University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

Point Levi: Centinels call in this manner behind the scenes, going up the right side thrice; that is in the front, center, and rear, All's well: The like on the left side, rear, center and front, all's well: At a distance, as on board the fleet in the river, all's well; all's well; all's well; all's well; different voices.
Wolfe
Solus, in his Tent.
Enter a Sea Officer. Wolfe to him.

Sea Off.
They threaten'd us with no less than total
Ruin in one relentless blaze! it was
A master-stroke of policy, and the
French had like to have rais'd the siege at one
Decisive blow. We had warm and busy
Duty, and ev'ry boat belonging to
The fleet, was well employ'd.

Wolfe.
Upon this Point, wrapp'd in suspense I stood,
To see the fiery deluge rolling down
Upon us, nor stirr'd from hence, until each
Flame was row'd on shore, nor fail'd to mark with
Pleasure, the transactions of the boats, and
The activity of our tars.

Sea Off.
They all behav'd worthy of the fame they
Have 'midst fire and smoke, in naval battles
Gain'd: when first th' alarm was giv'n to mann our
Boats, to meet and stop the fire ships, and floats,
Turn'd adrift upon the stream towards us,
They ne'er betray'd one token of base fear,
Or backward tardiness for duty, tho'
All a-head appear'd, as if the fiery
Phlegethon had risen from its burning
Bed, and from the hostile walls, was pouring
Down it's sulph'rous torrent upon our fleet:
With all the speed their oars cou'd make, they row'd
Amidst the gloomy danger, surrounded
On each side by floating flame! and as they
Breath'd, drew in thick clouds of suffocating smoke:
Still, as fresh ships and fire floats, came pouring
Down, new spirits and new strength they seem'd to
Gain! with busy anxious minds they boldly
Wrought, and clear from ev'ry ship they tow'd
Th' infernal flame!

Wolfe.
Whilst they were busy in the burning war,
We in a vigilant suspense remain'd
For battle ready, we might repel the
Sudden onset expected from the French;
'Twas there they fail'd in policy.

Sea Off.
Perhaps in courage, Sir: 'tis seldom known
They beat up English camps, or board a ship,
Except when they are greatly superior
In their force and numbers, and have a most
Convenient opportunity.

Wolfe.
England, I think is most peculiarly
Happy in her naval powers; I see
No cause to doubt their future conduct in
This siege; we have here, brave; vigilant, and
Hardy officers and seamen.

Sea Off.
Their match in all his annual round the
Sun sees not, so capable of duty,
Or so agile in the working of the
Ship, and brimful of alacrity, when
Bearing down upon the foe to battle.
On the mortal verge of close engagement,
I've seen their souls o'erflow with joy! and their
Full charg'd hearts, like rivers rising o'er their
Banks, pour out a flood of rough but apt and
Daring sentiments!
England exult! tell wond'ring nations round,
Thy freeborn tars mock at the name of fear!
Fear not my lads says ev'ry British tar,
And plunges thro' the thunder of the fight!
Where flame and death, and war, rage in the most
Tumultuous manner, there shout Britannik's
Seamen, and with delight engage!

Wolfe.
I hope they'll still deserve the name they've gain'd,
And live in friendly union with our troops:
To-morrow I intend another rough
Trial of their bravery and spirit,
When they shall launch our sons of Mars upon the shore.

Sea Off.
I'll pawn my life our sailors will not fail.
I hid you, Sir, good night,

Wolfe.
The same to you, Sir.

[Exit Officer.
Wolfe
solus.
O thou, whose never sleeping eyes pierce at
One glance thro' space immense, watch o'er our camp!
Retard all hostile ills! and shield us from surprise!

[Exit Wolfe, & the scene closes.