University of Virginia Library

Search this document 

SCENE VI.

Street in Carthagena.
Enter Alphonso, Governor, Victoria, Drake, little black Francis, and Inis—Alphonso points to a Mansion, which he begs him to accommodate himself with 'till they have collected their Ransom— Drake takes leave, and all depart, but him, little Francis, and two Sailors, whom he places as Centinels, and is shewn by Inis into the house— Iron Arm and Doughtie appear revengefully approaching; but, observing the Centinels, Iron Arm intimates they must strive by some artful scheme to obtain admittance, recommending him to write a petition to be restored to favour, and while Drake is reading it assassinate him—for which purpose they retire on hearing Oxenham of Plymouth singing without, who enters.

21

RECITATIVE—OXENHAM.
Avast, since blows no longer are afloat!
I wants to come long side a petticoat!
That little Donna! raked me, I must own,
And zounds! avast! straight as a mast, yeo ho! she's bearing down.
(Inis enters from the house.)
I say—I loves ye by the—need a body swear!

Inis.
No! without oaths the brave deserve the fair;
You in my cause coped with unequal strife,
And, tho' a foe, kindly preserved my life;
But leave me now—we're all in preparation:
I'm sure you cannot my request refuse,
Your kind compliance gains my approbation!

Oxen.
Well, then, I'll sail upon another cruise!

Inis.
Stop—you see that window, don't unkind be,
Tap thrice in half an hour, and there you'll find me!

Oxen.
And if I don't, say honour cannot bind me.
But stop, avast! I say my little pretty!
My heart of oak here's scorching to a cinder;
That you may know it—I'll heave off a ditty,
'Bout love and murder, soon under your winder.

Exit.
Inis.
Oh! hang this head with curious freaks so fraught,
And what a little fluttering heart I've got.


22

SONG—INIS.

[1.]

My throbbing heart,
With anxious beat,
Pit, pit, pat, in my breast,
Seems to impart
A glowing heat.
All wintry coldness to defeat,
Rest, little trembler, rest!
Ah! why thy mistress thus reprove,
Thyself betray'd her into love.

2.

And treach'rous eyes,
Why would ye gaze?
How did ye dare intrude?
(Why heave these sighs?)
Daring to combat Phœbus' blaze,
And court inquietude!
Ah! why thy mistress thus reprove?
Ye gazed, and tempted her to love.

Exit.
Re-enter Iron Arm and Doughtie, with the Petition, followed by Sailors with a barrel of liquor, with which they bribe the Centinels, who exeunt huzzaing on the barrel—Iron Arm urges Doughtie to be firm in his purpose, and the Town is their own—they separate, and exeunt—Doughtie gaining admittance into the House.