Part 9 (2/2)

[_Exit GENERAL._

LENOX. Now to my dear Christine, to receive from her the reward which I hope I have fairly earned, and seek with her the joys of tranquillity and love.

_Enter a SOLDIER._

SOLDIER. Towards the conclusion of the battle we made two Indian warriors prisoners, who were fighting desperately; we have them with us.

LENOX. Bring them in; I will examine them, touching the number and force of their tribe. [_Exit SOLDIER, who returns with PENDRAGON and LAROLE, with a file of men; both are painted and dressed as Indians; PENDRAGON preserves his opera-gla.s.s, and LAROLE his snuff-box._]

PENDRAGON. What are we brought here for, fellow?

LENOX. Warriors, the fate of battle has placed you in our power; yet fear nothing, we shall treat you like men and soldiers. Deeply do we regret to see you take up arms against us, instigated by foreign influence, and bribed by foreign gold. How numerous is your tribe?

PENDRAGON. Why what the devil, sir, do you take us for Choctaws? Can't you tell a man of fas.h.i.+on in masquerade?

LENOX. Who and what are you?

PENDRAGON. I am the honourable Captain Pendragon, of his Majesty's Coldstream guards.

LENOX. The _honourable_ Captain Pendragon, and taken prisoner fighting in the ranks with Indians, and in disguise? A man of rank and fas.h.i.+on, and a soldier, changing his complexion, his nature and his character--herding with savages--infuriating their horrid pa.s.sions, and whetting their knives and tomahawks against their defenceless prisoners?

Impossible! And who are you, sir? [_To LAROLE._

LAROLE. [_Taking snuff._] Begar, sair, I am von man of fas.h.i.+on aussi, I am valet de sham to capitain Pendragoon; ve are in de masquerade, sair.

PENDRAGON. It's very true, sir, 'pon honour--we are in masquerade, though you look as if you doubt it. War, sir, is a kind of a--a singular science, and if you are to be knock'd on the head, 'tis of very little consequence whether your nose is tipped with blue or red, damme. I am in your power, sir, and a man of fas.h.i.+on, 'pon honour.

LENOX. Well, sir, if your example is to govern men of honour or men of fas.h.i.+on, I hope I am ignorant of the attributes of the one, or the eccentricities of the other. However, mercy to prisoners, even when they have forfeited mercy, may teach your nation lessons of toleration and humanity. Your life is safe, sir.

PENDRAGON. Sir, you speak very like a gentleman, and I shall be happy to taste Burgundy with you at the Horse Guards.

LENOX. I thank you, sir.

LAROLE. Par example, dis Yankee Doodel is von very pretti spoken jeune gentiman, I will give him de encouragement. Sair, I vill be ver happy to serve you en my contree, to take un ta.s.se de caffee at de Palais Royale en Paris wid you, to dress your hair, or pull your corset tight.

_Enter GENERAL, ADELA and OFFICER._

GENERAL. Who have we here?

LENOX. Prisoners, sir, and in disguise.

ADELA. As I live, an Indian dandy!

PENDRAGON. A lady? [_With an air of fas.h.i.+on._] Ma'am, your most devoted slave--inexpressibly happy to find a beautiful creature in this d.a.m.n'd wilderness. You see, ma'am, I am a kind of a prisoner, but always at home, always at my ease, _a-la-mode_ St. James--extremely rejoiced to have the honour of your acquaintance. A fine girl, LaRole, split me!

LAROLE. Oh, oui, she is very fine, I like her ver mush.

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