Volume Iv Part 84 (1/2)

_Bac._ 'Tis not with Women, Sir, nor honest men like you, that I intend to combat; not their own Parents shall be more indulgent, nor better Safe-guard to their Honours, Sir: But 'tis to save the expence of Blood I seize on their most valued Prizes.

_Down._ But, Sir, I know your wild Lieutenant General has long lov'd my _Chrisante_, and perhaps, will take this time to force her to consent.

_Dar._ I own I have a Pa.s.sion for _Chrisante_, yet by my General's Life, or her fair self, what now I act is on the score of War, I scorn to force the Maid I do adore.

_Bac._ Believe me, Ladies, you shall have honourable Treatment here.

_Chris._ We do not doubt it, Sir, either from you or _Daring_; if he love me, that will secure my Honour; or if he do not, he's too brave to injure me.

_Dar._ I thank you for your just opinion of me, Madam.

_Chris._ But, Sir, 'tis for my Father I must plead; to see his reverend Hands in servile Chains; and then perhaps, if stubborn to your Will, his Head must fall a Victim to your Anger.

_Down._ No, my good pious Girl, I cannot fear ign.o.ble usage from the General; and if thy Beauty can preserve thy Fame, I shall not mourn in my Captivity.

_Bac._ I'll ne'er deceive your kind opinion of me--Ladies, I hope you're all of that Opinion too.

_Sure._ If seizing us, Sir, can advance your Honour, or be of any use considerable to you, I shall be proud of such a Slavery.

Mrs. _Whim._ I hope, Sir, we shan't be ravish'd in your Camp.

_Dar._ Fie, Mrs. _Whimsey_, do Soldiers use to ravish?

Mrs. _Whiff._ Ravis.h.!.+ marry, I fear 'em not, I'd have 'em know, I scorn to be ravish'd by any Man.

_Fear._ Ay, o' my Conscience, Mrs. _Whiff_, you are too good-natur'd.

_Dar._ Madam, I hope you'll give me leave to name Love to you, and try by all submissive ways to win your Heart.

_Chris._ Do your worst, Sir: I give you leave, if you a.s.sail me only with your Tongue.

_Dar._ That's generous and brave, and I'll requite it.

Enter _Soldier_ in haste.

_Sold._ The Truce being ended, Sir, the _Indians_ grow so insolent as to attack us even in our Camp, and have killed several of our Men.

_Bac._ 'Tis time to check their Boldness; _Daring_, haste, draw up our Men in order to give 'em Battel, I rather had expected their submission.

_The Country now may see what they're to fear, Since we that are in Arms are not secure._

[Exeunt, leading the Ladies.

ACT IV.

SCENE I. _A Temple, with an _Indian_ G.o.d placed upon it, Priests and Priestesses attending: Enter _Indian King_ on one side attended by _Indian_ Men; the _Queen_ enters on the other with Women. All bow to the Idol, and divide on each side of the Stage. Then the Musick playing louder, the Priests and Priestesses dance about the Idol with ridiculous Postures, and crying (as for Incantations) thrice repeated, _Agah Yerkin, Agah Boah, Sulen Tawarapah, Sulen Tawarapah_._

_After this soft Musick plays again: then they sing something fine: after which the Priests lead the _King_ to the Altar, and the Priestesses the _Queen_; they take off little Crowns from their Heads, and offer them at the Altar._