“ White man, awake; the rattle-snake is near; "The tyger is not couch'd yet." I awoke: It was a woman she drew back awhile Το gaze full on me, and put forth her hand With such a look of kindness (pardon me, I ne'er can think on't with impunity) – The mighty sum of love is all made up) Alm. Accursed be she who tempts thee. - I am come To seek your faithful friendship, not your love. If by a father's tyranny compell'd, Raym. With the Creeks? True, 'tis sweet; Alm. Ay, for I pant for freedom: Raym. But to the bird who never stretch'd his wing, Or felt the season's sharp vicissitudes, Fed by your hand, and lodg'd within your bosom, Well on the horrors of the savage state? How our rude modes will shock your gentle breeding? On the bare earth can those soft limbs find slumber? For beasts to hovel in. Alm. ah ! too mean Yes, I have thought Of all the ills your fancy conjures up ; Ay, and of more: the road I know is rough, Yet not the elements, nor man, nor beast, Who, on the altar of his mad ambition, Would offer up his child. — Will you protect me? Raym. Yet pause upon the brink of resolution, Nor in a fit of spleen, a flush of anger, A momentary tumult in the blood, Dothat which will bring long repentant days, Alm. Because I am a woman. Raym. You speak thus, No, believe me, Oh! when the loud-tongued trumpet, and the drum, Stirs all his soul, a soldier's wounds but warm him; But in the after calm, when slaughter sleeps, Then as he festers in the midnight air, And raw winds pierce his mangled body thro', I could say more, if time would halt to hear me; Your thoughts to counsel, should you still resolve Such welcome as rude savages can give, You may command. Alm. Come I will lead you to the light of day. Would I could bear to all, the thrilling voice Of liberty, and thro' the peopled earth, Scene, the Governor's House. GONSALVO and ABDALLAH. Gons. My daughter not return'd? Abd. [Exeunt. She's coming, sir. Gons. Say, I would speak with her. (Exit AB DALLAH.) 'Tis now unlucky I ever promised her to Florio ; I was too sudden in my resolution: The wise make no resolves for still to-morrow Laughs at the cunning purpose of to-day, And man's the slave of circumstance. (Enter ALMANZA.) Well, girl, What think you of our Indian prisoner? Could you not love him? Alm. Yes, my father, As I love all men, charitably love him ; Which can love only one Gons. He may divorce her. Alm. Gons. How? He has a wife, sir, Why then he shall not. Alm. Be not angry, sir. I have been ever A most obedient child; from memory's dawn'* * This speech is transferred from The Curfew. I've hung with silent awe upon your lips, I thought so too A brave one; my heart beat with fearful joy. You said he was not rich, I heav'd a sigh And turn'd my head; but whilst the struggling tear Stood in my eye, you swore that fortune's gifts Were mean compar'd with nature's - Then, my father, You bad me learn to love him. Gons. Once indeed I had a foolish dream of such a thing. Alm. Oh, but I dream so still. Gons. 'Tis time to wake then. Enter GASPRO. Well, sir, why break you in with that pale face? To utter horrid tidings Gasp. Speak! Your son! Gons. Well, what of him? Is he made pris'ner, speak ; Orfallen from his horse? the worst, and quickly. Gasp. Near to the line which parts us from the Creeks, |