 | Sir Francis Drake, and Iron Arm |  |
SCENE I.
A distant View of the Sea Coast near Carthagena, with hills, &c.—on one side of the stage is the Governor's Castle.Enter Hierro de Brazo, or, Iron Arm, and Diego an attendant ruffian—the former disguised in a long Spanish cloak.
AIR—DIEGO.
Bold Iron Arm why this disguise?
Why venture near yon Castle Walls?
Thought broods terrific in those eyes!
And every gesture wild appalls!
Yes—I the daring scheme divine,
Yon coming riches must be thine!
They retire—the jingling of bells again commencing, the Mules approach nearer, guarded by Soldiers, &c. and, lead by Alphonso, several Inhabitants enter, and greet them with the following
CHORUS.
See the loaded train appear!
With joy the recoe's bosom swells,
As his journeys end draws near!
We'll dance, sing and play;
While in safety with pleasure,
'Tis stow'd safe away!
AIR—DOMINIC.
To the Saint who protects us (while grateful you feel)
From our British invaders, those lords of the Seas!
Affection long tried, let your sanction now seal,
Reward the brave youth who thus bids wealth encrease!
The Governor joins their hands, giving them his blessing—Inis and Sancho (a Soldier) come forward.
RECITATIVE—INIS.
La! ma'am, don't blush—I wish I was in your place,
Sancho and I my lord (he bowing aukwardly, and she curtsying)
would just ask whether
When Father Dominic o'er them says grace,
You'll let him tack their man and maid together.
Governor stamps angrily, and they exeunt sheepishly —the Muleteers and Spanish girls congratulate their mistress on her approaching Nuptials in an appropriate
which when concluded, the alarm bell is sounded, and Inis and Sancho rush on out of breath, followed by Spanish Soldiers.
DIALOGUE CATCH.
Inis.
The terror of Spain, dear! dear me! how I quake.
San.
We're ruin'd! invaded—
All.
—What, what shall we do!
The English—our Enemy—led on by Drake.
ANOTHER PARTY.
The fleet of the British approach—are in view!
Drum beats, &c. all appear in alarm and consternation —Alphonso summons the Soldiers from the Garrison, and the Governor attempts to lead them to meet the enemy—at the report of distant firing they are panic struck and fly, but are rallied by Alphonso, who again leads them to the attack, a second discharge of musquetry, more alarmed, they refuse to march; Iron Arm, muffled in his cloak displays the following scroll:
Governor reads it with attention—during which Iron Arm discovers himself aside to Dominic, presenting him a purse, commanding him to plead in his behalf, or (shewing a dagger) threatens death as the consequence, and retires.—Governor consults Dominic and Alphonso—the former recommends acquiescence with Iron Arm's request—the latter the contrary—Iron Arm, viewing this from the entrance, vows eternal vengeance on Alphonso, and exit.— Enter Spanish officer and Soldiers with Oxenham, and other British Seamen prisoners.
RECITATIVE—SPANISH OFFICER.
Lord Governor, this boat's crew in the bay
In taking soundings we surpriz'd.
Span.
—Huzza!
The Governor requests Dominic to examine Oxenham —he stalks up to him pompously.
RECITATIVE.
Dom.
What is your force?—Commander?—come friend—speak?
(Dominic offers him the purse he had received from Iron Arm, which Oxenham hurls away with disdain.)
Oxen.
I shan't—old swab—so try some other tack,
(Enrag'd)
Torture this stubborn fortitude shall break;
Oxen.
Old Quiz—there's all you'll ever get from Jack.
(Takes his quid from his mouth, and throws it at him.)
Dom.
In separate dungeons let them mourn their fate,
Soon to some tune your spirit shall submit!
Vindictive Spain on you will vengeance sate!
Oxen.
Then I'll sing, fal de ral tit.
The Prisoners are guarded off—Oxenham singing, “Tit fal de ra, &c.”—Governor, &c. ENTER the Castle.
| Sir Francis Drake, and Iron Arm | |