“ Or fames capacious as all hell's extent, “ That I might plunge, and stifle torture there!" Lou. Hence, my dear lady; for your peace, go

hence. Mar. I'll dig these eyes out; these pernicious eyes, Enslaving Arnold, have undone him-Hal [Trumpet. That raven trumpet sounds the knell of death! Behold—the dreadful, bloody work begins What ghastly wounds! what piteous, piercing shrieks! Oh, stop that fatal faulchion! if it falls, It kills my Arnold !-Save him, save him, save

[Exit running ; Louisa follows,

SCENE iv.

Changes to a rural Eminence, with the distant Prospect of

a Camp. Enter Prince. Prince. The hour advances, the decisive hour, That lifts me to the summit of renown, Or leaves me on the earth a breathless corse. The buz and bustle of the field before me, The twang of bow-strings, and the clash of spears, With ev'ry circumstance of preparation, Strike with an awful horror! Shouts are echo'd, To drown dismay, and blow up resolution Ev'n to its utmost swell-From hearts so firm, Whom dangers fortify, and toils inspire, What has a leader not to hope? And yet The weight of apprehension sinks me down.

O Soul of Nature, great eternal Cause, [Kneels.
Who gave and govern'st all that's here below!
'Tis by the aid of thy almighty arm
The weak exist, the virtuous are secure.
Ifto your sacred laws obedient ever,
My sword, my soul, have own'd no other guide;
Oh, if your honour, if the rights of men,
My country's happiness, my king's renown,
Were motives worthy of a warrior's zeal,
Crown your poor servant with success this day,
And be the praise " and glory all” thy own. (Rises.

Enter AUDLEY. Aud. Now, royal Edward, is the hour at hand, That shall, beyond the boast of ancient story, Ennoble English arms. Forgive, my hero, That I presume so far, but I have sworn To rise your rival in the common fight : We'll start together for the goal of glory, And work such wonders, that our fear-struck foes Shall call us more than mortals. As of old, “ Where matchless vigour mark'd victorious chiefs, " The baffled host, to cover their disgrace, “ Cry'd out, the gods assum'd commanders' forms, “ And partial Heav'n had fought the field against

them!” Prince. Audley, thy soul is noble; then, together, (Safe from the prying eye of observation) Let us unmask our hearts. Alas, my friend, To such a dreadful precipice we're got,

It giddies to look down! No hold, no hope, “ But in the succour of almighty pow'r;" For nothing but a miracle can save us.

« Aud. I stifle apprehensions as they rise, “ Nor e'er allow myself to weigh our danger. “ Prince. 'Tis wisely done. And we'll at least en

deavour « (Like the brave handful at Thermopylæ) “ To make such gallant sacrifice of life, “ As shall confound our enemies. Oh, think

On the great glory of devoted heroes, “ And let us emulate the godlike, flame, 6. That dignified the chiefs of Greece and Romel “ Souls greatly rais'd, above all partial bonds, “ Who knew, no tie, no happiness distinct, “ But made the gen’ral weal their only care. “ That was their aim, their hope, their pride, the end “ For which they labour'd, suffer’d, conquer'd, bled.

« Aud. Exalted, great incitement !

« Prince. What may happen, . “ Since none can say, prepare we for the worst. « Then, as a man whom I have lov'd and honour'd, “ Come to my arms, and take a kind farewell.

“[They embrace. « If we survive, we will again embrace, « And greet each other's everlasting fame : “ If not, with him whose justice never errs, “ Remains our fit reward. • Aud. You melt me, sir!

“ I thought my nature was above such weakness; “ But tears will out

“ Prince. They're no reproach to manhood; « But we've not leisure now for their indulgence.”

dud. True, glorious leader, to more active duties « The several functions of our souls are summon'd;" Safety and honour, liberty, renown, Hope's precious prospect, and possession's bliss, All that are great and lovely, urge together, The arm of valour in their dear defence.

Prince. And valour well shall answer the demand : Our foes, to wear the trophies of the day, Must wade thro’ blood to win them. “Heav'n can

tell “ How many souls may pay the fatal price, “ Or whose may be the lot.” If I fall, Say, Audley, to my father, to my country, Living they had my service-at my death, My pray’rs and wishes for eternal welfare.

Aud. Request not that, which, if the day be lost, I ne'er shall execute. I have to ask A favour, which I hope you'll not refuse.

Prince. Nothing that suits my Audley to solicit.

Aud. It is, that I may be the first to charge :
I think I can rely upon my courage
To set a good example.

Prince. Then be it so. And hark! [Trumpets. The troops approach. Audley, to your station.

Aud. Each upright form
Darting defiance, as they move, to France !

“ Where is the pow'r can cope with souls like these? « Resolv'd on conquest, or a glorious fate, “ Unmoveable as rocks they'll stand the torrent “Of rushing fury, and disdain to shrink; “ But let yon panting wasps discharge their stings, “ And then in clusters crush them.” [Trumpets.

Enter WARWICK, SALISBURY, CHANDOS, and other

Commanders. Parties of Soldiers appear between all the Wings, with Officers leading them, so seeming as if the whole Army was drawn up.

Prince. Countrymen,
We're here assembled for the toughest fight
That ever strain’d the force of English arms.
See yon wide field with glitt'ring numbers gay!
Vain of their strength, they challenge us for slaves,
And bid us yield, their pris’ners at discretion.
If there's an Englishman among ye all
Whose soul can basely truckle to such bondage,
Let him depart. For me, I swear, by Heav'n,
By my great father's soul, and by my fame,
My country ne'er shall pay a ransom for me!
Nor will I stoop to drag out life in bondage,
And take my pittance from a Frenchman's hands:
This I resolve, and hope brave countrymen,
Ye all resolve the same,

Sold. All, all “ resolve it.”
Sul. Conquest or death is ev'ry Briton's choice.
Prince. Oh, glorious choice! And know, my gal.

lant soldiers,