The False Friend ; or, Assassin of the Rocks A New Melo Dramatic Ballet of Action |
| 1. | SCENE I. |
| 2. |
| 3. |
| 4. |
| 5. |
| 6. |
| 7. |
| 8. |
| 9. |
 | The False Friend ; or, Assassin of the Rocks |  |
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SCENE I.
Distant Sea View after a Tempest, with a Ship nearly a Wreck on the Ocean—Corn Fields, and a Cottage in the fore Ground.The Widow Wantley, Alice, and Children are discovered on the stage, grouped similarly to the Characters in Bigg's painting of the Shipwrecked Boy.
CHORUS.
The storm has subsided, gaunt terror departs,
(Tho' batter'd) the Vessel has weather'd the gale;
The dawning of hope gives new life to our hearts,
Proceed, little Sailor boy, finish thy tale!
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SPEAKS.
Before I proceed let me heave one sad sigh,
For alas! my recital is sad;
In the grave's narrow confines my parents both lie,
I, alas! am a poor Orphan Lad!
For alas! my recital is sad;
In the grave's narrow confines my parents both lie,
I, alas! am a poor Orphan Lad!
But a Parent I met, in a Mariner bold,
Who from his brave Captain procured me employ;
But I dread they, alas! now are both dead and cold,
And have left me to mourn them, a poor Orphan Boy.
Who from his brave Captain procured me employ;
But I dread they, alas! now are both dead and cold,
And have left me to mourn them, a poor Orphan Boy.
In the dead of the night a tremendous wave
O'er board wash'd our Captain, my Friend stood anigh,
And plung'd, him to snatch from a watery grave,
But, alas! mourns their fate, a forlorn Orphan Boy.
O'er board wash'd our Captain, my Friend stood anigh,
And plung'd, him to snatch from a watery grave,
But, alas! mourns their fate, a forlorn Orphan Boy.
SOLO—ALICE.
A Chief so lov'd, a Tar so bold,
Can be—what makes me feel so silly!
Can be but him our Isle adores,
And my True-love, my bonny Willy!
The Boy presents a memorandum, which he had drawn from his bosom, recording the first day he was taken under Surge's protection.
DUET—SURGE AND ALICE.
Alice.
Ah! me! 'twill break my heart in twain!
Surge.
(without)
Yeo ho!—I'm sure my reckoning tallies!
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Bless me! his voice!
Surge.
(without)
—Yeo ho!
Alice.
—Again!
Surge.
Yeo ho! on board the pretty Alice!
Surge enters, supporting Horatio, as just escaped from shipwreck—the boy, affectionately, falls at his Captain's feet—all group in thanks to heaven!
CHORUS.
High Heaven to thee our eyes are rais'd!
The storm we've weather'd! danger's o'er!
Omnipotence aloft be prais'd,
Gladly we've reached the wish'd for shore!
RECITATIVE—WILL SURGE.
Well, Alice—Jack—Sal—Peg—how much you grown are,
Dame, broach a cag of brandy for his honour;
Cold comfort 'tis we've swallowed, and no prog,
Damme! salt water makes but sorry grog!
Alice takes up billet wood.
That's right, girl! trim the fire—(without exception)
No friends, e'er wish'd so, for a warm reception!
Dame.
Walk in your honour.
Children.
—Dear sir, pray walk in!
Alice.
Lord! I declare they're both wet to the skin!
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Why, aye, that's true, we're but in scurvy plight,
But I dares say your dock here's dry and tight;
The tide runs in, and in, my hearts, we go!
(Bless your dear sparkling day-lights) ri tol, de rol, de rol, de rol, de ri do.
Exeunt into the Cottage.
Enter from the bottom of the stage Fitzhugh, an old steward, attended by Rapine.
RECITATIVE—FITZHUGH.
Well said, old Rapine—don't you think me right!
I've master's orders here, in black and white!
And if her pride and haughtiness endures,
I'll turn the wheedling Vixen out of doors!
Her Daughter I've lov'd long, and now am bent,
That they shall starve, if they refuse consent!
Odds bobs! all plagues and torments I'll divine,
But I will call that little gipsey mine!
(Alice comes from the house as looking for more billet wood.)
Look there she is!—which way now shall I get on?
Shall I like faint-heart sigh? or bully threaten?
Zounds! I'll try both (throws himself at her feet)
I love you to distraction!
But, if refused—I'll—I'll have satisfaction:
If to my sufferings you unfeeling prove,
I swear I'll ruin you, and yours—my love!
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Ruin! I never could abide you, no, not never,
And now, I'm sure, I hates you worse than ever!
Fitz.
Hate me!
Alice.
—Yes hate ye—can there be a doubt?
(He attempts to seize her.)
Paws off, old gentleman! or I'll cry out!
(Surge appears at the door.)
Surge.
Holloa! avast! which way sets the wind now?
Is that the way you take a girl in tow?
(Throws him from her.)
Insult a woman! look up if you can—
And try for once, if you dare face a man!
(Fitzhugh and Rap. approach with their sticks raised.)
Sheer off you swabs, some other course pray steer:
Why what the devil wind could blow them here!
Fitzhugh, tremblingly, drops the following scroll:
“Mandeville orders Fitzhugh, if the Widow Wantley's Rent is not immediately paid, to destrain her Goods.”
Surge.
Distress a Widow!
Fitz.
—Worse perform'd than plann'd!
(aside.)
Surge.
My Captain's Friend, too, sanction this command!
I ca'nt help thinking, (tho' I mustn't speak,)
'Twere well if that Friend's anchor were apeak!
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To try a bit if you can't haul your wind?
There (throwing down his purse)
take your shot!
Alice.
—Dear! how my heart does beat!
Pray, William, make him give you a receipt?
(William motions Fitzhugh, who takes out his ink horn, &c. and writes one.)
Fitz.
There, take it, Ralph—
Rapine.
—I'm duberous—
Fitz.
—You fool!
(He gives it him trembling.)
Surge.
Luff, or I'll give you a receipt in full!
Fitz.
Here's a strange turn! Girls breathe but to deceive!
I never will forgive this, while I live!
Exeunt Fitz. and Rap.
Surge.
So you're aground, girl! zounds! that must not be,
But did you ne'er forget me while at Sea?
DUET—SURGE AND ALICE.
She.
1.
When Spring's light breezes sportive played!
Or Winter's tempests whistled shrilly,
In Summer's heat, or Autumn's shade,
My every thought was fixed on Willy!
Dearer than life, my love to me,
Tho' he was far, far out at Sea!
He.
2.
When in fierce battle, cannons roar'd,
Or storms assail'd with utmost malice;
At helm, or round the social board,
My every thought was pretty Alice!
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Tho' I was far, far out at Sea!
He.
3.
The sparkling bowl when landsmen fill,
To toast their Pols, their Bets, and Sallies,
She.
The brim I kiss to sprightly Will,
He.
The glass I drain to pretty Alice.
Both.
Dearer than life, my love to me,
Tho' he was, &c.
Tho' I was, &c.
Exeunt.
Three huzzas are heard without, and Jury Masts erected in the Ship—the Sailor Boy, who had gone towards the Wreck for intelligence, enters, with hat, &c. appertaining to Horatio, followed by a part of his crew; on tapping at the door, Horatio comes from the Cottage, and receives, highly gratified, their congratulations, Surge, returning with Alice, exultingly exclaims,
Surge.
True hearts of oak! on shore, boys, or on board,
A brave commander ever is adored!
Horatio dispatches a letter, he had penned in the Cottage, by the Boy, to Julia, then gives necessary orders to his Crew, &c.
RECITATIVE.
Surge.
Alice, do ye' see that packet?
Alice.
—Yes, I do!
Surge.
Master's as much in love as I—or you!
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Indeed!
Surge.
—Aye, with a first rate—generous as fair!
Alice.
The lady Julia, I do declare!
Surge.
They'll soon be spliced—
Alice.
—Spliced!
Surge.
—Married, as sure as fate!
Alics.
Heigho! I wish as how, that I was a first rate!
Surge.
Why as for that—as far as I discarn—
(Horatio crosses and orders Surge to follow him, he tucks Alice under his arm.)
I'm 'quipp'd your honour, and sha'n't lag astarn.
Exeunt.
A number of Cottage Girls, &c. enter with refreshment, which they gladly offer the Seamen, and they chearfully accept.
RECITATIVE—DAME.
Dear, I'm so happy! chearful glides that toil
Which glads the hearts of those who guard our Isle.
A DANCE OF SAILORS AND COUNTRY LASSES.
And Exeunt.
| The False Friend ; or, Assassin of the Rocks | |