SCENE VIII.
Ruins of Monastery.
Alphonso crosses the stage, followed by Spanish
Soldiers laden with bars of silver, &c.—Iron Arm
follows on the watch, calls on his horde, and shews
what is going forward, likewise intimates the Governor's
approach—they tell him they are unarmed—after
musing a moment he runs to the bank, and, seizing
a hedge-stake, directs them to follow his example,
which they immediately do—he then commands
them to hide themselves 'till he gives a certain signal
(which is three whistles) for their re-appearance—
they obey—
Governor enters with
Victoria, preceded
by
Soldiers with presents for Drake, which
they bear across the stage.—
Iron Arm rushes with
his followers from concealment—a pause—he seizes
Victoria, and, giving her to the care of two Ruffians
of his party, stabs the Governor, who is borne off
lifeless through the ruins—
Iron Arm, left alone,
leans against the scene pretending much grief, when
a
Spanish officer, attended by Dominic bearing a
cross, enter and enquire for the Governor—Iron
Arm, with counterfeit sorrow, draws forth a scroll,
on which is inscribed:
“The Governor is murdered by the English.”
and directing them to where they have borne the
body, ere they return whistles on his gang, and
fixes them in attitudes of sorrow—little Black Francis
enters with the flag of Truce and scroll, demanding
the
release of the Prisoners taken under Oxenham
—Iron Arm tramples both under his feet, and, stabbing
the boy, kneels and makes them all vow vengeance
on the English—the Officers return, and all
acknowledge him as their Governor and Deliverer in
the following
CHORUS.
Carthagena's lost! but born to recover her,
We gallant Cavalieroes boast of a charm;
Beat drum! trumpet sound, proclaim for our Governor,
Our noble commander, the brave Iron Arm.
Exeunt.
