Sir Francis Drake, and Iron Arm :: :: University of Virginia Library

Sir Francis Drake, and Iron Arm

A New Naval Spectacle

Cross, J. C.

SIR FRANCIS DRAKE, AND IRON ARM.

SCENE III.

10.

11.

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SCENE III.

A Romantic View, with entrance into Iron Arm's Cave—a wild bridge over a waterfall.

Enter Carlos and Diego, at different entrances; the former, much elated, is on the point of putting his whistle to his mouth, when Diego stops him.

DIALOGUE SONG.
Diego.
'Ere our Captain we rouze with our whistle so shrill,
Honest comrade I prythee impart!
What plunder thou'st ta'en, for the night has been still,
And what victim thou'st stabb'd to the heart?

Carlos.
The blade of my poignard's uncrimson'd with blood,
Though I prowl'd long with murderous views!
But while near the Castle I listening stood,
My ears drank in heart chearing news!

Displays a scroll on which is written:

“Pardon to Iron Arm and his Confederates, on condition they join the Governor to repel the English.”

They read it with great exultation, and whistle— Iron Arm appears on the bridge, asks them what success—they shew him the scroll—he leaps exultingly among them, and reads it with great rapidity —after some deliberation, whistles for his band, they

join him from different parts—after having drawn them up in a line, he places himself at their head; and, having given orders to close the entrance to their cave, &c. marches, elated, his band over the bridge, and exeunt.—Ruffians enter, bearing on Inis; she kneels to them soliciting mercy—they are hurrying her towards the Cave, when Oxenham enters, attacks and vanquishes them—Inis making her escape, and Oxenham following up the Ruffians—he returns fatigued with his struggle.

RECITATIVE—OXENHAM.
Zounds! 'twas tough work! I'll just dash off the spray!
(Calling after Inis.)
Yeo ho!—avast!—how trim she scuds away!
Where can our Admiral and crew be loitering!
Damme! they hobbled me in reconnoitring!
Would I could run where Drake his course now shapes,
But zounds! I'm always running into scrapes!—
SONG.

[1.]

Bound 'prentice to a Waterman I larn'd a bit to row,
But bless your heart I always was so gay;
That to treat a little Water-nymph that took my heart in tow,
I runn'd myself a bit in debt, and then I runn'd away.
Singing ri tol, fol de rol, yeo ho!
Ri tol, fol de riddle do!

2.

'Board man of war I enter'd next, and larn'd to quaff good flip,
And far from home we scudded on so gay;
I runn'd my rigs, but liked so well my Captain, Crew, and Ship,
That run what will, why damme! if I ever run away.
Singing, &c.

3.

With Drake I've sail'd the World around, and learnt a bit to fight,
But somehow I a prisoner was ta'en!
So when the Spanish Jailor to my dungeon shew'd a light,
I blinded just his peepers, and then runn'd away again!
Singing ri tol, fol de rol, &c.

4.

I've runn'd a many risques in life, on Ocean and on Shore,
But always like a Briton got the day;
And fighting in Old England's cause, will run as many more,
But let me face ten thousand foes, will never run away.
Singing, &c.

Exit.