. Pardon me, dear Lenox; but driven to despair by your supposed perfidy, I enlisted, and rushed on my fate—which in a moment (horrid thought!) would have terminated. But you are true, and I am happy.
[Embrace.
LaRole.Parbleu! it is a littel voman vidout de petticoat. Suppose she take a me von prisonier, O quell disgrâce!
EnterJasper,JerryandPeasants.
Jasper.Where is she? where is my daughter?
Christine.My father? I dare not look upon him.
Jasper.Come to my arms, dear wanderer. Could you leave your poor old father thus? You've nearly broke my heart, Christine.
Christine.My sufferings have been equally severe; but do you pardon your child?
Jasper.I do—I do! and further prove my love, by making you happy. Take her, Lenox, she is yours; and never let father attempt to force his child into a marriage which her heart abhors.
Jerry.Well, I vow, Miss Crissy, you look very pretty in pantaloons, and make a fine soger; but after all, I'm glad to have escaped a wife who wears the breeches before marriage—so I consent that you shall have the infantry ossifer, because I can't help it; and so I'll marry Patty, the weaver's daughter, though she can't crack a bottle nor bring down a buck.
General.All things have terminated happily. Our arms have been triumphant, and our gallant soldiers rewarded with the approbation of their country. Love has intwined a wreath for your brows, Lenox, and domestic peace and happiness await you; and when old age draws on apace, may you remember thePlains of Chippewa, and feel towards Britain as freemen should feel towards all the world: "Enemies in war—in peace, friends."
Finis.