University of Virginia Library

SCENE IV.

[Scene draws, Montcalm and a French Officer at the head of his troops; the French drums beating a march.]
Montcalm.
Halt.

Enter Levi.
Montcalm.
Are all our Indians dispos'd of to the
Best advantage?

Levi.
They are, Sir;—
And as fierce tigers from their covert, eye
Th' approaching kids and couchant lick their chaps,
Anticipating the delicious banquet;
They in their close ambush lurk, with furious
Expectation, viewing the British troops,
Waiting for the welcome signal to fall
Upon their broken rear, or else pick up
The scatter'd remnant of their flying forces.

Montcalm.
Since they seem to like the chace so well, I
Hope we'll give them sport enough e'er long.
[Turning to the soldiers.
Now my brave countrymen, remember you
Are to fight in the cause of Lewis, the
Well-beloved of his people; you fight
Likewise your country's battle; and I may
Add, many of you here fight for wives, and
Children, and possessions; and if any thing
Can wake your dormant rage, and kindle up
A flame of valour in your souls, all these
Considerations can.

French Off.
Altho' their army's greatly thinn'd, and they
Can scarcely number full five thousand strong,
And we, (excluding all our savages,)
Can muster twice their tale, yet think not they
May be easily repell'd; altho' we
Have no room to doubt of victory, if
We behave like men of spirit, who have
Their country's good at heart, yet march into
The field forewarned thus, with courage firm,
Boldly prepar'd for the severest trial
Of your manhood, and meet resolutely,
Expecting th' impetuosity of their charge.

Montcalm.
If you'd acquit yourselves as soldiers shou'd,
Who wish their King and country well, and long
Have thirsted for an opportunity,
To staunch your bleeding mother's wounds, and to
Retrieve her long lost honour; you must not
Think meanly of them, but call up all the man
Within your souls, and bravely blaze, absorb'd
In valour's flame!
Intrepidly resolv'd, and skilful, are
Their leaders, and commanders; rough, fierce and
Veteran, are their soldiers; and in their
Defeat, great wou'd be our fame!
Let us march to meet them.

[Exeunt, drums beating a march: Scene closes.