University of Virginia Library

SCENE IV.

The French Camp at Montmorenci, Montcalm and Bougainville.
Montcalm.
Our grand scheme is baffled, and all our hopes
From that quarter are frustrated.

Bougainville.
I had such a firm reliance on it,
I thought it would surpass all human pow'r
To baffle it: I expected no less
Than universal ruin to their fleet,
To have seen their powder blaze, and all their
Stores expire in flames, whilst from their ships they
Leapt by hundreds, and plung'd to watry death
Below, t'escape the burning war above:
At least, I thought the greedy flame wou'd have
Devour'd sev'ral ships, and forc'd some others
On the shore, and some whole crews have perish'd
In the wild confusion!

Montcalm.
But see how contrary last night's event!
Their sailors seem another race of men,
Whene'er compar'd 'gainst other countries tars,
And like the water, sulphur, smoke and flame!
Seem almost to be their element! they
Laugh at threat'ning danger! and play with black
Destruction!—

Bougainville.
They've done this night, what England may ever
Boast, what France will scarce believe, and other.
Nations stand astonish'd at!

Montcalm.
Ungrateful truth! How many of us from
Our diff'rent posts, mark'd with what unconcern,
And cheerful resolution, they met the
Flaming fleet! Oars mix'd with oars, like persons
Striving for the goal! the sternmost drove the
Headmost on! cheering each other with their
Noise! all full of emulation, who shou'd
Throw the grapples first! and thronging fiercely
To catch each flame, they form'd (if I may use
Th' expression) a sort of naval phalanx,
Too firm, for any of our fire floats to
Pass, and do the wish'd-for execution!

Bougainville.
For the future, but little from the like
We can expect: they are forewarn'd, and will
Not now be off their guard. Besides, it was
The chiefest effort we, can make, and they
Who baffled this, will sneer at all our vain attempts.

Montcalm.
Next we may expect to meet them on the
Shore; for flush'd with this success, and full of
Indignation at the great design, no
Doubt they'll make some desp'rate push, by way of
Fierce retaliation.—Let us expect
The worst, 'twill rouze us more! and if we can
Repel them now, perhaps they'll raise the siege.

Bougainville.
Let them come on!—we fear 'em not!
We're ready!—They shall have a warm welcome!

Montcalm.
And such I hope, as will prevent their bold
Intrusion for the future.

[Exeunt.