Part 7 (2/2)

LORD BOSTON. Good G.o.d!--What does he say? Mercy on me!

MESSENGER. They're flying before the enemy.

LORD BOSTON. Britons turn their backs before the Rebels!--The Rebels put Britons to flight?--Said you not so?

MESSENGER. They are routed, sir;--they are flying this instant;--the Provincials are numerous, and hourly gaining strength;--they have nearly surrounded our troops. A reinforcement, sir--a timely succour may save the shatter'd remnant Speedily! speedily, sir! or they're irretrievably lost!

LORD BOSTON. Good G.o.d! What does he say? Can it be possible?

MESSENGER. Lose no time, sir.

LORD BOSTON. What can I do?--Oh dear!

OFFICER. Draw off a detachment--form a brigade; prepare part of the train; send for Lord Percy; let the drums beat to arms.

LORD BOSTON. Aye, do, Captain; you know how, better than I. (_Exit OFFICER._) Did the Rebels dare to fire on the king's troops? Had they the courage? Guards, keep round me.

MESSENGER. They're like lions; they have killed many of our bravest officers and men; and if not checked instantly, will totally surround them, and make the whole prisoners. This is no time to parley, sir.

LORD BOSTON. No, indeed; what will become of me?

_Enter EARL PERCY._

EARL PERCY. Your orders, sir.

LORD BOSTON. Haste, my good Percy, immediately take command of the brigade of reinforcement, and fly to the a.s.sistance of poor Smith!--Lose no time, lest they be all cut off, and the Rebels improve their advantage, and be upon us; and G.o.d knows what quarter they'll give.--Haste, my n.o.ble Earl!--Speedily!--Speedily!--Where's my guard?

EARL PERCY. I'm gone, sir.

[_Exeunt PERCY and OFFICERS--drums beating to arms._

LORD BOSTON. What means this flutt'ring round my heart? this unusual chilness? Is it fear? No, it cannot be, it must proceed from my great anxiety, my perturbation of mind for the fate of my countrymen. A drowsiness hangs o'er my eyelids;--fain would I repose myself a short time;--but I must not;--I must wait;--I'll to the top of yon eminence,--there I shall be safer. Here I cannot stay;--there I may behold something favourable to calm this tumult in my breast.--But, alas! I fear--Guards, attend me.

[_Exeunt LORD BOSTON and GUARDS._

SCENE V. _LORD BOSTON and GUARDS on a hill in Boston, that overlooks Charlestown._

LORD BOSTON. Clouds of dust and smoke intercept my sight; I cannot see; I hear the noise of cannon--Percy's cannon--Grant him success!

OFFICER OF GUARD. Methinks, sir, I see British colours waving.

LORD BOSTON. Some ray of hope.--Have they got so near?--Captain, keep a good lookout; tell me every thing you see. My eyes are wondrous dim.

OFFICER. The two brigades have join'd--Now Admiral Tombstone bellows his lower tier on the Provincials. How does your Excellency?

LORD BOSTON. Right;--more hope still.--I'm bravely to what I was. Which way do our forces tend?

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