University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

Scene draws, and discovers Wolfe and Sophia, sitting.
Soph.
Then I find, Sir, you prefer the noise and
Danger of the battle, and fatigues of
A foreign campaign, to the quiet enjoyment
Of your friends in safety in your native
Country?

Wolfe.
Madam, you already know my sentiments;
Our Monarch, good, and gracious as he is,
In me reposes special trust; in me,
Great-Britain, and her Patriots confide;
With joy, my faithful sturdy soldiers wait
To hail me General: No sluggish thought
Shall ever harbour in my breast, to cause
Me to recede from my firm purpose.

Soph.
I think not of altering your purpose
For the war; perhaps that would be a task
Too hard:—
And yet methinks we might expect a more
Lasting pleasure than we yet have had, in
Your company, and friendship, that we might
Add more esteem and heap new favours on
The man, whose actions have rendered him so
Deserving.

Wolfe.
By honour spur'd and an emulating
Thirst for fame, to stand inroll'd 'mongst Britain's
Worthies, I re-assume the martial toil.—
Whilst all Britannia's sons, are rous'd to arms,
And burn with gen'rous ardor to revenge,
And redress their country's wrongs; shall I sit
Tamely down, and dose a life of sloth away?

[Wolfe and Sophia rising.
Soph.
Such Sir, has ever been your active course
Of life, and such your shining deeds, they spread
A blaze of glory round, that pale envy's
Self must keep a silent distance, and with
Mute indignation gnaw the galling chain.
You're scarce return'd from Louisbourg, and yet
Seem longing for another undertaking.
Has nothing charms to stay you longer here?

Wolfe
aside.]
Such charms!—the fair! the kind enquirer has!
I scarce know how to flee their magic pow'r!
[To her.]
Tho' you are unconscious of the blaze of
Charms with which you're bless'd, yet I confess their
Pow'r;— [languishing]
and in yourself alone,— [sighing]
I'd seek the
Summit of terrestrial joy: But now my
Honour is at stake; that like a rich gem
Inestimable, has ever been and
Still shall be the prime treasure of my soul:
England has many foes; I'll therefore strive
To merit more esteem by future deeds.

Soph.
Whene'er new actions shall bespeak more
Worth, and add new honours to those you have
Already gain'd, I never shall be wanting
In my just applause, nor fail to crown with
The deserv'd esteem, a man so worthy:
Your warlike deeds, and all your brave exploits,
We'll oft recount, and dwell with pleasure on
The wond'rous tale!—
Proceed as you've begun, and such rewards,
With me, and mine, (replete with friendly joy)
Your grateful country will bestow, as might
Satisfy the utmost bounds of your ambition.
[Wolfe assuming a more sprightly and pleasant air.
All my ambition, Madam, centers in
Yourself: And I esteem my honour well
Insur'd, and cannot doubt success, since while
I range the savage continent, maiden
Innocence, will plead with kneeling eloquence,
My cause with Heav'n.—
Active as the rising flame, my gladden'd
Soul transported! soars upon the wings of
Exultation, sweetly reflecting on
My future bliss!

Soph.
Your happiness I measure by the soft
Transports I enjoy: now shou'd I feel a
Sweet foretaste of mutual delight, did
Not honour rival me, (at present) in
Your esteem, and smile triumphant in the
Conquest she has made, mixing some jealous
Anxious pangs with that overflowing flood of joy,

Wolfe.
That rival mistress shortly must depart,
And you remain sole charmer of my soul.
No greater joy has fate in store! since you
Are pleas'd to give me but a distant hope!
To bid me conquer! and make my fame your
Theme! and promise me you'll smile applause on
Each praise-worthy deed!—

Sophia.
Long would I fain detain you here, and with
Persuasive kindness, strive to beguile your
Resolution for this foreign war: But
Being honour'd with the royal confidence,
And public approbation, and drawn by
Glory's animating call, I cannot
Wish you to relinquish that high claim of
Honour which fires your soul; may your guardian
Angel go forth with you to the battle;
Avert each rapid bullet as it flies;
And ward far off the mortal steel: and oh!
May you return with vict'ry crown'd, to bless
My longing eyes again.—

Wolfe.
Dear as you've ever been, this last kind speech
Makes you shine more amiable; rend'ring
You dearer to my soul, by sympathy
Of sentiment.—Madam, I take my leave:— [Embracing her tenderly.
[Embracing her a second time.

Dear! dear maid! Farewell!

Exit Wolfe, Sophia attends him to the door; looking eagerly after him.
Sophia
sola.
He's gone! [Weeps.]
and yet he seem'd as if about
To stay; and often backward cast such tender
Speaking looks of sweet distress, as if his
Soul had been upon the wing to quit its
Body, and fix its habitation here.
The thrilling eloquence so charm'd my senses,
I thought my soul about to blend with his;
And such an unwonted pungent pang he
Gave my heart at parting! as if he there
Till then had grown; and thence was dragg'd by some
Superior force!
[Exit Sophia.