Part 8 (1/2)

OFFICER. I can distinguish nothing for a certainty now; such smoke and dust!

LORD BOSTON. G.o.d grant Percy courage!

OFFICER. His ancestors were brave, sir.

LORD BOSTON. Aye, that's no rule--no rule, Captain; so were mine.--A heavy firing now.--The Rebels must be very numerous--

OFFICER. They're like caterpillars; as numerous as the locusts of Egypt.

LORD BOSTON. Look out, Captain, G.o.d help you, look out.

OFFICER. I do, sir.

LORD BOSTON. What do you see now? Hark! what dreadful noise!

ONE OF THE GUARD. [_Aside._] How d.a.m.n'd afraid he is.

ANOTHER OF THE GUARD. [_Aside._] He's one of your chimney corner Generals--an old granny.

OFFICER. If I mistake not, our troops are fast retreating; their fire slackens; the noise increases.

LORD BOSTON. Oh, Captain, don't say so!

OFFICER. 'Tis true, sir, they're running--the enemy shout victory.

LORD BOSTON. Upon your honour?--say--

OFFICER. Upon my honour, sir, they're flying t'wards Charlestown.

Percy's beat;--I'm afraid he's lost his artillery.

LORD BOSTON. Then 'tis all over--the day is lost--what more can we do?

OFFICER. We may, with the few troops left in Boston, yet afford them some succour, and cover their retreat across the water; 'tis impossible to do more.

LORD BOSTON. Go instantly; I'll wait your return. Try your utmost to prevent the Rebels from crossing. Success attend you, my dear Captain, G.o.d prosper you! [_Exit OFFICER._] Alas! alas! my glory's gone; my honour's stain'd. My dear guards, don't leave me, and you shall have plenty of porter and sour-crout.

SCENE VI. _ROGER and d.i.c.k, two shepherds near Lexington, after the defeat and flight of the Regulars._

ROGER. Whilst early looking, d.i.c.k, ere the sun was seen to tinge the brow of the mountain, for my flock of sheep, nor dreaming of approaching evil, suddenly mine eyes beheld from yon hill a cloud of dust arise at a small distance; the intermediate s.p.a.ce were thick set with laurels, willows, evergreens, and bushes of various kinds, the growth of wild nature, and which hid the danger from my eyes, thinking perchance my flock had thither stray'd; I descended, and straight onward went; but, d.i.c.k, judge you my thoughts at such a disappointment: Instead of my innocent flock of sheep, I found myself almost encircled by a herd of ravenous British wolves.

d.i.c.k. Dangerous must have been your situation, Roger, whatever were your thoughts.

ROGER. I soon discovered my mistake; finding a hostile appearance, I instantly turn'd myself about, and fled to alarm the shepherds.

d.i.c.k. Did they pursue you?

ROGER. They did; but having the start, and being acquainted with the by-ways, I presently got clear of their voracious jaws.

d.i.c.k. A lucky escape, indeed, Roger; and what route did they take after that?