University of Virginia Library

SCENE VII.

Inside of Alphonso's Mansion.
Enter Doughtie with a dagger concealed under his cloak—pryes about, dreading he is observed, places a scroll on the table; then, shewing his dagger, intimates his satisfaction at being on the point of revenging himself on Drake—hears a noise, and withdraws—Drake enters with little Francis, whom he orders to bring refreshment, the Boy retires— Drake approaches the table, and reads Doughtie's scroll:
While perusing it, Doughtie steals cautiously towards him, but little Francis re-entering with fruit, again retires—Francis places the fruit on the table, and exit—Drake's eye still fixed on the scroll.
RECITATIVE.
Doughtie, thy crimes ought scarce to be forgiven!
But mercy is the attribute of heaven!

and immediately writes,

This he places on the table, and, appearing much fatigued, throws himself on a couch, and falls to sleep—Doughtie, on the watch, perceives this, and brings forward the scroll containing his pardon— Drake's generosity, for a moment, seems to stagger his resolution, but recovering himself, after two or three efforts, raises his hand to give the fatal blow —three distinct taps are heard at the window, and immediately the following

FRAGMENT is sung without by OXENHAM.
When lock'd in sweet slumber the poor soul lay still,
To his hammock the murderer bore;
But when that his hand was uplifted to kill,
His very heart's blood did with horror run chill,
And he shook and he trembled all o'er.

During this Doughtie, who, feeling his situation to correspond with the words he hears, appears much agitated, and at the conclusion drops his dagger, and rushes out of the room—Drake, whom the noise awakes, having just time to catch a glimpse of him; Oxenham, at the same time, scrambles in at the window, and exclaims, perceiving Doughtie's escape—
Oxen.
A Seaman turn assassin! do I see?
So good! so brave a leader! I could cry—
My chain-pump's choak'd—Commander here I be,
Who've sav'd, and will revenge my chief, or die!

Exit. after Doughtie.
As Drake goes up the stage, little Francis brings the following scroll:
RECITATIVE—DRAKE.
The crew ta'en under Oxenham's command
Still captives! quick their freedom I'll demand.
Looking out of the window, and finding himself deserted, commands Francis to speed instantly to the Governor with a flag of Truce, adding:
Has confidence then led to this abuse?
Deserted by my guard! fear I disdain—
Speed to the Governor—this flag of Truce
Shall be held sacred e'en by treacherous Spain!
Treason's wild tempest assumes danger's form,
But conscious rectitude dares brave the storm.

Francis comes forward.
RECITATIVE—FRANCIS.
No piccanini I, me brave, and free go,
Dis heart be English do my face be Negro.
BALLAD.

Exeunt.