University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

Scene draws, and discovers Montcalm, sitting in his Tent.
Enter Levi.
Levi.
Sir, there's a rumour in our camp, that all
Th' English, troops are ranging on the Height of
Abraham, if so, we may soon expect them here.

Montcalm.
It cannot be!—wou'd they dare attempt it?
They cannot have eluded Bougainville's
Caution!—He has not inadvertantly
Let them pass; and surely all our out-guards,
And centinels, have not been wrapt in one
Fatal delusion, all conspiring to
Retard a timely notice of their landing.
Perhaps a desperate few have straggled
Thither, in order to amuse our troops,
Whilst others strike an unexpected blow:
Draw out a small detachment from the camp
Against them.

Levi.
Nay, had they ev'ry man they've brought against
Quebec on Abraham's Height, I shou'd esteem
It but the forlorn hope of Britain.

Montcalm.
Let my orders be executed, and
Bring me word immediately how matters go.

[Exit Levi.
Montcalm
solus.
If all their troops are there, they'll give us work
Enough this day to drive them thence, and prove,
I fear, a dear bought victory to France.

Re-enter Levi, in more haste.
Sir I'd fear it will require our utmost
Efforts to repel the storm which threatens
Us! There's scarce a man of all the English
Troops, but now treads Abra'am's Height! with headlong
Rage they stumbled up the precipice! and
With Herculean fury, their bombardiers,
And sailors, drag up th' artillery, and
With their light arm'd infantry, in equal
Pace they roll the brazen thunder onward!
They had already taken possession
Of the fort which guarded the ascent, and
Turn'd the guns upon our flying parties,
Who as they mingle with our forces, in
The outlines of our camp, spread terror.
[Montcalm rising, and drawing his sword.
Then now 'tis time to rouze, and stir ourselves!
Let the drums beat to arms! and call forth all
The pow'r within our camp; we'll onward march
To meet them; and before our walls, in presence
Of our friends, shall both our battles close.
[Exit Levi.

Montcalm
solus.
These Britons will compel us to hazard
All on equal footing on the plain, or
Force us tamely to sit down entrench'd and,
See Quebec by them beleaguer'd; but e'er
They shall do that, death or victory, shall
Be mine.
This day the fates weigh Britain against Gaul;
Wolfe, thou must bleed, or flee, or I will nobly fall.

[Exit.
[The French drums beat to arms.]