!l '. Book-. A ^ '^%-^ 2_ Gop)TigiitN'_. \q\3 COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. JACOB LEISLER STATUE OF JACOB LEISLER BY SOLON H. BORGLUM, PLACED IN THE GROUNDS OF THE HUGUENOT ASSOCIATION AT NEW ROCHELLE TO COMMEMORATE LEISLER' S GIFT OF LANDS TO THE FIRST SETTLERS OF THAT PLACE. JACOB LEISLER A PLAY OF OLD NEW YORK BY .J WILLIAM Oc BATES fFi'fA an Introductory Note by Mrs. Schuyler Van Rensselaer NEW YORK MITCHELL KENNERLEY MCMXIII ^^"U^^ .^t,^ COPYRIGHT, 1 9 13, BY MITCHELL KENNERLEY The Right of Stage Representation Is Reserved by the Author •©CI.A351312 To THE SOCIETY OF COLONIAL WARS FOUNDED TO PERPETUATE THE MEMORY OF THE FORBEARS OF AMERICAN FREEDOM AND UNITY IS DEDICATED THIS TRIBUTE TO THE MOST PICTURESQUE AND TRAGIC FIGURE IN ALL ITS LIST OF ANCESTORS INTRODUCTION By Mrs. Schuyler Van Rensselaer WHEN the story upon which an historical drama has been based is not familiar, the reader or hearer must wish to learn in how far it has been truthfully presented, in how far it has been altered by the dramatist. Of course, the interest and the value of the play depend, primarily, iiot upon its historical but upon its dramatic quali- ties; and as it is impossible, if only by reason of the immense complexity of real life, that any past hap- penings should without alteration fit perfectly into any dramatic scheme, the dramatist may omit much that history records and may also change incidents and modify characters. But changes too numerous or too radical outrage that respect for facts, that reverence for historical verity, which persists no mat- ter how willing we are to judge a play as a play. The true story, we feel, should not be contradicted in essentials; its spirit should not be travestied; its characters may be modified, but should not be meta- morphosed. vi Introduction The story of Jacob Leisler is not well known even in the city where it unrolled itself more than two hundred years ago. For long it was almost forgotten except by a few historians and antiquaries. Only in recent years has it been told in detail in print. Now it is being gradually recalled to mind, largely through the efforts of the City History Club of New York to spread, especially among our school children, a knowledge of our local history in all its phases. Yet to most of Mr. Bates's readers, I fear, his sub- ject-matter will be entirely new. They will be quite unable to compare his drama with the facts upon which he based it. Therefore he has asked me to aid them in doing so. But I need not write at much length or refer to many details, for the agreement between his facts and his drama is remarkably close. The records of the period which have been preserved are brief and in some parts fragmentary. This means that the need for selection, for omission, was less than is often the case with historical material. On the other hand, the tale as history tells it is so dramatic, and most of those who figure in it, even when we know little about them, are so sharply characterized and con- trasted, that the need for invention or for conspicuous modification was also small. No character in the drama has been invented ex- Introduction vil cepting Miss Livingston, who plays a prominent yet a secondary part — who adorns the scene, so to say, and agreeably brightens its atmosphere, without affecting the main trend of the action. In fitting this action for the stage Mr. Bates has necessarily brought certain incidents a little closer together in time. For the sake of dramatic emphasis he has given Leisler a more prominent part in the capture of the Fort and, later on, has given Governor Sloughter a more prominent part in its surrender by Leisler, than the one or the other really played. And, properly to develop the "love affair" which we expect to find important even when it is not the main theme of a ■play, he has assumed that Mary Leisler and Abraham Gouverneur were lovers in their youth and that Mary married her father's friend and contemporary, Jacob Milborne, against her will. History does not speak upon these points. It merely records Mary's mar- riage with Milborne and, years afterward, her mar- riage with Gouverneur. But. when we study all the records that bear upon their lives — when we see that the two young people must have been intimately asso- ciated before and at the time of the first marriage, when we read of Gouverneur's faithful friendship for Leisler's son and of his active devotion to Leisler's memory and to the interests of his family, and then read of the second marriage — it is difficult not to Vlll Introduction believe that the facts were as Mr. Bates has assumed them to be. They are so probable that we may well feel that he has divined rather than invented them. Inventions, however, are certain incidents which Mr. Bates thought essential for dramatic effect toward the end of his play. Nicholas Bayard did not suppress a reprieve for Leisler sent out by King William; and he could not have done so, for King William sent no reprieve. Nor did Bayard assume the sheriff's duty in taking charge of the execution. Moreover, history says nothing of fare- well scenes between Leisler and his family, though probably such scenes took place, and nothing of Leis- ler's peculiar affection for his little daughter, which adds to the grim tragedy a touch of poetic pa- thos. These, then, are the main alterations that the dramatist has worked in the theme with which his- tory supplied him. They do not in any way alter the general verity of his version. Judged as a whole, the play is, I think, a true picture of the place and the time, and also a collection of individual portraits as veracious as our scanty information permitted him to draw. There is due warrant for the portrait of Jacob Milborne, excepting, of course, as Mary Leis- ler's suitor. There is ample warrant for the portrait Introduction ix of Nicholas Bayard as the "villain" of the play, as the main agent, or, at least, as a main agent, in bringing about the death of Leisler and Milborne. And his character is but little darkened by the inci- dents that Mr. Bates has imagined. We can hardly doubt that, if the king had sent a reprieve, Bayard would, if possible, have suppressed it; or that he would gladly have put the rope himself about Leis- ler's neck. Leisler is a more complicated character. By dif- ferent hands he has been very variously portrayed. But after a long and thorough study of all the avail- able material relating to him and his actions, his friends and his enemies, I had framed in my own mind a figure very like the one that Mr. Bates shows us. I may add that Mr. Bates has done wisely in ignor- ing certain vague claims to honor that have been put forth for Leisler and Milborne by enthusiastic but uncritical hero-worshippers. A patriot, I believe with Mr. Bates, Jacob Leisler was, but certainly not in the sense acquired by the term after the middle of the eighteenth century. To call him, as he has been called, a "proto-martyr of the Revolution" is absurd. In the New York of the end of the seventeenth cen- tury there was no thought, there could be no thought, of achieving independence, of shaking off the control Introduction of the crown of England, The only question in dis- pute was, Who has the right to wear the crown and, therefore, the right to the loyalty of New York? Leisler and his friends made no stand, and wished to make no stand, against the government which had just acquired power in England; they merely labored to resist, in support of this government, the actual and possible claims to authority of the king it had dethroned. "Liberty" meant to them freedom from the yoke of the Stuarts. Moreover, a conscious risk- ing of life for conscience sake is needed to make a martyr, and nothing was farther from Leisler's mind than a thought that, by holding New York for William and Mary, he risked a condemnation for treason. Mr. Bates adheres closely to the truth in making devotion to William and Mary the main fact of Leisler's career, the leading motive in his policy, the guiding star of his conduct at every step. Whatever one may think of the wisdom of his course, no fair- minded student of the records can deny his unwaver- ing, passionate loyalty to the sovereigns who had over- thrown the despotic and "papistical" James. There- fore we may think him a most unfortunate patriot, a hapless victim, although not a martyr or, still less, a "proto-martyr of the Revolution." I hope, indeed, that Mr. Bates's drama may make Introduction xi the story of this remarkable American more familiar to the Americans of to-day and, by awakening their interest in one of the picturesque episodes in the colo- nial history of New York, may develop a more gen- eral and genuine interest in that history as a whole. M. G. Van Rensselaer. JACOB LEISLER Act I. The Bowling Green, late afternoon, May 31, 1689. Act XL The same scene, an autumn morning, 1689. Act hi. a Room in the Fort, the night of March 19, 1691. Act IV. (i) A Room in Colonel Bayard's house, the evening of May 14, 1691. (2) A Room in Leisler's farmhouse, early dawn. May 16, 1691. (3) Tableau: Beginning of a new day. Epilogue — Dutch garden of Van Cortlandt mansion, an autumn afternoon, 1695. CHARACTERS Jacob Leisler: First American Governor elected by the people. Jacob Leisler^ Jr. ['Cobus'] : His Son. Abraham Go.uverneur: Clerk of Leisler's Com- mittee of Safety. Jacob Milborne: Secretary of the Province under Leisler. JoosT Stoll: Ensign in Leisler's Train Band. Stephanus Van Cortlandt: Mayor and Member of the Andros Council. Sir Francis Nicholson : Lef tenant-Governor under Andros. Robert Livingston: Secretary for Indian Affairs under Andros. Col. Nicholas Bayard : Commander of the Militia and Member of the Andros Council. Frederick Philipse : Member of the Andros Coun- cil. William Nicolls : Attorney-General under Andros. Col. Henry Sloughter: Appointed Governor by William HL 3 4 Jacob Leisler Major Richard Ingoldsby : Captain of a Company of English Grenadiers sent with Sloughter. John Perry: Post-rider between New York and Boston. John Riggs: King William's Messenger. Pere Millet: A French Priest captured by Leisler. Peter: Col. Bayard's servant. Joanna Livingston: Sister of Robert Livingston. Alice Leisler: Wife of Jacob Leisler. Mary Leisler: His daughter. Francina: His 'baby.' Frau Stoll: Wife of Joost Stoll. Burghers, Artisans, Members of the Train Bands, English Soldiers, Sailors, Indians, an Old Lamplighter, Women and Children. JACOB LEISLER ACT I The Bowling Green and Fort, New York, late after- noon. May 31, i68g. Extending across the scene at the rear is the high earthwork wall of the Fort, in its centre the wide sallyport with heavy double gates swinging outward and held together within by a bar sliding in staples. Over the gates is a light arch bear- ing the insignia of James II, the letters 'J R' sur- mounted by a crown. There are small cannon on the wall, the muzzles turned toward you. In front on your left is Leislers house, its gable of checkered bricks fronting the street, its high stoop protected by a rail- ing in front and reached by several steps on each side, its ancient date indicated by sprawling wrought-iron figures under the stepped gable. At the right front is another quaint old house with dormer windows. Over the wall of the Fort may be seen the tops of the Governor s house, and of the church, with a glimpse of the bay and Narrows beyond. On the house cor- ners and suspended from the arch there are lanterns. First is heard the air of 'Lilliburlero,' then confused 15. 6 Jacob Leisler shouting, merging into the singing of this fateful his- toric song (see notes), during which Joost Stoll, a burly Dutch innkeeper, is seen coming from the right, while a red-coated sentinel paces back and forth in front of the sallyport. STOLL [^Pompously to a burgher who runs in from the left. Is not yon horseman beset by the mob John Perry, post-rider from Boston? BURGHER Aye, Ensign Stoll, and he brings great news — they of Boston have clapped Governor Andros in gaol. STOLL Bid him dismount and come hither to me! \The burgher obeys, the turmoil recommences, and Stoll preens himself until Perry appears, carrying his post-bag and surrounded by peo- ple who importune him — artisans bearing the implements of their trades, bare-headed shopkeepers, sailors, women, children, and an Indian or two. The crowd increases momen- tarily. Several wear bows of orange ribbon. Jacob Leisier 7 STOLL Stand fast, John Perry, and deliver me your news! I am Joost Stoll, Ensign of Captain Leisler's train band — Peace, fellows, while the post-rider purports me his message ! — Thou say est they of Boston have im- prisoned Sir Edmund Andros? PERRY Aye, just that. And Edward Randolph and others, his Councillors, with him. [The crowd cheers. STOLL Peace, peace, I tell ye! The Governor is certainly in gaol ? PERRY With my own eyes 1 saw him placed there. STOLL Then / say he is a rogue and a tyrant. CROWD Aye, aye, that he is. 8 Jacob Leisler STOLL And is it confirmed that the Prince of Orange hath surely come to England with his army? PERRY Aye, and King James fled away to France without striking a blow. CROWD Hip, hip, huzzay for the Prince of Orange! Huzzay for King William and Queen Mary! [There is a sudden hush as Van Cortlandt and Bayard appear from the right. Mayor Van Cortlandt is a middle-aged man, of elegant and courtly bearing and attire, suave and diplomatic, accustomed to command, an aristo- crat of aristocrats. He wears a periwig with flowing ringlets. Col. Bayard is a younger man, vivacious, imperious, and quick-tem- pered, fond of display, deferential to superiors, but haughty to inferiors. He wears the uni- form of a colonel of militia. VOICES Sh-h-h-h! Here comes Col. Bayard! Col. Bayard and Mayor Van Cortlandt! [The crowd falls back. Jacob Leisler BAYARD Now, now, fellows, who set on this disturbance — and wherefore ? STOLL Here is come John Perry, post-rider from Boston, Colonel, to say the inhabitants of those parts have put his Excellency in gaol. BAYARD You may speak, sirrah. PERRY It is even so, Col. Bayard. BAYARD Mayor Van Cortlandt, this seems serious. Stay you here and disperse the rabble, and I will bring Leften- ant-Governor Nicholson and our friends Philipse and Nicolls to confer with us. [He hurries away, right. VAN CORTLANDT Now, good friends, back to your workshops, your stores, and your ships! His Honor, the Lef tenant- 10 Jacob Leisler Governor, is coming to sift this extraordinary surprisal, and we must not anger him with any confusion. VOICES FROM THE CROWD Out upon Andros and King James, too ! Huzzay for the Prince of Orange! We are betrayed to the French ! VAN CORTLANDT [Busily but gently urging them away, right and left. Sh-h-h-h! Sh-h-h-h! Peace, peace, good fellows! No insolences ! No disorders ! We must not lend our ears to wild rumors. His Honor is coming — nothing scur- rilous! Ensign Stoll, your good frau is seeking you. Peter King, you have not finished my garden wall. Jacob Teller, is not your ship off for the Barbadoes to-day ? [To Ferry, who starts to go. Stay you here, Perry; his Honor would question you. \The crowd slowly disperses, grumbling and sullen. Bring you letters for Lef tenant-Governor Nicholson? PERRY [Offering letters. From Sir Edmund Andros himself. Jacob Leisler ii [Bayard returns with Nicholson, Philipse and Nicolls. Nicholson is a young man of parts, overburdened with a position beyond his ex- perience, vain and prone to rash decisions. He wears the uniform of a British colonel. Phil- ipse is aged, dignified, conservative, crafty. Nicolls is a spirited youth, proud of his legal lore, scholarship, and gallantry, and foppish in dress and demeanor. All wear wigs. VAN CORTLANDT [Handing letter to Nicholson. Sir Francis, here is matter for concern. NICHOLSON [To Perry, after a hasty glance over the letter. You had this from the hand of Sir Edmund Andros? PERRY No, your Honor; it comes by sufferance of Captain Winthrop. His Excellency hath not liberty of speech with any one. NICHOLSON Wherefore ? PERRY Because he is held an enemy to the Prince of Orange. 12 Jacob Leisler NICHOLSON You have declared such ill reports hereabouts? BAYARD Aye, that he hath, to the disordering of the rabble, which I have just dispersed. NICHOLSON [His sword point at Perry's breast. Hark ye, sirrah! His Majesty, King James, yet rules in this his Province of New York, and one word more of this Boston treason shall be your last. Now go, and await our packet to his Excellency! [Perry bows humblyj and disappears. Gentlemen, these rumors from England are bearing fruit. His Excellency writes that the malcontents of Boston have indeed shut him up in the Fort, and set up a government of their own. BAYARD Does he credit the report that the Prince of Orange hath invaded England? Jacob Leisler 13 NICHOLSON He fears it may be true — but not I. Why, the very 'prentice boys of London would drive him out should he land! VAN CORTLANDT Our burghers here in New York are less loyal — your Honor must have heard them but now cheering for the Prince of Orange. NICHOLSON That must be looked to. I shall rely upon you, Mayor Van Cortlandt, to keep the rabble quiet, and upon you. Col. Bayard, to have the train bands ready to put down open outbreak. PHILIPSE If your Honor will permit me, I think we should move with caution in this matter. If it should prove true that his Majesty hath fled to France, and that the French King doth intend war against England in his behalf, our burgher soldiery will prove but ill re- liance in King James's cause. NICHOLSON What say you to that, Col. Bayard? 14 Jacob Leisler BAYARD They are insubordinate of my authority, with many jealousies respecting the French and Indians. [^Robert Livingston and Miss Livingston ap- pear from the right. He is middle-aged, tall, arrogant, self-willed, and icily impertinent, a man of so much force he seldom condescends to be affable. His sister is a post-Elizabethan or, if you prefer, a proto-suffragette. NICHOLSON Nicolls, you are lately from Albany — ^what say they of the Indians? NICOLLS There are wild rumors afloat. Our Indians have been told Governor Andros hath plotted to betray them to the French. But Mr. Livingston, here, is but just come from the north with his sister. As Secretary of Indian Affairs, he can speak by the book. NICHOLSON Mr. Livingston, you visit New York in good season. Miss Livingston, I salute you. Have you heard the news? Jacob Leisler 15 [Livinffston bows formally to those present, while Nicolls goes to Miss Livinffston and ac- costs her gallantly. LIVINGSTON One must needs hear what Boston hath done when New York is buzzing it. But if the Prince of Orange hath gone into England with his parcel of rebels, let him see how he gets out again! He will come to the same end Monmouth did. MISS LIVINGSTON He will find there as good soldiers as he takes. NICHOLSON Bravely spoken, Miss Livington! \T^ Livingston. But where will our Indians stand in case of war with the French? LIVINGSTON Leave them to me, but look to your own rebellious burghers here! Every street-corner is a hustings for proclaiming treason to his Majesty. 1 6 Jacob Leisler NICHOLSON With his Excellency in gaol and but a handful of sol- diers to depend upon, I am sore perplexed. LIVINGSTON There are your train bands? NICHOLSON Made up of the rabble and insubordinate to Col. Bayard. LIVINGSTON But they follow their captains, do they not? Is there not some one of authority and influence with them ? NICHOLSON I know not. Col. Bayard, who among the officers of the train bands hath most their confidence? BAYARD Jacob Leisler, your Honor, their senior captain. NICHOLSON Oh, that Dutch boor, who refused to pay duty on his cargo of wines because Collector Plowman is a Cath- olic? Jacob Leisler 17 VAN CORTLANDT {Warmly. No Dutchman, Sir Francis, only a German, who came here from Frankfort as a soldier of the West India Company, so poor that he owed for his musket. But he married a rich widow, and now he hath houses and ships at command. NICHOLSON But will he help us uphold Governor Andros? BAYARD He may remember that his Excellency shut him up in gaol some years ago, when he and one Jacob Milborne had the Duke of York's priest. Dominie Van Rens- selaer, tried for heresy because they thought the Duke was trying to curtail 'the rights of the people.' LIVINGSTON Scant reason that. Col. Bayard! You were in gaol, too, for a similar reason, about that time. BAYARD I spoke for my class, Mr. Livingston, but not for the rabble, as this Leisler did. He is a dangerous fellow — I have myself heard him declare that the day will 1 8 Jacob Leisler come when the people — the common people — ^will rule themselves ! VAN CORTLANPT What say you, Sister Joanna? You are partial to these Leislers. MISS LIVINGSTON Perhaps if Col. Bayard's family had been driven from home, as was Captain Leisler's, he might have more toleration for Captain Leisler's Utopian dreams. Be- sides, if you wish to control the people, can you do better than choose a messenger they confide in? VAN CORTLANDT [Shakinff his finger gayly at her. Chop-logic, Joanna, and yet, for once, a woman speaks wisely. \To Nicholson. I have personal reasons for disliking the fellow — wt are distantly related, and he hath advantaged of me in business matters. Moreover, he is of rude speech and swears like a pirate, in spite of his piety; but if he may be won over, it will go far towards keeping the people in order. Jacob Leisler 19 PHILIPSE I have had dealings with this man, your Honor. He is of good repute as a merchant, and hath especial in- fluence with the Huguenots, whom he hath befriended and whose language he speaks. BAYARD Aye, truly, and cunning of hand in graving upon gold and silver — a j ack-of- all-trades — except gentility ! NICHOLSON Where can he be come at? VAN CORTLANDT \Indicating Leisler s house. He should be at home at this hour. NICHOLSON. Col. Bayard, will you ask his attendance upon us? BAYARD I beg your Honor's indulgence, but Capt. Leisler hath shown me such disrespect that I fear I should be but an ill messenger. 20 Jacob Leisler NICHOLSON Mr. NicoUs, if Miss Livingston can spare you for his Majesty's service a moment, I pray you summon Capt. Leisler hither. NICOLLS [Bowing low to Miss Livingston. I trust his Majesty will appreciate my sacrifice. \He goes to Leisler s house, and knocks upon the door. Frau Leisler opens its upper half. Nicolls makes her an over-elaborate how, and asks, with exaggerated courtesy: Do I address Frau Leisler? ■I FRAU LEISLER {Emerging upon the stoop, with repeated curt- seys, troubled and confused. Oh, yes, your vi^orship, I am Frau Leisler. NICOLLS Then, may I make so bold as to inquire if Captain Leisler is within? FRAU LEISLER Yes, yes, he is at home. Jacob Leisler 21 NICOLLS [With more bows. I am profoundly sorry to trouble you, Frau Leisler, but you will place me under eternal obligation, Frau Leisler, if you will inform Capt. Leisler that his Honor, Lef tenant-Governor Nicholson, craves the boon of present speech with him, Frau Leisler. FRAU LEISLER [Bewildered and apprehensive. Is there some troubles? He will pay the duty on his wines, yes — he has the money, yes — but when another Collector is appointed, yes. NICOLLS I do humbly beg leave to assure you, Frau Leisler, in foro conscientice, that his Honor merely wishes to avail himself of the inestimable advantage of the counsel and assistance of your worthy husband on a matter of State. Believe me, Frau Leisler, non latet anguis in herba, Frau Leisler. [Jacob Leisler suddenly steps from the door. He is of robust figure, formidable and austere visage, carelessly dressed, a forceful and iras- cible personage, but with an underlying sug- 22 Jacob Leisler gestion of ffrim humor and deep feeling. He speaks explosively, with a pronounced German accent. LEISLER You want tne ? NICOLLS [His manner changing to real deference. Yes, Captain Leisler, his Honor wishes to see you. \^He returns to Miss Livingston. LEISLER [To Frau Leisler, pointing over his shoulder with his thumb. Herein ! [She goes quickly into the house, and Leisler descends to Nicholson. Well Sir? NICHOLSON [ Conciliatingly. Capt. Leisler, ill news hath just reached me from Gov- ernor Andros ; they of Boston have shut him up in the fort, and we of his Council here wish your advice as to how our own people may best be kept in peace and quietness. LEISLER Ygu wish my advice? Jacob Leisler 23 NICHOLSON Yes. LEISLER How to make peace and quietness for these people? NICHOLSON [Eagerly. Yes, Captain Leisler. \All turn towards Leisler in expectation. LEISLER Then my advice is that you go to Boston, too — all of you. {They recoil in anger. BAYARD Captain Leisler, this insufferable insolence to his Honor PHILIPSE Softly, softly, Col. Bayard! Capt. Leisler, you are a merchant of large holdings, a deacon in the church, and a man to whom your fellow burghers look for wise and calm counsel in these troublous times. Surely you can suggest some prudent way for allaying the disorders of the town? 24 Jacob Leisler LEISLER [Quietly. Yes, there is another way — a better way. NICHOLSON [Anxiously. And that is? LEISLER That you proclaim William and Mary King and Queen here, as they have been proclaimed in Eng- land, and [pointing to insignia over the gates'\ tear down that Jacobite sign over the sallyport. NICHOLSON [Losing control of himself. Never, Sir, never ! [He takes a document from his pocket and shakes it at Leisler. There is my commission, signed by his sacred Majesty, King James — I will stand or fall by that. LEISLER Is it countersigned by Louis XIV? Jacob Leisler 25 VAN CORTLANDT [Mildly. We are all loyal Englishmen here, Capt. Leisler. LEISLER Ach, so! But 'we all' uphold Louis's Jacobite King, and [indicating Nicholson] his Honor did command a regiment of Irish Papists, and keeps in office the Papist Collector Plowman, and [indicating Van Cort- landt] our two-faced Mayor [illustrating] throws his periwig into the air when the Catholic Prince of Wales is born. NICHOLSON [Passionately. Whomever I did command, I will sooner set the town on fire than be commanded by such as you. Gentle- men, return you to the council chamber to con- sider this matter ! Mayor Van Cortlandt, do you sum- mon the aldermen, members of the common council, and military officers to meet us there! Col. Bayard, you will come with me to the Fort to make that se- cure, Mr. Livingston, we shall expect you. [Leisler whirls upon his heel and goes to his doorway. You see. Captain Leisler, we are not going to Boston^- n 1 — j ust — y et! 26 Jacob Leisler LEISLER Well, don't go to Boston — go to hell! [Leisler disappears into his doorway; after a moment of consternationj Nicholson waves his hand imperiously, and darts into the Fort, fol- lowed by Bayard, while Van Cortlandt hur- ries out left, and Philipse and Nicolls right. LIVINGSTON If I commanded here, that German boor would go to gaol. MISS LIVINGSTON Quite so, brother! And if he commanded here, you would go to — Boston. LIVINGSTON His insolence to his Honor passeth patience. MISS LIVINGSTON Was it worse in kind than that of Mr. Nicolls to poor Frau Leisler? LIVINGSTON Joanna, I understand not your tolerance for these Leislers. They are enemies to his Majesty, and un- worthy of your condescension. Jacob Leisler 27 MISS LIVINGSTON [Curtseyinff. Capt. Leisler's pretty daughter hath flattering rever- ence for that great lady your sister — 'Jacobite' though she be. LIVINGSTON And Capt. Leisler's pretty son hath even more flatter- ing reverence, I hear. MISS LIVINGSTON Oh, *a cat may look at a king.' Besides, the youth hath better manners than his father. Moreover, if he had not pulled me out of the Hudson when my canoe upset, you might have been at expense for a spreading tablet recounting my many amiable qualities and un- timely end. l^Mary Leisler and Abraham Gouverneur saun- ter in, close together, from the left. They are prepossessing young people, of about the same age. LIVINGSTON One word had sufiiced for thy epitaph — Vixen!' But his Honor awaits me, and so I leave you to your Dutch friends. [He strides off right. 28 Jacob Leisler MISS LIVINGSTON Come hither, Mary Leisler, and give an account of yourself ! MARY [Goinff shyly to Miss Livingston^ and kissing her extended hand. It hath been long, Madam, since you favored these parts with your gracious presence. MISS LIVINGSTON [Kissing Mary affectionately on both cheeks. The longer to me, child, that it hath hid thy pretty face from me. But, come now, who is this jonkheer who casts such worshipful eyes at Mary Leisler's feet ? MARY No jonkheer, Madam, but a Huguenot refugee my father hath befriended. He hath much schooling, knoweth all three languages perfectly, and writes tnost clerkly. MISS LIVINGSTON And, if I mistake not, he hath some lore in reading a maid's eyes. Jacob Leisler 29 MARY May I present him to you, Madam ? MISS LIVINGSTON Surely. MARY [To Abraham, who has lingered afar. Abraham Gouverneur, you may approach and pay your respects to Miss Livingston. [He comes and makes a low bow. MISS LIVINGSTON I am told, Sir, you are a subject of Louis XIV? GOUVERNEUR Then, Madam, you have been misinformed — not of Louis, but of William and Mary. MISS LIVINGSTON So you are resolved to be a rebel, whether at home or abroad? GOUVERNEUR Madam, when kings conspire, they should remember their subjects look to them for example. 30 Jacob Leisler MISS LIVINGSTON Shall the clay presume to judge the potter's hand? GOUVERNEUR The clay is God's clay, and the hand that fashions it oweth like fealty to God. MISS LIVINGSTON Master Gouverneur, the head that gendereth a wit so nimble too well becomes your shoulders to risk it for this Dutch William, and as {indicating Mary] for your Queen Mary, I think she standeth here. GOUVERNEUR Amen to that last, Madam! MISS LIVINGSTON And now, Sir, if you will pardon us, I would have a word with this same maid. [Gouverneur bows and retreats. Remember, Mary needeth your head more than Wil- liam! GOUVERNEUR Madam, it belongs to both. \He bows himself out, left. Jacob Leisler 31 MISS LIVINGSTON Child, child, we are fallen upon troublous times. Here was your father but now, telling the Leftenant- Governor and all the rest of us to go to Boston, where they have imprisoned his Excellency, and [with an imitation of Leisler s manner^ he finally consigned us to an even worse place, while here comes this comely youth with his glib treason. The town seems to have gone mad. [Her hands upon Mary's shoulders. Are you, too, a traitor to his Majesty? MARY Miadam, I know little of such matters. MISS LIVINGSTON And your brother, Cobus, he also holdeth for the Prince of Orange, I dare be sworn? [Jacob Leisler, Jr., comes gayly in from the right. He is modish in attire, and courtly in bearing, the antithesis of his father. MARY I think he doth. But here he is — tax him for your- .self! 32 Jacob Leisler MISS LIVINGSTOJSr [Holding out her hand to Cobus. Well, Sir, where is your bow of orange ribbon? COBUS [As he kisses her hand. Madam, the very sky has turned from Stuart-white to the golden glow that heralds a new day. [An allusion to the sunset light that now floods the scene. MISS LIVINGSTON Say rather that heralds the night of turmoil and dis- order ! MARY Token that my mother hath need of me. Cobus, you will escort Miss Livingston to Mayor Van Cortlandt's. You are guests of your brother-in-law, are you not ? MISS LIVINGSTON Yes, child. Come to me there to-morrow [kissing her] and do your endeavor to keep Master Abraham's head on his shoulders! MARY Madam, I will. [She runs into the house. Jacob Leisler 33 MISS LIVINGSTON You saved my life once, Master Cobus; I would do you like service now — keep you clear of this Dutch plot! COBUS My life is of small worth weighed against your dis- favor — and yet I may best serve you by being disloyal to you in this. MISS LIVINGSTON Speak not of disloyalty to me, — it is your King who hath right to your allegiance. YSweetly, And yet, if you really care what I think COBUS How should a man without honor hope for grace at honor's shrine? MISS LIVINGSTON Words, words, words — it is ever the man's way to cajole us with words. Now, if I were a man COBUS If you were a man you would not tempt a poor deni- zen of earth with vision of Elysium. 34 Jacob Leisler MISS LIVINGSTON Master Leisler, I like better your father's sincere pro- fanity than your profane sincerity. [She starts away haughtily. COBUS ^Following her. Miss Livingston's censure is more precious than an- other's praise. MISS LIVINGSTON Will you have done, Sir! So many sv^eetmeats w^ill spoil my relish for Madam Van Cortlandt's supper. [They disappear right, still wrangling. The scene has been growing dark, and is now left vacant a moment until the old lamplighter appears and proceeds to light the lanterns. As he goes out, Fran Stoll, a child clinging to her skirts, comes from the left. FRAU STOLL [Looking about her. Oh, that wander-foot, Joost Stoll — he hath been over- loopen the town the whole blessed afternoon, and me with the inn to keep, and the bar to tend, and the chil- Jacob Leisler 35 dren to look after. God pity a poor wife who hath a pot-house politician for a husband! [Stall is heard singing 'Lilliburlero.' There he is now — drunk as usual! [Shaking her fist. Oh, you villain, you sot — wait until I get my hands on you! STOLL [As he zig-zags in from the right — not per- ceiving his wife. Whoop, huzzay for King Mary and Queen William! Who's 'fraid of ol' Andros, or oF King James, or ol' 'ristocrats ? [Sings: 'Orange boven, de witten onder; Die't anders meend, die staat der donder.' {'The orange goes up and the white under; Who says not so shall be shot, by thunder!^) FRAU STOLL [In a terrible voice. Joost Stoll! STOLL [Startledj his rampant manner changing to wheedling conciliation. Oh, zere's my li'l gode vrouw, Elishamet! 36 Jacob Leisler [Chuckinff her under the chin. Been lookin' for you everywherej Elishamet. FRAU STOLL Yes, everywhere — except at home, where I belong, and where I stay. STOLL [With conviction. Ach, donder! Zha's rhi' — nev' thought of zhat! FRAU STOLL [Seizing him by the ar?n. Now, Sir, I want to know what you have been doing, and how it comes you are drunk so early? STOLL [Proudly. Been savin' country. Had ol' Andros shut up in Bos- ton, and kept ol' Nicholson from settin' town on fire. FRAU STOLL Looks more like you'd been trying to set the town on fire yourself. Jacob Leisler 37 STOLL Awful battle at the Broadway Gate, but / saved it, an' now I'm goin' to take train bands up the river to fight ol' French King an' his Indians, [Confused voices are heard outside. Zere zey come now. \Seeking to disengage his wife's hold. Mus' go meet French. FRAU STOLL [Resolutely. No, you'll go meet your children — if you have the face to. STOLL [His hand on the child's head. Does de moeder wan' ol' French King to scalp poor li'l' Joost StoU's Elishamet's Annetje? FRAU STOLL. [Dragging him away. You come along home with me, and see who's scalped when I get you there ! [They all go away left, while the noise and shouting of the crowd are heard from the op- posite direction. Then Stoll darts back. 38 Jacob Leisler STOLL Hip, whoop, huzzay for Joost Stoll, an' down with all 'ristocra.s an' Indians! [ He makes a corkscrew flight j and has almost escaped, when Frau Stoll bounces in again. FRAU STOLL Joost Stoll, come back here! [^The roll of a drum is heard. STOLL Mus' go save country. Don't you hear country callin' me? FFAU STOLL Don't you hear me calling you? Stoll [Meandering toward her with drunken dignity. Ja, ja, li'l' goede vrouw Elishamet, I'm comin' home — straight. FRAU STOLL [Grabs him. No, you're not coming home 'straight' — but you're coming straight home! [She leads him away once more. Jacob Leisler 39 SHOUTS Leisler, Leisler! Make Leisler come! Capt. Leis- ler's the man to lead us. [The crozudj led by Gouverneur, szuanns in from the right — sailors, mernhers of the train hands carrying muskets, burghers bearing lan- terns and torches, etc. They surround Leis- ter's door, and continue their calls for him. CROWD Leisler, Leisler, Leisler! Leisler shall lead us! Leisler wouldn't pay duty to a Papist collector. GOUVERNEUR Now, then, everybody — hip, hip, huzzay for King William and Jacob Leisler! CROWD Hip, hip, huzzay for King William and Jacob Leisler ! \Francina, in night-dress, holding a lighted candle, comes out upon the stoop. She is frightened by the tumult and laughter until Leisler takes her up in his arms and raises his hand for quiet. 40 Jacob Leisler LEISLER Maybe I am mistake', but I thought I heard some- body call for Jacob Leisler? Well, I am here. You want to hang me, eh ? LAUGHTER AND VOICES No, hang Nicholson and King James! We want you to lead us. We don't want the town burnt and our throats cut. LEISLER But what's the matter? GOUVERNEUR The case standeth thus. Captain Leisler: This afters noon Leftenant Cuyler, in command of Captain De Peyster's train band in the Fort, was censured by Lef- tenant-Governor Nicholson for placing a sentinel at the eastward sallyport. And when Leftenant Cuyler would explain, his Honor called him a rogue, threat- ened to burn the town and turned the guns of the Fort upon us. CROWD He holds the Fort for King James ! Down with him ! Are you for King William? Jacob Leisler 41 LEISLER My friends, I saw that Prince of Orange once — when he was a boy — and I have loved him ever since. He is God's King, because he stands for liberty to worship God and serve Him in freedom from tyranny. A VOICE What did King James ever do for New York ? [Frau Leisler and Mary come out to learn the cause of the tumult. LEISLER [Handing the child to her mother. I will tell you, my friend, what that King James did for New York. When he was the Duke of York, he let us tax ourselves and make our own laws. That was the easiest way to get our money. But when he became King already, he took away our General As- sembly 'because no other Province had one,' and he was afraid he had been too good to us. [Laughter and applause. When he was the Duke of York, we had a governor and a government of our own. When he became the great King James, he made us tail to the Boston kite, 42 Jacob Leisler carried off our records to Boston, and sent a Gover- nor to rule us from Boston, with a leftenant here to make us take the medicine Boston sent us. [A roar of approbation. When he was the Duke of York, only my friend, Jacob Milborne, and I had to go to prison to worship God in freedom. But when he became King we must all go to mass. And now that he is gone to Paris, his good friend. King Louis, has promised to send over an army to carry all the Huguenots back to France and drive all the rest of us into the woods. How you like that, eh ? [The crowd answers with a torrent of dissent, cries of 'No, no, no!' banging of musket-butts, and waving of torches and swords. Leisler, stilling the uproar, goes on: My friends, when things get so bad as they can be, then men cry to God and God sends relief. When the men of England found the great King James deter- mined to rule by the sword, when he had cut off Mon- mouth's head, and sent the bishops to the Tower, then they cried out to that Prince of Orange over the water. They thought the Stadtholder who had opened the Amsterdam dykes and saved the Netherlands from Louis XIV was just the King to save England from that Louis XIV. And that grandson of William the Silent, Founder of the Dutch Republic, he has come Jacob Leisler 43 to England to save England from Louis and the Pope. Will you help him? CROWD [With a roar. Aye, aye, aye ! William and Mary for England ! Wil- liam and Mary for New York! \^Van Cortlandt and Bayard appear on the out- skirts of the crowd at the right, and observe the proceedings disdainfully. LEISLER But, my friends, we have here in New York some people who say they are loyal citizens — and uphold King James; who say they would defend New York against Louis — but refuse to proclaim William. [Pointing suddenly to the newcomers. And there stand two of them now! [Hostile murmur from the crowd. BAYARD Will Captain Leisler permit me to ask who appointed him judge of those w-ho govern New York? LEISLER God has appointed every citizen of New York the judge of those who govern New York^ 44 Jacob Leisler BAYARD No, Captain Leisler. God makes it the duty of every loyal citizen and good Christian to submit to the pow- ers that be. You, Captain Leisler, and you, good people, are treading upon dangerous ground — ground that may well lead to the gaol and the scaffold — when you set yourselves up to say who has right to the throne of England, when you condemn his Majesty's officers because they are not swift to hail his successor. If, indeed, the Prince of Orange has become King, we who represent England here will proclaim him in due season. [With stern authority. Meanwhile, as Colonel of his Majesty's militia, I or- der all members of the train bands here present to come out of this rabble and help me disperse it. VAN CORTLANDT As Mayor of the city, I counsel and command you to return quietly to your homes and cease riotous med- dling with what does not concern you. [There is a pause, but nobody budges. LEISLER Well, my friends, you have heard the command of King James's Colonel and King James's Mayor, and Jacob Leisler 45 you have been warned about King James's gaol and scaffold. Why don't you disperse? Are you waiting for King James himself to come over from France and tell you to go home? [Lauffhter. Sometimes, when there was some little question he did not care to bother his head over, the great King James let us take a vote. So many of you as hold for King William, say 'Aye.' CROWD [With a mighty roar. Aye! LEISLER Those for King James say 'No.' \A dead silence ensues. The 'Ayes' seetn to have it. [Laughter. BAYARD Bah! What does a rabble's 'vote' signify? LEISLER So much, Nicholas Bayard, that the kings of days to come will sit up all night in fear and trembling to find out how 'the rabble' has voted. 46 Jacob Leisler BAYARD [In a fury. This is treason, Captain Leisler. Leftenant-Governor Nicholson shall hear of it. You shall swing from the Fort gibbet! LEISLER Better men have swung in a worse cause, Nicholas. But, my friends, have you nothing to say about this Leftenant-Governor Nicholson, who is to hang me from the Fort gibbet? Who declares to me he will live and die by his commission from King James? Who turns the guns of the Fort upon the town when you try to put a Protestant garrison there? Do you think King Williams Fort should be held by King William's enemies? CROWD [In fervent ensemble. No! LEISLER Then why don't you take that Fort and hold it for William and Mary? GOUVERNEUR That's just what we're going to do, and we want you irr\ l^irfl lie to lead us. Jacob Leisler 47 CROWD Aye, aye ! We want you to lead us. That's what we came for. LEISLER [Drawing back. Ah, sacaramund, no, no, no — you don't want old Jacob Leisler. He is not educate' or [viewing himself rue- fully^ good to look at. He is only a very plain man — just like you. [Pointing out persons in the crowd. Why not Captain De Peyster, or Captain Lodowick, or Peter De La Noy ? I will follow any of them with you. .CRQWD No, no, no — we want you! You wouldn't pay duty to a Papist. You went to prison with Milborne. You're not afraid of Nichplson. LEISLER No, my friends, old Jacob Leisler does not care for his life when he can serve God and his country. [Putting aside his wife and daughter, who seek to detain him, he rushes down to take com- mand of the crowd. And so— if it must be — come on! We will take the 48 Jacob Leisler Fort, and may God help us to keep it for King Wil- liam and the people of New York! [The people cheer wildly, and gather behind Leisler, ready to follow him. Mary, bring me my sword! [Mary goes quickly into the house. Captain Lodowick, go you with a guard to Leftenant- Governor Nicholson, at the Stadt Haus, and demand the keys of the Fort! Take no refusal! [Indicating Van Cortlandt and Bayard] And take these gentlemen with you to tell His Honor whence comes your author- ity, and how the people have voted on King William! [Several militiamen swiftly surround Van Cort- landt and Bayard, and hurry them, resisting, away. Bayard, trying to draw his sword, has it taken from him. BAYARD This is an outrage, Captain Leisler! LEISLER Oh, no, Nicholas — only an escort! [The guard rushes Van Cortlandt and Bayard away, right. Mary comes back, bringing Leis- ler s hat and sword, with which she invests Jacob Leisler 49 him. He kisses her and waves adieu to Frau Leisler, who goes, with Francina, into the house in tears. LEISLER Abraham, stay you here to look after my family! [Drawing his sword and pointing to gates. Now, my friends, over the wall, unbar the gates, and down with that Jacobite sign ! \The militiamen cheer and rush for the gates, with roll of drums and brandishing of weapons and torches. The sentinel fires off his musket and runs away. A burgher with a rope scales the arch over the gates, and loops one end of it over the insignia of King James at its sum- mit, throwing the other to his fellows below, who, with a pull all together, bring it clatter- ing to the ground — a precedent for the pa- triots of a hundred years later, who similarly roped down the statue of George HI on this spot. Meanwhile other militiamen have scaled the gates, and after a brief clash of swords and the firing of a shot or two, the gates are thrown open and the others pour in, singing, ^Lilliburlero.' Leisler, who has remained without, directing the assault, now closes the 50 Jacob Leisler gates, and, after posting a sentinel outside thetUj waves a triumphant greeting to Gouver- neur and Mary, and disappears within the gates. Gouverneur holds out his arms to Mary, and, after a moment's pause, they meet and clasp hands. ACT II The scene is the same as that of Act I, but the in- signia of King James over the gates of the Fort has given place to that of William and Mary, and the muzzles of the cannon have been turned toward the bay. The time is an autumn morning of i68g. A militia sentinel is discovered pacing back and forth across the closed gates of the sallyport. Several chil- dren are passing j single file, from right to left, with small hand-barrows and baskets containing stones. Mary Leisler comes from the house in semi-military dress. MARY Company, attention! Halt! [The children stop. Break ranks! [The children leave their barrows and crowd about her. Little soldiers of King William, do you know how many loads of stones you have brought to repair his Fort to-day? One hundred loads. Isn't that fine, and won't he be the proud King when he hears how his dear children serve him? 51 52 Jacob Leisler CHILDREN Huzzay for King William and Captain Mary Leisler! [They join hands and dance about Mary, sing- ing: 'King William is King James's son, And from a royal race is sprung. Upon his breast he wears a star, As he rides away to his country's war.' MARY I [Laughingly interrupting. No, no, no, that's an old Jacobite song! CHILDREN [Dancing and singing to the air of 'Lillibur- lerof 'King William's soldiers merry are we, Lilliburlero bullen a la, Building his Fort for Captain Marie, Lilliburlero bullen a la. Lero, lero, lilliburlero, lilliburlero bullen a la, Lero, lero, lilliburlero, lilliburlero bullen a la.' COBUS [Behind gates. Halt! Jacob Leisler 53 [ Crash of musket-butts on the ground. Unbar the gates! MARY The big soldiers are coming, and we must not block the way. Attention! [ The children spring bach to their places at the barrows. Forward march ! {The children go out left, single file. The gates are thrown open, disclosing a squad of militiamen drawn up in line across the gate- way. The sentinel presents arms, as Cobus marches up to his sister and gives her a mili- tary salute. He is in uniform, and tucked into his sword-belt is a document. MARY Good morning, Leftenant Cobus. Is your escort for Master Riggs, King William's messenger? COBUS No, Gouverneur hath been sent to Col. Bayarrl's house to bring Master Riggs hither. I am for the Broad Way to honor the arrival of father's old friend, Jacob Milborne, expected from Albany. 54 Jacob Leisler MARY Who is he, this Jacob Milborne? COBUS A very godly and instructed man, some time of these parts, but of late years much in England, where he affiliated with the Puritans. MARY Alackaday, how solemn! I'm sure I shan't like him! COBUS Your liking or disliking, Mistress, will be small mat- ter to him. If he joins with us, as father hopes he may, he will have weightier matters to consider than a maid's fancy. Besides, he is a middle-aged widower, who hath long since put frivolity by. MARY And your long face this morning would seem to say that you, too, have turned Puritan. COBUS [Touching the document at his belt. I have that here which makes me wish myself behind prison doors. Jacob Leisler 55 MARY Another warrant of arrest for some one we know ? COBUS [Low. For Eobert Livingston! MARY Poor Cobus! I pray God Master Riggs brings King William's warrant for all our father hath done as Commander-in-Chief of this perturbed Province. COBUS And yet I misdoubt the report Leftenant-Governor Nicholson gave the King when he fled away to Eng- land. [Miss Livingston comes gayly from the right. MISS LIVINGSTON Do I intrude upon a council of war? Yes, I see by your looks I do. Well, the least you can do is to arrest me — most of the decent people are in gaol. COBUS Madam, your presence there would make that insti- tution altogether too popular. ^6 Jacob Leisler MARY He was just saying some of his duties make him wish himself behind prison bars. MISS LIVINGSTON Be patient! King James is already back in Ireland, and as soon as he reaches Whitehall your wish may be granted. COBUS But, alas. Madam, the decree that put me in gaol would liberate you! [Miss Livingston tiptoes right and left, making pretence of seeing whether anyone is listening; then, taking Mary by one hand, and Cobus by the other, she leads them a step or so for- ward, and asks with mock concern: MISS LIVINGSTON Tell me, now, who is to be the next unwilling guest of the Herr Commander-in-Chief? COBUS Would you convict me of treason to King William as well as to King James? Jacob Leisler 57 MISS LIVINGSTON [Snatching the document from his belt and dancing off with it. Nay, nay, this will suffice! [Eluding the pursuit of Cobus, as she opens and glances over the document. 'Warrant of arrest for Robert Livingston.' 'Failure to pay taxes.' 'Jacobite!' 'Hath spoken disrespectful of the Herr Commander-in-Chief Leisler and of the Herr Prince of Orange.' [She returns the paper to Cobus with a low curtsey. That he hath, I dare be sworn, for he speaks disre- spectful of everybody — and pays taxes to no one. COBUS [Confused and distressed. Madam, I beg you to believe that I shall find it very difficult and distressing to apprehend your brother. MISS LIVINGSTON So you will, i' faith, for he is well on his way to Hart- ford — somewhat beyond the Herr Leisler's jurisdic- tion, I take it. 58 Jacob Leisler COBUS I am heartily glad to hear it. MISS LIVINGSTON" But you can arrest me — I am for King James, whether my brother is or not. [^She sings to the air of 'When the King Enjoys His Own Again {see notes) : 'Still will I wait till the waters abate which most dis- turb my troubled brain, For I'll never rejoice till I hear that voice, that the King comes home in peace again.' COBUS If I could imprison your will, as well as your person, that Jacobite ditty should be my justification. {^Drawing his sword he salutes her; then to militiamen : Attention! By the double file, march! YCobus fnarches his squad off right. The sen- tinel closes the gates. MISS LIVINGSTON [Calling after him. Commend me to my brother — when you catch him! [Comes to Mary and embraces her. Jacob Leisler 59 Child, child, I could die of laughter at all this military masquerading, if it had not such serious import for my little Mary — and those dear to her. MARY But, Madam, King William must needs hold for them who hold for him. My father hath had him pro- claimed, and governs the Province in his name. MISS LIVINGSTON •King William, King William,'— a fig for 'King Wil- liam' ! He is but the creature of the disaffected nobles and gentry of England, and, even should he vuin, it is they w^ho vv^ill govern England and this Province of New York. '[Jacob Milborne stalks solemnly in from the left. He is in Puritan dress and of austere mien. The Prince of Orange is no republican, nor fanatic, neither, — but, I'll warrant, here comes one who is both! MILBORNE \With grave deliberation and impressiveness. I am seeking one Jacob Leisler. 6o Jacob Leisler MISS LIVINGSTON [Makinff him an exaggerated curtsey and speaking in mocking imitation of his manner. \ Seek, and ye shall find ! And if 'one' Jacob Leisler is ' not enough, you may have two. Which seek ye, Brother Barebones, the father or the son? MILBORNE [Offended. I would have speech with the Commander-in-Chief of this Province. MISS LIVINGSTON Alas, brother, Sir Edmund Andros is still in Boston gaol, and Leftenant-Governor Nicholson is in Eng- land. MILBORNE And well would it be if every son of Belial and daugh- ter of Jezebel were with them. MISS LIVINGSTON [Folding her hands upon her breast, closing her eyes, and making him a profound reverence. Verily, verily, Brother Barebones, most of those you| allude to would hold either England or gaol the fairer residence — just now. Jacob Leisler 6i MILBORNE 'Miscall me not! I am Jacob Milborne, and I had expected other entertainment than bandying words with a mocker of holy speech. MARY Oh, if you are Master Milborne, my father hath sent my brother with an escort to greet you. MILBORNE Thou art daughter to the Commander-in-Chief of the larmy of Israel? MARY I am Mary Leisler. MILBORNE [Extending his hand. I am gratified to see thee, Mary, — though I had not thought to meet thee in such company. MISS LIVINGSTON Be comforted, Brother Barebones; there is going to be an immediate separation of the sheep and the goats ! \She whispers in Mary^s ear, then lilts away right, and, turning, calls hack to her: 62 Jacob Leisler Daughter of Israel, tell Fath'er Esau to look well toj his birthright — here's Jacob come back! jj [JVith which parting shot she vanishes. MILBORNE \Pointing solemnly after her. Of such was she who danced before Herod and she who betrayed Samson! MARY I pray you, judge her not too harshly! Her sprightlyj tongue outruns her kindly heart, and, indeed, mj father hath treated her people with severity. MILBORNE *Woe to the crown of pride, woe to the drunkards oi Ephraim!' MARY [Starting to go. I will tell my father you are here. Sir. MILBORNE Nay, Mary, I would have further speech with thee Send yon sentinel to summon thy father ! {^Mary speaks to sentinelj who goes out by the gates. Milborne lays his hand upon Mary's shoulder. \ Jacob Leisler 63 I am pleased to see by thy attire that thou art indeed a true daughter of Israel in this great struggle against the Philistines. MARY 1 [Gently evading his touch. [ should not be a true daughter of my father were I ^ot ready to give even my life for King William. MILBORNE light bravely spoken, Mary! [Significantly'] And he chance to make thy life of great and peculiar serv- :e to the King's cause may be nearer than thou hinkest. MARY /ly brother tells me you are lately from England. MILBORNE is even so. With my own eyes I saw how the rince of Orange spared his wicked father-in-law, even 5 David spared Saul, and was welcomed and crowned, ;^en as the tribes of Israel crowned David. MARY tod grant that King William frees New York as he as freed old England! 64 Jacob Leisler MILBORNE Amen to that! But King William is far from thi^ poor Province, and surrounded by great ones who holt it in contempt, a plaything for their pleasure. [The gates fly open to Leisler, who rushes td Milborne, holding out both hands. LEISLER Ach, my friend, God has sent you to help me! [The sentinel closes the gates. MILBORNE Even as He commanded Aaron to go into the w^ilder- ness to meet Moses. LEISLER Go tell mother Jacob is here! [Mary enters the house. MILBORNE . ll As was Rebekah, daughter of Bethuel, thy Mary is! fair to look upon. ' : LEISLER A good girl — like her mother. [His hands upon Milborne's shoulders. Jacob Leisler 65 ind now, Jacob, listen to me ! The people have made le Commander-in-Chief — all but they of Albany, [ou shall go to Albany for me. I MILBORNE ferhaps. What else? LEISLER have had William and Mary proclaimed. I have put leir enemies in gaol. I have made the Fort ready to ight the French. I have called a congress of all the lolonies to raise an army to go against Canada — just ^ William the Silent called a congress of the Nether- md Provinces to fight the Spanish a hundred years ro. MILBORNE doubt whether this William will like the liberty )u take in following his grandfather's example. LEISLER T^hy should the King of England not like to have le call a congress to fight for him? MILBORNE ecause the next congress of these Colonies may be died to fight against him. 66 Jacob Leisler LEISLER What I have done was for King William. MILBORNE And what has King William done for you? LEISLER % I don't know, Jacob. But his messenger is even no at Col. Bayard's house. I have sent for him. MILBORNE Nicholson has misrepresented you to the King as i ambitious and reckless usurper. Has he had you side of the story? LEISLER Ach, ya, ya, ya! Long ago I sent him a letter, wit all the papers, by Joost Stoll, my Ensign. MILBORNE A publican to parley with princes! LEISLER But he will give the King my letter, nicht wahr Only it was not very good English, my letter. Tha Jacob Leisler 67 is another reason why I need you, Jacob. You know that good English ; you shall tell that King William what Jacob Leisler has to say. MILBORNE What have you to say? LEISLER That I humbly beseech his approval of all I have done in his name. MILBORNE William's approval is for those able to do without it — not for those who fear him, but for those he fears. Your enemies do not beseech — they demand. If you wish his approval of what you have done, you must make him dread what you may do. LEISLER What should the King dread from me, who ask, but to serve him? MILBORNE What he dreads from them of New England — that those refused his commission might make shift to do without it. 68 Jacob Leisler LEISLER [Shocked. But — ^Jacob — that would be treason! MILBORNE You account it not treason to serve William instead of James — why is it treason to serve God and the people of New York instead of William? LEISLER William's cause is God's cause. My sword, my for- tune, and my life belong to the King. MILBORNE Bah, mere sentiment! The people follow you. Why should you truckle to a ruler beyond seas, when you might be one yourself? If you think so highly of William, follow his example! LEISLER The dearest wish of my heart is that the King may make me his governor, as the people have made me theirs. But I will not use the power they have given me for my own glory. Jacob Leisler 69 MILBORNE And your reward will be to see the King choose for your place some dissolute Court favorite. LEISLER No, I'll not believe it! You shall help me fight his battles and see how unjust you have been to him. You shall lead our army against Canada. MILBORNE [After thinking it over. Yes — on one condition. LEISLER Ach, Jacob, you know I can refuse my old friend nothing. MILBORNE Give me thy daughter Mary to wife! LEISLER [Startled. But — she is only a child yet. 70 Jacob Leisler MILBORNE Samuel was but a child when he was taken up to Shi- loh to serve in the temple. LEISLER But she doesn't know her own mind already — about such things. MILBORNE All the more reason why you should choose for her. LEISLER It is a very great honor you do her — but really she is not worthy. You should have a wife old enough to understand and help you. MILBORNE She is wise beyond her years, and I shall teach her to appreciate me. LEISLER I don't know but there may be some foolishness about a boy — and he is a good boy, too — ^Abraham Gouver- neur. MILBORNE Can he do more for you than I can ? Jacob Leisler 71 LEISLER Listen, Jacob! You shall come to live in my house, and talk to this little Mary, and when she is like to be your wife, it shall be so. MILBORNE It is not seemly that one of my years should dance attendance upon a maid's whims, [Mary reappears upon the stoop. LEISLER But, Jacob, my mind is so full of the King's business — let us talk of that now — this matter can wait. MILBORNE No, I must back to Albany at once. Shall it be on your affairs or my own? LEISLER [Perplexed and distressed, he looks from Mil- borne to Mary a moment , and then calls: Mary! MARY Yes, father? 72 Jacob Leisler LEISLER Come here, daughter! [Mary comes to Leisler. He places his hand tenderly upon her head. Mary, this is my old friend, Jacob Milborne. [Correcting himself: My best friend, Mary, — he is not so old, neither. And I have sent for him to come and help me — I need him sorely. [Hesitating. And he has done me the very great honor — he has done you the very great honor — to think you can help us save New York for King William. MARY Ah, father, you know I would do anything for you, anything for the King. Tell me what it is! Am I to go among the Indians — or to Canada? [Leisler looks helplessly from Mary to Mil- borne, unable to speak. MILBORNE Mary, I have chosen thee for my wife. [Mary looks at Milborne bewildered, then, as his meaning dawns upon her, she recoils, looks about her as if to flee, and bursts into tears. Jacob Leisler 73 LEISLER [Taking her into his arms. Don't, Mary; don't cry like that! Old Jacob Leisler is not going to sacrifice his child — even for the King. MILBORNE Did Abraham refuse to sacrifice Isaac for the King? LEISLER No, Jacob, no — but I am not Abraham ! If you want to marry this little maid, you must get her to say 'yes' already. l^The roll of a drum is heard. Leisler goes quickly left, looks in the direction whence the sound comes, and then returns exultantly. LEISLER Here is the King's messenger! Now we shall see what William and Mary have to say to Jacob Leisler. [Abraham Gouverneur marches in at the head of a file of militia, escorting John Riggs, and followed by Pere Millet between two Mo- hawk Indians carrying muskets and in war paint. Pere Millet wears a priest's robe and 74 Jacob Leisler rosary. Gouverneur and Riggs go to Leisler. The militia take position at the right, while Pere Millet and the Indians remain at the left. GOUVERNEUR [Saluting. John Riggs, Commander, with a letter from their Majesties. LEISLER [Shaking hands with Riggs warmly. Their Majesties' messenger must needs be welcome where their Majesties' authority is honored next to God's. RIGGS I am told so. Commander Leisler, and I believe it will please their gracious Majesties to hear such good re- port. LEISLER This is my friend, Jacob Milborne. He is lately from England, too. RIGGS [Shaking hands with Milborne. I have met Mr. Milborne in London. Jacob Leisler 75 LEISLER \Indicating Pere Millet j while Riggs and Mil- borne converse. Who is your prisoner, Abraham? GOUVERNEUR A French priest, Commander, taken at Ft. Frontenac by our Indians. LEISLER [Sharply to Pere Millet. Approchez, Monsieur, que je vous parle! [Pere Millet goes to Leisler. Comment vous nommez-vous? PERE MILLET Pere Millet, votre Excellence. LEISLER Est-ce que vous parlez I'anglais? PERE MILLET Tres mal, votre Excellence. 76 Jacob Leisler LEISLER Ni moi non plus, mais c'est dans les affaires anglaises que vous vous melez et nous parlerons I'anglais. At- tendez ! [Pere Millet bows. Jacob, will you take Mr. Riggs into the Fort ? I must question this French spy. You will excuse me a little, Mr. Riggs? RIGGS Certainly, Commander. I have asked Mr. Philipse and Mr. Van Cortlandt to confer with us here re- garding his Majesty's letter. [Milborne and Riggs go away together into the Fort. During the following scene Gouver- neur and Mary converse together. LEISLER [Turning sharply upon Pere Millet. You come from Quebec? [Pere Millet bows assent. Why has Monsieur le Comte de Frontenac sent you here? PERE MILLET [Very slowly and carefully. Monsieur le Comte de Frontenac not me has sent. Jacob Leisler 77 LEISLER [ Contemptuously. Qui done? PERE MILLET Le bon Dieu m'a envoye — pardon! — the good God me sent to save the souls to these poor people. [Indicating the Indians. LEISLER Si, si, and maybe turn their guns against the English, too? Your 'good God' is for Frontenac, n'est-ce pas? PERE MILLET It may be thus, your Excellence, but I am not of His counsels as to the politique. LEISLER So? Tell me, then, is Frontenac at Quebec? PERE MILLET Your Excellence will excuse me not to answer that. 78 Jacob Leisler LEISLER How many soldiers has he there? [Pere Millet slowly shakes his head. Is he coming to attack us? PERE MILLET If your Excellence will pardon, I cannot to answer those question. LEISLER Do you know I can hang you as a spy ? Do you know what those Indians will do to you if I hand you back to them? PERE MILLET {^Solemnly kissing his crucifix. Yes, your Excellence, I know you can hang me as a spy — but you cannot make me to be a spy — either for you or for Frontenac. LEISLER [To Indians. Take him! [The Indians spring one to each side of Pere Millet, one drawing a knife, the other raising a tomahawk. Leisler pulls out his watch. I will give you just one minute to answer my ques- tions. Jacob Leisler 79 PERE MILLET If I have but the one minute to live, your Excellence will not to refuse me one las' reques' ? LEISLER What is it — quick? PERE MILLET [Slowly and carefully as ever. You believe in the good God, is it not? LEISLER [Impatiently. Si, si, si — go on! PERE MILLET Then, in His name, I beg of you to have pity on the women and children taken by your Indians in this war! LEISLER [Looks at Pere Millet a moment, then puts up his watch and speaks courteously. Monsieur Millet, we war not upon women and chil- dren. [Waves the Indians away. 8o Jacob Leisler Nor upon priests, neither. I don't think you are a spy — you will pardon if I said that! — but I will not take any chances yet, so you shall be my guest here in the Fort, and we will talk the French sometimes, n'est-ce pas? PERE MILLET My son, may He whose mercy you have shown the helpless be merciful to you! LEISLER [To militia. Attention ! March ! [Leisler conducts Pere Millet through the gates, opened by sentinel, followed by Indians and militia, keeping step to the tap of the drum. GOUVERNEUR Your father can show pity for a popish priest — but none for his own daughter! MARY Nay, Abraham, you are unjust. He is perplexed and beset, and he needs Mr. Milborne's help sorely. Jacob Leisler GOUVERNEUR Only a tyrant would demand such a sacrifice — only a brute would accept ft. MARY But my father has not demanded it. He has only let me see how much it means to him. GOUVERNEUR Then you can refuse — you will? MARY Abraham, if my father wished me to go among the enemy, as that poor priest has done, I would go. GOUVERNEUR Oh, we are all ready to give up our lives for the King — but not those we love! MARY My father has thrown his life, his fortune, all that he has, all that he loves, into this struggle. Shall I not be unworthy of him if I do less? 82 Jacob Leisler GOUVERNEUR But this canting fanatic, what right has he to you? What more can he do to deserve you than I? MARY Alas, Abraham, Mr. Milborne is a very able man, and my father ^holds him necessary to his plans. GOUVERNEUR And so, it would seem, a marriage with this great Mr. Milborne is not so distasteful to you, after all! MARY [ Weeping. Ah, Abraham, you know my heart has always been yours — and will be, always. {Van Cortlandt, Philipse, Nicolls and Bayard appear at the left, unobserved by the lovers. GOUVERNEUR [Seizing Mary's hand. Mary, Mary, Mary, I will never give you up! BAYARD We come prepared for war — and interrupt a love scene. Ahem ! Jacob Leisler 83 [Gouverneur drops Mary's hand in confusion. I humbly beg your pardon, Master Abraham, but I believe you know of our appointment here with Mr. Riggs and Captain Leisler? GOUVERNEUR I will tell them you are come. Sir. [Gouverneur goes quickly into the Fort, and Mary into the house. VAN CORTLANDT Col. Bayard, did this fellow Riggs tell you to whom the King's letter is addressed? BAYARD Yes, — to Leftenant-Governor Nicholson. VAN CORTLANDT Then he will assuredly deliver it to us, of his Honor's Council. BAYARD But he hath been told by the wise men of Boston that Leisler rules here, and that he should have the letter. 84 Jacob Leisler NICOI.LS Gentlemen, a word with you ! Are you not in treason to his Majesty, King James, to receive the instructions of this upstart Prince of Orange? BAYARD I, for one, can never own William for my lawful sov- ereign so long as James is alive. PHILIPSE Softly, softly! You young men are so hot-headed! If we can make an upstart in England help us get rid of an upstart here in New York, King James will be well pleased enough to find his friends in power once he comes back to the throne. VAN CORTLANDT That is my advice — one step at a time. And the best way to get possession of the letter is to show William's messenger that this German boor's rule is less abso- lute than they of Boston have told him. PHILIPSE Easier said than done! He holds the Fort, and the militia and people are with him. Jacob Leisler 85 BAYARD Not all of them. There was almost a riot at the Stadt Haus yesterday when his orders to fortify the city were proclaimed, many protesting they would pay no such tax and scorning the militia. NICOLLS Yes, and with furious threats to take the prisoners out of the Fort as well. VAN CORTLANDT If this Riggs had but witnessed such a sedition! BAYARD It would be most easy to set on the malcontents anew. VAN CORTLANDT He would be a shrewd man who should do it. PHILIPSE And a rash one ! Leisler has a heavy hand. BAYARD I fear him not — tyrant though he be. 86 Jacob Leisler NICOLLS [Starts away melodramatically. Then, come on, and we will show this Masaniello *nec surdum nee Tiresiam quamquam esse Deorum'! [Nicolls and Bayard rush out left. At the same moment Leisler and Riggs reappear through the gates. Leisler notes the flight of Nicolls and Bayardj and gives an inaudible order to the sentinel, who goes quickly into the Fort, Leisler closing the gates after him. PHILIPSE Van Cortlandt, I misdoubt this attempt. It is but playing Leisler's own game. VAN CORTLANDT In any event, our skirts are clear. Sh-h-h! Here he comes. LEISLER [Nodding stiffly to Van Cortlandt and Phil- ipse, as he and Riggs approach them. Mr. Riggs, you know these gentlemen. They were members of King James's Council for New York, Jacob Leisler 87 VAN CORTLANDT And, we trust, still hold such positions under the proc- lamation of his gracious Majesty, King William, con- tinuing all officers in their employments until his royal pleasure may be further known. RIGGS [As he produces a document bearing a huge wax seal. I understand, gentlemen, that you pretend to posses- sion of this letter from his Majesty? VAN CORTLANDT We do — assuredly. RIGGS It hath grave import. Hear the King's words: [Opening and reading from the document. 'We do hereby authorize you to take upon you the gov- ernment of our Province of New York.' VAN CORTLANDT So this letter makes whoever gets it Leftenant-Gov- ernor and Commander-in-Chief of the Province? Jacob Leisler RIGGS Just that — until his Majesty formally appoints a new Governor. When I left England it was said at court that Colonel Henry Sloughter will be sent, with Ma- jor Richard Ingoldsby to command his troops. Col. Sloughter's friends have the King's ear. PHILIPSE How is the King's letter addressed? RIGGS [Readinff. Thus runs the superscription: 'To our trusty and well-beloved Francis Nicholson, Esqre., our Leften- ant-Governor and Commander-in-Chief of our Prov- ince of New York in America [significantly] and in his absence to such as for the time being take care for Preserving the Peace and administring the Lawes in our said Province of New York in America.' PHILIPSE Leftenant-Governor Nicholson deputed us to act in his absence. So the letter is ours. Jacob Leisler 89 RIGGS But it is addressed, in his absence, to such as administer the laws. Have you done that? VAN CORTLANDT We have been ready and anxious to do so, Sir, but have been prevented. LEISLER Who has prevented you? VAN CORTLANDT You have! LEISLER No, not old Jacob Leisler, but the people of New York, who thought it not seemly that the officers of a popish king should act for Protestant William. VAN CORTLANDT Captain Leisler, the people of New York do not gov- ern the people of New York — and King William would be last to say so. LEISLER But Nicholson has told the King who governs here — and the King directs his letter accordingly. 90 Jacob Leisler VAN CORTLANDT Then why did he not put your name on it ? LEISLER I don't know, Stephanus. Maybe he thought you would be in command here by the time Mr. Riggs arrived — but your name is not on it, neither. VAN CORTLANDT Your authority is disputed by the best people of the Province. LEISLER It has been acknowledged by King William's govern- ments at Hartford and Boston, and is disputed in New York only by Jacobite rascals like yourself. VAN CORTLANDT I am no Jacobite, nor rascal, neither, and your zeal for King William is only a cloak for your insolent tyranny. LEISLER Stephanus, I will pray God to pardon your sins — and damn your impudence. Jacob Leisler 91 PHILIPSE Even the rabble has turned against you, if what I hear of the riot at the Stadt Haus is true. [The murmur of a crowd in angry discussion begins to be heard. LEISLER Some of the rabble, Frederick, object to paying taxes to defend the country against King James's dear Cana- dian friends — as much zs you objected to giving up the taxes that had been collected. And some of the rab- ble, Frederick, are in gaol — and I hope you will take warning by their example. PHILIPSE I speak not for the rabble, Mr. Riggs, but I have dis- puted this usurper's right to his Majesty's revenues. VOICES FROM WITHOUT Down with Governor Dog-Driver! — No more taxes to the tyrant ! — Make him bring out his prisoners ! VAN CORTLANDT It would seem that the rabble is here to speak for itself. 92 Jacob Leisler LEISLER Maybe for you, too, Stephanus. [The crowd bursts in from the left, a disor- derly and disreputable-looking mob, armed with sticks, stones, pistols, etc., one carrying a cooper s adze. Bayard and Nicolls follow and slyly incite the mob against Leisler. VOICES FROM THE CROWD [With clumsy brandishing of weapons. There he is, the tyrant! — Deacon Jailer, we've come for your prisoners. — Hey, you, Lef tenant Blockhead! — No more Leisler taxes! LEISLER ^Advancing to meet them, and raising his hand for silence, while Van Cortlandt and Philipse withdraw Riggs to the right. Stop! [The crowd huddles up sullenly. Now somebody tell me what you want ! VOICES We'll pay no more taxes! — ^You are robbing the peo- ple! — No more arbitrary taxation! Jacob Leisler 93 LEISLER The taxes are not arbitrary. They were voted by the General Assembly to carry on the war against the French. VOICE The French won't come here. You want the money for yourself, Governor Dog-Driver. LEISLER Listen to me, you damned rascals and vagabonds ! For every pound of the public money spent to defend you against the French, I have spent another pound of my own money. VOICES It's a lie! — Knock him down! — Kill the Dog-Driver! — Give up your prisoners ! — I want my brother out of gaol! LEISLER [Pointing to the last speaker. You'll join your brother in gaol, Abraham Kip, before you get him out. [Pointing out Bayard^ who has stolen around between Leisler and the gates of the Fort. And you'll go with him, Nicholas Bayard. 94 Jacob Leisler BAYARD I think not, Governor Dog-Driver. Readj^ men! [The mob stirs, ready to attack, raising its weapons. LEISLER [Calling. Now, Abraham, come on! BAYARD [As he and others of the moh place their hacks against the gates to hold thein shut. You'll get no help from the Fort, Governor Dog- Driver. Down with him, men! GOUVERNEUR [Loudly, without. Scale the gates! [The inilitianien without give an answering cheer, and several swarm after Gouverneur and Milborne over the tops of the gates. Meanwhile, the moh has made a savage rush at Leisler, surrounding him, and striking at him with their weapons, the man with the adze being particularly in evidence. Leisler de- fends himself with his sword with cool alert- ness, whirling swiftly about and fighting his Jacob Leisler 95 way hack toward the gates. Milborne has engaged Bayard in a rapier duel, while Gouv- erneur opens the gates, admitting other militia- men, with whom he pursues the moh, now fleeing in all directions. Milborne disarms Bayard. BAYARD Don't murder a disarmed man! MILBORNE [His sword at Bayard's throat. Evil-doers shall be cut off, saith the Psalmist. LEISLER Spare him, Jacob! He will look good with a chain around his leg. [Milborne sheathes his sword, and takes a grip on Bayard's collar. Gouverneur and his militiamen return from various directions with Nicolls and other prisoners. GOUVERNEUR Mr. Nicolls, Captain, and others of the mob taken prisoner. g6 Jacob Leisler LEISLER We shall have to enlarge our gaol, Abraham. [Loud concerted groan from all the prisoners. Well, Mr. Riggs, do you think there is any doubt now about who takes care for preserving the peace and administering the laws here? RIGGS No, Commander Leisler. The King's letter belongs to you and makes you Leftenant-Governor — until Sloughter comes. [Handing him the letter. Take it! GOUVERNEUR Now then, everybody, — Hip, hip, huzzay for King William's Governor Leisler! MILITIA [With a roar. Hip, hip, huzzay for King William's Governor Leis- ler! [ The prisoners groan dismally, all together, as before. ACT III A room of the Governor s house in the Fort, the night of March ig, i6gi. Dutch interior, so??ibre effect, with decoration of arms and oil portraits of Dutch governors on the walls. There is a wide tiled fireplace at the left (no jambs), in which a fire is burning. The door at the hack is divided horizontally in the middle, showing the customary stoop without. There are wide, low windows on either side of it. Dimly seen through the door and windows at the hack is the interior of the Fort, the church, etc. There is a door at the right, leading to Leislers private apart- m.ents. There are chairs and a table with lighted candles at the right front. Leislers belt, sword and pistols are hanging beside the fireplace. Cobus is writing at the table fronting you, his head carelessly bandaged, a pair of pistols lying on the table before him. He is lighted by a red glow from the fire- place. Gouverneur appears at the rear door, the upper half of which is open. He looks in, and, seeing Cobus, knocks lightly. Failing to attract attention, he enters, and lays his hand on his friend's shoulder. Cobus snatches up his pistols and, springing to his feet, levels them at Gouverneur. 97 98 Jacob Leisler COBUS [Lauffhinff. A thousand pardons, Abraham! I thought, for the moment, Major Ingoldsby had taken the Fort. Has he made any attack since I left the wall? GOUVERNEUR No, he has withdrawn all but a sentinel or two, but there is a great crowd and much shouting at the Stadt Haus, and boats have been passing to and from the ship arrived at the Narrows. COBUS Can it be that Governor Sloughter has arrived at last ? GOUVERNEUR Indeed, I hope so. It was most unfortunate his ship was parted at sea from those bringing Major Ingoldsby and the King's soldiers, and forced to put in at the Bermudas for repairs. COBUS Yes, for when Ingoldsby arrived six weeks ago our enemies were swift to prevail upon him to demand the release of Bayard and Nicolls, and to attack the Fort when its possession was refused him. Jacob Leisler 99 GOUVERNEUR He is a soldier — commissioned only to obey the King and the Governor of New York. Why, without or- ders from either, has he attacked the acting Governor of New York? COBUS I was but just framing another letter for father to Governor Sloughter at the Bermudas, protesting against Major Ingoldsby's attack, and beseeching him to hasten hither. GOUVERNEUR How are the poor fellows shot in Tuesday's assault? COBUS All will recover, the chirurgeon saith. But I hear Ingoldsby had two men killed by the premature dis- charge of a cannon. GOUVERNEUR And your own wound? COBUS It smarts a little — the rascal's aim was good. loo Jacob Leisler GOUVERNEUR I am neglecting my errand; a woman at the sallyport asks admission and speech with you. COBUS With me? Who is she? GOUVERNEUR She refuses to give her name, or her business, except that it is a matter of life and death. She is masked and much perturbed. COBUS A spy for Ingoldsby, think you? Or perhaps a man in woman's dress? GOUVERNEUR She wears Ingoldsby's white badge on her sleeve. COBUS Bring her in blindfolded, and I will take care of her — whatever her mission! GOUVERNEUR I will have a guard at the door. [Gouverneur goes out. Cobus picks up his pis- tols, assures himself they are loaded, examines Jacob Leisler ioi the priming, then replaces them carefully on the table. He then glances over the letter he has been writing, makes a correction or two, and is thus engaged when Miss Livingston (masked, blindfolded, and with a white hand on her left arm) appears at the rear door with a guard, who removes the blindfold and opens the lower half of the door for her. COBUS You may enter, Madam. [She comes in hesitatingly, looks about the room in trepidation, then closes both the lower and upper halves of the door, and advances slowly toward Cobus. COBUS [Laying his hand upon a pistol. Now, Madam, who are you, and what is your affair? [Miss Livingston removes her mask. Miss Livingston — is it possible ! MISS LIVINGSTON' No, quite impossible, I assure you. I02 Jacob Leisler COB us How have we earned so much honor? MISS LIVINGSTON I come to warn you that your sweet William's new Governor is here. COBUS Thank God — we are saved! MISS LIVINGSTON No ; he is closeted with your enemies, and he is a weak man. COBUS They cannot discredit my father's loyalty to the King. MISS LIVINGSTON Then they will hang him on some other pretext. COBUS How will they justify Major Ingoldsby's bloody as- sault upon the Fort? Jacob Leisler 103 MISS LIVINGSTON Think you the new Governor will not credit his crea- ture's report? As for 'bloody assaults,' I like not the way you have yon bandage placed. Seat yourself, Master Cobus! [Cobus sits, and Miss Livingston readjusts the bandage on his head, humming the air of 'When the King Enjoys His Own Again.' Red firelight on the group. I may be hanged, too, for rendering aid and comfort to the enemy, but — that is easier, is it not? COBUS Oh, vastly! But, indeed, you do run much risk in coming thus to the Fort. MISS LIVINGSTON For your sister's sake. Master Cobus. COBUS [Indicating door at the right. She is at hand and would fain greet you. 104 Jacob Leisler MISS LIVINGSTON No, I have had no heart to look upon her face since her marriage to that canting mischief-maker Milborne a month ago. COBUS He is an austere man, but devoted to my father's cause. MISS LIVINGSTON [With asperity. He is a grasping and revengeful marplot. But for his arrogance and misrule the massacre of Schenectady had not occurred and the expedition against Canada had not failed. So this marriage, from which your father expected so much, hath wrecked both his cause and your sister's life — to say nothing of poor Master Gouverneur. COBUS Alas, Madam, if my sister hath laid her heart upon the altar of duty, no one knows better how to pity her than I! MISS LIVINGSTON Master Cobus, if I were not here on serious business, my head would be turned quite by your flattering speeches. [As he starts toward her, she continues coldly: Jacob Leisler 105 But this Is no time for flattering speeches, Sir, with our families at war. [Cobus stops abashed J and she goes on very sweetly : And yet, ever since you saved my life, I have felt \^He again becomes hopeful. that your conduct hath been much too presumptuous, Sir. [Cobus in despair again, while his tormentress keeps on with her cat-and-mouse play. But my affection for your sister makes me ready to forgive \^He revives. anything short of your bold and arrogant demeanor. [^Cobus is down again. Still, your manifest partiality for my society moves me to tell you \He falls upon his knees before her. that you must never see my face again \Cobus desperate. unless I permit you, of course. COBUS [Seizing her hands. Madam, madam, you know I love you ! Have mercy ! io6 Jacob Leisler MISS LIVINGSTON [jWithdrawing her hands. Never, never, never! [Milborne suddenly pushes open the upper half of the rear door, recognizes the situation, and strides sternly down upon the culprits. MILBORNE What means this mummery? [Co bus springs to his feet, and Miss Livingston recoils, replacing her mask. COBUS Major Milborne, this lady is here to give us friendly warning that our enemies have the ear of the newly arrived Governor. MILBORNE We need no gifts from the Greeks, nor advice from a Livingston. MISS LIVINGSTON [Removing her mask. Rest assured, Sir, it was not you I sought to save from the ruin wrought by your folly and presumption ! Jacob Leisler 107 MILBORNE Silence, you shameless termagant! You bring your Delilah arts to beguile this foolish boy into betraying us. I arrest you as a spy. COBUS [Hotly, as he takes up his pistols. Major Milborne, you forget yourself! MISS LIVINGSTON [Very quietly. Oh, no, Brother Barebones, I am not here as a spy — but for reasons quite as good as your own. MILBORNE I am no solver of riddles, Madam. MISS LIVINGSTON [Goes to Cobus, and places her arms about his neck. You have married into the family — and I am going to. MILBORNE [Aghast. I am grievously afflicted to hear it. io8 Jacob Leisler MISS LIVINGSTON I hoped you would be — and I'll take care you don't change your mind. MILBORNE Does your father know of this — misfortune? COBUS [Very happy j a^ he holds Miss Livingston close. Not yet ! MILBORNE Well, he shall — at once — and we'll see how your fool's paradise fares when he hears he has a traitor in the family. [Milborne slams angrily outj right. MISS LIVINGSTON [Struggling to free herself the moment Mil- borne is gone. Unhand me, Sir! COBUS [Kissing her repeatedly, despite her resistance. 'Never, never, never!' Jacob Leisler 109 MISS LIVINGSTON [Trying to be indignant. Surely you mistook not my ruse to escape arrest? COBUS [Holding her tightly. No mistake in the world, dear Joanna. Your arms outvote your tongue two to one. MISS LIVINGSTON [Hiding her face on his shoulder. But can't you see that my eyes are against you, too? COBUS Why, so they are! [Kissing her on the eyes. The ayes have it. MISS LIVINGSTON But haven't you some important or daring military duty which you are neglecting to hold on to me like this? COBUS Nothing half so important — or so daring. no Jacob Leisler MISS LIVINGSTON [Without conviction. But I must go — really. COBUS You are under arrest, you know, but I'll parole you — on one condition. MISS LIVINGSTON [Faintly. What condition — Cobus? COBUS That you kiss me — just once — in confirmation of what you told Major Milborne. MISS LIVINGSTON Think you truly it would afflict Brother Barebones so sorely ? COBUS Oh, it's most certain! He'll probably quit the Province. MISS LIVINGSTON Zounds, nothing else sh'd move me to 't, but [She kisses hiin conclusively. there now! Jacob Leisler hi [She tears away from him in a panic, and runs out, he following. Milborne returns, looks about the room in disappoint?nent ; picks up the mask dropped by Miss Livingston, and throws it into the fire; glances scornfully over the letter left by Cobus on the table, tears it up, and scatters the pieces; and is pac- ing back and forth in vindictive unrest when Gouverneur comes in by the rear door. GOUVERNEUR Major Milborne, it is confirmed that Governor Sloughter hath arrived. {Their colloquy is swift and brusque, each showing his dislike for the other. MILBORNE We know that already. What more? GOUVERNEUR He was met and brought to the Stadt Haus by Van Cortlandt and other our enemies, and there read his commission and took oath of office. MILBORNE And then? 112 Jacob Leisler GOUVERNEUR Then Van Cortlandt, Philipse, Minvielle, Dudley, WfUett and Pinhorn were sworn members of his Council. MILBORNE All our sworn foes as well, perdition catch them! What do they now? GOUVERNEUR When my messenger came away, the Governor was shut up with these Councillors and Major Ingoldsby. MILBORNE Then we shall hear from him betimes. Have you notified all this to the Commander-in-Chief? GOUVERNEUR Yes, and he has sent Ensign StoU to make sure the new Governor is Sloughter. MILBORNE Fool, fool! GOUVERNEUR You mean StoU? Jacob Leisler 113 MILBORNE I said 'fool' twice — do not tempt me to say it a third time! GOUVERNEUR [Advancing upon Milborne menacingly. You have no warrant, Sir, for such a word touching either the Commander or me ! [Mary appears timidly at right. Milborne confronts Gouverneur, as if about to make angry reply; then, seeing Mary, addresses her with sharp impatience. MILBORNE Well, what Ho you want? MARY I want my father. MILBORNE What for? MARY . Little Francina is ill and keeps calling for him. MILBORNE He is beset with public cares, and has no time for sick children. Quiet her yourself! 114 Jacob Leisler MARY [Humbly but firmly. Mother and I have both tried, but she sends us away, and will have only her father. MILBORNE She cannot. Let that suffice! MARY But her fever keeps rising, and there is grave danger. MILBORNE Then give her a sleeping potion ! MARY But her father MILBORNE Go back and do as I bid you! [During this interchange Gouverneur shows that he is making a supreme effort to restrain himself, and, at Milborne's last command, he reaches the limit of his endurance, and darts out. As Mary turns slowly toward her door, Milborne continues: Jacob Leisler 115 MILBORNE So you are ready to go — now that Mr. Gouverneur is no longer here to pity you ! [She looks at him a moment in dumb anguish, bursts into tears, and again starts to go. Stay, I would have further speech with you touching this young Gouverneur! \L,eisler comes in hurriedly from the rear. Mary rushes to him, and falls into his arms. MARY Oh, father, poor little Francina is worse, and [sob- bing^ she keeps calling for you, and we can't comfort her, and LEISLER [Throwing his hat into a corner. Yes, yes, yes, I know — Abraham has told me. Don't you cry, Mary ! [Pushing her toward the right. ^ Tell Francina vater will come to her in one minute! [Mary goes quickly. MILBORNE Governor Sloughter's affair can wait, I suppose, while you trifle with woman's work! ii6 Jacob Leisler LEISLER Sloughter can go to hell — and take you with him — when my baby calls me. MILBORNE With the father playing nurse, and the son consorting with the enemy, the country bids fair to go, too. LEISLER \S tar tied. What's that? Cobus 'consorting with the enemy'? MILBORNE I found him here but now in dalliance with that brazen Livingston huzzy. LEISLER What did she want here? MILBORNE Oh, her pretext was to warn us that our enemies have beguiled the new Governor. LEISLER I am afraid that is true — Gouverneur makes the same report. Jacob Leisler 117 MILBORNE Bah, it was a trick to betray us! But when I oflEered to arrest her as a spy, she threw herself upon your son and made threat to marry him. LEISLER [Secretly pleased, but willing to placate Mil- borne. Robert Livingston's sister — threatened — to marry — Cobus ? [Milborne nods. Jacob, I don't wonder you lose your temper. [Holding out his hand. Forgive me, I was unjust to you! MILBORNE But what are you going to do about it? LEISLER [Slowly, remembering Milborne's ozun case. Well, Jacob, I think I will not interfere some more in this love business. Maybe she was only joking when she made that threat to marry Cobus. Her bark is worse than her bite. [Joost Stoll dawns stolidly at the back door. ii8 Jacob Leisler Ach, Stoll, you saw the new Governor — is he Slough- ter for sure? STOLL [Comes in solemnly, enjoying his own impor- tance. You commanded me to go. I went. I am here. LEISLER Yes, yes, but did you see him? STOLL You sent Ensign Joost Stoll because he is the only man in Fort William who has ever seen Governor Slough- ter in England, and can truly report to you whether he is come. LEISLER I know that. Has he come ? STOLL [Looking reproachfully at Milborne. Some people say Ensign Joost Stoll is a fool, but the Commander-in-Chief of this Province knows he can trust Ensign Joost Stoll. Jacob Leisler 119 LEISLER [Taking Stoll by the shoulders and shaking him. JVill you answer my question? STOLL You sent me to England LEISLER I sent you to the Stadt Haus. Did you see Slaughter there? STOLL I am coming to that. I went to the Stadt Haus {^Pause. LEISLER And saw Sloughter? STOLL I went to the Stadt Haus, and there was a great crowd there, and a guard of red-coats, and they didn't want to admit me, but when I told them I was Ensign Joost Stoll, come from Commander-in-Chief Jacob Leisler, with a message for Governor Sloughter— — LEISLER Did you deliver that message? 120 Jacob Leisler STOLL I went to the Sloughter Haus LEISLER [His sword-point at StoH's breast. You will go to the slaughter-house this instant if you don't tell me whether you saw Sloughter! STOLL Yes, I saw him. LEISLER What did he say — quick! STOLL He was irreverent to me, for when I told him I was glad he was the same man I had seen in England, he answered, mighty high-and-mighty, 'Yes, I have been seen in England, and intend now to be seen in New York.' LEISLER But brings he no letters or orders to me from the King? STOLL No, he says the King does not even know your name. Jacob Leisler 121 LEISLER Not a word from the King to Jacob Leisler? STOLL Not a word — either to you or to me — and I kissed his hand! LEISLER [Crestfallen. That looks bad, Jacob. STOLL When I was in England LEISLER Go to bed, Stoll ! You must be tired. [Stoll salutes with virtuous military precision, whirls on his heel and goes out. Leisler sloivly seats himself beside the table, and buries his face in his hands. Not — one word — from the King — to old Jacob Leis- ler ! He does not — even — know — vay name ! MILBORNE [Bitterly. You had your chance to make him know your name — you still have a chance. 122 Jacob Leisler LEISLER [Not heeding Milborne. He sends a Governor who makes haste to join hands with the traitors who refused to proclaim him ! MILBORNE Because William is an aristocrat and they are aristo- crats. Are you on aristocrat? LEISLER No thanks for me — not even a place in the Council — honors only for my enemies — his enemies ! MILBORNE Did I not warn you William's favors are for them he fears ? LEISLER And for this I have spent two years fighting these friends of King James, these foes of the Protestant religion ! MILBORNE [Vehemently. I tell you, Leisler, it is no question of William or James, no question of Protestant or Catholic; it is question only of those determined to rule and those Jacob Leisler 123 willing to submit. And you are willing — willing to let this cold-blooded King overseas send his hireling here to set his heel upon your neck, to re-establish your enemies in power, to turn the people of New York over from the tyranny of James to the tyranny of William. LEISLER No, Jacob, no! It is question of God, who rules us all, of God who makes erring kings serve purposes that do not err. William may be unjust to me, but I can not be disloyal to God — or to him. MILBORNE And have you no loyalty, no duty, to the people of New York, who gave you this charge, who look to you to defend their rights against this monstrous con- spiracy of kingly prerogative and aristocratic assump- tion? LEISLER What do you wish me to do ? MILBORNE This, Herr Commander-in-Chief of the Province of New York! It is not yet too late to send this Gov- 124 Jacob Leisler ernor Sloughter back to London to tell William the people of New York have made you their Governor and look to him to confirm their commission. They are with you; New England is with you. America awaits its own Oliver Cromwell! LEISLER [Risinff and speaking with solemn earnestness. Aber, Jacob, listen to me! I think it is so, what you say about America — but the time is not yet. These Provinces are too weak to stand alone. They need a king over the water to protect them from the other kings over the water. And I am no Cromwell — only a broken-hearted old man, who will not seek to supplant the ruler he has proclaimed — no matter how ungrate- ful that ruler may be. [Trumpet call and confused shouting without. There is a summons at the sallyport. See what they want! [Milborne goes, and Mary returns, carrying Francina in night-dress. MARY She would come to you. Jacob Leisler 125 LEISLER [He rushes and takes the child in his arms, kiss- ing and cuddling her. Mary vanishes, content. Did poor little sick Francina think her hard-hearted old vater never would come? Didn't he know she couldn't go to sleep anywheres but in his arms? [Feeling first the child's head, then her feet. Poor little hot head — poor little cold feet! [ Goes to fireplace, and, kneeling before it, holds the child's feet out to warm — picture in the red firelight. How did Sister Mary think Francina could go to sleep when her feet was so cold as — as King William's heart? Such a foolishness, all this Sloughter business, when Francina wants her vater ! [Softly and with longer and longer pauses be- tween words. There, now — little feet are nice and warm — and little head — is getting — nice and cool — and little Francina — is going — olf to sleep. [He rises and paces back and forth, crooning a lullaby. Mil borne returns. Leisler places his finger on his lips, indicating Francina. 126 Jacob Leisler MILBORNE [Low. Major Ingoldsby to see you, with a message from Sloughter. LEISLER Bring him in! [Milborne goes^ while Leisler continues to pace back and forth until his return with Major Ingoldsby, in full British uniform, a white band on his left arm, blindfolded. Milborne leads him to Leisler, and removes the blind- fold. INGOLDSBY [Noting Leisler s employment, with haughty disdain. Are you Jacob Leisler — or one of his domestics? LEISLER {With dignity. I am Jacob Leisler — at his Majesty's service, and yours. INGOLDSBY {Roaring. Then, in his Majesty's name, and by command of Governor Sloughter, I demand the instant surrender Jacob Leisler 127 of this Fort, and the release of Col. Bayard and Mr. Nfcolls. LEISLER [Low and menacing. Not so loud! If you wake this sick baby, I'll break your damned head. INGOLDSBY Moreover, Governor Sloughter orders you, and such as are called your Council, to report yourselves to him at the City Hall forthv^^ith. LEISLER I hold his Majesty's commission as Lef tenant-Gover- nor and Commander-in-Chief of this Province. So, I have the right to demand his Majesty's order, directed to me, for the surrender of his Majesty's Fort. Do you bring me such an order ? INGOLDSBY No. Neither his Majesty nor Governor Sloughter take any notice of your pretensions. LEISLER Jacob, what you think of that, eh? 128 Jacob Leisler MILBORNE I think if you surrender the Fort without Governor Sloughter's recognition that you have been acting as a loyal and authorized guardian of his Majesty's in- terests, you confess that all your acts have been un- lawful. INGOLDSBY King William has sent Governor Sloughter here to rule this Province. If you heed not his orders, you are in treason to his Majesty. LEISLER That's a nice pickle! If I don't surrender the Fort, I am a damned traitor; if I do surrender the Fort, I am a damned fool! [Considers a moment^ I will think some more about that surrender business — and see what my Council says. [His mind made up. Jacob, go you with Mayor De La Noy, and pay my respects to Governor Sloughter! Show him my com- mission from King William and from the people of New York. Say I am ready to turn the government over to him, and beg him not to lend himself to the stroke of my enemies, who are wishing to cause me some mistakes at the end of my long and faithful serv- ice to my gracious King and Queen, Jacob Leisler 129 INGOLDSBY But what answer do you make to his demand for the immediate surrender of this Fort? LEISLER This answer, Major Ingoldsby — and, as a soldier, you ought to know it is a good answer — by military law, no fort can be surrendered in the night-time ! INGOLDSBY \Whirling angrily on his heel. You shall hear from us shortly as to that. [Starts to go. MILBORNE Not without your blindfold, Sir! [He replaces the blindfold over Ingoldsby's eyes with discourteous roughnesSj then leads him away with a jerk. LEISLER [To child, held in his arms during the preced- ing scene. However did Francina sleep through all that hurly- burly ? [Looking at her sharply. 130 Jacob Leisler Oho, she isn't asleep! Why, you make-believe, Fran- cina, to fool old vater? [Bending his ear down to catch her whispered reply. 'Because you was 'fraid of big red-mans.' Do you think vater would let big red-mans hurt little Fran- cina? [Cuddling the child closer j and resuming his march to and fro. Now, this time, Francina must go to sleep for sure, because it is two, three, maybe four o'clock, and pretty soon old Fort rooster begin to crow, when nobody can sleep. [Hums lullaby softly for a turn or twOj thenj half to himself: Poor little Francina — to think old vater neglect his babins for a king away off yonder who sends him no word of thanks for all his faithful service, for all the money, time and love he has given, for all the bitter enemies he has made — for a king who does not even know his name! [Gently kisses the child's hand. But don't you mind that, Francina! Maybe now, after these two years of shedding blood and tears for a king who rather be served some other way, Jacob Leisler may be given the reward to go back to his Jacob Leisler 131 own family and his own affairs. If King William doesn't need him any longer, you need him always! \_A second trumpet summons is heard, and confused voices without. Leisler listens a mo- mentj looks at the child to make sure she is asleepj then tiptoes gently out right. The room is left vacant a moment during which the trumpet call and tumult are renewed and become more insistent. Then Gouverneur comes hastily from the rear, looking about anxiously. Leisler returns. GOUVERNEUR Major Ingoldsby at the sallyport again, Sir, with all his force, threatening to assault the Fort unless it is surrendered instantly. LEISLER Have Milborne and De La Noy come back? GOUVERNEUR No. Ingoldsby says Sloughter refused them audience and had them haled ofE to gaol. LEISLER [ Thunderstruck. A-bra-ham! 132 Jacob Leisler GOUVERNEUR I fear it is true, Sir. LEISLER Do our militiamen show any white feathers? GOUVERNEUR They are mad to fight Ingoldsby. Not a man of the whole three hundred but would lay down his life for you. LEISLER Where is Cobus? GOUVERNEUR With his men at the Half-Moon battery. LEISLER [His resolution taken. SacrementI Come, we'll go on, we'll go on, and show this Governor Sloughter whether he can abuse King William's authority to please King William's enemies ! Send the men to the parapets and see they all have their pikes! Load all the cannon with musket-balls j and double the guard at the sallyport. [Gouverneur starts to go. But, Abraham — not a shot must be fired until they begin. Jacob Leisler 133 GOUVERNEUR [Turns at the door as a renewed trumpet call is heard. What shall I tell Ingoldsby? LEISLER Tell him to go to — '[checks himself^ bed! [Gouverneur luhirls away. Leisler rushes to the fireplace, takes down his belt, sword and pistols, and hastily puts them on. Putting his hand to his head, he discovers his hat is missing, and looks about for it in haste, finally rescuing it from the corner where he had thrown it. A moment or two after Gouver- neur s exit, a roll of drums is heard without, then a confused uproar, and finally shouts of 'Leisler, Leisler, Leisler!' Mary reappears at her door. MARY What is it, father? LEISLER Mary, there is going to be another battle. We have to show these red-coats how Dutchmen and French- men can fight when nothing else will do. Keep away from the windows, all of you; lock the doors; tell 134 Jacob Leisler mother to trust in God — and don't forget to give Fran- cina her medicine! [The third trumpet call is heard without. The light from the fireplace dies down, and early morning effect is seen through the door and windows at rear, growing stronger as the action progresses. There goes Ingoldsby's last summons — he will open fire next. [Holding out his arms, into which she rushes. And if old vater shouldn't see you any more, remem- ber always his heart is full of gratefulness for all you did for him — and of grief for all it cost you! Now go — quick ! [Mary does so. Gouverneur comes back. GOUVERNEUR Major Ingoldsby once more, Sir, with a message of peace from Governor Sloughter. LEISLER In God's name, bring him in ! [Gouverneur goes. Leisler lays aside his hat and extinguishes the candles — it is now broad daylight. Groans and execrations are heard without as Gouverneur returns with In- goldsby. Jacob Leisler 135 INGOLDSBY Captain Leisler, it is now daylight, so your objection to surrender the Fort in the night no longer holds good. Governor Sloughter and members of his Council ask permission to confer with you about the matter here. LEISLER Am I to understand that Governor Sloughter agrees to treat me as he ought an official ready to give him an exact account of all his actions and conduct? INGOLDSBY I can assure you he will treat you exactly as you ought to be treated. LEISLER That is all I ask. Abraham, go to the sallyport, admit Governor Sloughter and his Council and bring them here. [Gouverneur salutes and departs] You see, Major, all this trouble and bloodshed might have been avoided if you had shown me any order from the King to surrender the Fort to you. I don't think you had such an order, and without it you were subject to my commands — not I to yours. 136 Jacob Leisler INGOLDSBY All of which you will do better to certify to his Ex- cellency. [Pere Millet comes in from the rear. LEISLER [Gayly. Aha, mon ami, vous arrivez de bonne heure! Major Ingoldsby, here is one of my prisoners who has made me captive — Pere Millet, Major. [^Pere Millet bows with grave courtesy: In- goldsby takes no notice of the introduction. He is a black-robe Papist, and a subject of Louis XIV, but I think he is quite so like to go to heaven as that old rogue. Dominie Selyns, that Dutch-Frenchman and Protestant upholder of King James. PERE MILLET My son, I shall to thank le bon Dieu if he have let me show you it is not need the black robe shall cover the black heart. [Leisler goes to Pere Millet and takes his hand. Gouverneur returns, escorting in Van Cort- landt and PhilipsCj then Sloughter, a red-faced, dissipated-looking man, somewhat past middle Jacob Leisler 137 age, wearing the uniform of a British colonel. All have white bands on their left arms. They go to Ingoldsby. GOUVERNEUR Lef tenant-Governor Leisler, this is Governor Slough- ter. LEISLER {Goes to Sloughter and offers his hand. Your Excellency must pardon that I have not taken earlier occasion to bid you welcome, but the Major here has made it rather difficult to leave the Fort. SLOUGHTER [Haughtily ignoring Leisler s hand. Are you now ready to leave the Fort? LEISLER [Nettled. Yes — if you are ready to receive it from me as one officer of King William accepts the charge of King William's property from another officer of King Wil- liam. SLOUGHTER Why do you seek to make terms with me, Sir? 138 Jacob Leisler LEISLER Because you have listened only to my enemies — because you have imprisoned members of my Council sent to you. It does not so much matter what becomes of old Jacob Leisler, but the people of New York gave me this command, and I must be sure the people of New York do not suffer because I lay it down. SLOUGHTER You are disloyal, Sir. The Lords and Commons of England choose their own rulers — the people of New York do not. LEISLER Not so fast, Governor Sloughter ! The people of New York had to choose between the officers of a king who had deserted his throne and rulers of their own. And King William himself approved their action by his letter confirming my authority. So it is you who are disloyal to his Majesty when you undertake to discredit me to please King James's followers. SLOUGHTER This is trifling. Sir. Your position is as untenable in fact as it is in theory. I have two companies of Jacob Leisler 139 English grenadiers, and the man-of-war Archangel to back up my demand for instant possession of this Fort. LEISLER [Gravely. When it comes to that. Sir, I have here a garrison of nearly four hundred burghers, mad to fight your red- coats, and stores of ammunition and provisions to stand a siege. And v^^hen your attack begins you vuill find ten men outside the Fort for every one inside it ready to resist you. SLOUGHTER [Startled and taking a more moderate tone. But these gentlemen tell me the people are not all on your side. LEISLER No, not quite all. There are a few rascals in New York as well as in old England. But how will his Majesty like that you begin your rule here with a civil war — especially when you get the worst of it? SLOUGHTER [In a crestfallen whisper to Van Cortlandt and Philipse. Zounds, gentlemen, I fear the fellow has us on the hip! I40 Jacob Leisler [They nod assent. Well, Captain Leisler, just what do you ask me to do? LEISLER I have already told you — I ask to be treated as one of King William's loyal governors who surrenders his charge to another. I ask you to release Major Mil- borne and Mayor De La Noy, to treat my Council, and the other people of the Province who have sup- ported me, as faithful subjects of his Majesty, and to permit my garrison to retain their own arms, sur- rendering only what belongs to the King. SLOUGHTER And if I do all this, will you march out of the Fort and turn over your authority, stores and prisoners to me? LEISLER Most gladly. SLOUGHTER Then I accept your proposition — subject to the ap- proval of my Council, of course. What say you, gen- tlemen — this is the wisest course, is it not ? Jacob Leisler 141 VAN CORTLANDT [Low. For the present — yes, your Excellency. PHILIPSE [Low. Yes, for the present. SLOUGHTER Then we may consider the matter settled, and I should like you to give the necessary orders at once. LEISLER Abraham, order the Captains to withdraw their men from the parapets, form by companies and march out to the Bowling Green, where they will salute the new garrison as it enters the Fort. Beg them to give the new Governor the same loyal support they have given me, and [with emotion] tell them Jacob Leisler thanks them with all his heart for the devotion they have given the old man who now so gladly lays down the burden of care there is no longer need for him to bear ! Go yourself and release Col. Bayard and Mr. Nicolls and bring them here. [Gouverneur departs on this errand. 142 Jacob Leisler SLOUGHTER Major Ingoldsby, you will march your force into the Fort as soon as it is vacated. [Inffoldsby saluteSj and starts to go, when he is detained for a moment's whispered conversa- tion by Van Cortlandt and Philipse. There are sounds of angry protest without, then drum-taps diminuendo, as of troops marching away. Leisler listens a moment, then to Slaughter: LEISLER You hear those rascals? They have held the Fort so long they think it belongs to them. And then — maybe you don't know those pig-head Dutchmen? — they didn't want to fight when first the Major fired on the Fort — and now they don't want to quit ! SLOUGHTER [To Van Cortlandt and Philipse. I wonder not you murmur, gentlemen, having a so turbulent rabble to reckon with. \^To Leisler, indicating Pere Millet. Who is this person, and what is he doing here? Jacob Leisler 1431 LEISLER I beg your Excellency will pardon my neglect. Venez ici, mon ami! This is Pere Millet, a French priest, taken prisoner by our Indians while he was praying with a sick squaw. I thought he was a spy for Fron- tenac, but I find he is only a spy for God, so I recom- mend that your Excellency send him back to France — there is really no charge against him. [Gouverneur returns j followed by Bayard and Nicollsj unkempt, haggard, and hatless. Gouv- erneur indicates his chargeSj salutes Leisler, and again departs. SLOUGHTER He seems to have enjoyed more liberty than some of your other prisoners. LEISLER Liberty, your Excellency, is for honest men, not for rogues such as — permit me to introduce Col. Bayard and Mr. Nicolls ! SLOUGHTER I am gratified to meet you, gentlemen, and to rescue you from your unhappy situation. 144 Jacob Leisler BAYARD We are humbly grateful to your Excellency for deliv- erance from this barbarous, bloody-minded tyrant. NICQLLS And trust no mistaken clemency, no legal quibble, may save his neck from the halter. Lex dubia non obltgat. [Bayard and Nicolls are warmly greeted by Van Cortlandt and Philipse, with whom they exchange excited whispers. LEISLER When it comes to hanging, your Excellency will note that if I had been the bloody-minded tyrant these ras- cals say — they veould not be here to say it. SLOUGHTER Gentlemen, gentlemen, I must fain cry, with Mercu- tio, 'A plague o' both your houses!' A truce to recrimi- nation ! Captain Leisler has surrendered the Fort and I have agreed to treat him as his Majesty's officer. What more? Jacob Leisler 145 BAYARD This, your Excellency ! Your agreement with Captain Leisler was made subject to the approval of your Coun- cil. I am told that I and Mr. Nicolls are named members of your Council by his Majesty, and we de- mand that this fellow be tried for his crimes. LEISLER [To Slaughter J astounded. Bayard and Nicolls members of your Council? SLOUGHTER Such is his Majesty's command. But I do not see how that affects my agreement. PHILIPSE Your Excellency's agreement was based on the pre- sumption that Captain Leisler had been loyal to King William. Col. Bayard and Mr. Nicolls bring new evidence that he was in treason to his Majesty. SLOUGHTER \Sharply. What evidence? [The subsequent accusations against Leisler are rehearsed with breathless haste. 146 Jacob Leisler BAYARD Evidence that he plotted to make himself king of his Majesty's American Provinces. We have both heard him say that if he were not continued Governor, he would hold the Fort despite his Majesty. NICOLLS And that the King is only a servant of his subjects — vox populi est vox Dei. VAN CORTLANDT Touching your Excellency's present Councillors, he declared that if the King should send three thousand such he would cut them all off. BAYARD Moreover, he kept in pay a pirate to carry him to the coast of Guinea upon your arrival. NICOLLS With hot shot ready to burn the town if you refused to treat with him. BAYARD Saying he had ruled by the sword and would go on so. Jacob Leisler 147 NICOLLS And that if he sent for any man's head it would pres- ently be brought to him. PHILIPSE Moreover, he likened himself to King William in seizing the command. [From without co?ne sounds of distant disturb- ance, shouts of 'Rob them!' 'Beat them!' 'Take their guns away from the rascals.' SLOUGHTER Hark! What is that disturbance? VAN CORTLANDT Doubtless a fresh outbreak of the rabble against your Excellency's authority. SLOUGHTER \To Leisler, sternly. Well, Sir, what do you reply to these charges? LEISLER Nothing — I am not on trial. But it may occur to your Excellency that I have not made myself king, I have 148 Jacob Leisler not refused to proclaim William and Mary as these rascals did, I have not failed to surrender the Fort to you, I have not sent for any man's head, I have not burnt the town, and I have not run away to Guinea with a pirate. PERE MILLET {Slowly picking out his words. If your Excellence deign pardon one little word to a prisoner poor, I wish call to attest of Heaven the Power Supreme that the Commander Leisler himself devotes always to the service of your King. {Ingoldsby comes back hurriedly, followed by a guard of red-coat soldiers, carrying muskets with fixed bayonets. INGOLDSBY {Impetuously. Governor Sloughter, the town is in an uproar, and only sharp measures will prevent an open revolt. {Gouverneur rushes in and goes to Leisler. GOUVERNEUR Commander Leisler, our troops were set upon by the red-coats as they were marching out of the Fort, and vilified, beaten and robbed of their arms. Jacob Leisler 149 INGOLDSBY The rabble taunted them to attack us, and I had to disarm them to prevent bloodshed. GOUVERNEUR Our troops were in order, Sir. With my own eyes, I saw Major Ingoldsby incite his men to attack them. INGOLDSBY 'Tis false! They began it. LEISLER Governor Sloughter, you gave me your word that my men should be treated as loyal subjects to his Majesty, and should be allowed to keep their arms. \ INGOLDSBY With an armed rabble and this fellow to lead them we shall never have peace. [Ingoldsby and the Councillors crowd around Sloughter and importune him. VAN CORTLANDT Your Council demand his arrest! 150 Jacob Leisler SLOUGHTER {Helplessly. But my word, gentlemen, my word! BAYARD Traitors have no right to make terms. LEISLER [With vehemence. Governor Sloughter! [The Councillors recoil and Sloughter turns to Leisler. These men are my enemies. They have hatched this plot to destroy me. It is they who are traitors to his Majesty, traitors to the people of New York, and traitors to youj when they try to make you break your word and become their tool and catspaw, the biggest traitor of them all! INGOLDSBY AND COUNCIL [In pretended horror. A-h-h-h! SLOUGHTER Enough, Sir! Your sword! Jacob Leisler 151 LEISLER [Drawing his sword and standing at bay. Let those who want my sword come and take it! {Gouverneur draws and springs to Leisler s sidej while the soldiers, at a signal from. In- goldsby, form a semi-circle ready to attack them. PERE MILLET [A gently restraining hand on Leisler s arm. Non, non, mon ami — c'est trop tard ! Remember your family ! Remember the people who look to you for ex- ample! Confide you in your King! Confide you in the King of Kings ! {^Tableau: Leisler s face shows his bitter struggle between fla77iing indignation and recog- nition of the hopelessness of resistance. Finally, with a skpreme effort at self-control, he slowly takes his sword-blade in his left hand and ten- ders the hilt to Sloughter, who takes it. SLOUGHTER I am instructed by his Majesty to inquire strictly and impartially into your case. I shall appoint a special 152 Jacob Leisler court to try you and your accomplices for treason. Bind him! [The soldiers rush at Leisler and treat him with extreme indignity , taking his sashj pistols, coat and wig, forcing him to his knees and binding his arms behind him. Gouverneur is disarmed and bound also. Leisler is tenderly helped to his feet by Pere Millet. LEISLER Never mind about me, mon ami! I was taken by Turkish pirates once — this is not much worse. BAYARD If your Excellency will permit, I should like to sug- gest that this villain be shut up in the same hole where he has kept me, and be manacled by the same chain he had put upon my leg. SLOUGHTER It shall be done. [Mary comes in with a tray. Well, young woman, what do you want here? MARY I have brought my father's coffee, Sir. Jacob Leisler 153 LEISLER I think I will take my coffee in gaol this morning, Mary. [To Pere Millet. You will join me, mon ami? PERE MILLET [Lifting his crucifix. Mon fils, it is my mission to hold up before all perse- cuted and suffering men the emblem of Him who was persecuted, suffered and died for us all. SLOUGHTER Take him away! [As Gouverneur is being led off after Leisler, Mary timidly places her hand on his arm, in sympathy and appeal, hut he turns sadly and coldly away, to her manifest distress. LEISLER [Whirls suddenly at the door and roars back at the conspirators : I appeal from King William's Governor to King Wil- liam himself! ACT IV You see the richly- furnished reception room of Col. Bayard's house, on the night of May 14, i6gi. The door at the right leads to the entrance hall; that at the left to the inner apartments. Near you on the left is a table upon which are a punch bowl, numerous glasses, and a lighted candle. Opposite this table, on the right side of the room, is a window showing with- out the end of a flag-staff with an English flag on a halyard draped on a chair within, ready to be run out. Music and revelry are heard from the inner rooms, as Peter comes from the hall, showing in Ingoldsby. PETER I will tell Governor Sloughter you wish to see him, Major Ingoldsby. INGOLDSBY [Showing a document held in his hand. Say to his Excellency it is matter of pressing moment. PETER Ves, Sir. [Starts to go. Jacob Leisler 155 INGOLDSBY Stay, Peter! I will see Col. Bayard first — his guests can spare him a moment, surely ? PETER [Hesitatinff. He Is celebrating his daughter's wedding, you know — but I can give him your message. INGOLDSBY Do so — tell him it is most serious! [Peter goes out left, while Ingoldsby walks to and fro in agitation, scanning the document he holds, until Bayard appears, in gala attire, a glass of wine in his hand. BAYARD You are late, Major — my daughter is already a bride — but [offering the "d^ine] you shall drink to her hap- piness. ^ INGOLDSBY I bring you news which will blast your happiness — as it has mine. 156 Jacob Leisler BAYARD Oh, I am beyond reprisal! With my daughter well married, with Leisler and Milborne condemned, and his Excellency pledged to sign their death-warrant at once — nothing can touch me now. INGOLDSBY [Showing document. Nothing but this — a letter to Governor Sloughter from the Earl of Nottingham, sending King William's re- prieve for any condemned by our court. BAYARD [Thunderstruck, placing the wine-glass on the table unsteadily. Major! INGOLDSBY Read for yourself! BAYARD \Runs over the document hastily. 'By intercession of Capt. Benjamin Blagge' — that pes- tilent Leislerite who went abroad — 'his Majesty re- minds Governor Sloughter of the instructions to Jacob Leisler 157 strictly and impartially inquire into the causes of the late disturbances' — {^Mumbles over some intervening phrases. — 'his Majesty's reprieve for any condemned, and the withholdment of sentence until his royal pleasure may be further known.' [Pause. This is grave, Major! INGOLDSBY 'Grave!' Damme, it's disastrous! When his Excel- lency reads that, he will never sign the death-warrant. [Holds out his hand for the letter. BAYARD [Resolutely putting the document behind him. It must not come to his hand until the death-warrant is signed and executed ! INGOLDSBY Zounds, Colonel, that is a desperate recourse — it might cost me my commission! BAYARD And if that villain Leisler lives to plead before the King, how will your commission fare ? 158 Jacob Leisler INGOLDSBY {Doubtfully. With the governor in his cups, and our friends press- ing for sentence, the thing might succeed. BAYARD It must succeed. How came this letter to hand? INGOLDSBY With others by the ship Beavj just arrived from Lon- don direct. BAYARD Then it is like Capt. Blagge hath sent news of the reprieve b)^ the same post to some of the rabble here. Go you at once and seize any such ! \JJrging Ingoldsby away, and returning the document. Meanwhile you can mislay my Lord Nottingham's let- ter in some safe place. INGOLDSBY I'm damnably qualmish about this enterprise, Colonel. Jacob Leisler 159 BAYARD [Again pressing the wine upon him. Here, let a soldier's comfort restore you to a soldier's courage [Ingoldsby drinks. Now, oflE with you to the Stadt Haus, make all se- cure, and come back speedily — we shall need you here ! [Bayard hurries Ingoldsby out toward the en- trance hall in earnest conference. The voice of Miss Livingston is heard coming from the inner rooms. MISS LIVINGSTON Confess, now. Sir Bachelor, you envied the bridegroom most sourly! [She comes in on NicoUs's arm, both in wed- ding bravery. NICOLLS Indeed, Madam, I had been well content to occupy his station if the bride had been one I might mention. MISS LIVINGSTON Fie, fie, you play upon a woman's weakest rampart, her curiosity! Name this 'proachless paragon, and let me be your envoy at her court! i6o Jacob Leisler NICOLLS I could ask no more potent ambassadress, for, mutato nomine de te fabula narratur. MISS LIVINGSTON I shall beseech our learned Governor Sloughter to translate that for me — if, indeed, he is not too far gone in drink to understand even plain English. NICOLLS Zounds, I hope not, for he has important business yet to-night — the warrant for the execution of Leisler and Milborne is still unsigned. MISS LIVINGSTON But they have appealed from the judgment of your court to the King. Surely his Excellency will not deny them that right ? NICOLLS Bah, they have no such right! The Governor stands for the King here — in loco regis. MISS LIVINGSTON But they denied the jurisdiction of your court, did they Jacob Leisler i6i not, when you refused to rule on whether your King's letter to Nicholson gave Leisler authority? NICOLLS Another technicality! His Excellency brushed that plea aside, and, since they allowed themselves to be condemned as mutes, they shall be executed as mutes, MISS LIVINGSTON Tyrannical and hot-headed as the man was, your wor- shipful William can hardly sanction the execution of one who ruled the Province for two years in his name. NICOLLS His Majesty must needs sanction what is done by his own Governor — especially, when it can't be undone — factum est, MISS LIVINGSTON I marvel not, Mr. Nicolls, that you, who have felt Leisler's heavy hand, are bitter for his death. But I hear, also, that the people are much displeasured, and have petitioned Governor Sloughter to refer the matter to London. 1 62 Jacob Leisler NICOLLS Oh, the voice of the rabble is ever for misrule, but the best people of the Province are hot for the punish- ment of this German upstart — chief among them your brother ! MISS LIVINGSTON I' faith, if my brother is for the thing, it must be wrong! Which will you stand with, my brother or me? NICOLLS Madam, you set my hard head in arms against my soft heart. How shall I resolve the quarrel ? MISS LIVINGSTON By sending Governor Sloughter to me here, at once, before his soft head has quite yielded to the blandish- ments of Col. Bayard's punch. NICOLLS Agreed ! [Nicolls returns to the inner rooms, and Miss Livingston drops her mask of badinage, show- ing grave concern. As she walks back and forth in perplexity, she notices the flag. She Jacob Leisler 163 exajnines it curiously at first, then with star- tled understanding of its meaning, deepening into pantomimed alarm. Sloughter appears in the left doorway. He is richly attired, and, without being absolutely tipsy, manifests spir- ituous elevation. SLOUGHTER Madam, this is the most exquisite moment of a most delightful occasion — Col. Bayard's charming hospital- ity crowned by beauty's commands. His Majesty must hear how New York welcomes his new Governor. MISS LIVINGSTON Your Excellency is pleased to flatter our poor Province. But, if you will permit me, there is matter more pressing for his Majesty's hearing. SLOUGHTER \He goes and takes her hand with effusive gal- lantry. Miss Livingston has but to speak and I obey. [Kissing her hand and continuing to hold it. She will find Henry Sloughter's ofKcial armor covers a heart most tender and susceptible. 164 Jacob Leisler MISS LIVINGSTON That is reassuring, for the case is one in which my own feelings are warmly aroused — I mean this appeal of Leisler and Milborne to your King. SLOUGHTER Have no fear, Madam! I quite agree with you that never greater rascals lived, and I have just promised your brother they shall be hanged out of hand. MISS LIVINGSTON \Withdrawing her hand. Your Excellency mistakes me. So far from standing with my brother, I believe the execution of these poor men would be a cruel murder for which King William would hold you much to blame. If they were usurpers, what was he? SLOUGHTER Odsbud, Madam, this is treason to your King, as well as to your class. And yet, egad, I like your spirit. [He pours a glass of punch and drinks it, after she has declined. I'm most extraordinarily fond of spirit, and when it goes with red lips and bright eyes, Gadzooks, I'm less Jacob Leisler 165 like to put the traitor in gaol than to stop her mouth some other way. MISS LIVINGSTON I would fain persuade you, Sir, that this is a very grave matter — for you as well as for these men. They were loyal to your King, and they have many adherents in the Province. You have heard but one side of the story. SLOUGHTER [Startinff toward her. Your own fair lips shall whisper the other side in my ear. MISS LIVINGSTON {^Offering to flee, then suddenly turning and taking his hands archly. Does your Excellency wish to prove that all your gal- lant speeches mean me rather than any woman foolish enough to lend ear to your flattery? SLOUGHTER Madam, I am overwhelmed at the prospect of such ^ privilege, 1 66 Jacob Leisler MISS LIVINGSTON Then send for Capt. Leisler — now, at once — and let him plead his own cause before you ! He has had no chance to be heard by any but his enemies. SLOUGHTER Zounds, Madam, ask me anything but that! The Court has given sentence — the Council and Assembly urge its execution. MISS LIVINGSTON You have not yet signed the death warrant. SLOUGHTER But I have promised to — I am going to — and this boor's reproaches would not move me not to. MISS LIVINGSTON I beseech you hear him — for my sake, if not for his own. SLOUGHTER But, Madam Jacob Leisler 167 MISS LIVINGSTON [Flaming away from hi?n. 'But, but, but, but, but' — but, Sir, you make me your butt when you promise so gallantly, and come so lamely ofE at the proof! SLOUGHTER Indeed, I protest. Madam MISS LIVINGSTON [Turninff her back upon him. Protest me no protests — I will never more believe man ! [Inffoldsby returns. SLOUGHTER Egad, Madam, I don't understand why you [Catches sight of Ingoldsby^ hesitates ^ then: Major Ingoldsby, go to the Fort and bring Capt. Leisler to me here under guard — at once. Major! INGOLDSBY [In a panic. I beg your Excellency's pardon, but- i68 Jacob Leisler SLOUGHTER \_Stamping in anger. Not a word, Sir — go! [Ingoldsbyj with a humble gesture of assent, starts for the inner rooms, meaning to warn Bayard. That is not the way to the Fort — as you came ! [Ingoldsby rushes out right. Now, Madam, will you believe me? MISS LIVINGSTON \_So ?nuch elated that she drops diplomacy. Governor Sloughter, you make me glad that I appealed from Caesar sober to Cassar drunk. SLOUGHTER Drunk only with your beauty, and mad regret that I am no longer free to lay my fortunes at your feet. MISS LIVINGSTON , Your fortunes shall be more beholden to my head than to my feet. [Pointing. Do you see that flag? Jacob Leisler 169 SLOUGHTER In your presence I can see only you. MISS LIVINGSTON Let me tell you what this flag means. It is made ready to signal to New York the signing of the death- warrant which Capt. Leisler's enemies make sure you will not refuse them. SLOUGHTER I can easier understand their intolerance than your tolerance of this upstart. MISS LIVINGSTON I do admire to hear one commissionate by the Prince of Orange prate of upstarts. Listen, Sir Turncoat! A King is a King, and when his people depose him the people become King. You served King James yester- day; you serve King William to-day; to-morrow you will serve the King who set James aside for William. Beware, then, Sir, that you offend not in this new world this new King whose herald is the man you are besought to hang! SLOUGHTER But, Madam, I am assured that even the common people are not all with Capt. Leisler, lyo Jacob Leisler MISS LIVINGSTON They lie who give you such assurance. Did you not have a petition for his reprieve, signed by eighteen hundred of them ? And your answer was to send poor Dominie Daille, who presented it, to prison! SLOUGHTER Ah, Madam, Madam, where shall I find a way to show you how much I wish you had been fated to help me govern this Province? [Ingoldsby returns with Leisler and a guard of red-coats. Leisler is haggard and ill-dressed. MISS LIVINGSTON [^Indicating Leisler. You may find it — here! INGOLDSBY Capt. Leisler, Sir. [Going toward the inner rooms. I will await your Excellency's pleasure within. Jacob Leisler 171 MISS LIVINGSTON [Divining Ingoldsby's intent to warn Bayard, and starting toward the outer hall. I beseech your Excellency, commission Major In- goldsby to escort me home. SLOUGHTER [As Ingoldsby hesitates. Go, Major! I would the chance were mine. INGOLDSBY [Going with Miss Livingston very reluctantly. With pleasure, Madam! MISS LIVINGSTON So good of you: Captain Leisler, you have one last chance for your life. Here stands the man who stands for your King. Make him realize his responsibility! Good speed — and good night! Your Excellency — re- member! [Miss Livingston carries off the crestfallen In- goldsby, SLOUGHTER So, Capt. Leisler, we meet again! 172 Jacob Leisler LEiSLER [Low. I humbly thank your Excellency for this privilege. SLOUGHTER I have been persuaded to give you a hearing, but it must be brief. You have been tried and found guilty of murder and high treason, and I warn you that my mind is made up to execute the sentence of the Court. You know what that sentence is^ LEISLER I think so, your Excellency. [Slozvly, recalling the words. I am to be hanged up by the neck — and then — while I am still alive — I am to be cut down and cut open — and my bowels taken out and burnt before my face — and then my head cut off — and my body cut into four pieces — and these pieces scattered as their Majesties shall direct! SLOUGHTER Yes, yes, but, of course, you understand that the refer- ence to their Majesties is purely formal. Jacob Leisler 173 LEISLER Their Majesties can hardly send my members where they have not been already in their Majesties' service. SLOUGHTER Moreover, I am disposed to treat you better than you deserve. I am willing to remit this sentence — all of it — except only the hanging and beheading. LEISLER Your Excellency is very good to me. SLOUGHTER I am a merciful man, Capt. Leisler. And now that WQ have settled these unpleasant details, will you join me in a glass of punch — you look exhausted? LEISLER I thank your Excellency — I have sold wine but never used it. SLOUGHTER [Helping himself. 'Come, come, good wine is a good familiar creature.' 174 Jacob Leisler LEISLER Wine is good for the heart, but not for the head- good for those who listen, not for those who speak- and I wish to speak and you to listen. SLOUGHTER Oho, so you are ready to speak now — ^why did you refuse to speak in court? LEISLER [Very quietly. Because that court had no authority to hear me, and if I had pleaded, the King would accuse me for giving away my right. I could not complain of an act of my own, for by pleading I M^ould have empowered the jury to make them judges of the fact. How can twelve men of one county judge the government of the whole Province? But I speak now to their Maj- esties' representative. SLOUGHTER As their Majesties' representative I appointed the court to try you. Jacob Leisler 175 LEISLER {Exploding. You had no right to! King William confirmed my claim to govern this Province — King William alone has the right to judge \\o\v I have done it. I appealed my case to him, and your commission commands you to grant all such appeals. It empowers you to govern, not to judge how / have governed. You let yourself be deceived and misled by my enemies in your Council into denying my right to the King's letter, freely given me by the King's own messenger. You let those enemies deceive and mislead you into appointing a court made up by them to try me for crimes they themselves committed. And this court finds me guilty of murder for life lost in Major Ingoldsby's lawless attack upon King William's Fort, held by King William's lawful Governor, and of treason for resisting this attack two days before you had landed and taken the oath as Gov- ernor. Major Ingoldsby's commission gave him no authority to govern the Province. Until you landed he was subject to my orders, not I to his. If murder was committed, Major Ingoldsby and those who set him on are the murderers; if there has been treason to their Majesties, he and his accomplices are guilty of it — and yet you appoint Major Ingoldsby one of my judges, and let Bayard, Van Cortlandt and Philipse 176 Jacob Leisler decide whether I had right to the King's letter which they pretended to themselves! How will your Excel- lency answer it to their Majesties and to God for lend- ing yourself to this infamous conspiracy? \_Sloughters arrogant assurance is beaten down, under Leisler s torrential arraignment, to suc- cessive uneasiness, alarm, and panic-surrender. SLOUGHTER But, alas, my dear Capt. Leisler, the matter has gone too far! My Councillors look to me as head of the Government. How shall I answer their expecta- tions unless I carry out the decree of this Court? LEISLER By showing them you are the head of the Government — not their catspaw! SLOUGHTER They shall see I am no man's catspaw. But they as- sure me your execution is necessary to pacify the red savages. LEISLER No, not the red savages, but the white savages, are to be pacified by my blood ! Jacob Leisler 177 SLOUGHTER This is a most painful predicament for a merciful man. Where shall I turn for wise and disinterested counsel ? [His eye falls upon the punch bowl and he again imbibes. LEISLER To the King, whose commission you have sworn to obey; to the King, who will commend that you show the mercy he has shown his enemies; to the King, who will not forgive that you usurp his authority! Send me to the King for trial — let me meet my enemies before the throne ! I have risked my life too often for him to fear that he will take it now. SLOUGHTER Capt. Leisler, I will send you to the King! Not a hair of your head shall be touched! [ Takes Leisler s hand. I am a merciful man. LEISLER And my son Milborne, and the others my Councillors condemned with me? 178 Jacob Leisler SLOUGHTER Yes, yes, all of you — I wash my hands of the whole matter — not a hair of your heads shall be touched — and if my Councillors don't like it they can go to Lon- don, too — I shall be well rid of the whole lot of you. [Inffoldsby comes back in haste. LEISLER • I thank your Excellency sehr herzlich — for myself and all the others. SLOUGHTER [Catchinff sight of Ingoldshy, who is trying to reach Bayard unobserved. Major Ingoldsby, make out a reprieve for Capt. Leisler and all the others condemned by your court and bring it to me here — at once! INGOLDSBY But, your Excellency SLOUGHTER [Roaring. Do as I tell you — do you hear ? Jacob Leisler 179 INGOLDSBY Yes, your Excellency. [He darts out left. SLOUGHTER Now I shall have the whole pack of them down upon me! I heartily wish his Majesty had left you in com- mand of this turbulent country — but I don't see how you managed it — without wine. [He again resorts to the punch bowl. LEISLER Does your Excellency wish that I go away now? SLOUGHTER No, stay here — I shall need you. {Bayard, Philipse, Van Cortlandtj Nicolls, Liv- ingston and Ingoldsby . rush in. All are in gala attire and manifestly excited. Bayard carries a document in his hand. BAYARD We find your Excellency in strange company. i8o Jacob Leisler SLOUGHTER \Willing to be offended. If Col. Bayard does not like his Governor's guests, I will relieve him by receiving them elsewhere. BAYARD My poor house is honored by any use your ^Excellency may be pleased to make of it. SLOUGHTER Capt. Leisler has convinced me that he did not have a fair trial, and I have promised him to refer the whole matter to his Majesty. ^Sensation. NICOLLS Can your Excellency call a trial unfair for which you yourself appointed the judges? BAYARD Your Excellency goes soon to Albany to meet the Mo- hawks, already in treaty with Canada because of this man's misrule. How will you justify to them such mistaken clemency, or how placate his Majesty if they make you lose the Province to the French? Jacob Leisler i8i SLOUGHTER It is not the red savages, but the white savages, who are trying to make a catspaw of me. [Puts Leisler forward. LEISLER Who called a congress of the Colonies and raised an army to fight the French? Who fortified New York and swept the French vessels from this coast? Did you, Col. Bayard, or you, Mr. Nicolls, or you, Herr Van Cortlandt — skulking upholders, every one of you, of King James, the friend of Louis XIV? Who must answer to God and the King for the bloody massacre at Schenectady — I, who tried to defend it, or King James's men at Albany who stayed my hand? So far from demanding my death, the Mohawks know that I alone have saved them from the French! BAYARD Bah, a likely story! INGOLDSBY If your Excellency will permit, my experience with this turbulent people convinces me that the prevention of future riots and insurrections requires the present pun- ishment of those who caused the late outbreak. 1 82 Jacob Leisler LEISLER So? Then you, Major Ingoldsby, and not I, would dangle from the rope's end. SLOUGHTER He has you there, Major! VAN CORTLANDT [Lozv to Bayard. We must get him away from Leisler. BAYARD [Nods assent and pours a glass of punch. Argument is dry work, gentlemen. Will your Excel- lency join us in a glass of punch? SLOUGHTER No, thank you, I've had quite enough. BAYARD May we have the pleasure of your company, Capt. Leisler ? Jacob Leisler 183 [Leisler makes a gesture of contemptuous re- fusal. Well, gentlemen, I trust we are not all Puritans? [The others J sensing Bayard's plan, crowd about the table with zest and are served with punch by him. INGOLDSBY No, damme! If I am to be hanged, I will enjoy life while it lasts. [Councillors laugh with convivial abandon. LEISLER [Low to Sloughter. They mean to trap your Excellency. SLOUGHTER I'll not be their catspaw. BAYARD [Rapping on the table. Gentlemen, raise your glasses! I am going to pro- pose a toast we all can drink. Here's long life and a 184 Jacob Leisler glorious reign to their gracious Majesties, King Wil- liam and Queen Mary! COUNCIL To King William and Queen Mary! BAYARD [Offeririff a glass to Slaughter. Surely your Excellency cannot refuse to honor that toast ? SLOUGHTER {Low to Leisler, who seeks to detain him. Egad, I must — willy-nilly. {He goes unsteadily to Bayard and takes the glass. Just this one cup, then, gentlemen — to their Majesties! COUNCIL [In triumphant ensemble shout. To their Majesties! {They gather about Slaughter and drink the toast with him. NICOLLS {Holding out his glass to Bayard to be refilled. Now, gentlemen, one more, with me! Here's to Gov- Jacob Leisler 185 ernor Sloughter, the Hercules sent to clean the Augean stables of the Western World! May no womanish qualms arrest a hero's hand! SLOUGHTER [Seekinff to retreat, but prevented, and now rapidly becoming maudlin. Fie, fie, Mist' Nicolls, you do me too much honor! Beshides, your tashk is not to my liking. If I mush be Hercules, I will rather seek the golden apples of the Heshperides. \Laughter and applause. PHILIPSE \how. The golden apples are within your grasp — once the sterner task is done. COUNCIL \As Bayard fills their glasses, after serving Sloughter. The toast, the toast ! Your Excellency, the toast ! SLOUGHTER Zounds, gen'men, my head is whirling round an' round with your toasts, an' my poor legs simply 'fuse to carry any more toasts. 1 86 Jacob Leisler VAN CORTLANDT A chair for his Excellency ! [Bayard deftly places a chair beside the table, and Van Cortlandt gently forces Slaughter into it. NICOLLS Now, then — to his Excellency ! COUNCIL To his Excellency! [All drink except Slaughter, who sets his glass upon the table. BAYARD [Placing the glass again in Sloughter's hand. Nay, nay, your Excellency must keep us company ! SLOUGHTER Thasso, I cry you mercy, gen'men! [Drinks. Mus' 'cep' my gra'ful thanks, gen'men, till I can show you in more s'tantial way how mush I am toushed by your noble loyalty. Jacob Leisler 187 BAYARD [Placing the document on the table. Your Excellency's signature to this document will do just that — and make you the most popular Governor ever sent to rule New York. SLOUGHTER [ Trying to scan the paper magisterially. Wha's this, wha's this, Colonel Bayard ? BAYARD A warrant for the execution of the condemned traitors, Leisler and Milborne! [During the toast scene Leisler has remained with folded arms and stern self-control. He now takes a step toward Sloughter, and cries out in warning and appeal: LEISLER Remember your promise : 'Not a hair of our heads shall be touched!' SLOUGHTER [Pushing the document aside. Thasso, gen'men, thasso — given my promish — not a hair of their heads. 1 88 Jacob Leisler LIVINGSTON But you gave me your promise — not an hour ago- you would sign this warrant. SLOUGHTER Tha's ri', Mist' Livingston, tha's ri', but tha's catch- paw promish, an' I'm mushiful man. BAYARD Then, I pray you, have mercy on the best people of this Province, who for two years have suffered insult, tyranny and imprisonment at the hands of this usurper ! Is it not so, gentlemen? COUNCIL Aye, aye! {They crowd about Sloughter. NICOLLS The Court has decreed his death. PHILIPSE The Council has approved it. Jacob Leisler 189 LIVINGSTON The Assembly confirms it. VAN CORTLANDT Dominie Selyns and the other ministers cry out to God from their pulpits against Leisler's tyranny, and de- mand that you make an example of him. BAYARD Tender-hearted ladies, who have tears for highway- men and housebreakers, breathe only vengeance toward this man. INGOLDSBY God's blood, Governor, it's only his own kind, the rabble, that upholds this villain ! LEISLER 'The rabble, the rabble, the rabble!' And has 'the rabble' no rights? Who upheld King Henry at Agin- court, Queen Elizabeth against the Spanish Armada, and our own William at Boyne Water ? The rabble ! Who settled this Western wilderness and bared their breasts to the arrow and the bullet to defend it? The rabble ! Was it the 'best people of this Province,' with their commissions and their land grants from King 190 Jacob Leisler James, with their 'tender-hearted ladies' and their truckling pulpit echoes, who hailed the coming of Wil- liam with joy and made me hasten to proclaim him King? No, it was the rabble! Ach, you Jacobites and popishly-affected aristocrats, this is your hour! You can spurn the petitions of the rabble, and you can hang me, but, so sure as God reigns, the day is coming when the people you now despise will require my blood at your hands! For they are the people who are to rule this country! \The Councillors exchange glances of delight j but groan in pretended protest. BAYARD Your Excellency can now see with what strange doc- trines this man has debauched and poisoned the people. SLOUGHTER 'Plorable, 'plorable! I'm mushiful man, but mush punish those who debauch and poishon people. LEISLER [Pointing to the punch bowl. Then, Sir, let your first vengeance fall upon those who have debauched and poisoned you! Jacob Leisler 191 COUNCIL [In pumped-up indignation. Ah-h-h-h-h-h! SLOUGHTER [Pulling the warrant toward him. Cap'n Leisler, are you 'ware you are 'dressing Gov- ernor of thish Provinch? VAN CORTLANDT [Low to Bayard. Bring pen and ink — quick! [Bayard goes on this errand. LEISLER No, not the Governor, but the drunken catspaw of these conspirators! SLOUGHTER [Holding up two fingers. Now, look here, Cap'n Leisler — it's thish way! [Pointing to one finger. If Governor of thish Provinch ish mushiful man an' gives you hish promish, [Pointing to the other finger. 192 Jacob Leisler why shou'n he be mushiful to Henry Sloughter, too, and give him glash punch? PHILIPSE [7w Sloughter s ear. And why shouldn't he remember that the day these villains are hanged Henry Sloughter and his lady will own the stateliest mansion in New York? SLOUGHTER {Rousing. Eh? Wha's tha'? [Philipse whispers, and Sloughter nods compre- hension. Bayard returns with a quill-pen and ink. VAN CORTLANDT [Dips the pen in the ink and puts it in Slaugh- ter s hand. Sign there, your Excellency! BAYARD [Low to Sloughter. Lady Sloughter bids me to tell you that if you love her you will sign this warrant. [He goes to the window, and opens it, ready to run out the flag. Jacob Leisler 193 SLOUGHTER [To Leisler, resentfully. Go'n' keep my promish — no man's catchpaw! INGOLDSBY [To Leisler, as he tries to approach Sloughter. Back, Sir! [He signals guards, who drag Leisler back. LEISLER So? Did you keep the promises you made me when I surrendered the Fort to you? COUNCIL [All point to document. Sign there! [Van Cortlandt holds a candle so that Slough- ter can see to write. SLOUGHTER [In delirium. Go'n' keep my catchpaw — no man's promish! 194 Jacob Leisler COUNCIL [In relentless iteration. Sign there! [Slaughter signs the warrant and tumbles from his chair to the floor in unaided stupor. Leis- ler towers above him in measureless contempt. Bayard runs out the flag, and the Councillors raise a wild shout of triumph. The scene is suddenly darkened, change to the next being made to the accompaniment of weird and whirling music. * * The living-room of Leisler s farmhouse (which stood on the site of the present Sun Building, City Hall Park), before daylight. May i6, i6gi. It is a low- studded, plainly-furnished apartment, somber in effect, a door at the left leading to other rooms and another at the back giving without, the latter divided in the middle and flanked by wide low windows on either side. There is also a window at the right. Near you, on the right, is a large wing chair beside a small table, and on the left is a child's cradle. In one corner is the spare four-poster with high-piled feather-bed and gay tester and valance. There are bed-steps beside it. Jacob Leisler 195 While it is yet darkj and before the music dies away, sounds of a storm are heard, the rumble of thunder and dashes of rain against the windows. Then, out of the gloom, comes the voice of Frau Leisler: 'Ah, God, ah, dear God, is there no helpf A faint beam of ghastly light breaks through the window at the right, disclosing Frau Leisler seated in the wing chair, and Miss Livingston at her side, seeking to comfort her. Both wear wraps, having just arrived. Francina is asleep in the cradle. MISS LIVINGSTON Dear Frau Leisler, you must be strong — for your hus- band's sake. FRAU LEISLER [^Rocking to and fro. Ah, Jacob, Jacob, my Jacob! \^Mary comes from the left, carrying lighted candles, which she places on the table. She also wears a wrap and hood. MARY You will have more comfort with your wraps off, mother. \Miss Livingston removes Frau Leisler s wraps. 196 Jacob Leisler FRAU LEISLER 'Comfort! Comfort!' No comfort more in this world for me! MARY Mother, mother, we must not waken Francina! [She goes to the cradle. FRAU LEISLER 'Francina, Francina!' Ah, Jacob, he don't care for anybody but Francina. [Showing her wedding ring. There was a time — ^when he put this ring on my fin- ger — worn so thin and small now — ^when he loved me, my Jacob. MARY Mother! He loves us all — but Francina is his baby! \A bell begins to toll. FRAU LEISLER Why is that bell? MISS LIVINGSTON The procession is on its way from the Fort. Jacob Leisler 197 FRAU LEISLER They are going to hang my Jacob — I shall never more see him alive. MISS LIVINGSTON You shall ! You shall ! I have Col. Bayard's promise. That is why we are here. [The bell tolls. FRAU LEISLER Bloody and cruel villains, to hang my Jacob on his own land — beside his own farmhouse! MARY Peace, mother, peace ! My heart is breaking, too. FRAU LEISLER And they build their scaffold — some one told me — from the timbers my Jacob put on the Fort to turn away the French! MARY What does it matter? 198 Jacob Leisler FRAU LEISLER But they had to send out of town for a ladder — no city carpenter would lend them one. [Bell. Ah, that awful bell! Where is Cobus? Why is he not here to be with me? MARY {Low. Shall I tell her? MISS LIVINGSTON Yes, it can do no harm. MARY Mother, Cobus had a letter from Captain Blagge, say- ing it is reported in London that the King hath sent his reprieve for all condemned in the trials, and he has gone to Yonkers to try to have Governor Sloughter stop the execution. FRAU LEISLER God be thanked ! My Cobus will save him. MISS LIVINGSTON We hope so, but the Governor has been spirited away by your husband's enemies, and it will be difficult to reach him- — even if he is in a state to act. Jacob Leisler 199 [The bell tolls agairij and the low rattle of a drum is heard, growing louder, and augmented by cries of the crowd, groans mingled with execrations. FRAU LEISLER He is coming! My Jacob is coming! [She springs from her chair and rushes to the window at the right. Miss Livingston and Mary remove their wraps and support her. Men and women spectators appear at the rear door and windows, which they throw open, and from which they eagerly watch the subse- quent proceedings. The tumult without in- creases, and then suddenly stops as the rear door admits Col. Bayard, Pere Millet and Leisler, the last-named bound, guarded by a file of soldiers, and supported by Pere Millet. BAYARD Unbind him! [The soldiers unbind Leisler. FRAU LEISLER [Throwing herself into his arms. Jacob, my Jacob — they are going to hang my Jacob! 200 Jacob Leisler LEISLER Ya, Elsie, the King I have worked for, and paid for, and fought for, is going to give me my reward. FRAU LEISLER Where is Jacob Milborne ? LEISLER Jacob will have none of our farewells. He awaits me at the scaffold. FRAU LEISLER [Beatinff upon his breast. No, Jacob, no ! Listen to me ! There is a hope ! The King has sent his reprieve — Cobus has gone to see the Governor. BAYARD [Whirling savagely. Where got you such lying report, Madam? MISS LIVINGSTON It comes from Captain Blagge in London, Col. Bayard. Jacob Leisler 201 BAYARD [ Violently. It is false, false, I tell you! The King has sent no reprieve, and you but delude these poor people to say so. PERE MILLET I you beg, Monsieur, in name of that One who die so men do live, that you arrest this execution cruel until what time we know the verity of this report. BAYARD [Regaining control of himself. Useless, father — it would but prolong a painful scene. If Governor Sloughter had received such reprieve, who would know it sooner than I? MARY But will you not wait until my brother has seen the Governor ? BAYARD No, Madam 1 You must make your farewells at once. Your brother will not see the Governor [Correcting himself. That is, the Governor has no excuse to interfere, since the King has not interfered. 202 Jacob Leisler FRAU LEISLER I hate him, that cruel King! LEISLER Nein, Elsie, nein — not cfuel, but very far away, and too much occupied with great affairs to take care for this poor Province of New York. But maybe, now that my work for him is done, he will remember my name. PERE MILLET Si, si, mon ami, and the day will come when the people of New York will remember it, too. FRAU LEISLER Jacob, don't say your work is done! Cobus will save you yet. LEISLER I have made my peace with God and have no hope from man. But there is a work for Cobus. ^Giving her medal taken from his neck] Give him this medal! It bears the head of that great friend of liberty. Lord Shaftesbury, and on it I have cut some words : [Read- ing] 'Remember well and baer in mynd a faethful REMEMBER WELL AND BAER IN MYND A FAETHFUL FRIND IS HARD TO FEIND. (The abo've is the legend cut on the rim of the medal by Leisler himself ^whilst in prison. ) Jacob Leisler 203 frind is hard to feind.' Tell Cobus he shall never rest more in this world until King William knows I have been that faithful friend to him! FRAU LEISLER Jacob, you are so cold, and wet to the skin. LEISLER Ah, that is nothing. FRAU LEISLER May God's curse fall upon those who bring you to this! LEISLER Say not so, Elsie ! I wish in the grave I am so soon to fill may be buried also the hatreds and jealousies I have caused. My enemies have brought my body to shame, but I hope they will not despise my family for that. I ask their forgiveness for the mistakes I have made through rashness, haste and anger, and, it may be, be- cause I did not know what was in their hearts. [To Miss Livingston. Tell your brother that for me! MISS LIVINGSTON I pray you. Sir, count me not among your enemies! I am a Jacobite — ten thousand times a Jacobite, when 204 Jacob Leisler I see how your King deserts those who have served him so faithfully. LEISLER [Going to Miss Livingston and taking both her hands. Ah, Madam, my King does not know^ and when he knows it will be too late. But I wish you to know that old Jacob Leisler thanks you from the bottom of his heart for all your kindness to him and to those he loves. [Low'\ Cobus has told me — I am glad. {Miss Livingston turns away to hide her emotion. {The bell tolls. BAYARD You must hasten your leave-taking — we have business elsewhere. MARY \To Miss Livingston. Oh, will Cobus never come ! LEISLER [Going to Pere Millet. Mon ami, you have been my friend when you were my prisoner, and you have been my comforter when I my- self was prisoner. Now I ask you to stay here and comfort those I must leave behind. [The priest Jacob Leisler 205 TTiutely assents. Leisler turns to Mary, who throws herself sobbing into his arms] My little Mary, my little Captain Mary — so brave to help her old vater when he needed help — she is going to be brave always to help her mutter and hand down her vater's good name to those who come after her. [Mary sinks to her knees before him, and he places his hands upon her head in benediction. Then he turns to Fran Leisler, holding her some moments in silent embrace, finally sig- nalling Miss Livingston, who gently reseats her in the chair. Leisler goes slowly to the cradle, and, kneeling beside it, takes the hand of the sleeping child, and, kissing it fondly, looks long and fixedly into her face, then sud- denly buries his face in the coverlet, sobbing: My baby, my baby Francina ! [ The bell tolls, and Bayard taps Leisler on the shoulder. BAYARD Come, Sir! LEISLER [Kissing the child gently on the forehead and rising. I am ready. 2o6 Jacob Leisler BAYARD Bind him! [The soldiers crowd roughly about Leisler and bind his arms behind hirrij while the crowd at the rear windows begins a murmur of protest^ which rises into a tumult. BAYARD March ! LEISLER [Turns commandingly at exit, and makes him- self heard above the uproar. Listen to me — everybody! [The uproar suddenly ceases. I declare before God and the world that what I have done was for King William and Queen Mary, for the defence of the Protestant religion and the good of New York. [Bell. Pere Millet goes to Leisler, and holds up the crucifix before him appealingly, but Leisler slowly shakes his head. Non, non, non, mon ami, I am not convert to the re- ligion you profess, but to the religion you live! PERE MILLET Then you will accept the blessing of the man — if not of the priest? Jacob Leisler 207 [Leisler bows his head, and Pere Millet ex- tends his hands in benediction. Frau Leisler throws herself upon her knees. Darkness sud- denly falls, and the tumult recommences, con- tinuing until this symbolic tableau is seen: Frau Leisler is seated in the wing-chair, with Francina clasped in her left arm com- forting her, her other hand holding out the medal to Cobus, booted and spurred as from riding, kneeling on her right, his hands ex- tended to take it. Miss Livingston stands be- side the chair just back of him, and Pere Mil- let, his hands outstretched in blessing, is on the extreme left, a little back of Cobus. Mary and Gouverneur are together, on Frau Leis- ler s left. All look at Cobus, in sympathy with his expression of exalted self-consecra- tion to the charge laid upon him by his father s message and memento. The sombre lighting has given place to morning sunlight. EPILOGUE Shakespeare says 'a good play needs no epilogue* but, as he says so in the epilogue to a good play, his humblest disciple, doubting not all help is needed, ven- tures to detain the patient reader for a last word or two, even though the beholder be bolted. Its scene shall be the Dutch garden of the Van Cort- landt -mansion, late in an autumn afternoon of i6gs. It shows a corner of the garden formed by the intersec- tion of the rear of the house with the garden wall, the former extending obliquely toward your left, the latter to the right. In this wall is a stile with steps crossing over it, and leading from the house is a door with stoop. Nearer you on the left is a rose-bowered seat; opposite is a fountain, and between them a sun-dial. In the angle of the house and wall is a statue set in a topiary niche of box. Much of the space is taken up by flower beds in geometrical shapes with low borders of trimmed box intersected by narrow curving walks, presenting a blaze of rich and harmonious coloring. Over the garden wall are seen the quaint gables of little old New York. Shutting off the view of the remainder of the garden at the right are locust trees. 208 Jacob Leisler 209 Miss Livingston is seated in the rose bower with a lute, singing to its accompaniment^ 'When the King Enjoys His Own Again : MISS LIVINGSTON 'Though for a time you may see Whitehall with cob- webs hanging over the wall, Instead of silk and silver brave, as formerly it used to have. And in every room the sweet perfume, delightful for that princely train; The which you shall see when the time it shall be That the King comes home in peace again.' \Mary comes to the top of the stile, pausing there a moment to listen to the song, then steals down the steps and around the walk to the bower, where she suddenly claps her hand upon Miss Livingston s shoulder, and, with a roguish assumption of masculine voice and military brusqueness, exclaims: MARY Ahem! Ahem! Madam, I arrest you In the name of King William for treasonable utterance. 2IO Jacob Leisler MISS LIVINGSTON [Embracinff her. Child, indeed j^ou did startle me. I thought Governor Fletcher had sent one of his pirate crew to hale me off to a ship's hold in chains. MARY Surely Councillor Van Cortlandt's roof would pro- tect you? MISS LIVINGSTON Perhaps, but Governor Fletcher likes my plain speech as little as hie doth that of your father's Councillors, whom he kept so long in gaol. MARY Alackaday, how could a wise King choose such a scurvy Governor? MISS LIVINGSTON 'Like master like man!' With whom should a pirate King's Governor associate if not with pirates? MARY Think you truly, Madam, Governor Fletcher hath commerce with such? Jacob Leisler 211 MISS LIVINGSTON Child, it is notorious! How else should he keep the goldsmiths busy making him snuff-boxes? Why, but yestreen I saw him out driving with that high-handed sea-robber Tew, and Brother Van Cortlandt tells me he had to meet this agreeable cut-throat at his table, and was assured by his Excellency that Tew is *a most companionable fellow,' and that he has it in his heart to convert him from the error of his ways. Faugh ! MARY If the King but knew! MISS LIVINGSTON Know? None knows better. 'Set a rogue to catch a rogue!' My brother writes me from London how he hath convinced the Lords of Trade of the vast sums due him from the Province which Fletcher hath di- verted to his own use, and how he hath secured from your pirate King a commission for that bold and honest man, Captain Kidd, to sweep all pirates from these shores. MARY Fie, oh, fie, I had clean forgot what I came hot-foot to tell you! A letter from Cobus in London saith he 212 Jacob Leisler has at last prevailed to clear our father's memory, and that he is taking the next ship home. MISS LIVINGSTON [Embracing Mary anew. Child, child, this is news, indeed! Come and tell me all about it! MARY I am so happy — it seems out of credence after these five long years of waiting and disappointment. MISS LIVINGSTON The Parliament hath reversed your father's attainder? MARY The Parliament, yes — but it was the King who made them do it. Oh, he is so good. King William ! MISS LIVINGSTON You are the first to make the discovery. But I sup- pose even pirates have their moments of penitence. And so your brother is coming home — does Master Gouverneur accompany him? MARY I think so. Madam. Jacob Leisler 213 MISS LIVINGSTON I hope so, Mary Milborne. I trow he hath waited quite long enough. {Sound of distant cheering and tumult. Hark! Does that mean the French are coming down the river to attack us — or that his Excellency is on parade in his new coach? MARY Is it his hour? [Going to the sun-dial. What saith the dial? No, Madam, it is too early for the Governor. MISS LIVINGSTON Oh, well, then, it is only the French, so come and tell me more of your brother's news! [Joost Stoll comes in haste to the top of the stile. STOLL [Calling. Madam Milborne, Madam! There is great news from your husband, Madam. MARY [Startled. Why, Joost Stoll, you know my husband has been dead these five years. 2 14 Jacob Leisler MISS LIVINGSTON Enter, Master Stoll, and give us your news ! [Stoll pauses upon the stile, as if gravely delib- erating, then solemnly and very slowly de- scends the steps to the walk, where he pauses anew, lost in thought. MISS LIVINGSTON Make haste, my good man — we are waiting for your message. [Stoll comes around the walk with exasperating deliberation, and the manner of one overbur- dened by what he has to say. Reaching the ladies, he makes them a stiff military salute, then stands silently at attention. MISS LIVINGSTON Well, Sirrah, what is it? MARY Good Joost, you spoke of Mr. Milborne? STOLL When I was in London [Pause. Jacob Leisler 215 MISS LIVINGSTON Yes, yes — go on! MARY When you were in London ? STOLL When I was in London — I saw the King — and the King saw me. MISS LIVINGSTON But what came of it? MARY What had that to do with Mr. Milborne? STOLL I am coming to that. When I was in London the King saw me, and now comes news of what the Prov- ince of New York owes to Joost StoU. MISS LIVINGSTON What news? MARY Oh, Joost, you are so tedious ! 2i6 Jacob Leisler STOLL [Wheels and starts away in dudgeon. Very well, then, if you care not to hear the message I was sent to excommunicate [They pursue and bring him back. MISS LIVINGSTON Now, Sirrah — your message! MARY Yes, Joost, what is it? [There is louder cheering without. STOLL Do you hear those huzzays? MISS LIVINGSTON What do they mean ? STOLL They mean that Joost StoU has prevailed at last, and [Pauses anew. MISS LIVINGSTON And? Jacob Leisler 217 MARY Go on! STOLL [To Mary, with uncorked fluency. And that your brother, Madam, and [to Miss Living- ston^ your brother, too, Madam, to say nothing of Mas- ter Abraham Gouverneur, have all just arrived from London in the ship Catharine, looking mighty fine, and bringing news that the King and Parliament [to Mary] have restored your father and husband every- thing — except their lives — and [to Miss Livingston] that your brother. Madam, hath preponderated Gov- ernor Fletcher and is to have his old office again. MARY [Throwing herself into Miss Livingston's arms. Oh, I am so happy I think I must weep ! MISS LIVINGSTON Nay, child, you must not meet Master Gouverneur with your nose-cloth — he is too vain already. [To Stoll] Where are these returners? 2i8 Jacob Leisler STOLL Your brother, Madam, is within with Herr Van Cort- landt, while the others have gone to seek [^indicating Mary] Madam, here. MISS LIVINGSTON Fie, Sirrah, you should have told us that sooner! Go at once and send Master Leisler and Master Gouver- neur here! [Stoll salutes and marches rapidly back to the stile. There is renewed cheering and clamor just outside. MISS LIVINGSTON They are coming now, I think. Stay you here and meet them — I must in and greet my brother. [Miss Livingston flies into the house. Behind the garden wall comes a crowd of men and women with joyous exclamations: 'Huzzay for King William I' 'Huzzay for Jacob Leis- ler!' 'A good son to clear his father's name!' 'A chip of the old block, say 1' etc. Jacob Leisler 219 STOLL [Beckoning from top of stile. This way, Master Leisler! This way, Master Gou- verneur! Madame Milborne is here! [To crowd. Peace, good fellows! Good friends, peace! I, En- sign Joost Stoll, that Captain-General Leisler sent to London, rejoice with you over this great victory I set on foot, but you must go away now and let Master Leisler greet his sister. When I was in London FRAU STOLL [Calling imperiously without. Joost Stoll! STOLL Ja, ja, Elishamet! FRAU STOLL You come home right now and take care of the chil- dren while I 'tend bar! STOLL Ja, ja, Elishamet! [Stoll vanishes^ jeered by the crowd, which then disperses. Upon the stile appear Cobus and 220 Jacob Leisler Gouverneur, both very smart in dress. They wave their greetings and come to Mary, Co- bus embracing her. MARY Have you seen mother? COBUS Yes, for a moment — she told me you were here. Is she not radiant, this little sister? GOUVERNEUR I — I — she seems — that is — but I have no right to ex- press any opinion as to Madam Milborne's appearance. MARY [Going to Gouverneur j both hands extended. 'Madam Milborne,' forsooth! Abra'm, I am ashamed of you. If I am radiant it is because I am so happy to see you — both. COBUS You have heard the great news? MARY Yes, oh yes, and I so want to thank somebody — and the King isn't here. Jacob Leisler 221 COBUS Then thank Mr. Livingston, who moved my Lord Bellomont to bring us to the King. MARY Mr. Livingston! Is it possible? COBUS Mr. Livingston is too great a man, and too dispas- sionate, to let ancient feuds interfere with present justice. GOUVERNEUR Or present interest! COBUS Nay, Abra'm, let us have done with the quarrels of yesterday, and go on to a glorious to-morrow! [To Mary] You must thank Abra'm, too, who hath fought with me for much more than the reversal of his own attainder. GOUVERNEUR Nay, Madam, while my life lasts it is honor enough that the King and his Parliament should have linked my name with that of your revered father. 222 Jacob Leisler MARY Oh, modest, modest, Abra'm! And Miss Livingston, who was here but a moment ago, told me you were a vain man. COBUS Miss Livingston — where is she now? MARY She went within to greet her brother — you'll find her there. GOUVERNEUR Yes, Cobus — there! COBUS I shall tell Miss Livingston how modest you are — both of you! [Cobus enters the house. Mary and Gouver- neur stand and look at each other during some moments of embarrassed silence. MARY Now what do you suppose he meant by that? GOUVERNEUR I — haven't — the — least — idea. Jacob Leisler 223 MARY [In desperation, after another long pause. You are much changed since last we met, Abra'm. And I am too, am I not? GOUVERNEUR I hope not, Madam, with all my soul. MARY Why? GOUVERNEUR Because I thought — you said once, you know — that you would always — I am quite sure you said ahuays — and I have so often wondered during these long years MARY Yes, Abra'm? GOUVERNEUR So often wondered [Noting the sun-dial and moving toward it. What's o'clock? MARY [Also going to the dial. The dial is like you, Abra'm, it takes no longer note of time. 224 Jacob Leisler GOUVERNEUR If, indeed, this hour might last forever! MARY I think it must, in sooth, if it waits upon your utter- ance. Shall / say it ? GOUVERNEUR Ah, Mary, you broke my heart once — surely you will not again? MARY Abra'm, my father always loved you dearly — but not so dearly as I have — 'always.' GOUVERNEUR \Taking her into his arms. He left you once in my care, and since then I have cared only to make that trust perpetual. MARY I don't see any grave reason why you shouldn't. \He kisses her. Now, tell me of all the brave doings in London ! Jacob Leisler 225 LIVINGSTON {Within the house. You see, Van Cortlandt, ft was this way. MARY Here comes a council of State, but I know a sweet little nook at the bottom of the garden where we shall not interrupt it. This way, Abra'm! [Mary dances off to the rights followed by Gouverneur. Van Cortlandt and Livingston come from the house. VAN CORTLANDT To tell you the truth, brother, these changes of court policy make us poor provincials a bit dizzy. I don't understand why the King should have lent ear to this Leisler outcry, and even less why you should have encouraged it. , LIVINGSTON Stephanus, if I have made some advancement it has been by reaching inevitable conclusions a little sooner than anybody else. VAN CORTLANDT You mean? 226 Jacob Leisler LIVINGSTON {Throwing himself into the bower seat and stretching out his legs. I mean that, while the King and I are alike in not allowing sentiment to interfere with interest, I have the advantage of his Majesty in not delaying a wise thing because it bears color of generosity. Besides, I have some natural temper — but no asthma. VAN CORTLANDT Then this act reversing the attainder was inevitable? LIVINGSTON Absolutely! There was much pressure from both Massachusetts and Holland, and Bellomont, who has the King's ear, had taken the matter up, declaring the men were 'barbarously murdered.' VAN CORTLANDT Why should he? LIVINGSTON Because he is a hot-headed democrat with a fancy to rule these provinces himself, and Fletcher's hostility to the Leisler party was his cue. Jacob Leisler 227 VAN CORTLANDT Oho, I see — and yours, also! LIVINGSTON Exactly, for if my charges against Fletcher helped young Leisler's case, his testimony manfully aided mine. Besides, my sister made point of it — she has always had a whim for these Leislers. VAN CORTLANDT Think you Lord Bellomont would favor the Leisler adherents should he become Governor? LIVINGSTON Assuredly, He has already pledged young Leisler res- titution of his estates and the monies expended by his father, as well as a reburial in state of the bodies of his father and brother-in-law. VAN CORTLANDT But you truly have Fletcher on the hip? LIVINGSTON I should not be here else. The Lords of Trade order him to pay my claims against the Province in full, and, 228 Jacob Leisler besides, send me back as Commissioner Agent for the Indians at a fat salary. VAN CORTLANDT He will fight that. LIVINGSTON He will have fighting enough to clear his skirts of complicity with the pirates. My Lord Bellomont is minded to press that charge, and hath joined with me in moving the King to commission Captain Kidd against them. VAN CORTLANDT [Goes to Livingston and speaks low. But, brother, that is a delicate matter. There are per- sons of importance here who would be gravely con- cerned. LIVINGSTON Who, pray? VAN CORTLANDT Well, for one- \Stoops and whispers in Livingstons ear. LIVINGSTON Astounding! I thought he had more prudence. We must warn him of his danger at once. Where can he be found? Jacob Leisler 229 VAN CORTLANDT I think he is at home now — and there are others who should know. [ Van Cortlandt and Livingston go away by the stile in earnest consultation. MISS LIVINGSTON [Heard without. King William go hang! I've no patience with pirates — in England or New York. \Miss Livingston and Cobus come from the house. MISS LIVINGSTON [As Cobus tries to walk beside her. Don't invade Madam Van Cortlandt's aster-bed — as you hope for tuzzi-muzzies hereafter! COBUS ' I beg Madam Van Cortlandt's pardon — as I do yours for venturing to suggest that the consideration shown by his Majesty to some of those lately opposed to him should at least lighten Miss Livingston's disfavor. 230 Jacob Leisler MISS LIVINGSTON Oh, I am not so easily bought as my brother seems to have been. Praj^, what has this usurper done for you? Has he given you back 5^our father's life? Do you think if you and yours had been as faithful to King James as you were to this interloper, he would have suffered your father to be put to death? COBUS My King has done what he could to repair the wrongs committed in his name. And when I knelt before him and showed him this medal [suspended about his neck], he told me, with tears in his eyes, how deeply he appreciated my father's devotion, and how his anger was kindled against those who kept the knowledge of it from him. MISS LIVINGSTON Words, words, words! It is long since William the Silent. COBUS My heart is too full of gratitude to the King, to all who have helped me, to dwell upon ancient errors. Even some of my father's enemies have been my friends — your brother most of all. Jacob Leisler 231 MISS LIVINGSTON My brother had his reasons, doubtless. COBUS Yes, the King himself told me Mr. Livingston did what he did at the intercession of one near to him. MISS LIVINGSTON Then your King lied — I never lifted a finger to help you. COBUS A.ha, Madam, you betray yourself! Who accused you of helping me? MISS LIVINGSTON You did. COBUS Nay, I said not so, but I believe it — and thank God very fervently that I can. MISS LIVINGSTON [Seatinff herself in the bower. And why, pray? 232 Jacob Leisler COBUS If Major Milborne were living he might answer you. MISS LIVINGSTON Oh, you think because I gave you some feigned toler- ance to spite Brother Barebones I must needs have been plotting in your behalf ever since? Master Co- bus, I think truly your success at William's court hath turned your head. COBUS Madam, / am no weathercock. I loved you five years ago, and I love you to-day, in spite of our differences in station and allegiance, in spite of all the bitter things it has pleased you to say to me, and I even dare to hope that, if I might stand before you simply as a man pleading for the woman he loves, I might not plead in vain. MISS LIVINGSTON Do you think a true daughter of Scotland can ever forget that she comes from the land of the Stuarts, that it was your Dutch King who drove them from their own, and that your father and you both did what you could to perpetuate this infamy? Jacob Leisler 233 COBUS Ah, what have we to do with kings and their quarrels in this new land? The great ocean rolls between us and their dissensions — shall it not also shut us off from all the false and trivial distinctions of rank and prece- dence, from entailed honor and estate, from sycophant courtiers pandering to dissolute kings? God has given this new world to a new race of men and women, men and women whose first allegiance is to Hi7n — one bright land of liberty, hope and opportunity for all, a paradise to which fallen man may return, a haven of refuge for the oppressed so long as centuries roll ! MISS LIVINGSTON Is this poetry or revolution, Master Cobus? COBUS Both — for it prefigures the America that is to be. My father paid his penalty for trying to be loyal to both the old order and the new, and I should be un- worthy to bear his name could I not also bear with fortitude the condemnation and contempt you visit upon him and upon me. 234 Jacob Leisler MISS LIVINGSTON liPicks Up her lute and sings very softly and tantalizingly : 'The man in the moon may wear out his shoone in Tun- ing after Charles his wain; But all to no end, for the times they will mend when the King comes home in peace again.' COBUS So, I have my answer! [He turns sadly away, and goes slowly around the walk to the stile, on top of which he pauses to take a last look at his tormentress. She has been watching him slyly around the corner of the bower seat, meanwhile humming the air she had been singing. At the moment when he turns, she springs to her feet and, suddenly changing the air to ^Lilliburlero/ sings gayly up to him: MISS LIVINGSTON *Ho, Broder Teague, dost hear de decree? Lillibur- lero buUen a la, Dat we shall have a new deputee ? Lilliburlero buUen a la.' Jacob Leisler 235 [After an instant of bewilderment, merging into rapturous recognition of her meaning, Cobus leaps recklessly from the stile into the flower-bed, and, bounding to her sidcj clasps her in his arms. MISS LIVINGSTON {Between his kisses. Alas — how shall I placate — Madam Van Cortlandt — for the wreck — you have made of her asters? COBUS Tell her — it was all the fault of — King James 1 MISS LIVINGSTON That is not — the authorized — King James version. NOTES Governor Sloughter died suddenly, a few weeks after the execution of Leisler and Milborne, and was buried beside Peter Stuyvesant, St. Mark's-in-the- Bowery. At the plea of Jacob Leisler, Jr., and Abra- ham Gouverneur, backed by the Earl of Bellomont and Robert Livingston (who, for reasons of his own, had changed over to the Leisler side), Parliament in 1695 passed a bill which, receiving King William's assent, reversed the attainder of Leisler, Milborne and Gou- verneur. It declared that the King's letter of July 30, 1689, had confirmed Leisler in the command given him by the New York General Assembly, that he was justified in refusing to deliver the fort to Ingoldsby and had surrendered it in due season to Sloughter. When Bellomont became Governor of New York in 1698, the bodies of Leisler and Milborne were disin- terred from their first burial place in the rear of the present Tribune Building, and reburied in the Dutch Church in Garden street (now Exchange Place) with imposing funeral honors. The Leisler party having come into power, Col. Bayard was condemned for treason, but escaped execution by the death of King 236 Jacob Leisler 237 William in 1702. In 1699 Abraham Gouverneur married Mary Milborne, and was elected to the New York Assembly, of which he became Speaker in 1701. 'And from their happy union,' writes E. S. Brooks, 'sprang a line of worthy American men and women who have kept green the memory of that first of American patriots to whom they can proudly trace their ancestral line and whose names have been counted among the honored ones of the city that has grown so strong and mighty since those f ar-ofE days of two centuries back.' It is a singular fact that New York City, amid its multiplicity of fearful and wonderful statues to exotic celebrities, had not, for the 220 years preceding Sun- day, April 23, 191 1, a memorial of any sort to the man who here, for the first time in American history, gov- erned a colony by the election of its own people, who here assembled the first American congress, who here was executed for 'treason' to a- King whose superloyal adherent he had been for two years of soul-racking struggle, a King who all-too-late confirmed his confirmation to act as Leftenant-Governor and Com- mander-in-Chief of the Province. When, on the date named, the United German Societies gathered about the little grass-plot at the western end of City Hall 238 Jacob Leisler to celebrate with song and bilingual eulogy the plant- ing in Leisler's honor of the two 5^oung oak trees sent from Frankfort-on-the-Main, Park Commissioner Sto- ver voiced the regret of many in declaring : 'There has been no monument raised to his memory. Not a park has been named for him, not a street, nor an alley. Over there stands a statue of Nathan Hale, who laid down his life in like cause, and some day I hope one of Leisler will stand near by.' It is true, Frankfort street, which intersects land once Leisler's bowery, was named for his native city. But even the place of his final sepulture is unknown, unmarked, and one is forced to concede the paradox noted by Mrs. Schuyler Van Rensselaer, who, in her monumental History of New York City in the Seventeenth Century, after relating the unending controversy as to Leisler's char- acter and motives, goes on to say: 'This does not mean that Leisler, or even Leisler's name, is well re- membered in New York. While students of its his- tory have quarrelled about him more than about any other colonial character, its people have forgotten him.' If this be so, is it not time they should say with Ver- milye : 'Let us turn his face from the wall !' If relatively few residents of the inordinate metro- polis are interested in its beginnings, there are those Jacob Leisler 239 in its suburb, New Rochelle, who recall the fact that in 1689 Leisler bought for Huguenots in England from John Pell, second proprietor of Pelham Manor, the six thousand acres now comprised within the town- ship of New Rochelle, Westchester County, and dur- ing the year 1690, "while," as Mrs. Van Rensselaer points out, "his hands were overfull of public work and trouble," he sold off the whole of the tract to in- coming Frenchmen at cost. New Rochelle yet has descendants of these original Huguenot settlers as well as at least one (Mrs. Montgomery Schuyler) of Leisler himself, and the Huguenot Chapter of the Daughters of the Revolution has commissioned Mr. Solon H. Borglum, the sculptor, to execute a statue of Leisler to stand upon the grounds of the Hu- guenot Association in that city. A photograph of Mr. Borglum's preliminary sketch for this statue will be found upon another page. While extended and persistent search has failed to bring to light any authentic portrait of Leisler, Mr, Borglum's conception is one profoundly expressive of the mingled benevolence, virile independence and vivid picturesque- ness characterizing the first people's governor of New York. In physiognomy he has accented his subject's traditional French ancestry. The figure, admirably unconventional in poise and costuming, is intended to be seen upon a nine-foot pedestal. It stands sturdily 240 Jacob Leisler erect, the head thrown back and turned slightly to the left, the left arm uplifted and supported by the right hand which clasps the top of a long staff, the left hand, gauntleted, grasping a roll of deeds. A wide-brimmed hat, sword-belt, flowing wig and long cloak are effective features of the costume. In no- bility of conception and sympathetic zest of execution Mr. Borglum's work is one which singularly com- mends itself to the appreciation of those who revere the memory of Jacob Leisler. The undertaking is local to New Rochelle, but those having it in charge welcome the cooperation of Leisler's admirers every- where, an invitation to which there have been already numerous responses. The songs used in the play have historical signifi- cance. Of 'Lilliburlero' Thomas Percy says: 'Slight and insignificant as these verses may now seem, they once had a more powerful effect than either the philip- pics of Demosthenes or Cicero, and contributed not a little toward the great revolution in 1688.' To which he cites the testimony of Burnet, a contemporary writer, who says of the song: 'The whole army, and at last the people, both in city and country, were sing- ing it perpetually. And perhaps never had so slight a thing so great an effect,' 'Lilliburlero' and 'buUen a la' Jacob Leisler 241 are said to have been words of distinction used by the Irish in the massacre of 1641. Concerning 'When the King Enjoys His Own Again,' Joseph Ritson, the English antiquary, writes: 'And as a tune is said to have been a principal means of depriving King James of his crown, this very air, upon two memorable occa- sions, was very near being equally instrumental in replacing it on the head of his son.' 242 Jacob Leisler Moderato. :=1: -•- -c- Bro-der Teague, dost hear de de - cree ? we shall have a new dep - u - tee? m^ :t: /■"I 1 ' y u - ^ 1 m 1 A.- iJ 7^ 1 ^ 7 ^ p^ ^ 1 '1 ~^ ^^ ^^ 1 .1 V^ / m • S J • 1 ? 1 Lil Lil - li - - li - bur bur - le - - le - • ro, ro, bul bul m • • - len - a - - len - a - • • la,? la,^ /WXiC — • — — 1 — 1 — w 1 — — • ' 1 lE$"tt~ — •-— — 1 — P — -V— \- b*— ^ U r— -■ Le - ro, le - ro, lil - le - bur - le — \ ^^-^ fe^E^Ej^; :3r^ m^ Lil-le-bur-le - ro, bul-len-a - la, Le-ro, le - ro, -W»- Jacob Leisler 243 / v-ff — • — ^ — I — I— '- J— -« V — I — 1-^ — ^--^— li— I — H -g 1 — 1— -A— I — lil - li-bur-le - ro, lil- le-bur-le - ro, bul-len-a-la. ;:tr-?-» ^?»=ut=f=f= :V-»: LILLIBURLERO [Words attributed to Lord JVharton, i686\ Ho, Broder Teague, dost hear de decree? Lillfburlero bullen a la, Dat we shall have a new deputee? Lilliburlero bullen a la. Lero, lero, lilliburlero, Lilliburlero bullen a la. Ho, by my shoul, it is de Talbot, And he will cut all de English throat; Tho, by my shoul, de English do praat, De law's on dare side, and Creish Icnows what, But if dispense do come from de Pope, We'll hang Magna Charta and demselves in a rope. And de good Talbot is made a lord. And he with brave lads is coming aboard, 244 Jacob Leisler Who in France have taken a sware Dat dey will have no Protestant heir, O, but why does he stay behind ? Ho, by my shoul, 'tis a Protestant wind. Now Tyrconnel is come ashore, And we shall have commissions gillore ; And he dat will not go to mass Shall turn out and look like an ass. Now, now, de hereticks all go down, By Creish and St. Patrick, de nation's our own ! Jacob Leisler 245 S -j#-* ■1 p p p p p r I I I I I ' What Book-er can prog - nos I think my-self to be ti- as cate, wise. I I I -^~m- or as ^ -N— A- Ht-^^-I- speak he ■A—^-. of our king - dom's that most looks pres in ent the I state ? j skies, j 3-i -A-i -^-•- I I r I r I r My skill goes be-yond the depths of the Pond, or A" ^J II J I m—P- •-# -^ -»-P 246 Jacob Leisler :^=^ kh -^ — ^- By the which I can tell that all things will be I r st;:=5=i==e I: i -^- -^- :3= I I I I I r ' r f" well, When the King comes home in Peace a-gain. J--. I r _i — ^ — p — Jacob Leisler 247 WHEN THE KING ENJOYS HIS OWN AGAIN \}fVords by Martin Packer, i6S2] What Booker can prognosticate, or speak of our king- dom's present state? I think myself to be as wise as he that most looks in the skies. My skill goes beyond the depths of the Pond, or River in the greatest rain; By the which I can tell that all things will be well when the King comes home in peace again. There is no Astrologer, then say I, can search mor£ deep in this than I To give you a reason from the stars, what causeth peace or civill wars. The man in the Moon may wear out his shoone in running after Charles his Wain ; But all to no end, for the times they will mend, when the King comes home in. peace again. Though for a time you may see Whitehall, with cob- webs hanging over the wal. Instead of silk and silver brave as formerly it used to have; 248 Jacob Leisler (And) in every Roome the sweet perfume, delightful for that Princely Traine; The which you shall see, when the time it shall be, that the King comes home in peace again. Till then upon Ararat's hill, my hope shall cast her Anchor still ; Until I see some peaceful Dove bring home the branch which I do love. Still will I wait till the waters abate, which most disturb my troubled brain; For rie never rejoyes till I hear that voice, that the King comes home in peace again. JUL 2 1913 Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide Treatment Date: Oct. 2009 PreservationTechnologies LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 018 602 141 1 W