University of Virginia Library

Scene 2.

—Changes to a Street in Baltimore.
A crowd of recruits come in, armed variously and with the national flag; among them Eldad and Nathan, with muskets and ridiculous attempts at uniform, spectacled, &c.
Opposite, enter Timothy.
Timothy.
Can I believe my eyes? Why, Deacon, Deacon,
Do I see straight that this is you,—and Nathan?
Dear simple souls, how got you in this guise?

Nathan.
I do opine this is myself—and Eldad;
Touching the firelocks, good Timothy,
I trow we somehow manage shouldering them
But as to loading them, or drawing trigger—

Eldad.
Verily, neighbour, we were forced to come,
That is, we liked not to be left behind
When everyone was mustering to the war
With guns and swords, and scythes and pitchforks too,
Saying they had caught the British in a trap
Down south at York Town,—much as with Burgoyne
Up north at Saratoga, Gage at Boston,
And divers other pitfalls—

Timothy.
Deacon Eldad,—
Come to the point—you are the text, not others.

Eldad.
As I was just expounding, we were forced,
Nathan and I—not to be left behind.
For all the folk were pressing hitherward,
And the whole country, like a swarm of ants,
Is black and red and blue and white with life,
Horsemen and footmen, cannon, carts, and stores,
All to one point converging in such streams
We couldn't help but come,—ey, brother Nathan?

Nathan.
Speak for thyself: I could, but would not, help it,—
What stirred me up in spirit was the shame
That mercenary Hessians should be here
Killing and burning; so I asked myself,
Nathan, shall such things be,—Nathan said Nay,—
And forthwith did I buy me this good gun;
If any friend will show me how to load it,
I'll dare to pull that trigger on a Hessian!

Timothy.
Bravo, my gallant Quaker! here's a change,—
The patriot flame flashes from heart to heart
Till even the coldest feels that glorious heat!
None can escape the wholesome happy fever.
(to the recruits)
What say you, countrymen,—are you prepared
To fight to the last gasp for liberty?
(they shout)
Ay, ay, All of us, every man of us!

Timothy.
Then come along in line—I'll be your serjeant,
Company! atten-shun!—right about face!
Step, left foot forward, maarch!
(they go out.)
I'll teach you, Nathan,
The drill of that same rifle, come with me;
As for you, Deacon Eldad—

(Nathan and Timothy go out.)
Eldad,
alone.
As for me,
I daren't be left behind, good Timothy,
I'll make what speed I can, for firstly, I—
(looking round and finding himself alone, he limps after them with all speed.)
I should have told him of my rheumatism!—

Exit.