THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2007 with funding from IVIicrosoft Corporation http://www.archive.org/details/adventuresintexaOOmccarich THE FALL OF THE ALAMO AN HISTORICAL DRAMA IN FOUR ACTS CONCLUDED BY AN EPILOGUE ENTITLED THE BATTLE OF SAN JACINTO BY PROFESSOR FRANCIS NONA Sunt hie etiam sua prccmia laudi. — Virgil's ^jseid, I, 461. NEW YORK G. P. PUTNAM'S SONS 182 Fifth Avenue 1S79. F3f3 ■ 'b CoPYRiGHt BY G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1879. Bancroft Library TO COLONEL THOMAS W PEIRCE. OF BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, this work is respectfully dedicated by THE AUTHOR DRAMATIS PERSONJE. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, Dictator of Mexico, and Com- mander-in-Chief of the Mexican Army. Don Martin Pre/ecto Cos^ — his brother-in-law, and General in the Mex- ican Army. Don Manuel Fer?ta7idez Castrillon, — General in the Mexican Army. Don Francesco Diique^ — Colonel in Mexican service. jfuan N. Almonte^ — Colonel and Aide-de-Camp to Santa Anna. John Davis Bradburn, — A native of Tennessee, who, having entered the Mexican service, commanded the Fort of Anahuac in the year 1832. Elsie Bradburn, — his Daugfhter. William B, Travis,— A resident of Anahuac in the year 1832, and Commander of the Texan Volunteers at the Alamo in the year 1836. James A, Travis, — his brother, seventeen years old. Colonel David Ci'ockett^ — Hunter, Scout, Congressman, and Champion for Texan liberty. Colonel yaffles Bowie^ Major Evans^ Captain Kimble^ LietUenant Z>^i:^/«jtf;/,— Commanders of Texan Volunteers under Wra. B. Travis. Colonel y, B, Bonham^ — Colonel of Texan Volunteers. Rev, IV, P, Smithy — Chaplain of the Texan Volunteers at the Alamo, Samuel i¥(?«;.r/^«,— Commander-in-Chief of the Texan Army at the San Jacinto. Edrvard Burleson^ — Colonel in the Texan Army. Frank W, Johnston^ — Colonel of Texan Volunteers. J-ohn JV, Smithy — called Deaf Smith, scout to General Houston. John Austin^ Wm. 7. Russell, IVm, H. yack^ — Natives of the United States, residing- in Texas in the year 1832. VI DRAMATIS PERSONS. Don Lorenzo Zavala^ — Texan Patriot. S. B. Patcho^ — Captain in Mexican service, stationed at Anahuac. Jose P7'ado^ — Servant to Santa Anna. A Surgeon. — A Jailer. — American Colonists, residing in Texas. — Texan Volunteers. — Mexican Soldiers. SCENE. First Act : Partly at Velasco, partly at Anahuac, in the year 1832. Second^ Third and Fourth Acts : In and around the Alamo, in February and March, 1836. Epilogue : At the San Jacinto River, April 21, 1836. THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. ACT FIRST. Scene I. Colonists of Stephen Austin s A?nerican Colony at Bra- zoria [situated near Fort Velasco) are seen engaged at work in the fields. At a given signal they assem- ble in the centre of the stage ^ John Austin and Wm. y. Russell occupying a conspicuous place among them. John Austin. Again the pleasant shades of eve descend And counsel us to close this day's account. So let us go and homeward wend our steps ; And as in countries far across the main The vesper-bell tolls through the mellow air Of eventide the thankful offerings Of dying day, — so we, our labors done, Our thoughts abstracted from our work's concern, Will let our joyful feelings* gratitude Ring through our hearts, while homeward we proceed. A sanctuary of God, but lately sprung THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. From His creating hand, thus seem to me These virgin-fields, so fresh, so still, so grand Where nearer wafts His breath into my heart, Where clearer speaks His presence to my mind, Where louder peals His voice into my ear. Here, as each day succeeds its predecessor, It leaves engraven on my memory The luxury of every breath I drew, The spell of every gaze I cast about, Withal a soul-felt record of delight. Behold this emerald sea of waving meads. Hedged round by fields aglow with gaudy flowers Which, swelling to the dim horizon's brink. By roseate tints blend earth and evening-sky. While through the clear, transparent atmosphere Those forest-groves, like as Elysian Isles, Seem slowly sailing o'er the grassy main In golden-green and amber-colored light. Fair Italy may boast her sunny clime, Greece may extol her azure-sky's abyss. The Rhine parade his valley's loveliness, — They cannot match this blessed Texan land Which every day grows dearer to my heart. Wm. J. Russell. Thou art quite right, my friend ; I, too, enjoy This happy climate's grateful benefits, Marked out, meseems, for Labor's paradise. With golden harvests here the friendly ground THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. Amply rewards the yeoman's easy toil, Whose sweating brow the ocean breezes fan, Whose worn-out strength the cooling nights restore. If anywhere upon this earthly round Kind Nature meant to found a temple-shrine For liberty, her sister, it is here, — It is this land she thus has blest and hallowed. Why now must man's ambitious avarice Come here to desecrate this sanctuary By discord, hatred and impassionate strife ? Yet, it is so, and hence the fearful thought. That on some future day the bitter choice Will dawn on us, to leave these happy shores, Or else to bow our necks to tyranny, Stands like a night-mare's dread my mind before, And galls with care my every moment's joy. Nor are the coming tempest's signs obscure : Our cherished constitution overthrown, — Our chartered rights repealed or trodden down, — The frowning forts the Mexicans have built Here at Velasco and Tenoxtitlan, At Nacogdoches and at Anahuac, Not to relate their officers' and soldiers' Offences 'gainst our property and lives, — All these point clearly to their base designs, Which, even now, they hardly care to hide. Austin. Keep cheerful, friend ! the threatening thunder storm THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. May yet pass by as harmless as the Norther That will at times sweep over our domain. And only tends to purify the air. E'en now the better class of Mexicans Who honestly aspire their country's weal And wish to see her rise o'er party-strife, Sustain our patient course ; and who can tell, If not, as quickly as the tide recedes, The ruling faction in that changeful State, To-morrow e'en, may weaken and succumb ? Russell. I cannot share thy faith in Mexicans ; Save but a few enlightened of their people, They all behold with eyes of livid envy Our industry and our prosperity. To see this land beneath our stalwart arms Bloom like a rose, to see our flocks increase. To see our towns alive with trade and craft. Our bays and streams with sail, our roads with teams, Excites their selfishness and avarice. Therefore it matters not what faction rules : Our lands and rights will ever be endangered. Austin. What if they are ? The higher we esteem them. Men only prize what they have gained through peril. THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. Russell. An insecure possession is no blessing; It drains our strength, exhausts our energy. Austin. What is secure on earth ? We only can Fulfil our duty, leave the rest to God. Russell. Man acts and God assists, yet here we must Leave all to God, as we can nought accomplish. Austin Can we^not seize our trusty swords and fight And die like men, if nothing else avails ? Russell. 'Twere madness to expect, that single-handed Or with a few thou couldst oppose nine millions. Austin. Not single-handed, not a few, my friend ! Three thousand of our countrymen we count In this domain, each equal to ten thousands Of Mexicans through strength of will and hope, Through love of freedom and through trust in God. Here round us stand our countrymen in silence, Which louder yet than futile words proclaims The stout resolve that thrills their gallant hearts. Ask each, if he no sooner rave his blood, THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. His life, his all, ere he agrees to part With one iota of his ' Bill of Rights !' A Colonist. 'Tis, Squire, as thou hast said. When we behold Our dearest prize, our liberty, assailed. We'll know full well, how to defend, to guard it. All. Aye, aye, we shall. Russell. Dear friends ! forgive if I Could doubt your courage even for a moment ; My bosom throbs in harmony to yours, And long ago I nursed the self-same thoughts. Though 1 forbade my lips to utter them From delicate regard for you who have Wives, children, homesteads, all of whom you risk. \Fervidly?\^ Begone then, cheerless scruples, timid faith ! Where so inspired brave hearts thy cause embrace, Where so resolved stout arms contest for thee. Thou need not tremble, holy Liberty ! The ocean's wrath may beat against these shores. The tempest's fury rave against our doors, The tyrant's myrmidons o'erflow this land, — Yet ever firm and safe thy fane will stand. THE FA LI OF THE ALAMO. Austin. Tis well for us to have meanwhile exchanged Our mutual thoughts, e'en though the despot's grain He here has sown, is not yet ripe for harvest. Hence let us wait and watch, ere we proceed To force and arms ; for alway these remain A last resort, e'en in a righteous cause. — But see that horseman coming toward us In anxious haste, with loosened rein ; his steed Is decked with foam and blood on flank and bit. Who can he be ? 'Tis Jack ! What may he bring ? \Some colonists go to meet Jack^ and to lead him before the men assemhled?[ SCENE II. Enters Wni. H. Jack, who is cordially greeted by all present, Austin. Both joy and grief are apt to wing our feet ; Which of the two, friend Jack, has urged thy haste ? Jack. Oh ! would I were Joy's fleeting messenger ! But as it is, no mission is so sad As mine, since it announces misery For every homestead in the land ; 'tis — War ' Austin. It cannot be ! Speak plainly, friend ! 8 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. Jack. So list ! Scarce had the mail from Vera Cruz arrived At Fortress Anahuac yestereve When Colonel Bradburn, its commander, sent A squad of soldiers to the town, who seized My brother Patrick Jack and William Travis And Munroe Edwards, took them to the fort, And without hearing, without trial locked Each separately into a prison-cell. Russell. Has Colonel Bradburn a sufficient cause To warrant this unusual proceeding.^ Jack. His only warrant is that stale excuse Of servile knaves : his duty to obey His master's order, whether right or wrong. Russell. But is it proven he has received such order ? Jack. He has, of which this document bears witness, Which he transmitted unto Nacogdoches E'en yestereve through one of his couriers. Though intercepted by our vigilance He and his letter never reached that place. \He hands the letter to Austin.] THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. Austin. \Reads aloud J\ To the commanders of the garrisons In every Texan fort and post our greeting : Whereas we are most credibly informed, That every day the spirit of defiance 'Gainst our authority grows rampant more Among your colonists to whom we gave The privilege of settling on our lands, — You are advised, to use your utmost power, That the rebellious spirit may be curbed, To this effect imprison every person Whose discontent is shown in writ or word And check the influx from the United States. As has the statute never been repealed Which says, that persons of our Catholic Faith Alone can hold positions and estates In Mexico, it is herewith revived. Don Juan Bustamente, President. The colonists^ in utter astonishment^ remain silent for awhile j then break forth into almost simultaneous expressions of indigtiation. A Colonist. Our friends imprisoned without law or cause ! Another. Our speech o'erawed, our liberties assailed 1 lO THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. A Third. Our faith attacked, our property endangered ! A Fourth. We cannot, will not bear it ! All. We must fight. Jack. Not to forestall your brave decision, friends, I have till now withheld from you the knowledge Of the resolve, to which your countrymen At Nacogdoches and at Anahuac, Imbued like you with deepest indignation, Have come : it is, to storm, this very night. The forts which there the Mexicans have raised. Austin. What, friends, is then your wish, that here be done ? A Colonist. Captain ! I move, that following the example Set by our countrymen, we storm to-night The Fort Velasco. Another. I support that motion. Austin. 'Tis moved and seconded, that we to-night THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. I I Attack and storm the fortress at Velasco. Who are in favor of the motion ? All. Aye. Austin. Who vote against it ? None ? The motion is carried. \A solemn silence^ Russell. [ With inspiration^ As gathered in their azure ocean's sight The noble Greeks hurled back the despot's threat, — As at their crystal glaciers' feet, by night. To break their yoke, the gallant Switzers met, — As our forefathers on the common's green Assembled to protest 'gainst wrongs of power, — - So we amid our prairie-evening scene Uplift our hands at this inspiring hour, To call to witness God in Heaven above, That not our will, but sorest need alone Calls us to arms, to shield what most we love, Our faith, our rights, the hearth and home we own. He who has freed the others through His hand Will not withhold His aid from this, our land. Austin. Time presses, friends ! so let us homeward haste, 12 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. Prepare our arms, call out our countrymen, And gather at my door two hours from now. To storm the fort, when night has spread her shade. \^Exeiuit^^ Scene III. A gloomy vault in the Fort of Aiiahuac^ lighted by one sin- gle window near the ceiling. Opposite to the side which contaifis the window^ is an adjoining dungeon, from which Wm. B, Travis steps forth, absorbed in deep reverie. In prison ! Ha ! w^hy startles me this name All of a sudden, which like other words Of daily speech I hitherto pronounced Unmoved, unstirred, scarce thinking of its import ? Why now rebels my inmost soul against This sound, as though it were a mournful dirge ? Why dreads my foot to step upon this floor That, cold and stern, sends shudders through my frame ? Why sinks my head involuntarily Betwixt my shoulders, wishing there to hide Against this frowning ceiling's pressing weight ? Why shrinks my hand to touch these circling walls That slowly, stealthily, with every moment Seem drawing, creeping closer up to me ? Because here is the sum of human horrors, The acme of distress, a living grave, THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. 1 3 The thought of which appals the hero's courage, And pales still more the coward's fear-blanched cheek. \He steps on a chair standing beneath the grated window and looks without^ In prison ! ah ! and beams not there the sun Which our Creator poised upon the arch Of heaven to shine alike on good and bad, — The sun through which all beings live and thrive, To which the tiniest blossom turns its eye, Without which Heart and Nature grow a waste ? And spread not there " the gardens of the desert,* The swelling prairies, quick wath life and motion, And farther off, near the horizon's brink, The glassy main, as free and wide as they, To whose expanse and breeze-pervaded air Man's spirit feels a kindred intimate. When over them he strides or sails away ? There goes the daring hunter with elastic step And hopeful breast, to lurk, to spring, to conquer ; There sails the buoyant mariner to brave The tempest's rage, to venture and explore ; There rides the thoughtful merchant on his route To bargain and to risk and win, — all, all With bosoms thrilled by wishes and desires Which to pursue and gain forms their delight. YHe steps dawn,^ In prison ! ah ! and what, if it enshrines The height of sorrow, the abyss of woe? 14 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. It is as well the soil for hujnan greatness, The atmosphere of highest, noblest virtue. Its solitude has nursed the poet's fancy, The martyr's faith, the hero's stout resolve, And Socrates, St. Paul and Galileo Found here the source of their immortal thoughts. When Truth and Courage thrill the bosom's cells, When Love of God distends the heart's confines, The gates give way, the circling walls are rent, The unchecked spirit vaults the frail barrier. And like an eagle, free and high in air, ' It soars aloft to reach the source of Light. In prison ! ah ! and bear I not as well A precious, priceless germ within my breast That I may propagate and fondly cherish Beneath this thought-inspiring atmosphere. Till it attain a higher, fuller growth, — The conscious, deep, all-sacrificing love For this, my country, which e'en now has spread A tangled network through my veins and feelings ? As fairest blooms the lovely hyacinth That charms our eye in winter's frosty clime. When nursed beneath the tepid cellar-air, So also 7ny ideal shall germinate From here to joy my winter through its bloom. This prison — Heaven record my vow — shall be The place of birth of Texan Liberty. THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. Scene IV. Elsie Bradburn^ admitted by the jailer through the door in the rear^ has entered during Travis' last words which she has overheard^ and stands for a inoment quietly behind him, Travis. [Turning and perceiving Elsie ^ who sinks into his arms.^ What ? Elsie, thou ? Elsie. My Travis ! thou in prison Unjustly, most unworthily confined ! Than whom none else delights so much in sunshine, In balmy air, in freedom from restraint. Thou canst not live beneath this damp-cold vault, But wilt fall sick, and as the prairie-flower, Transferred into a sunless room, will fade. So thou canst not endure this cruel doom. Travis. Grieve not, beloved ! since I hold thee now, This dungeon seems a paradise to me ! Behold these walls ! they bloom like rosy bowers ; This ceiling spreads a verdant canopy Through which the sun, the sun of Love, sends in His warming beams into my gladdened heart. But tell, how couldst thou gain access to me ? l6 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. Elsie. Oh, Travis ! my unmaidenlike transgression, In what a light must it appear to thee ? Travis. Unmaidenlike, thou sayest ! Ah, as high As are the heavens above the earth, as wide As lies the East divided from the West. So is thy step from impropriety. 'Tis true, the charm of gentle womanhood Blooms in the even path of sweet retirement. In the pursuit of calm domestic life O'er which, as Springtime strews the earth with flowers She sheds a grace of loveliness and peace. And wantonly to overstep these bounds. By nature set, is to destroy her balance. But when the hand of stark Necessity Has broken in upon a woman's fate And threats to tap her feeling's holy fount, When staking, offering up her all for one, When disregarding usage, scorn and power, Acknowledging no law save this : her love, — At last she rises like an earth-born Titan And irresistibly, victoriously Clears every obstacle that blocks her way. She adds the highest earthly glory then, A heroine's halo, to her womanly crown. THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. 1/ Elsie. Ah ! were I free to soar that lofty flight To which my spirit's impulse leads me on I Alas ! so soon I try to rise, I feel The sinews of my pinions cut in twain Through fatal powers which hold me to the ground. Thou seest my father, an American, Deaf to his better nature's inward voice, Blind to the sad results of his career, Employed in deep-disgraceful vassalage To tyranny, whose orders he obeys Implicitly with servile doggedness. As if to gain his master's sneering praise Made up his glory's highest aspiration. To drown his bosom's stern reproof, to kill His honor's glimmering spark, he has enwrapt His reason with the ice of self-made doctrines Which, ah ! my tears have tried in vain to melt, And woven round him a net of sophistry Through which my prayers not yet could penetrate. Oh, it is hard, when filial lips which ought To overflow with tender reverence, Must breathe reproach alone and accusation 'Gainst one whom fain we would respect and worship. Travis. Interpret not my hesitating counsel I give thee now, as cruel egotism ! 1 8 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. As oft to save a life by wounds imperiled A surgeon hazards some unusual cure, So also on the battle-field of Life A false position and a wayward course May oft be righted by a daring step Which in the eyes of men may meet with censure, But gains its palm before the eye of God. Withdraw from here a while, if still thy father Persists to be the tyrant's ready tool, And from the distance lure him on to thee By frequent proofs of unchanged filial love. He soon will feel the utter loneliness That yawns around him here, the aimlessness Of his career, and yearning to rejoin The only heart that on this earthly round Still beats for him, he will depart from here. The first step which he takes to reach the ship That carries him to thee, will disentangle The Gordian Knot of his embarrassment. Elsie. It cannot be ! A sacred vow has chained My destiny forever to his lot. My mother, well foreseeing at her death The threatening crisis which must overtake him Inevitably as wrongs of heart or mind Draw after them remorse and punishment, — Exacted from my lips this oath, that never THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. 1 9 I would desert my father's side, as long As he continues in this baneful service, But watch, a guardian angel, over him, Till I behold his life-ship safely anchored Upon the roadstead of his native land. Alas ! since then his headstrong will has lashed To still more furious haste and maddened run The fiery steeds that draw his chariot Which neither tears nor prayers of mine could stay. Instead of hovering o'er his fate-doomed path As friendly and inspiring genius, — I self behold me dragged resistlessly With every moment farther from the start, Where left behind me lies the blooming wreath Of all my fondest hope and happiness; Where stand my friends in sorrow o'er my fate. But impotent to check my doomed career. So wretched must the exile feel, who leaning Against the vessel's bord, that bears him 'way Sees more and more his native country's coast Fade out of sight, till it is gone for ever. Travis. Ah ! it is so ! and clearly now I see, How by my course I added to thy woe. The attitude, which I have here assumed, Of bold defiance to thy father's will Must even more embitter him and cause 20 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. Still greater grief to thee. This must be changed. I will resign my dirties here, when freed, And leave this country, elsewhere to await Our union under fairer auspices. Elsie. And thinkest thou so mean of me, thy maiden, That I would cheer this plan by my assent. Which, if pursued, at once would controvert The glorious mission thou hast set before thee : To free this country from the tyrant's yoke ? No, no ! thou only spakest so to try me, To test my spirit's metal, if it were Not all too far below thy lofty standard. Behold ! when entering here a while ago, I overheard thy vow, sent from a spot Whose very air, as mildew blights the flowers, Is death to hope and courage, then meseemed I saw a radiant halo o'er thy head Through which in fiery letters blazed the words : " His patriotism will realize his vow !" Should I then meanly, selfishly divert Thy manly race, bold as the torrent's sweep, Into the path of common-place stagnation ? Should I, short-sighted, narrow-minded, wrest The palm of fame and victory from thee ? Should I, in fear about my happiness. For ever blast the hopes of many thousands ? THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. 2 1 No, Travis, no ! when beams thy name resplendent Upon the heaven of glory and renown, May then with it the woeful history Of my resigning sacrifice be blent To serve as proof, that for her country's freedom A Texan maiden deems no price too high. Travis. Now art thou wholly as I wished to find thee 1 Oh, happy I ! since for me beats and throbs The noblest heart that ever dwelt in woman ! But think, beloved ! can no way be found To spare from thee this woeful suicide Of every hope and earthly joy, whom thus Resigningly thou lay'st on Freedom's altar ? Elsie. If there exists a way, it lies with us. But not with thee ; thy cause is great and just, And must remain so, like the polar-star's Unaltered station on the starlit sky. So it is we^ it is my father's course That must be changed, if all shall yet be well. That would restore thy freedom at a time When needs this land thy arm and counsel most ; That would enroll with active sympathy His heart and mine upon the patriot's side ; That^ that alone, if Heaven should will it so, 2 2 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. Would blend our lives, as now our hearts are blended. Hence I will go and try once more to move him By fervid prayer to which I mean to add My strongest argument, my treasured secret, The sweet confession of my love for thee. Hence pray, that He, who melts the earth in fire May touch my father's bosom and inspire My speech to break the rigor of his heart. Beloved, fare thee well ! I must depart. \Travis acco7npanies Elsie to the door in the rear^ through which she leaves the prison. This done, he himself enters the chamber at the side,^ Scene V. Col. Bradburfis room in the Fort of Anahuac. Col. Bradburn stands near a table in the centre of the roo?7ty holding a letter in his hand. ^' One hundred thousand dollars in the bank Of Vera Cruz inscribed to thy account!" My agent writes — At last I have attained My life-work's goal and crown ; the longed-for day Whose coming joy through all these weary years Has warmed my life, that day has now arrived. Why then so gloomy and cast down, my heart ? Alas ! the wealth I wrung from unkind Fortune By dint of patience and devoted service, THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. E'en now her cruel hand withholds from me, And by a treacherous breach of confidence She asks me to perform some overwork, Before I can obtain my well-earned fee. For the intention to resign my post, So soon the prize should be within my reach, I must defer in face of this revolt Which hydra-like lifts its defiant head Before my very eye-sight in this land. To leave it now in this disordered state. To seize my wealth, to flee with it abroad, Is out of question ; the suspecting eye Of Despotism would soon detect my motive And find in it a good pretense to lay His grasping hand upon my property. Was it a wicked spirit's tempting voice That seven months ago^ when ninety-thousand Were not enough for me, has shut and deafened My ear and heart to Elsie's tearful prayers 1 So true it is, that Fortune's envious powers, In their dislike to man's self-shapen course, Will quietly oft allow him to approach His prize, when lo ! 't is wrested from his hand. But courage, Bradburn ! why these mournful thoughts, When not a cloud yet darkens thy horizon ? Proceed to work, e'en though the task be weary. And see how it may swiftest be accomplished ! \He meditates a brief while, then exclaims exultingly .•] 24 TFIE FALL OF THE ALAMO. E'en now I have it ; yea ! I found the way ! The obstacle that keeps me from my prize Shall be the very bridge, o'er which I reach it. I will hand o'er to the authorities Of Mexico for judgment and garotte The captured leaders of this base revolt, That Jack, that Travis and that Edwards, Which clearly will attest my loyalty. Will call me hence for presence at the trial. And pave withal a way for my retirement ! — Retirement ! happy thought ! sweet as the balm Of eventide upon a sultry day, When for the dismal gusts of wintery care The slumberous peace of quiet summer-eve Shall permeate my bosom's corridors, As swells an organ's long-drawn harmony Through a majestic minster's colonnades, — When gratefully, as sees the husbandman His harvest-wagon's last return, I shall Enjoy in ease my labor's benefits, — When my old age shall be prolonged and cheered By her, for whom alone I took on me These mounts of care, these centuries of sorrow. My daughter Elsie. \He turns abruptly with aprofouiid horror J\ Who is here ? \with astonish7nent\ No one ? And yet meseemed, as if a stealthy step Had crept behind me and an ice-cold hand THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. 2$ Had lightly tapped my shoulder, \_Smi7mg emlfarrassedfy.\ It was nought, Nought save perhaps a draught, an ocean-breeze. I'll close the window ! [In the act of shutting it he looks without ?[ Ha ! what means that flash Of sunny light, like a reflex of arms ? And moves not there a band of weaponed men, In far off distance o'er the hazy plain ? \Seizing a telescope^ he surveys the neighborhood^ Once more my fancy has belied my eye ; It is a forest-isle I so mistook That mute and still lies on the prairie's breast. Still, as precaution is the sire of wisdom, I'll go and send my cavalry to scour The country o'er, and order to enforce The guards upon the walls and at the gates. Scene VI. When Bradburn goes toward the door, Elsie enters. Elsie. My father, stay ! grant me a moment's hearing ! Bradburn. Defer, I pray, till later thy request ; For urgent business claims my presence elsewhere. 26 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. Elsie. [Clinging to hi)n?\ I must not, can not ! see as Jacob spake, As writes the Book : ^' I will not let thee go> Except thou bless me !" even so I say ! Bradburn. And what, I ask, makes thy demand so pressing ? What is its purport ? matters newly risen. Or merely a rehearsal of the old ? Were it the last, my time might well be spared. Elsie. And has not yet a voice within thy breast A spark of light before thy mind arisen, That tell thee where thy way must lead thee to ? A wand'rer, unacquainted with the road Thou chosest one, that seemed, — but only seemed, A safe and worthy way to travel on ; Thy choice was wrong, in judgment, not in heart. But, — when tliine every step thou onward takest Shows thee thy error and reveals to thee What dread abysses lie thy path beside. Which deepening, yawning, more and more, invade • Its breath and menace its continuance, — When from afar a kindly warning voice, THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. 2J Thrilled by the truest prophecy of love, Beseeches thee, implores thee, to retract Thy wayward steps, and thou, thou hearest not, — Thy error's slight offence becomes — a crime ! Bradburn. Tut, tut, my child ! I cannot see, why now My Avay is all at once so dangerous, So criminal, as when I entered it. The land we live in, its society, Its kind relations to the neighboring states. Are they not quite the same as formerly ? Elsie. My father, they are not, for if they were Thou wouldst not hear thy daughter's pleading voice. When broke the Mexicans the Spanish yoke. Ten years ago, then for some time indeed, A free and lofty spirit thrilled the race. Well worthy of our countrymen's support. But ah ! too soon the wakened flame died out. Too soon they bowed to thraldom worse than erst. Too soon they proved the axiom's truth, that people, Unable to sustain by strength of arm and mind Their freedom, merit not its blessed boons. When priest-craft took the reins of government Into its hands, when civil feuds arose. And from their whirpools selfish autocrats Sprung up as mushrooms will from rotten soil, 28 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. Already then thy time was to resign. But thou didst not, and now a vengeful fate, Or, much I fear, thy master's base designs Have placed thee, where a new embarrassment. Still more a source of danger, joins thy others. Thou shalt — such is thy stern superior's will — Oppress the colonists, thy countrymen, Shalt act the tyrant's part to those whose hearts, As thine should do, detest that very name. And shalt oppose the will of Providence, Which here through them intends to found a state, As free and glorious as their native Union. Against such odds thy might cannot prevail. E'en though thine army numbered many millions ; Thou must succumb, with — what is worst — disgrace. Bradburn. Who gave thee such ideas ? To found a state With such materials as they here exist ? Such thoughts dwell only on the lips and brains Of men who in disorder and rebellion Expect to reap the harvest of their schemes, Of demagogues, such as that William Travis, That Patrick Jack, that Munroe Edwards are. Elsie. Nought is beknown to me of Jack or Edwards, Though people tell me they are worthy men ; \Fervidly^ THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. 29 But William Travis, father, I feel bound With all that is within me to defend. Bradburn. And knowest thou, my daughter, him so well ? Elsie. That thou wilt lightly from my pleading tell. I claim for Travis no unusual dower ; No talent's gift, no learned wisdom's power, No eloquence, no spell of wit are his. But what he owns in fullest scope, is this : An honest heart within a noble breast, A harmony of truth that lies exprest O'er soul and body, over thought and deed, Whose blended charm the blindest eye can read. His gait and stature, manly and erect, A character of moral strength reflect ; His eye, clear as the sapphire firmament. Bespeaks his bosom's tender sentiment. His vaulted brow betokens ardent zeal For Mankind's highest interest and weal, And all these virtues, — wouldst thou know, from whence They spring ? — it is his faith in Providence ! Bradburn. I cannot err, — Elsie ! thou lovest him ! Elsie. Father, I do ! My heart resistlessly 30 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. Went out to him as if by witchery. Though he be far, I fancy, that his eye Upon me casts its glances from on high ; His voice rings in my ear both day and night, His figure ever stands before my sight, Of him I think, when I my vigils keep, Of him I dream, when I am wrapt in sleep. Bradburn. And knows he, pray, thy ardent love for him ? Elsie. Why should he not ? when this life's highest weal, This heaven on earth, when all I am and feel Are due to him, when through his magic word My latent powers are from their slumber stirred ; When through the inspiration from his soul My spirit wings its flight to higher goal. When the possession of my treasured prize Makes hundredfold my self-esteem arise — O, father, father ! come what may, this love Will be my happiness here and above. Bradburn. My child ! the dreams of youthful age are nought But the reflection of its rosy cheeks; These gone, the dreams are gone, which proves too well Their fleeting worth, their idle vanity. A better bottom than their quicksand is THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. Required to lay a firm foundation wall Whereon to frame a happy life ; such ground, Is wealth, is rank, are family connections. These once obtained, their benefits secured, Life's other Graces follow in their wake. The first two are e'en now in my possession ; Through prudent husbandry and skilful trade I have amassed a fortune, while my title. Well-earned in service, will command respect. So it is caste alone, which I still need. That shall wipe out my offspring's low descent And link my name with races of renown. For it must be a glorious consciousness To trace one's lineage upward on the rounds Of generations to the grayest age. This latter to secure depends on thee, Depends upon thy alliance with the scion Of some old house whom thy accomplishments, Thy wealth, thy father's rank will easily Secure for thee. Therefore it is my plan : That we return to the United States, My native country, as it was thy mother's, There settle down in ease and affluence. And self-contented, envied and respected. Ascend the smooth and level road that leads Into the hermitage of our old age. Elsie. How long ere thou wilt enter on this journey ? 32 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. Bradburn. So soon I have suppressed this insurrection. Elsie. Then wilt thou never see thy plan fulfilled, And it is best so, as thy gross injustice Were certain to react on thee as curse Whose magnitude my spirit dreads to fathom. Far better in both nature and result Would be the plan which I have in my mind. Bradburn. Make proof then of thy ingenuity ! Elsie. Espouse the cause of Texas with the zeal Thou hitherto hast squandered on her tyrants ; Enroll thee as the patriots' stoutest friend As till to-day thou wast their foremost foe ; Help to restore this land to Liberty As thou till now hast labored to enslave it. And thine will be a rank and titled name For which the proudest king will envy thee. And thine will be a wealth untold and grand, Surpassing far the treasures of the East ; And thine will be a fame of ancestry Of which thy latest progeny will boast. Is that, pray, not a better plan than thine ? THE FALL OF THE ALAMO, Bradburn. My oath of fealty bars its execution. Elsie. Resign thy office and thy oath is void. Bradburn. The Mexicans will confiscate my wealth. Elsie. So forfeit it and feel relieved in conscience. Bradburn. Thou knowest not the pangs of poverty. Elsie. They must be comforts 'gainst the pangs of shame. Bradburn. Why ride Rebellion's billows, when our barks Can lie at anchor in the haven of order ? Elsie. A gallant ship prefers the tempest's wrath To rotting in some stagnant navy-yard. Bradburn. 'Tis folly to emprise an undertaking Which lacks the faintest prospect of success. Elsie. Success is but the foot-rule of the world ; Right is the measure God in Heaven applies. 34 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. Bradburn. And if thy zeal, thy honesty and courage Could win me o'er to thee and overthrow Mine every plan, mine every principle, One obstacle will always still remain, 'Gainst which thy arguments cannot prevail : My love for thee ! To think thee lone and helpless *Mong strangers, war and passionate party-strife, I cannot, must not, dare not list to thee. Elsie. [/;/ utter despair^ ] Again thy ear is deafened to my prayers. Again thy heart is hardened to my tears. Poor father, oh ! how wilt thou rue it once ! For come it will, that stark, that dreadful hour. When every word I spake just now, will ring Within thine ear, like mockery of devils. When every tear I shed just now will burn Upon thy soul like drops of hellish fire ! Oh, knewest thou, how bleeds my heart within me, Couldst thou but see those visions 'fore my mind, Couldst thou but hear the warnings in my ear. Thou wouldst, thou wouldst relent for thine own good 'Tis not to be ! Let God's will then be done ! \P roceeding more calmly. ] One more request I have to lay before thee. Thou hast upon thine own authority. THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. 35 Imprisoned William Travis and his friends. So promise then to me, that e'en to-morrow Thou lawfully wilt try the charge against them. I ask no favor, or for me or them, I only plead the human right of justice. As is the sun the source of every life, So, so is Justice Mankind's other light. As /le dispelled the chaos' mighty gloom So led /ler genial hand the human race From beastly state, when might alone was right, To kinder, purer, better sentiments ; As without /lim no being could exist. So without /ler Life were a baneful curse ; As shine /its beams alike on worm and lion So equally s^e pours her benefits O'er rich and poor, and o'er the weak and strong. Sin, father, not against her holy law, For great as are her blessings, is her vengeance. Bradburn. Remember, child, I am not here to judge. But only to attend my master's orders ; Yet at thy pleading I will fain extend What little mercy's scope is given to me^ Beyond its limits e'en, if f/iey deserve it. To prove my word's sincerity to thee, I instantly will speak to William Travis. [He taps a bell. A soldier enfers^ 36 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO, Inform the jailer that I wish to see The prisoner, William Travis, led before me. \Exit soldier^ Leave us alone now, child, and rest convinced. That day and night my every thought will aim Thy welfare to promote. My love shall yet Prepare for thee a radiant sky of life, E'en though light clouds obscure it now. Good night. \He kisses Elsie s forehead. Elsie leaves the room with signs of great despondency^ Scene VII. Bradburn at first alone. Afterwards Travis, Bradburn. A new embarrassment ! When will they cease ? As if conjured by some magician's wand, Who bears me ill, so from the ground they start And try to block my way to peace and rest. But triumph not too soon, ye cruel powers ! As sailors throw the deck-load over-board To save their battered ship from total wreck, So shall not scruples, hitherto revered, Nor principles, observed till now, debar me From the reward of my laborious life. This rising spectre of my daughter's love For that rebellious upstart must be crushed, THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. 37 Crushed, crushed^ by every means that might controls. That, right or wrong, will consummate the end. He, first of all, must be removed from here, Must be dishonored in my daughter's eye, For which, methinks, I know a proper way, Provided that his pride will not defeat it. \He sits down at the table to write. Enters Travis^ es cor ted by the jailer?^ Leave me alone a moment with that man. [Exit jailer. Bradburn having risen and standing near the table^ surveys Travis frofn under his eye-brows , the latter^ with ar?7zs crossed over his breast^ stands frankly before him^ Well, William Travis, must I still behold thee Maintaining thy defiant attitude. Which ill becomes at any time a captive, But even less avails as hiding mask The base destroyer of a maiden's peace ? Abject enough is an ungrateful rebel. But language fails in epithets for him Who makes a trusting maiden's love The ambuscade of his nefarious schemes. Travis. Thou wieldest here the sword of tyranny Unscrupulously; why then delayest thou To join with it thy fatherly revenge ? 38 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. Bradburn. A coward hurls his bold defiance only When feeling him secure. Thou knowest well That striking thee, I also strike my daughter. Travis. A despot rarely makes such nice distinctions. Bradburn. That I do make them proves thy word as false. Travis. Words oft must serve as substitutes for truth. Bradburn. Enough, this idle interchange of speech Which neither mitigates the culprit's guilt, Nor elevates the judge's majesty. The packet-boat lies ready at the wharf, To-morrow even to convey from here To Vera Cruz thee and thy fellow rebels For trial at the court of Mexico. Your death is certain; for the Mexicans, Justly embittered o'er the foreigners Who wantonly disturb the peaceful realms Of their domain by stirring strife and discord, Long since have clamored, that a stern example Of justice should be meted out to them. Therefore, I ween, they hardly will forgive me THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. 39 If I deprive them of the welcome show, To see three prominent Americans Transported through the streets of Mexico Amid the hooting of the populace. But as it is, they must this time forego The spectacle, unless thy stubbornness, Unwarranted by either hope or fear, Force me to disregard my daughter's tears. Here, sign this contract, knowing that on thee Depends thy life, as well as th.y companions'. \Bradburn hands Travis the ?iote he had been writing at the latter s entrance^ Travis. \Redds aloud. ^ This is to certify that I agree To leave forthwith the Mexican domain, And never after thither to return, If Colonel J. D. Bradburn will consent To pay into my hand the full amount Of thousand dollars gold at my departure. [Jle tears the paper into shreds^ Well, well conceived, John Bradburn! this design Does credit to thy ingenuity. \^S??iiling.^ The more a pity, that it must remain Shelved in the storehouse of thy fertile brain. 40 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. Bradburn. In earnestness I made to thee this offer ; What then provokes thy rude hilarity ? Travis. Forgive! the thought, how many mice John Bradburn Aims to inveigle in a single trap, Just now appeared to me quite ludicrous. Bradburn. What meanest thou ? I understand thee not. Travis. The better thou art understo5d by me. By my acceptance of thy offered bribe Thou mean'st to place me as a renegade And wretched knave before my countrymen ; Thou meanest to free thee of a bold opponent, Who e*en in fetters is to thee a terror, — Thou meanest to efface my name inscribed Upon thy daughter's heart as undeserving Her love, her admiration, her esteem. And what is the equivalent thou givest ? An insult couched as promise in disguise. When not the wealth of all the earth can buy From me my countrymen's regard and friendship, My zeal for freedom and thy daughter's love. THE FALL OF TILE ALAMO. 4 1 Bradburn. \^Furiously^ Enough, enough ! henceforth expect the worst ! Thou shalt yet rue thy obstinate refusal ! In chains and irons like a criminal I'll have thee laid forthwith — I will to-morrow Send thee to Mexico ; — I will — Voices outside. Hurrah ! \A shot fired fro?n without shatters a window in CoL Bradburn' s rooni^ Bradburn. \_Tre?fibling^ Ha ! what is that ? what can this noise portend ? Scene VIII. A great confusion and the footsteps of hurry i^tg persons are heard from the corridor leading to Col. Bradburn s room. The door is violently opened^ through which several Mexican officers^ among them Capt. Patcho^ enter, all greatly excited, Patcho. Oh, Cc'lonel, we are lost ! a band of rebels Have scaled our outside ramparts by surprise 42 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. And turned our cannon 'gainst our barrack-doors. Flight or resistance are alike in vain. Bradburn. Oh, my presentiment ! Why slept our guards, And failed to mark the enemy's approach ? Close all the gates immediately and place Two men at every window ; then collect The others in the corridor below, Prepared for the sortie I myself shall lead. [ The officers rush out, Bradburn having locked the room^ the key of which he leaves i?i the lock^ follows the7n.^ Travis. What have I heard ? My countrymen are here 7 Have occupied their ramparts, seized their guns ? Can it be true, and should the blessed hour Of my deliverance have approached so soon ? [He goes to the window.'] Yes ! it is true ! for there they stand ! God bless them ! [He waves his pocket-handkerchief .] Hail, hail, my brave, my faithful comrades, hail ! To save your friends from prison and from death You have not lost an hour, but thrown aside Your comfort, your employments and your safety. Your friendly service to repay, may soon An opportunity arise for me ! — But is it possible ? and see I right } THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. 43 There Elsie stands among them ! How came she To join my countrymen ! \He strikes his forehead with his hands ^ Oh, loving heart ! Now first, now I divine thy stratagem. Thou wast the guide, that brought assistance here, When every other means proved unavaiUng ! What seemed confused, entangled hopelessly, Quickly the magic of thy love dissolves ; What deemed impossible my doubting mind. Thy loving courage lightly executes. — But see ! what means that joyful agitation And curious flutter 'mong my countrymen ? Ah, I observe ! my Elsie's magic charm Has proved effective ; for a flag of truce Advances from the barrack-gate. 'Tis Bradburn ! How hard, how grievous must his every step Appear to him ! how painful his defeat! How ominously he must around him feel The pinions of the gloomy spirits waft, Whose counsels lured him on his giddy way. Whose voices shut his ear and heart against The warnings of his better genius, And whose triumphant mockeries and sneers Now point him to the wreck of all his plans. So it has been, and so 't will ever be : The harvest sown upon the poisonous soil Of tyranny, will bear no other fruit 44 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. Save ruin and disgrace to serf and master. But see ! the parley is at end ! it means Surrender and exchange of prisoners, As I infer from seeing Elsie freed From her captivity : will she come here ? Scene IX. Enters Elsie. Travis leaves the window and comes lo meet her. Elsie. Oh, Travis ! freedom smiles on thee again ! Travis. And twice as gratefully, since I receive it Given through thy hands and from thy lips announced. Elsie. Thou know'st what has occurred ? Pray, tell me how ? Travis. My knowledge rests on inference alone. Since I beheld thee 'mong our countrymen. Thy own lips must impart to me thy venture. Elsie. My tale is brief. Sad and disconsolate About my father's unmoved stubbornness, I went, while yet he was engaged with thee, THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. 45 To seek my garden-arbor, there to muse, And weep and pray, when suddenly there sprang Armed men from every bush and every shrub, Rushed o'er the little bridge I had let down. And scaled the walls, while I remained their captive, Who served as welcome hostage in their hands. Travis. Thou knew'st then nought beforehand of their coming ? Thou wast then not the guide who led them here ? Elsie. Unconsciously, — I see it now, — I served As means through which thou hast regained thy freedom. Travis. My erring mind, dear Elsie, just ascribed A heroine's glory to thy conscious deed. My seeing spirit must attribute now That higher crown to thee, an angel's halo ! Oh ! would thou couldst forever thus remain My intercessor with the powers of fate ! Elsie. In spirit, yes ! through daily, hourly prayer I'll be with thee as friendly genius. Though now our ways must part here, since my father Will henceforth more than ever need my aid. 46 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. Travis. Oh ! must the glorious dawn of Liberty, Oh ! must the day, that oped my prison-door Consign thy life to night ?' It cannot be ! Elsie. Yes, it is night, that henceforth will enshroud My soul and heart, but mind thee ! not the night Of bleak despair, of crying agony ; No, that of holy sadness which becomes, The more it grows, the dearer to the heart. For from afar the radiance of thy course Will cast a sweet reflection on my path, Not too resplendent as to jar by contrast, And not too feeble as to fail in comfort. So will my life be henceforth like a chapel, Among whose sombre aisles and colonnades The sunlight, falling through the colored panes. Pours out a mellow-tinted "clarobscuro,'* The sweetest light, *neath which to dream and pray. Travis. Oh, happy talent of the female heart, Whose heavenly instinct knows how to detect Some light upon the darkest sky of sorrow. Some hope amid the wildest sea of woe. Oh, give me but an atom of that balm, Thy childlike faith, and I will part in peace. THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. 47 Elsie. Fain I extend to thee that comfort, couched In the relation of an incident Which, though it happened many years ago, Is deeply graven on my memory, And seems to me a fitting simile To show, how once ow^ mystery may be solved. — • When, still a child, I tarried with my father, Then stationed at some far-off western fort, We were beleaguered by a furious band Of wild Comanches, who with yells and shots Essayed to storm the ramparts. Overcome By childish fear, I hid me underneath The altar of the Mission. So concealed, I trembling sat beneath that gloomy spot. When I observed amid that sombre light An iron bolt. I pushed it back and raised A secret trap-door, which revealed to me A frowning passage-way. With fleeting steps I then procured a torch, and by its light, Explored the yawning path. For many hours I wandered through its jet-black gallery, Until, arrived upon its end, there burst The glowing sunlight through some window-panes Upon my dazzled eyesight. I had reached Another Mission, far remote from ours. Where I was safe from injury and harm. [ With the highest solemnity of inspiration?^ 48 THE FALL OF STHE ALAMO. Dark as that subterranean corridor, So lie our lives our anxious gaze before, Illuminated only by the glimmering light Of our unwavering love. But as the night Which wrapt my transit through that secret way Was changed to unexpected, welcome day, So, top, for us shall dawn the glorious hour. When God, the Lord, through His mysterious power, Shall re-unite us, nevermore to part ! Let this assurance alway cheer thy heart ! Travis. [ With great enthusias7n^ Speaks God through thee } hast thou become His angel. Such as of old proclaimed His truth to men 1 It is, — it must be so, as thou hast said : For I behold it in the radiant beams, Shed o'er and round thee with transfiguring glow ; I hear it in thy deep-inspired tone, That strikes my ear with heavenly melody ; And self I feel it in the fervid ardor Which has replaced my bosom's icy chill : Such is not earthly joy ; it is the splendor Of Heaven above, and God alone its sender. Elsie. \As above.'] Yes, trust in Him ! pursue thy manly way, Deliver Texas from the tyrant's sway, THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. 49 Unwaveringly, till thou hast reached the goal, And shouldst thou fall, then will thy Elsie's soul Soar hand in hand with thee the airy flight To yonder homes of happiness and light, While in a thankful' nation's memory Thy name and hers live for eternity. \A long embrace?^ Scene X. Enters Bradburn with a paper in his hand. He is fol- lowed by some Mexican officers^ who station them- selves on the left side of the stage. Behind them enter Fra?ik W. Johnston, commander of the patriots, Don Lorenzo de Zavala, Wm. H. Jack, and several other patriots, who occupy the right side of the stage, with the table between them and the Mexi- Bradburn. [ Who enters a little in advance of the others, steps between Travis and Elsie. ^ Part ! Elsie. [ Waving her hand to Travis^ Fare thee well ! so THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. Travis. \_Stepping toufard the right J\ Fare ever, ever well ! \^Exit Elsie^ Johnston. \Just entering^ Hail, Travis, friend ! thou art revenged, art free ! Jack. [Coming behind Johnston^ to Travis.^ Thank God, thou livest still ! Our fears are calmed. Zavala. [Following Jacky likewise addressing Travis^ Have now thy pupils earned their master's praise ? Travis. [Shaking hands with all,^ Thanks, thanks to all of you ; no more I say ! Your kindness, friends, has opened every sluice That in my heart held back the founts of joy. Which unobstructed now burst forth and drown Each word of thanks, as on my lips it steps : The better shall my future deeds bespeak them. Bradburn. [ JVho, immediately after his entry, had sat down at the table, to copy the articles of surrender agreed upon, THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. 5 I has finished them now^ and signaling to two Mexican officers to sign them^ rises from his seat^ and addresses the Texans.^ The articles are ready to receive Your signatures : yet ere they are affixed, Ere by the pen you irrevocably Will ratify the actions of your hands, I deem it just, once more to warn you all Against the bitter fruit, which ?/iust spring forth From your defiance to authority. Johnston. Waste not the efforts of thy eloquence ; Ours is the best authority of all : The vindication of our sacred rights. Bradburn. [ JVith a sneer. ^ I never heard of that authority. Johnston. [As he puts down the pen^ wherewith he has signed the articles^ in which proceeding he is folloiued by Jack a7id Zavala :] The die is cast ! 't is Liberty or Death ! Bradburn. AH matters settled now, we leave the fort ; So fare ye well, till here we meet again. 52 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. Johnston. Nought is impossible with God. Farewell. \Bradburn and his Mexicans leave the room^ Travis. This fort has fallen. But what about the others ? Johnston. An hour ago we have received the news From Nacogdoches, that the patriots Have driven the Mexicans from fort and town. Travis. Indeed ? Then why not start to take Velasco ? Johnston. Brave Austin may have ta'en it by this time. Messenger. \Eittering with other Texans^ Hail, countrymen ! I bring you happy news! Velasco has surrendered ! Captain Austin Has sent me to convey to you these tidings. All present. Cheer, cheer ! Johnston. So bear with thee to thy commander As joyous a report as thou hast brought, THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. 53 That Nacogdoches and our Anahuac Are likewise in the patriots' hands. Messenger. I will. Zavala. As sunny rays the snows of April melt, So quickly has our tyrants' might succumbed Before our first spontaneous enterprise. When thus so strikingly the hollowness Of their pretended magnitude is proven, And while they left us without law and rule, Why not declare us here immediately Free and absolved from every fealty. Now and forever, to a Mother-State, Which, ever deaf to our most just complaints, Will find in our revolt sufficient cause For still severer measures of oppression ? Travis. My friend, forgive me, if I must declare Thy well-meant counsel out of time and place ! Thou once hast told me, that through us thou first Hast learned to loathe the bane of tyranny And to concede to every man his birth-right Of Liberty and Justice. Hence reject Another lesson not, which unaware We have imbibed e'en through our mother's milk, 54 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. And which our native country's mighty breath Since then has fanned into a conscious truth. Self -government — the capability To rule as well as to be ruled, — that is The only true and safe palladium That guarantees a stable permanence Of peace and freedom and prosperity. Self-government — that is the corner-stone On which alone a State can safely rest, From which it draws, as from a root of life. Strength to withstand misfortunes, storms and wars. Self-gove7'7iment — that is the magic wand Through which each one's peculiar gifts and powers Are instantly aroused and reared and turned Into a boon and benefit for all. Self-government — that is the fount of youth Through which each day a land is born anew, And shielded 'gainst the stagnant influence Of ruling classes and monojooly. — Hence when this new-awakened strife of passion Gives way before our reason's calmer sway. Let us select from every town and borough Such men as most deserve our confidence, To meet in council, to review our wants, And to propose their well-considered plans For our acceptance or rejection. So We shall avoid the cliffs of anarchy. And safely reach the haven of ordered state. THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. 55 Jack. That, Travis, is the just and only way. Johnston. No doubt it is ! yet while the radiant fire Of patriotism casts heavenward its flame, We ought to foster it and have a care, That everyday-life's little interests Not quench the once-awakened stir of hearts. This to achieve, what agent is so strong, So universal as the power of Song ? Like as a lusty eagle, bold and fierce, By it the soul will soar to heavenly spheres, Like as a tempest, so this God-sent dower Will swell our hearts with all-resistless power. Hence, countrymen, intune with deep-felt glee The stirring *' Hymn of Texan Liberty," And bear it home and spread it through the lands, Where'er a homestead lies, a cottage stands, And where you be, together or alone. Let rise your hearts on fts inspiring tone. Rise, freemen, rise ! your watchword be : " For Texas and her Liberty !" {^During the whole progress of this scene fnore and more Texan Volunteers have quietly entered the roo7n, which is 710W filled with the?n to its utmost capacity, Risi?ig from benches on which they have taken their seats^ t/iey now intune^ 56 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. THE HYMN OF TEXAN LIBERTY * Rise, valiant yeomen, one and all, And take your swords in hand; For hear you not the thrilling call Of Freedom through the land ? So let her not appeal in vain. But raise for her a holy fane : Rise, freemen, rise ! your watchword be ; " For Texas and her Liberty ! ^' 2. Leave wife and child, drop tool and plow, Your home, your work forsake ! A higher prize of yours is now In danger and at stake : Your faith, your honor and your right Are threatened by the tyrant's might ; Rise, freemen, rise ! your watchword be : " For Texas and her Liberty ! '* 3- No earthly treasure is too high, Too great no sacrifice, E'en though it were to bleed and die For Freedom's lofty prize ; ♦ For the tune of this Hymn see page 241. THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. 57 Happy, if gains your sword and toil For you a grave in Freedom's soil : Rise, freemen, rise ! your watchword be : *' For Texas and her Liberty ! " 4. And if the tyrant loudly boasts Of greater might than ours : Our Ally is the Lord of Hosts, With all His gifts and powers ; He aids us, for our cause is fair ; Who will then tremble and despair ? Rise, freemen, rise ! your watchword be : *' For Texas and her Liberty ! " [Curtain.] ACT SECOND. Scene L A road leading through a forest, with the Alamo in the back-ground. Win. Travis accompanying Edward Burleson and Frank W, Johnston^ who appear equipped for a journey. ^ Travis. The spot is reached where we must part, my friends, You to go eastward, — I to wend my steps 58 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. Back to the Alamo, with whose defence The same command which ordered your recall Has trusted me, at best a doubtful honor. Happy the soldier, whom his narrow way Of duty leads securely on his path; His order is his never-failing compass, Its execution his delight and praise. Such, by no means, is the commander's lot. Whose pleasure-cup is bittered by the worm-wood Of Care and grave Responsibility, Who oft, when human wisdom fails his mind. With shuddering hand must draw a doubtful chance From out the urn of fate, which mercilessly Decides on this his merit and his fame. But then, as meet it is, a soldier's wish Succumbs before the voice of discipline. Burleson. 'Tis strange how oft, what seems to one a burden His neighbor covets as his greatest boon. 'Tis so the case with us ; for nothing more I should desire to crown my life's exploits Than to defend the self-same Alamo Which but two months agp the volunteers In my command so gallantly have won. Like as a precious gift I cherished it, Such as we fain repeatedly defend To show, how much we value its possession. THE FALL OF TLLE ALAMO. 59 The only comfort then, when we must leave So dear a property behind, is this : To know its keeping trusted to a hand That is as brave, as ours designed to be. Travis. Thanks for the honor of thy compliment, Although my diffidence deserves it not, However much it may be justified. I beg thee to remember, that of all The nineteen-hundred, then in thy command, No more than hundred fifty yet remain To garrison the fort's extended walls. Consider, too, that Santa Anna leads His army's flower, near thirteen-thousand strong, With guns and siege-train 'gainst our time-worn ram- parts. Pray, misinterpret not my doubts as fear ; For e'en if victory is out of question Save — if you will — the victory of a brave Yet fruitless opposition, — still the wish Is fair, I think, that my defence, my death Prove not quite useless for the weal of Texas. Johnston. So let us hasten, Burleson, to reach Sam Houston on the Colorado's banks. And there arrived, not to relent in prayers Till he has sent the Alamo relief. 6o THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. Against its stone-walls as against a rock The en'my must exhaust his wrathful power, If not, his hosts will overflow the land. So fare thee well, friend Travis, till thou hear'st Our trumpet's peal to herald thy release. Burleson. The eyes and hopes of Texas rest on thee, Be thou the bulwark of her Liberty ! Travis. I will, I will ! — so to our friends report : That Travis is resolved to hold the fort Until his end, and that from its debris Shall rise the phoenix of her liberty ! \Exeunt Burleson and Johnstoji.^ Scene II. [Biopsis.] Travis alone. I. Farewell, for ever ! for I feel it, soon I must bid even life a last farewell ! So let me, friendly Nature, then commune Once more with thee, ere sounds my funeral knell, And strengthen me with every comfort's boon. With all the blessed gifts, that in thee dwell, To cheer my heart and courage for the task Which honor, freedom, country from me ask. THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. 6l 2. Thou who hast nursed me in my mother's womb, Whose arms have borne me into life and light, Whose genial warmth has swelled my childhood's bloom. Whose teachings made the school-boy's rambles bright,— Spare not thy balm, when standing at my tomb I more than ever need thy counsel's might. — Have thanks, e'en now thou hast fulfilled my prayer In yon cocoon, suspended in the air. \He takes a caterpillar s web from an overhanging branch.^ 3- Thou chrysalis ! how well thou showest me Kind Nature's beneficial ordinance, That saves her children from the agony Of transitory progress by the trance Of sleep and death, whose torpid mystery Begets in them new powers for their advance, — Thou only slumber'st to await the change That will extol thee to a higher range ! Of loathsome mien, of uncouth form till late, Thou shalt be draped in raiments proud and rare, When summer-heats unlock thy prison-gate And send thee forth as '' blossom of the air," 62 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO, Whose thirst the flowers' sweet petals satiate, While leaves and stalks formed hitherto thy fare. Perfected so in shape, in hue, in wants. Live on thy circled life mid earthly haunts. And I ? — Like thee / have a web to spin, A tegument for my immortal soul : The finer, purer threads I weave therein, The sooner I shall reach my destined goal. For when the rays of heavenly suns begin To pour their light on me from ^rial pole, My spirit, like thy butterfly, shall soar Its lofty, radiant flight for evermore. Hence hope and strive and falter not, my heart ! Thou shalt exist for all eternity ! Diffused, enlarged, thou shalt become a part Of other beings, yet to rise and be ! How far, how widely, rests with thee ; thou art The own creator of thy destiny : Therefore aim well, aim high for genuine truth : It holds thy fount of everlasting youth. \He sits down on a grassy knolly and becomes lost in deep reverie?^ THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. ^l Scene IIL The voice of a many coming through the woods ^ is over^ heard sifiging the following song.* Born in the wilds of Tennessee, With Indians round about, This child was reared and grew to be A daring hunter-scout. I fought the brinded catamount, And dragged the panther from his haunt, And grappled with the lynx and bear, And scaled the eagle's cliff-built lair ; And so it came, that with my name Was blent a daring Hunter s fame. 2. And when about the neighborhood The Creeks spread death and fear, I shouldered for my country's good My gun as volunteer. I served Old Jackson as a guide, Fought many battles at his side, And often saved by timely aid My comrades from an ambuscade; And so it came, that with my name Was blent a gallant Soldier's fame. * For the tune of this song, see page 242. 64 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO, 3- The war at end, I homeward tacked, To settle down in ease, But no ! my friends chose me to act As Justice of the Peace. I could not write ; hence good and brief My warrants sounded : " Catch the thief ! " But never once I favored wrong, Or crushed the poor, or fawned the strong. And so it came, that with my name Was blent an upright Judge's fame. 4. For Congress then a nominee I took the stump and ran, And was elected handsomely O'er every other man. In Congress then at Washington I sat as silent as a nun ; Yet though I spake but " Aye " and " Nay," My vote was honest any way. And so I gained a world-wide fame. As Congressman without a blame. 5. Now after a ten months' sojourn 'Mong my Comanche friends, I have resolved my steps to turn Where my life's journey ends. THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. 65 My brethren in the Alamo I come to join against the foe ; They will succumb before his might, Yet it will be a glorious fight ; So will forever with my name Be blent a Martyr s noble fame. \Travis^ having listened hitherto with great surprise ^ now rises.^ Travis. One only being in the universe That man can be, and that is — David Crockett. Crockett. [Z>ressed in buck-skin clothes and wearing a fox-skin cap, now steps from the bushes with Betsy, his rifle, in his hand.^ Who called my name ? Travis. I did— I, William Travis, Commander of the Alamo, who hail Thy unexpected coming here with joy, Since nought could add more strength to our defence, Or cheer my men with more enthusiasm. Crockett. [ Ceremoniously^ I thank thee kindly for thy eulogy, As we in Congress used to style such praise. 66 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. But speak ! why lingerest thou here in the woods Like as a simpler, seeking healing herbs, Or like a poet, scanning Nature's secrets, While even now the foe is close at hand, And hopes to take thy forteress by surprise. Travis. \Eagerly?[ What sayest thou ? It cannot be — my scouts — Crockett. Have all been captured by the fleet dragoons Of Santa Anna, who from different points Spread out the network of his cavalry That compassed them, ere yet they were aware. Travis. But pray how happen'st thou to know this news ? Crockett. Through my Comanche friends who, vulture-like, Hang round the skirts of Santa Anna's van. Travis. If I before have welcomed thy arrival As useful, as a blessing to our cause, I now behold in it the wondrous hand Of Providence, dispatching thee to warn us Against approaching danger. But, friend Crockett, Let now us haste, where duty calls our steps. \Exeunt^ THE FALL OF THE ALAMO, 6/ Scene IV. Santa Anna's tent in the Mexican Camp before the Alamo. Santa Anna seated in an arm-chair^ ivhile before him stand the Generals Cos a?id Castrillon and the Col- onels Bradburn, Duque and Almonte. Santa Anna. \Rising^ The auspices of fate, my Generals, Were not propitious to our first exploit On Texan soil, still I regret it not. In every enterprise I have been wont To sacrifice a share of mine to Fate By reckless venture and impetuous force ; And I have found my work to turn out well, As oft as Fate received my offering. Why it is so, I self can hardly tell; Maybe, that, flattered b.y my reverence, (Akin to that of Grecian banquet-hosts Who to the gods poured out their goblet's prime). The fatal god grows reconciled to me ; Maybe, that like a savage animal He feeds upon the booty thrown to him, While free from his restraint and fickleness Man's innate talent can work out its way — • Enough, to-day's discomfiture proclaims 6S THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. Our undertaking's ultimate success, To which, besides, our soldiers' discipline, Our leaders' bravery and experience, Withal our might and numbers clearly point. But albeit my detention hindered me To be a witness to this morning's fight, So render me, Castrillon, thy report. Castrillon. According to Your Excellency's command I was to storm the Alamo, so soon I had arrived here with the army's van Of thirteen hundred men. In steadfast march, Though flew the bullets thick and fast, we reached The ramparts of the forteress, which we scaled. In vain. No sooner had the crest been gained, When madly, like a wounded grizzly bear. The garrison flung headlong down our ranks And boldly opening then the gates, rushed forth, — Travis their leader — on our wavering men. They fled and stopped not in their maddened run, Till they had reached the refuge of our camp. One single captive, whom, attacking me, I with my sabre cut across his brow, Is all the trophy which we have obtained. While of my thirteen hundred men More than one-fourth are either killed or wounded. THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. 69 Santa Anna. So bring, Castrillon, then thy captive here, That we may question him about the fort. \^Exit Castrillon.^ Meanwhile receive my will for this campaign. Ween not, that when we have subdued and crushed This base revolt, our task were then complete. A fool combats the evil's gorgon-head, A prudent man destr6ys the evil's root This territory must become the bulwark Of Mexico against the threatening tide Of immigrants from Anglo-Saxon stock, Which thoughtlessly has been allowed to roll Its waves of heresy and rationalism, Of lawlessness and bold irreverence, Against these ill-defended Texan shores. The time has come, when loudly to announce, That never on the self-same continent The Anglo-Saxon and the Latin races Can live in peace and harmony together. For as the Roman loathed the crafty race Of Carthage, and relented not in war. Till every stone of her antagonist Was powdered dust, so parts a yawning gulf Of bitter jealousy and hate intense These modern nationalities. Behold The Anglo-Saxons ! Without rest and peace They roam and spread and plot and seek and grasp, 70 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. An easy prey to every fancy's gust, To innovations and Utopian schemes. 'Tis true they fill and colonize the earth, And lay it out in states and commonwealths. But all of these are frail and hollow shells, Whom like a cardboard-house the slightest breath May disarrange or wholly overturn. Not so the Latin race ! although it lacks The other's fitful elasticity — Their stern solidity of government. Their healthful stableness of disciphne, Their innate reverence to authority. Are better safe-guards for their future greatness. Therefore our peaceful progress to insure, I am resolved to put the best barrier Of all, a desert waste round Mexico, A zone of safety, broad four hundred miles. With not one human being save the Indian. To this effect, let every town and village And farm-house be destroyed, as you pass by ; Let every Mexican we meet be sent Where he belongs, across the Rio Grande ; But foreigners be warned on pain of death Immediately to leave this territory. When not a soul is left then in this land Save Indians and our garrisons perchance, The ancient Spanish law, that once forbade A stranger's foot to trespass on this land. THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. 7 1 Will be renewed and rigidly enforced. This is my plan, long nursed and now matured; It is for you to act accordingly. Scene V. Enters Castrillon, leading James Travis^ who looks pale and exhausted^ and whose head is bandaged, Santa Anna. Is that thy captive, say ? A beardless boy ? That is indeed quite ludicrous. I fain Would know if all insurgents are mere boys. J. Travis. What if they were ? They made your bearded men Retreat this morn in quite a lively style. Cos. Boy, knowest thou before whom thou standest here ? J. Travis. I never saw his face, still every trait His blood-shot eye, his lips so firmly set, His savage grin, his hollow cheeks, — they all Proclaim to me : I stand before ^' The Butcher." Santa Anna. Here, gentlemen, you can behold anew The fruit of Anglo-Saxon discipline: Gross impudence and wanton disrespect. 72 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO, J. Travis. We Anglo-Saxons give our free esteem To honest men, however poor and low ; But such as thee we hate and loathe the more, The greater might they have to do us harm. Santa Anna. Enough I have already heard and borne Of thy bravado. Tell us now thy name. J. Travis. James Travis I am called. Santa Anna. James Travis ? what ? Art thou related to that demagogue Who, Colonel now, commands the Alamo ? J. Travis. My highest boast is that I am his brother, Yea, brother to the best, the bravest man That ever breathed the air. No human heart Beats so for all that noble is and good. Santa Anna. Thou art his brother, hem ! that pleases me. Yea, pleases me more than a thousand captives. \Ahruptly^ How many men defend the Alamo ? THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. 73 J. Travis. How many men ? Is that thy wish to know ? Santa Anna. Yes, yes ! no matter 'bout a man or two. J. Travis. If thou wouldst know their actual count, then go, When have thy minions stormed the forteress And count the corpses lyinij there within, — Their number will reveal to thee how strong The garrison was of the Alamo. Santa Anna. [Grinding his teeth^ My boy ! thou art still young and ignorant, And ne'er perhaps hast heard of certain means That force the strongest man to ope his lips. And break the stoutest bosom's stubbornness. There is the lash that stripes thy tender back With grooves of bloody gore ; there is the rack That sends a shock of pain through every limb ; There is the iron virgin that inflicts Her spiked embrace into thy quivering flesh ; There are the red-hot tongs, and many more I care not to describe. All these await Thy youthful form, if thou refuse to answer. Once more : how many hold the Alamo ? 74 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO, J. Travis. Once more, to learn that thou must conquer it. Santa Anna. Enough; lead him away and try the lash Full twenty times on him to test his strength. J. Travis. That, tyrant, thou canst test immediately. \IIe leaps with the fierceness of a tiger at Sa?ita Anna^ whose throat he seizes with both hands ^ Santa Anna. \Gasping for breath ?[ Tear him away from me ; he strangles me. [ The officers pull Travis away, and form a line between him and Santa Anjia, who has fallen into his arm- chair from exhaustion.^ J. Travis. [Rising to his full height.^ Behold ! as has a feeble youngster's hand Laid weak and low that mighty tyrant lord. So lightly shall our patriots' little band O'ercome his hosts and break his yoke abhorred. Cos. [Addressing Santa Anna A Speak but the word and we cut him to pieces. THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. 75 Santa Anna. \Recovering^ No, no ! he must be spared for better ends. James Travis. For better ends ! Ha ! I devine thy plan To use me as a scare-crow Against my brotlier, Whom so thou ween'st to force into surrender By threats of torturing me ! Is that thy scheme ? Well, despot, list ! Although thy base design W^ould wreck against my brother's fortitude And hardly need a sacrifice from me, Not even I will gratify thy wish ! See now, how come " thy better ends " to end ! \He tears the bandages from his wounds^ Stream forth, my blood ! if here or in the fight, What matters it ? To Liberty and Right Thine every drop was vowed; e'en here thou flow'st In their behalf! Where, tyrant, is thy boast? \He falls into Castrillon^s arms.^ Santa Anna. [J^ising.^ Quick ! get a surgeon, Duque, and thou, Almonte, Assist Castrillon to remove the youth, [ IVhen Bradburii takes a hand in the removal?^ — Bradburn, thou wilt remain a while with me, — [^Continuing to address the others^ 76 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. And see to it, that this most precious hostage Of Fortune is not lost to us. Away ! [Castrillon, Dtique and Almonte bring J. Travis away.] Scene VI. San fa Amza, Cos and Bradburn remain, Santa Anna. I have retained thee, Colonel Bradburn, here To trust thee with a charge, I hide it not. As delicate, as difficult, but as: "The greatest task becomes the greatest mind," This mission, well performed by thee, will add Another palm of merit to the many Which Mexico has entered to thy credit Upon the ledger of her gratitude. Cos. \^Aside^ The ledger, yes ! but not the cash account. Santa Anna. It is my wish, that under flag of truce Thou instantly start for the Alamo, And there arrived, demand the fort's surrender With all its men and arms. But am I right ? The task appears not pleasant quite to thee. Bradburn. Make me the leader of the Forlorn Hope, THE FA LI OF THE ALAMO. // Place me where fiercest raves the battle's roar, But bid me not in parley to confront Those men, whose every eye-glance, every word Mean scorn and sneers cast on my loyalty. Santa Anna. Is that thy whole objection? Why, meseems, Thy own confession puts thee in the wrong. Bradburn. No, no. Your Excellency ! 't is only hard To reap contempt, where praise should be our harvest. Santa Anna. A wrongful charge is like an arrow's shaft That lacks the head ; it cannot harm or wound. Hence, if nought else thou keepest back from me, I see no reason, why not overrule Thy weak remonstrance and insist upon What was my first and well-considered plan. Therefore list well to my instructions now. Which thou must neither change nor overstep. First thou wilt, in the name of Mexico, Demand an unconditional surrender. When that has been rejected, offer next Imprisonment until the end of war To all save the commander, William Travis, . To whom as fair inducement of surrender Thou wilt hold out my fine estate, La Paz, 78 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. Which shall be his, beside a cash endowment. And as they tell me that he loves thy daughter, And she returns his love, I have no doubt Thou wilt award thy fatherly consent To the fulfilment of thy daughter's wish, Thus heightening self my offer's gracious terms. Bradburn. 'Tis not the choice that meets with my approval, Yet my antipathy shall not debar The welfare of the State, when for its good This marriage is essentially required. Santa Anna. I knew too well thy patriotism, or else Should have been loath to forestall thy decision, Yet should thy offer even not avail Against the rebel's pride, there still remains His brother's fate as means of thy persuasion; This card, reserved till last and well applied. Must make thy mission a complete success. So hasten to prepare thee for thy way, And when returned, report immediately Thy errand's and thy skill's result to me. \Exit Bradburn?[ Cos. Can it be thy intention, — speak ! — to grant Such terms of favor to a rebel-hord Who took from us, through stealth and stratagem, THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. /Q The self-same forteress, which to repossess Costs us e'en now the lives of several hundred ? And wouldst thou feed these rogues for months and years, At the expense of our exhausted chest ? And most of all reward that traitor Travis With wealth and grace instead of the garotte ? Santa Anna. [Folding his handsy and devoutly casting his eyes up to heaven^ Such is my plan ! if then my countrymen, Justly embittered over the insurgents, Refuse to ratify its stipulations, And slay the men, with whom they made no treaty, Thus kindly saving me a fine estate. And our Republic quite a large expense, I must regret it, though I cannot change it. Cos. I understand ! but, riddle of a man ! Why hast thou chosen that American For messenger, who seems to me of all Least suited, least trustworthy for the charge ? Santa Anna. Least suited, why ? His readiness of speech. His nationality, his daughter's love For Travis, and his diplomatic skill 8o THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. Seemed reasons strong enough for choosing him. And faithless? Ah ! it needs a strong suspicion To overthrow the record of his service. Cos. I fain bestow on him my confidence In every war and emprise save the contest Against his former countrymen and friends. Elsewhere so gallant, — here he is a coward ; Elsewhere so active, — here he lacks in zeal. Hast thou forgot, that 'gainst his reputation Still lurks the old suspicion, treacherously To have surrendered Anahuac's Fort Three years ago, without one single shot ? And even now he seems upon his mind To have some plan, that scents of mystery; For as a friend from Vera Cruz informs me, He has transferred his bank-account abroad. Santa Anna. \Eagerly^ He has 1 since when .? Cos. The day of our departure. But why so pensive now } Santa Anna. I must confess That Bradburn's act, though little in itself, THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. 8 1 Somewhat annoys me, since it indicates His bold design to free him from his web Wherein I saw and helped him evermore To grow entangled. An American, He entered our service, — a mistake Which oft, no doubt, has brought him into conflict With all his innate feelings. Weak enough To suffer than courageously to free him. He first suggested to my mind the thought To try and show what I can do as god. [ When. Cos, by raising his ar?ns in deprecation, expresses his utrnost horror at Santa Anna's word, the latter continues .•] As spider then ! By missions like the present, I imperceptibly have tightened more and more My cobweb's threads around his every step. Until my highest curiosity Is roused to see and know where he will end. Cos. Beware, lest God ensnare thee self through him. \^Exit Cos^^ Santa Anna. [ Uneasy^ This Bradburn troubles me ! for if his will Has once rebelled against his fate, why not This time, when such a chance is given to him ? 82 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. The spark of boldness lightly grows a flame. I should not have employed that man ; it may Yet turn against me. Is it then so true: We thinky we rule^ while we ourselves are ruled ? Scene VII. Enters Elsie Bradburn. Santa Anna. Miss Elsie Bradbum? Happy I must call The cause that led your footsteps to this tent, For, ah ! a soldier's rude and changeful life Lets him too oft, too easily forget Those milder feelings, gentler traits of heart Which woman's beneficial influence Begets and fosters in society. 'Tis hence, indeed, a blessing, when the spell Of woman's presence melts at times the ice. Wherewith war's chilly blast incrusts our hearts. Elsie. The flattering praise by which Your Excellency Deign to extol our earthly mission's purport Most happ'ly lightens the anxiety Of my request, whose worthy utterance Would otherwise have sorely tried my lips. I crave the leave of nursing and attending The youth on whom an evil fate has laid The double weight of prison and disease. THE FALL OF THE ALAMO, 83 Santa Anna. \Frowninglyi\ Two hundred of our faithful Mexicans Lie sorely wounded in our hospitals. Why not, if you incline to charity, Extend its grateful blessings first on those, Who fought and suffered for a righteous cause, Than on a rebel, whose defiant pride Captivity and wounds could not reform 1 Elsie. That rebel is a countryman of mine, Forsaken here, exposed to cruelty; He is the brother of the man I love. Whose anxious fear too well I can devine. Should then these freely-cherished motives Not outweigh every duty's stern regard Imposed upon me by my father's choice ? Santa Anna. A loving daughter makes her father's choice Her own ; 't is natural and — often — useful. Elsie. And still, there are impressed on every heart Some holy laws which claim a precedence. Santa Anna. These laws our wishes oft interpret wrong. 84 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO, Elsie. Would you not self assign your chief devotion To God, your second to your native land ? Santa Anna. That greatly will depend on what you call Your native land. What is this Texas, speak ! A dreary waste, a desert territory Of Mexico not worth the name of State, With outlaws filled and refugees from justice, The scum of the depraved society Of the United States. And this you boast Your native land, a penal colony } Elsie. Ah ! must I hear Great Santa Anna's lips Repeat the thoughtless sentiments of men Who prejudiced, averse to deeper search, Judge inward Nature only from without? I will admit that many desperadoes, Excreted elsewhere through society And law from kind respect and intercourse, Have found a welcome refuge and asylum In sparsely-settled portions of our land, On which their crimes bestow an ill repute. But, — while beneath the prairies' atmosphere, So pure, so temple-like, so God-pervaded, And 'mong their dwellers' patriarchal spirit THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. 85 Their bad example cannot prove contagious, But must pass oif like vapors in the sun, — Still they are useful, necessary here. Brought hither by the Great Economist That rules this universe, they are no less Than all the good, that here reside, His tools Wherewith He works His deep, mysterious plans. Here to erect a grand, a noble State, A monument to His Eternal Widom, He needs rough stones to lay its firm foundation. And coarse cement wherewith to bind its seams. The worst materials are the best for this ; Without their aid no State was ever built. Santa Anna. These are quite novel theories to me; But pray, proceed, Miss Bradburn, for I long To hear your more than curious eulogy Of rogues and desperadoes to the end. Elsie. Virtue at rest is indolent and slow, And needs a spur to rouse her energies ; For her regard for peace, her reverence For law and order, her dislike to strife, Cause often her to bear what she ought not. It is the bad whose utter recklessness. Whose bold defiance of authority, 86 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. First turn the Ship of State from out her course Beneath the banner of a patriotism, Whose pure effusion they adulterate With the admixture of their base designs. Woe, then, thrice woe then to the ill-starred vessel Whose helm the hand of maddened Passion grasps, Whose sails the breeze of Fury fills, whose course Lies on the stormy main of Anarchy. And happy on the other hand the ship Whose crew of honest, stalwart patriots, Reared in the school of true self-government And fully conscious of their virtues' power. Arise, suppress the wicked in their band. And with their eyes fixed on the Polar Star Of Liberty, with steadfast will and hand. Direct their course through whirpools, shoals and cliffs, Into the harbor of prosperity. Santa Anna. You quite forget another chance, meseems, Which is of all the likeliest, to wit : \^Very sterjily^ When shall the rightful owner of the ship Regain possession of his property. And visit dire but righteous punishment Upon your pirates' heads \sneeringly\ both good and bad? THE FALL OF THE ALAMO, 8/ Elsie. All lies with God ! but see, where we have come ! The guiding compass of my humble prayer, Lost out of view, my lips unwittingly Have uttered a political address, Apt to offend thee, were it not for this : lis purport was the interest of Truth, Its boldmss proved, that still I mean you well, And its excuse of being made at all Lies, — as you self will generously admit. Less in my rashness than your provocation. Aspersions thrown upon her native land, A Texan maiden will and must refute. E'en though it cost her freedom and her life. Santa Anna. [ With gallantry^ No life, no freedom! but an hour's time Which I could scarce have passed more pleasantly. [Enters Cos.l^ Cos. This is the hour appointed to survey Convenient places for the batteries, In case we must bombard the Alamo. Santa Anna. *Tis well ! I shall be out immediately. {^Exit Cos!\ 88 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. Miss Bradburn ! stern necessity demands My presence elsewhere 'gainst my inclination. Forgive, if I depart : as for your prayer, We will consider it and let you know. \He accompanies Elsie to the door. Exit Elsie ^ Were that a sample of a Texan maiden My foes would seem redoubled all at once. I hope it not ; for while the wrath of man Is like a conflagration, fierce but brief, The hate of woman is a smouldering fire. Imbibed through mother's milk for generations. These Bradburns must be watched; it will not do To nurse two serpents in our bosom's fold. \He taps a bell. Enters Prado^ Prado. What is Your Excellency's command ? Santa Anna. Seest thou This purse of gold ? It is within thine reach. Prado. How, how, Your Excellency ? What must I do ? Santa Anna. Spy out a way to Colonel Bradburn's tent, And there concealed essay to overhear Each word that he or that his daughter speaks, And faithfully report them back to me. THE FALL OF THE ALAMO, 89 Prado. I understand Your Excellency's command, And forthwith haste to enter on my duty. \Exit Santa Anna^ followed by Prado^ Scene VIII. JBradb urn's tent. Bradbum appears equipped for the journey. Enters Elsie. Jose Frado^ Santa Anna's servant^ is seen protruding his head from beneath the tent-ca?ivas. Elsie. Where goest thou, father ? Bradburn. To the Alamo, Whose garrison, by my commander's will, I am to summon, that they render up Themselves, their arms, and all the fort contains. Elsie. And weenest thou a moment, that they will Accede to thy dishonoring demand ? Bradburn. I cannot tell thee; the result will show. Yet when the hopelessness of their defence. Their isolation and impending doom, 90 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. Are clearly, sternly pointed out to them, I doubt not but they will relent and yield. Besides, is Travis not the fort's commander, Whose future prospects, brotherly concern And cherished love, if they are truly felt. Must overbalance his defiant pride, Whose end can only be a wretched death ? Elsie. A glorious death, which he — I know — will choose A thousand times, ere he descends to shame. \Beseechingly?^ My father ! see, I know thy love for me, A love, as true as blind and ill-advised. Which, like the glitter of a will-o'-whisp. Has led thee unaware but steadily Deeper and deeper on thy erring way. As sailors on a dangerous coast sometimes Are lured to ruin through a glaring light, By wicked pirates lit to imitate A beacon-light, so has thy ill-judged love Ensnared thy reason with deceptive power. \Fervidly.^ Tall back ! turn round ! reverse thy life-ship's course, Ere yet it strikes against the fatal rocks, Ere yet the fiends, who watch with secret joy Its fast approaching doom, leap on its deck And feast upon the downfall of thy hopes. THE FALL OF THE ALAMO, 9 1 Confide in me, thy child, thy truthful pilot Who still can bring thee safely into port. Bradburn. How, how? Elsie. And wilt thou not reveal my secret ? Bradburn. No, Elsie, no ! I vow it by thine love I Elsie. There is a hidden passage, long forgot It seems, by all who dwell around these parts, Solely beknown to me, since when, as child, I lingered here, as thou wilt still remember. It leads from here into the Alamo, The only port we now can safely reach. But yet it is a port of patriotism. Of fame and honor ! Let us steer for it. Prado. [ With subdued voice^ That news will pay ! Bradburn. But, child, the Alamo Will soon surrender to the Mexicans. What were our fate, if they entrapped us there? 92 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. Elsie. It will not, can not : Travis holds the fort, And Texan patriots are its garrison. Bradburn. Unless they yield, their doom is certain death. Elsie. What if it is? So let us die with them ! Bradburn. Heroic child ! — But let us bide our time, Ere we select this last of remedies. I will fulfill my mission ; if it fails, Thy way proposed lies open still to us. Elsie. [In profound despair J\ Alas ! 't will be too late. Bradburn. Farewell, my child. [Bradburn turns to go. Then Elsie ^ overcome by the pre- sentiment of an impending danger^ flings her armi around his fieck, and after a long embrace disappears into an adjoining part of the tent. When Bradburi and Elsie have gone^ Josd Prado^ crawling from beneath the canvas and slyly peeping around^ speak: with exultation, while rubbing his hands. ^ THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. 93 Prado. Prado ! thy luck is made ! a minute's space Did more for thee than all thy life-time's race. \Exit Prado.^ Scene IX. A room in the upper story of the barracks of the AIa??to, Col. Bowie {injured by a fall from the platform the day preceding the assault) is seen lying 07i a couch. Enter Col. Travis and Col. Crockett. Bowie. Hail, brave companions, hail ! Thermopylae Has by your valor been eclipsed to-day. Oh ! that your gallant deeds might have been seen By the admiring gaze of humanity. Alas ! performed here in the western wild, They will escape the writer's graphic pen ! Yet, — to have saved the land, the rising nation, That consciousness will ever be your part. How deeply mourn I my sinister fate That kept me from this glorious fight away. Still, — even to have witnessed it, what joy! How first, — each man upon his post they fired Deliberately into the hostile ranks, As though it were a friendly shooting-match; 94 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. How then when scaled the foe our walls, they vied In rushmg fortJi with knife and bayonet To where a head appeared above the crest, And hurled them headlong in the yawning deep; And how at last, almost without command, They sallied from the gate and spread dismay And slaughter 'mong the routed enemy; And that, so far my eye-sight could observe, With but the loss of one, — one single man, Who, carried by his ardor far ahead Before the others, sank bedecked with wounds, And so was captured. Say, who was the man ? Col. Travis. He was my brother. Bowie. What } Thy brother James ? Col. Travis. 'Twas he, the true, the noble-hearted youth, Cut down in earliest bloom, in day-spring's glow. While on the walls he battled at my side, Three Mexicans upon the outmost wing Had clambered o'er the crest, and were about To leap beneath and ope the western gate. Whereon we two alone confronted them ; My brother took one man and so did I. I had not fully yet dispatched my foe, THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. 95 And was still kneeling o'er his prostrate form, When gleamed, — a dizzy shadow as of death, — The sword-blade of the third before mine eye ; One moment's faint — a sullen fall — I woke And saw our third opponent lying dead, And standing by with smiling, radiant face, My brother James ; no word was interchanged ; One mute but meaning pressure of the hand Alone betokened what we thought and felt. We hasted to rejoin our friends; the storm Repulsed, I gave the signal for the sally. And rushing out I lost my brother's trace. Once only, through a break among the clouds Of battle-dust and powder-smoke, I saw His figure as encircled by a halo, Far, far in our advance. I called to him. He looking back an instant, waved his sword, And then was lost amid the swaying crowds. A hostile column just advancing then Against our men, claimed all my watchfulness. And screened my brother's fate from out my view. Poor brother James ! Upon our start from home My mother, loath to let her darling go, Enjoined on me his safety with these words : " Watch o'er him as the pupil of thine eye, And bring unharmed him back again tome. Or else I shall despair of godly mercy ! " What shall I then on my return respond 96 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO, Unto her question : " Where is James, thy brother? " Oh ! I shall never, nevermore return ; My fate is sealed in his ; I, too, shall die. Bradburn. Despair not, faithful friend ! If he is dead, His blood, shed in the cause of Liberty, Will rise like incense to the heavenly throne; Who in return will pour His comfort's balm Into thine mother's heart with angel's voice. But if alive, trust that thou shalt behold His face again; for cruel though they be, The enemy will hardly disregard The laws of human mercy as to lay Their hands on one so young, so fair, so brave. Wilt thou not ascertain through flag of truce, If he be 'mong the living or the dead ? Crockett. This was the subject which in coming here We were discussing. Hard as it may seem, 'Twere meanwhile scarcely prudent to expose More precious lives to Mexican revenge, The more, as they have raised since their defeat A jet-black flag, — I know not, if to show That all seems black to them, or that they bear Black marks from all the blows received through us. The only means to mend this ^' casus belli," As we in Congress styled such knotty point, THE FALL OF THE ALAMO, 9/ Were at the enemy's next attack to catch One of their officers and him to hold As hostage subject to exchange. Travis. I see The force and justice of thy counseling words. All we can do is to abide in patience, And hopefully await the nearing crisis. \Ente7's Captain Kimble^ But see, who comes. What tidings, Captain Kimble ? Kimble. An officer, dispatched by Santa Anna And shielded by a flag of truce, stands waiting Before the gate. He bears from his commander A peaceful message which he will deliver To thee in private, witnesses excluded. Travis. I wish no secret dealings with the enemy ; My subalterns are equally my friends. Though yearns my heart to know my brother's fate, I will not list to private negotiations. Kimble. He says, unless he speak to thee in secret, He must return with object unaccomplished. 98 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. Bowie. So waive for once thy honorable objection; There is no harm in hearing what he brings. Crockett. Yes, Travis, do, for we confide in thee. Travis. If such is your desire I will submit. {^Addressing Captain Kimble^ So bring him to this room with eyes blindfolded, But, Crockett, thou and other comrades stand Before the door, expectant of my call. \Exit Kimble through a door in the rear. Crockett and Baiuie^ the latter on crutches^ leave through a side- door ^^ Scene X. CoL BradburUy with eyes blindfolded^ is shoum into the room by Kimble. Travis. Remove thy bandage, man ! What, Bradburn, thou } Again thou comest in the tyrant's van To desolate the peaceful homes, the fields Of thine own countrymen, and to deprive them Of rights inalienable, holy, old, THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. 99 For which thine fathers shed their precious blood ? But if thou must, why hidest thou not thy shame Behind the minions of the tyrant's host, Instead of coming with defiant brow Into the midst of those, whose every glance Must call thy sore disgrace before thy mind. Bradburn. I hither come, bound by my oath and duty. To follow which is virtue, no disgrace. 'Tis you who are at fault ; you broke your faith To Mexico's benevolent republic. Travis. If thou call Santa Anna Mexico, And tyranny a righteous government, I then will not contest thy sophistry ! Therefore enough of this ! So let me know The purpose of thine unexpected call. Bradburn. His Excellency, Don Lopez Santa Anna, Presents to thee his all-respectful greeting And summons thee, together with thy band Of rebels, to surrender on discretion This fort, with all its cannon and provisions. He will enclose in light imprisonment Thy garrison, till peace has been restored ; But were you to continue your defence lOO THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. He will not spare man, woman, child or babe. Were he obliged to enter by assault. Travis. Imprisonment or death ? Is that the choice .? We choose the latter. Bradburn, spare thy words. Bradburn. Of thee alone His Gracious Excellency Will make exception, if thou yield to-night. In appreciation of the gain of time And the avoided blood which thy surrender Confers on him, he will present to thee An hazienda near the capital, The finest, largest, best-tilled of the many Which Mexico can boast of, and besides A generous endowment paid in coin. Will that not tempt thee, Travis? Travis. Tempt me ? No! Thine words convey too plainly Satan's craft ; Though knave enough, thou lackest depth of cunning. Bradburn. But, Travis, list ! if to that weighty scale Of golden expectations, great rewards, I self were yet to add the greatest prize — My daughter's — Elsie's — hand, would that not move thee? THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. lOI Speak but the word: '^ I yield," and e'en to-night, Instead of bomb-shell hissing through the air, And Congreve-rockets lighting up the sky, The joyous nuptial-torch shall be ignited O'er thee and her: for she has come with me. Travis. Elsie is here? — so nigh to me? — and, oh! Whole worlds could keep no farther us apart. Bradburn. Yes, she is here, within my tent, and full Of longing expectation bides the hour That shall restore thee to her unchanged love. So come with me, that I may join your hands. His Excellency, with delicate discretion. Requires thee not to fight thy countrymen, But will dismiss thee with thy youthful bride To Mexico forthwith, where you may dwell On the estate he will donate to you ! 'Mid balmy air, soft as a maiden's touch, 'Mid orange-groves, dark-leaved with golden fruit, 'Mong babbling springs that leap from the Sierra's Ice-covered summits, sparkling in the sun, Thy barns well-stored with grain, thy stalls with cattle, A cosey house with numerous attendants, O'er which presides a youthful, loving wife, What greater happiness upon this earth ? I02 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO, Travis. Thou paintest well: and yet thy picture fails To mention one unpleasant visitor That would cohabit there with me for aye, Galling each joy, embittering every pleasure. Bradburn. I know not what thou meanest, man ? Travis. Disgrace ! Disgrace before my friends and countrymen, Disgrace before my very enemies, And worse than all, disgrace before myself. And if thou say that Elsie could desire To have for husband a dishonored man, I answer thee: a thousand times, no, no ! Thou canst not rob us of the confidence Wherewith we trust each other, though divided. For love and honor are the self-same thing In every heart whose pulse throbs for the right. True to oneself is to be true to all. If nothing else be thy commission than To test my strength, thou couldst have spared that trouble. Where actions speak, words might be fitly saved. Bradburn. If nought will overcome thy stubbornness, THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. IO3 ^ So shudder then at what I tell thee last. Thy brother James — Travis. My brother ? what of hhn ? Bradburn. Was captured at your sally of this morning, And well attended to, will soon recover His health, impaired by wounds he has received; Yet were thine bold resistance to endure But one more day. His Excellency has vowed, By tortures never heard of, never seen, To blind his eyes, to tear with red-hot tongs His handsome, youthful form, limb after limb, And these to hurl before the dogs and vultures. Travis. Poor brother James! Would I were in thy stead ! Bradburn. Determine then! my time is nearly gone, When bides our Chief Commander my return. Travis. Determine what? Surrender? Ah, thou errest; Though great the trial and grievous the temptation, I hold this fort until my latest breath. Torture my brother! youthful as he is, He will not owe his life to my disgrace! 104 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. Withhold the maid I love; we better live Apart for aye than mated with dishonor! Assault and take this fort, kill every man; It is for what we hither came prepared. And lest thou think that my companions fail To share my fortitude and fearlessness, From their own lips thou shalt now hear the proof. \He goes to every door and calls wiihoiU^ Come, Crockett, Bowie, Dickinson and Kimble, Come hither all who hearken to my voice. Scene XI. Enter Crockett^ Dickinson^ Kimble and Bowie, the latter on his crutches^ through the side-door: some volunteers from the door in the rear, Bowie, after his entrance lies down on the couch. Travis. My friends ! I have convened you here, that you May likewise give your answer to the summons, Which Santa Anna has conveyed to us Through Colonel Bradburn here, his messenger. 'Tis his demand, that unconditionally We render up to him this forteress. So, David Crockett, give him thine reply! THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. I05 Crockett. A thousand times I have confronted death In my own cause, in warfare hardly glorious; And should I now by cowardice and fear Belie the stainless record of my life, Now when a martyr's crown, the highest prize To which I have aspired, is in my reach ? No, Colonel Bradburn ! tell thy tyrant lord That David Crockett always has abhorred The name of bondage from his earliest breath And is enjoyed to prove this by his death. Bowie. \From his couch^ I cannot stand erect, as it were meet, To hurl my bold defiance at thy feet ; Know then that only over Bowie's bier Thy master e'er will hold his entry here. Kimble. Yea, we will save, our faithful swords in hand. The cherished freedom of our native land. Or gladly fall, with this our battle-cry: " Free men w^e live, and free men we will die! ** All present. Free men we live, and free men we will die! Io6 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO, Travis. Thou hast, I ween, received sufficient proof What spirit's power pervades my friends and me. So go — too long already have thy feet Disgraced, profaned this hero-hallowed soil. Thou, Kimble, let him through the western gate Safely depart as first with bandaged eyes. But that the enemy may glean the sooner Our answer to their ignominious threats, Thou, Dickinson, have forthwith all the cannon Upon the south-side fired against their lines, So that their iron messengers proclaim With thundering tone into the tyrant's ear : Above their lives, o'er wealth and high estate, Americans freedom and honor rate; We are prepared for death; now storm, now rave, The Alamo's debris shall be our grave ! " \^All depart with the exception of Travis and Crockett ?[ Scene XII. Enters Major Evans. Evans. I hasten to report, that Santa Anna Was spied surveying o'er the grounds, no doubt, To mark the places where the batteries Shall be erected to bombard the Alamo. THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. lO/ Against their cannon, mortars and cohorns Our guns, light as they are, cannot avail, Nor will our walls for any length of time Withstand their onslaught. What is thy command ? Travis. Nought more we can perfect in our arrangements, And if we could, our men are too fatigued By day-alarms and nightly toil of watching. Their efforts must be spared, till comes the end! God's will be done ! As eve has broken in, Relieve the guards and scouts and let the men Whom duty not withholds, convene beneath The chapel's strong and well-protected walls. A holy service, brief but soul-inspiring, Would not be out of place in our condition ; So, Evans, make this wish of mine be known To Chaplain Smith : if ever by his speech He swayed his listeners' hearts to do it now. But, Crockett, thou, take my command awhile; Not having rested since the enemy came Before the fort, I feel the want of sleep. \Exemit Crockett and Evans^ Scene XIII. Colonel Travis alone. Sleep ? Can I sleep } Oh, bitter irony ! When scarce I breathe beneath the heavy burden I08 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. Of gloomy care that weighs upon my heart. The convict in his cell may close his eyes, The murderer, doomed to expiate his crime, May sleep away the night, that is his last; The usurer upon his downy pillow May rest in slumber like an honest man, — While the defender of his country's freedom, The victor of to-day, craves all in vain The boon of sleep upon his heavy heart. And may not my resolve, my steadfastness Prove after all a useless sacrifice ? What has the blood of all the noble Poles Accomplished but to rivet closer still The fettering shackles of their fatherland ? And may not here the ecstasy of freedom Die out as quickly as it first arose, A fire of straw, extinguished by a shower? Or else, may not the despot's energy, His skill, his wealth, his overwhelming numbers, Become triumphant over patriotism, However deeply it inspire the Texans ? For what then sacrifice those faithful men Who, fathers, brothers and beloved sons, Will long, ah! long be missed with tears at home ? For what endanger then my brother's life, Whose loss will blight my mother's peace for aye ? For what then mar the tender blossom's bloom Which at my death will droop her head and fade ? THE FALL OF THE ALAMO, IO9 Have I a right, because / deem it right, Thus to dispose o'er weal and woe of thousands ? And what perchance may be my own reward ? A rash and unsuccessful rebel's fame, The school-boy's sneer, the tyrant's welcome proof ? ^ Oh ! where to find the right, the honest way That leads midway these cliffs of doubt and fear Into the haven of security? \^He steps to the windo7v, through which, when opened by him, the light of the moon is thrown into the room. Gazing without, he continues :^ Oh, peaceful Night! thou grateful balm of rest To sorrow-burdened hearts and weary eyes: So also pour thine blessings o'er my breast And soothe its throes, relieve its cares and sighs. Let me not falter in this grievous test. But make for me a polar-star arise, A beacon-light, to guide my darkened way And cheer my spirit by its blissful ray! \At this moment the hy^nn : ^^ Abide with me !'^ intuncd by the soldiers in the chapel, and accompanied by *^'e organ, is faintly heard in the room. During the first verse Travis stands listening ; when the second verse is begtm, Travis, raising his ai-ms to Heaven, speaks with the greatest ecstasy .-] Oh, song of peace! soul-touching melody! That like a voice of God, like angels' strain, From heavenly realms comes floating down to me. I lO THE FALL OF THE ALAMO, Restores my courage, makes me strong again, And points my wavering heart's despondency To Him who can alone relieve its pain! Swell onward, till my bosom's every cell Is thrilled beneath thy comfort's magic spell ! \During the singing of the third verse, heard still more distinctly, Travis, covering his face tmih his hands ^ becomes absorbed in a deep reverie?^ Scene XIV. Enters Dickinson in great haste. Dickinson. Oh, welcome tidings! glorious, joyous news! Travis. What is it, Dickinson? So speak, I pray! Dickinson. Below, within the court-yard, stand arrayed A band of thirty- two confederates, Who left Gonzalez under Oldham's guidance. Broke bravely through the hostile lines and reached Unharmed and safe the shelter of our fort. They bring dispatches from our Chief Commander, They bring their own stout hearts and gallant arms For our support, but above all they bring : [Enthusiastically. ] " The Independence of the State of Texas! " THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. I I I Travis. [Trembling with /jyJi The — Independence — of the — State — of Texas ? Dickinson. Pronounced by the Convention on the second. Travis. So hurry, Dickinson, that I may hear The joyous tidings from the men's own lips. [£xit DickinsonT)^ Almighty Lord in Heaven above. Thou hast Received and heard my bosom's crying voice Beyond what e'en my fondest wish conceived. I begged one ray, — Thou givest me a sun; I craved one hope, — Thou sheddest o'er my soul A wealth of radiant assurances; I prayed, that not quite useless were my death. And lo! Thou crown'st my latest hours on earth With heavenly light, with glory as of Eden! Though parting from this world I leave behind Friends in distress, related souls in grief, I know that Thou, oh. Lord, wilt turn all things Unto their best, and hence I sorrow not! Oh! could the wavering sceptic who disputes God's lordly power, — oh! could the atheist, Proud in his self-assuming creed, be here, — • Upon their knees they reverently would sink, 1 12 7 HE FALL OF THE ALAMO, Acknowledging that God still lives and reigns. But I, whose way and goal are pointed out So clearly now, — I shall no longer doubt God's providence, but e'en exclaim in death: " Lord, to Thy will I yield my parting breath! " Scene XV. Enter Col. Oldham and some of his compa?ty^ introduced by Crockett and Dickinson. Travis. Be welcome, Colonel Oldham; welcome, men! What leads your footsteps to this house of death ? Oldham. The wish that now bestirs each Texan heart. To serve the best they can their young Republic. Travis. Then it is true, what scarce I could believe ? Oldham. Thou findest in these letters due assurance. \^He hands so??ie dispatches to Travis.^ As sweeps a fiery blast across the prairie Upon the pinions of a hurricane, So spread from town to town, from farm to farm, The joyous tidings of the Declaration Of Texan Independence through the land. THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. II3 As in the year of Seventy-six, when rose Our ancestors, so here in Thii'ty-six The aged sire, the yoeman and the youth, Whoe'er can wield a musket or a sword, Are seen to hasten to the gathering-place, While on the country's altar lay the women Their cherished jewelry and e'en their tresses. Travis. Oh, hail this day, that yet my eyes have seen. My ears have heard the fresh-awakened spirit Of Liberty! Yes, Texas will be free! Oldham. She will, she «////, though only through a struggle Than which no greater saw this century. Three thousand soldiers, well-equipped and drilled, The grim Urrea leads from Matamoras 'Gainst Goliad, which gallant Fannin holds With scarce four hundred of our patriots, While Santa Anna, with twelve thousand men, Lies here encamped, with many more to come. For 't is his safety not to leave behind A single man, to oust him from his power. Yet also we are not devoid of help ; Beside our yoemen, dwellers on our soil, Our cause enlists a hearty sympathy In the United States, whence many thousands Are on their way, to join our army's ranks. 114 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO, Travis. Thanks for the joy thou gavest to our hearts, Thanks for thy zeal and aid; thy recompense Will be to share our glorious death and fame. While farther you commune, my friends, I now Will read the letters from our Chief Commander. \Stepping aside^ he opens the dispatches and reads thein^ Dickinson. Pray, tell us, Colonel Oldham, now, what motive Urged thee to venture back into this fort. From which, if I am right, two weeks ago Thou didst depart to reach thy distant home ? Oldham. The kind reception of some friends I met Upon my route, and — must I say ? — e'en more, An inward voice that day and night recalled My lingering steps back to the Alamo, Delayed my journey's progress at Gonzalez. While so upon the eve of March the second My friends and I lay quietly encamped Behind the town, we saw upon the road That leads from Anahuac to this fort, A horseman coming in the utmost haste. Arrived he fell, faint frorii his arduous ride, Into our arms. Concealed on him we found The Chief Commander's orders for this fort, THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. II5 The Proclamation of our Independence, And for the scattered patriots' bands the summons To join the Army on the Colorado. But who to bring the message to this fort, Which as we knew, was grievously besieged ? And shall the Alamo's defenders die, Not having shared the country's glorious joy ? " No, no ! " we cried, *' wherein one man would fail There thirty-two stout bosoms will succeed." Two wagons, spanned with fleeting horses, brought us Into the enemy's lines, through which we dashed, Ere yet their men had noticed our approach. Crockett. Our honor's cloak has fallen on your shoulders, As we were wont in Congress so to say. Yours was no breach of discipline ; it was The grandest sacrifice yet seen. But list! His letters read, the Colonel bides our hearing. Travis. Let forthwith all the garrison assemble Wilhin the court-yard, that I may address My gallant friends on subjects of importance. \All leave the room^ I 1 6 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. Scene XVI. Court-yard of the Alamo^ where the men composing the garrison of the Alamo are assembled. Travis^ step- ping before thetn^ takes his position near the flag- staff, Travis. My own heart's joy, too great for utterance, I see reflected in your faces, friends, Bespeaking radiant thoughts and glorious hopes Of all, that, best and highest, moves and thrills The human heart. For now we know for what We left our work, our homesteads and our friends. For what we seized our trusty arms, for what We gained this morning's glorious victory, And most of all, for what we give our lives. Now clearly feeling, seeing this, we seem Translated to some lofty mountain-peak. Earth's littleness far, far below our feet, While over us Heaven's uproUed azure-curtain Allows us glimpses into ampler realms. Such is the inspiration of a holy cause, That it removes the veil of mystery Which blinds our mortal eyes, distends our view, And renders us in broader sphere of spirit, Though yet on earth, akin to God our Maker. If from His threshold such transfiguring ray Is thrown on heroes, standing yet without^ THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. 11/ How inconceivable, ah! how profound Must be the light that welcomes them within. When such a crown awaits our future state, It is scarce needed, that I tell you now The message I received from our Commander. He writes, that yet his army were too weak As to relieve us, that we should maintain A stout defence, and that we hold this fort Unto the last, for on our brave resistance % Were staked the welfare of our young Republic. Where is the cheek that blanches at this task 1 Where is the soldier that rejects this trust ? Where is the heart that would not gladly grasp Such opportunity of fame immortal ? Our countrymen inheriting what we To them have bravely vouchsafed by our sword, Will gratefully hand down our memories On sculptured marble to posterity, And though in course of ages even this Should fall, as sank from Vandal's hand the pillar Amid the valley of Thermopylae, In chords triumphant later centuries Comparingly will chant our glory thus : *' Thennopylcz one herald had of deaths The heroes of the Alamo had none ! "* This, this will be our glory, our reward; * Inscription of the Alamo-Monument in 'the State House at Austin. . Il8 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. I know that none of you desires a lesser. Yet though our earthly time draws to a close, We will perform our duties still, as meet. Whose is the first to pledge by holy oath Our homage to our virgin commonwealth. \All raising the fore-fingers of their right hands^ pro- nounce^ with the greatest solemnity and in unison^ the oath following ;] All present. We, here assembled in the face of death, Swear true allegiance, steadfast faith and honor, With body, heart and soul, to our Republic, The sovereign State of Texas, and to guard On land and sea, by day and night, her welfare Throughout our earthly lives. So help us God ! Travis. And now to give an outward sign of this. Our holy pledge, to God alone beknown, I fling our country's fitly chosen flag. The pennon of the Lone Star, to the breeze. YUe hoists the flag of the Lone Star?^ Lone, lone it flies by enemies surrounded, Unfurled *mid dangers, persecution, death. Solely relying on the help of God And on its people's love of Liberty ! But just as yonder radiant Star of Eve THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. I 1 9 Stands out alone amid the desert air, Yet will, ere long, resplendent shine among A lustrous multitude of beaming spheres, So, let, us trust, that soon our banner's star Will be entwined among the Twenty-four That decorate our native Union's banner. Meanwhile this flag of ours, when dawns the day, Shall silently yet full of meaning's sway, Convey the tidings to the enemy. That 'neath its folds the Texan will be free. So welcome then your banner by its Song, Whom the enchanted breeze shall waft along, Free as a bird, o'er foe and tyrant's art, Into the shrine of every Texan heart. \All present now intune with the greatest enthusiasm ;] THE HYMN OF THE LONE STAR FLAG.* There was a band, wan and forlorn, By ceaseless toil and watching worn; Cut off from friends and homes and world, With shot and shell upon them hurled. No hope was theirs of aid or flight. Death fronted everywhere their sight. For the tune of this Hymn see page 245. I20 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. But faltered they ? No, no, instead They flung this banner overhead ! Flag of the Lone Star ! oh, glorious sign! Where is the banner that rivals with thine ? Baptized in heroes' blood, by martyrs unfurled, — ■ Flag of the Lone Star! thou pride of the world ! That little band, their labors done, Have long since passed away and gone : Yet gallant hearts took up their cry, And kept their standard waving high. They battled bravely, battled long, 'Gainst whelming numbers fierce and strong, Till Victr'y's eagle perched at last Upon the freemen's banner-mast. Flag of the Lone Star! oh, glorious sign! Where is the banner that rivals with thine ? ' Baptized in heroes^ blood, by martyrs unfurled, — Flag of the Lone Star! thou pride of the world I Ye dwellers in the Texan land, Forget ye not that little band ! Forget ye not the heroes' deeds That planted once your freedom's seeds. Oh, keep their memories bright and clear, And sacredly their graves revere, THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. 121 But more than all, that holy dower, The flag they raised in danger's hour. Flag of the Lone Star ! oh, glorious sign ! Where is the banner that rivals with thine ? Baptized in heroes' blood, by martyrs unfurled, — • Flag of the Lone Star ! thou pride of the world ! [Curtain.] ACT THIRD. Scene I An open field in front of the Mexican camp. Colonel Bradburn returning from the Alamo. Bradburn. What moves me so ? what strange, what unknown thoughts Storm in upon my heart which I had deemed So well intrenched, so strongly fortified 'Gainst every inward, every outward voice ? Where now are all my self-invented doctrines. That cost me years of struggle, nights of sorrow, To raise against my conscience as barrier. To muffle its exhorting voice, to lull By fancied right my reason into sleep ? Where is that memorized vocabulary, That, reinforced by well-learnt scowls and gests, 122 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO, Served me so often to defend my course ? As chaff is scattered by a gust of wind, So lightly have my schemes been blown away; As April snows melt in the vernal sun, So has the ice-crust o'er my innate feelings Been loosened by the warmth of genuine manhood When that confronted me, when I beheld. How all we value most, gain, pleasure, life, How all we shun the most, loss, pain and death, Forfeit their meaning, lose their moving power In sight of greater aims and real truth, — Ah, then I I stood dismantled and unmasked, Gazed deep into my bosom's void, and saw All gone, all gone I hitherto had cherished. But also then I took the stout resolve. What little span of life is left to me. This to employ, to store my bosom's shrine With better treasures. But what now to do ? So feeling, so repenting in my heart. Can I continue in the vassalage Of tyranny and bloodshed and injustice ? That were no penance, that were mockery. Or else shall I return, and go to join My gallant brethren in the Alamo, To fight, to die with them ? That were desertion And breach of oath, another dastard crime. It cannot be, the more as I should leave My daughter Elsie in the enemy's hand, THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. 1 23 Exposed to all that vengeance may invent. What shall I do, where progress or return Are fraught alike with guilt or retribution ? Most wretched fate of man, that leadeth him, Short-sighted, weak and erring, to this world, And lets each little sin of his become A mount of woes, that crush him by their weight, An avalanche of pain, that buries him, A tangled maze of errors which to tear, He needs the strength and wisdom of a god ! There spreads the night her spangled canopy, There goes the moon upon her radiant course, There move the fleecy clouds in silvery light. But, stern and mute, they have no heart for me. No solace for my sorrow, no reply Unto my question : \despairingly\ " Ah ! what shall I do ? " \He sits down to meditate. Then rising energetically^ he continues /] My course is chosen. Come what will ! I 7Jiust Redeem my error, if to feel relieved ! . Yet she, who innocent, has suffered most Through me, her father, must not share my fate ! , Hence she must first be saved. And here her secret j^ Comes to my aid, as if thus planned by God. So hastening to her tent, I will inform her Of my design, and, oh ! [^despairingly] take — leave — from — her. 124 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO, What terrible decision ! — yet I must ! Oh, Elsie ! had I listed but to thee ! [Hopefully.l Maybe that all may yet turn for the best ; That Santa Anna may be moved to truth Through me, as / was through my hero-brethren. Or, that returning my sincerity By generosity, he will allow me Hence to depart. [^Resolutely.^ Still were no less than death To be the expiation of my wayward course, I shall not flinch nor beg, but solace me With that grand sentence of the Irish patriot : ** Whether on the gallows high, Or in the battle's van, The fittest place for man to die Is, where he dies for man ! " [^Extt Braddur?i.'\ Scene 11. Santa Anna's tent. Enters Santa Anna with despatches in his hand. Later Frado j still later, Almonte. Santa Anna. My scouts inform me, that the band of rebels Assembled on the Colorado's banks Is waxing stronger every day, and threatens To hasten to the Alamo's relief. THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. 125 And more than that, they send me a report Of what at other times would have provoked My merriment, but now appals my mind With spectral fear: my scouts announce to me The Independence of the State of Texas, As so declared by her Convention. \lmpatiently^ Ha ! Were but this fortress in my hands, I should Soon overthrow their lofty aspirations. And make the Texans free and independent Of land and lives and fortunes. \Violently?[ I must have This Alamo, e'en though it clung by chains To heaven itself. Where stays that Colonel Bradburn ? \Enters Prado^ Well, Prado ! in thy countenance I read: Thou bringest me some tidings worth the hearing. Prado. And so they are ! The Alamo is yours, Without so much as an assault or treaty, Santa Anna. What sayest, man ! thou ravest — Prado. It is so ! Concealed behind the tent of Colonel Bradburn, I overheard a touching colloquy, (Well apt to move me to the bitterest tears, 126 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. Had I but had the time to spare for them), Between the father and his handsome daughter. Upon her knees she weepingly besought him To leave our banner and to flee with her To what she deigned to call a port, although In my geography it lies remote From any ocean's coast — Santa Anna. Come to the point ! What was the port she meant ! Prado. The Alamo ! Since her sojourn in this vicinity, When here she passed her tender childhood's years, She knows a subterranean passage-way That leads from here into the Alamo ! Santa Anna. So it is true, what once an aged Padre In Mexico has told me ! would the man Could guide us now ! — But then we have a guide. [Aloud to Pj'cido.] But tell me ! was it said in that converse Wh.re lies the entrance to that gallery.? Prado, Nought, nought was said about that: they deferred THE FALL OF THE ALAMO, 127 This theme's discussion until the return Of Colonel Bradburn from the Alamo. Santa Anna. \Handing a purse to Prado^ Thou hast done well ! Receive thy promised fee. Prado. I thank Your Excellency ! \Aside^ and holding up the purse ^ while Santa Anna is ah- sorbed i?i meditation, ~\ 'Tis not as large As when at first held out to me; but then: Time wrinkles brows and cheeks: why not a purse ? Santa Anna. Quick! summon General Almonte here. [^Exit Hrado.l^ You little thought, Miss Bradburn, when you made Your wish beknown to me, that each your word Gave me a stone in hand, wherewith to build Your prison- walls, where easily enough I shall your secret's knowledge wrest from you, As from his hound the hunter takes his prey. None but his equals will a lion combat. But when on his pursuit of royal game A mouse opposes him, then without pity He crushes her with one stroke of his paw. \_Enters AlmonteJ] 128 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. Almonte. Your Excellency have sent for me — Santa Anna. I wish Thou would convey this message to Miss Bradburn, That her request was ta'en in due regard, And, nought opposing, readily is granted. Congratulating her in my behalf To the fulfihnent of her wish, thou wilt Without a moment's loss escort the lady To Travis' bed in Mission of Concepcion. Make haste, for know, that our campaign's success Depends upon the swiftness of thy feet! ^Exit Almonte. Santa Anna paces the room in deep meditation^ More, ever more, this spectre Bradburn towers Before my mind like a foreboding ill. Can it be possible, that while I played The god to him, he played \\\q fool with me ? Suspicion is of all the best accountant: It reckons close and loses not one item. So let us see how his account now stands: His credit thirteen years' unblemished service, His debit-entries many, though not large. Whose is the first: His nationality; The second: His surrendering Anahuac ; The third: The transfer of his property; THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. 1 29 The fourth: His daughter's open heresy; The last: This secret passage-way's concealment ; Sum total: Not quite equal to his credit, Yet close enough to warrant his surveillance. Scene III. Enters General Cos, Cos. Has Bradburn from the Alamo returned ? Santa Anna. Impatiently I bide his coming here; The terms of the surrender may detain him. Cos. Thou errest ; we shall have to storm the fort. Santa Anna. How knowest thou ? Cos. They sent us a dispatch Whose meaning hardly can be misconstrued: A grim reply of cannon-balls that killed Four men of mine exposed to their discharge. Santa Anna. No time must then be lost! Call out thy men With pick and spade, to raise the batteries 130 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. Wherewith we shall bombard the Alamo. For every hour we forfeit means a year Of vigor added to the rebel cause. Two hours from hence I give, when must our guns Boom o*er this land the death-knell of the hopes Of Texan Liberty and Independence. Haste, haste! thy fate, our fate is staked upon The speedy downfall of the Alamo. \Exit Cos, Santa Anna again paces the room in deep meditation^ One, one more item added to thy debit ; Bradburn ! beware ! thou standest at the brink Of bankruptcy, with my revenge for sheriff. Know'st what that means ? Thou mayst as well expect Compassion from a tiger and beseech A serpent's tender mercy, if thou durst Deceive and mock whom with impunity None ever mocked. Full to the margin's brim Thy balance is. Let it not overflow ! Scene IV. Enters Colonel Almonte. Santa Anna. What now, Almonte ? hast thou faithfully Performed the mission I assigned to thee ? THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. I3I Almonte. Your Excellency's command has been obeyed. Miss Elsie Bradburn, at my proffered escort, Gave her consent to go and see James Travis, Whom now she waits upon with tender care. O'erjoyed to see her prayer fulfilled, she charged me At earliest opportunity to lay Her gratitude before Your Excellency. Santa Anna. \Aside?^ Ha, ha ! so birds feel grateful to the snarer Who promises to them their favorite food. {Aloud^j^ 'Tis well, Almonte ; thou mayst go, — but wait ! Hast thou perchance in Colonel Bradburn's tent Perceived some more or less uncommon signs Apt to arouse thy curiosity ? Almonte. None in his tent : the more his daughter's conduct Appeared to me a riddle and surprise. Santa Anna. What was it ? tell me quick ! Almonte. A grievous fear Seemed on her mind, the fear about her father, . For whose return she looked with anxious care. But then again she could not well conceal 132 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO, A secret pleasure *neath the mask of gladness O'er the fulfilment of her late petition. 'Twixt fear and joy so wavering, she at last Resolved to go with me, yet not until She had left message, that,, so soon her father Were to arrive, he should immediately Join her at Travis' bedside. This request She urgently once more impressed on me, When at the Mission I took leave from her. Santa Anna. This play must end ! My dignity, my peace No longer must be jeopardized by fear Of treachery within the camp, when dread Of treachery without is bad enough. \Sitting dowft, he writes a few hurried lines^ List well to my command. Thou wilt take care To see that Colonel Bradburn, as I ordered, Immediately on his return to camp Come here and enter not his tent. Then bring Four soldiers from the guard before my door. And entering at the signal of my bell. Arrest John Bradburn on this warrant's charge. \He gives Almonte a paper. Exit Almonte^ Their plan was flight, and now the cunning girl Thinks to extend it on the prisoner Travis. As made the father Bradburn my commission The instrument his coming to announce, THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. I 33 The daughter Bradburn means to make my favor The stepping-stone for Travis' liberty. Finely designed that plot ! alas, too finely; Its meshes tear; my coarser woof is better, Whose iron threads and seams will last a life-time. \Enters Cos^ Cos. The batteries are nigh ready. I have come To herald the advent of Colonel Bradburn, Who 'gainst thy order and express command Was on the point of entering his tent, When intercepted by thy aid-de-camp. Santa Anna. How good my timely caution ! But for that We should have lost the honor of his stay Among us, which shall now be guaranteed By bonds as fast as human art can make them. Scene V. Enters Bradburn^ followed by Castrillon, Santa Anna. Well, Bradburn, back again at last; thy stay Was long enough to vouchsafe good success: When can we hold our entry in the fort ? Bradburn. When you have slain the last of its defenders. 134 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. Santa Anna. Is this — I ask — their whole reply? Bradburn. It is. Santa Anna. Well, man ! a school-boy's eloquence Could have succeeded where thy art has failed. Were not our hundred guns, our whelming numbers Convincing arguments enough to move The must tenacious rebel to submission ? Bradburn. What scares a knave stirs not a hero's blood. Santa Anna. And what of Travis ? hast thou not essayed To unnerve his resistance by thy news ? Bradburn. Like inaccessible to bribe and threat, He scorned your promise and defied your vengeance. Santa Anna. But would thy daughter's promised hand not melt His stubbornness as wax before the sun ? Bradburn. 13RADBURN. With nought but deep contempt he heard my offer. THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. 135 Santa Anna. Is that the love Miss Bradburn thinks so much of ? I doubt, if still she will appreciate it. Bradburn. I know that all the more she will esteem His fortitude and noble sacrifice. Santa Anna. Was there perchance some sign that they awaited More lenient terms and offers of surrender ? Bradburn. Firm as a rock, their only expectation Appeared a hero's death, a martyr's crown. Santa Anna. In this respect w^e are relieved from doubt Which will facilitate our future course. This to determine be our present task. And as thy mission, Colonel Bradburn, gave Thee an advantage over us to form A fixed opinion, let us hear from thee What thou consider'st as thy best advice. Bradburn. Your Excellency have not misjudged my mind ; Although I fear me that my counsel will Offend your ears and rouse your indignation. 136 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. Santa Anna. Devoted service, true fidelity- Views less the wishes than the happiness Of him who seeks advice, e'en at the pain Of suffring for his kindly-given aid. Relying on our generosity, Which has not learnt in vain how to distinguish The person from his office, speak thy boldest. Bradburn. So be it then ! and may the influence Of Heaven inspire my tongue to touch your heart. 'T be far from me to shield or to defend The people who conjured this insurrection By armed resistance 'gainst the commonwealth, The ballot's patience was their proper course. But still I doubt, if force and violence Be yet the best, the most appropriate means To lead them back to their accustomed duty. Santa Anna. What other way wouldst thou commend to us ? Bradburn. You have asserted your authority, And shown your power they never can defeat. So make it known, that, if they will abandon Their rash revolt and henceforth will abide In peace and law, in loyalty and faith, THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. 13/ Their wilful acts for once will be condoned, Their grievances relieved, their rights ensured. Santa Anna. And would our clemency and kind forbearance Not be interpreted as fear and weakness ? Or can the dignity of our Republic Afford to be insulted by a band Of most ungrateful foreigners to whom We gave the benefit of settling here ? Bradburn. Revenge is low in Man as well as State. Santa Anna. *Tis Justice to restrain the bad by force. Bradburn. 'Tis useful oft to overlook a fault. Santa Anna. 'Tis wiser oft to kill an evil's germ, Bradburn. 'Tis more humane to cure it than to kill it. Santa Anna. What warrants their obedience in the future ? Bradburn. Its guaranty should rather come from you. 138 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. Santa Anna. I long to hear thee prove thy argument. Bradburn. What caused this insurrection ? what has filled The heart of every honest Mexican With sorrow and disgust ? The overthrow Of what he deemed his costliest possession, His constitution, through your agency. Would you behold this land restored to peace, To rise, to flourish, render up your power And leave your fellow-citizens to mould, Perfect, enjoy their rights of Liberty. Santa Anna. Yes, Liberty ! that is the hue and cry, That is the cloak of rogues and demagogues. Who 'neath the word's great meaning wish to hide The littleness of their corrupt desires. A nation must be ripe for Liberty. Inevitably as children come to grief When left without a guide, so will a people. What was the former state of Mexico ? Ere I reluctantly agreed to take Into mine hand the reins of government ? 'Twas anarchy, disorder, lawlessness. What is it now ? The roads, alive before With robber-bands, are safe for travel now. THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. 1 39 Trade, nigh extinct, again bestirs its craft; Our Catholic faith, almost ignored, despised, Anew has triumphed over heresy. So tutored, disciplined and educated. Our people will htfree — not otherwise. Bradburn. And yet your school's first principle is this: That one may do what others are forbidden. Santa Anna. That one can do what others can not do. This is no law of mine — throughout the realm Of nature, on the sky, upon the earth. Uncommon strength and talent vault the bounds By which the mean, the weak are hedged around. As goes the radiant comet's flaming path Athwart the planets' even orbits, — so A great mind will not brook the narrow lists Of every day's constraint and common usage. Bradburn. This is quite true, but tell : what mind is great ? Is he, who mocking and despising all That is esteemed as venerable and holy, Lays his bold hand on mankind's choicest treasures And desecrates its feelings' sanctuary ? Can he be great, who, like a tempest-blast. Draws his ambition's chariot o'er the nations, 140 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. And smites them with his passion's sceptred staff? Or is it he, who, like a vernal sun, Emerges from the dawn of human kind, And, rising higher, clears away the vapors Of prejudice and error that oppress it, By his example's genial warmth and light ; And when at last he sets, forever leaves His radiant memory's blissful evening-glow Upon the sky of human history ? Santa Anna. These are chimeras; strength and force alone Improve mankind; what higher names than those Of Alexander, Caesar and Napoleon ? Bradburn. There is one higher still, the name of one Who steadfast, hopeful in the greatest trials, Achieved his country's freedom by his sword. And having sheathed it, rendered up his power In spite of tempting offers and requests. But never ceased by sacrificing service And true advice to found his country's welfare : The first in War — in Peace — and in the hearts Of all his countrymen — George Washington, Santa Anna. {^Stammering with embarrassment.^ George Washington ! — Ha, ha ! — George Washington ! He is — he was — {Abruptly.^ Cos, answer thou for me ! THE FALL OF THE ALAMO, I4I Cos. Forgive, I listed not. Santa Anna. Then thou, Castrillon ! Castrillon. I know but little of his history. Santa Anna. [ With determination^ The better a reply / have to give. \He taps the bell on the table. Enters Almonte with four soldiers^ Almonte. Arrest this man I Bradburn. For what ? I pray thee, tell ! Almonte. For treason, Bradburn, and disloyalty ! So list: \Reads?[ Whereas in eighteen thirty-two The Fort of Anahuac without cause, Was treacherously surrendered to the foe By its commander. Colonel Bradburn : Therefore You are herewith empowered to arrest Said Bradburn and to hold in durance vile His person till adjudged by martial court. 142 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. Bradburn. \Cahnly^ That charge is false. What judge has signed the war- rant ? Santa Anna. That charge is true: thy lips, thy words refute The protestations of thy innocence. [ With scornful mockery^ It pains me deeply to behold a schemer Of thy perfection overmatched, but then : A novice will at times outwit a master. Bradburn. \I)efiantly^ Now, tyrant ! I discern thy perfidy, Thy tiger-heart, that prompted thee to have Thy game with me, whom long ago thou hadst Marked out for victim of thy cruelty. Well I deserve my fate, for I was warned. Santa Anna. \As above. ^ Thou seest that now ; we, too, though long ago, Saw through thy mask, saw thy designs at treason. Saw every step of thine. {^Stepping close before Bradburn^ with a sneer.'] Who saw the best ? THE FALL OF THE ALAMO, 143 Bradburn. [ With dignity ?[ You saw, because you so designed to see ! Still you saw wrong ! Although my inmost feelings Long since rebelled against your tyranny, My wicked Will enforced my hand and reason Into your service with imperious lash. For thirteen years they served you faithfully; For thirteen years until this very day They have unwaveringly sustained your cause; For thirteen years they fought your outward battles. Yet none of you beheld my inward feuds,— How every day anew my Heart arose Against my WilFs tyrannical oppression. How every day it bleedingly succumbed, And groaned and ached with sorrow and despair. {^Triumphantly.^ To-day ! — and not until to-day, — my Heart Has conquered, and from its joyful shrine, Comes up the shout of Victory and Triumph. Roused by the sight of genuine glorious manhood. Inspired by the thrill of heroism. Enchanted by the words of truth that came From the defenders of the Alamo, My heart arose, threw off its chains and fetters, And made me what I am — {Striking his breast with noMe pride ^ 144 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. A Man — a Man — A Man resolved to stand by Truth and Right, A Man prepared for torture and for death, A Man before whose open brow and eye [ With the utmost defiance ?[ Thou quailest, tremblest in the height of power. To-day — though in thy hands — I am thy master; To-day — though in thy bonds — I am thy victor; To-day, though none would change his lot for mine, /would not give my lot for — tyrant! — thine. Santa Anna. \In great rage.^ Away with him to prison and to chains And hold him so, witness to our success. Until at Anahuac we arrive. So that the scene that saw his first attempt At treason also see his punishment. Bradburn. [Frophetically.'] At Anahuac, sayst thou, Anahuac ? Yes, thou art right: — that is the judgment spot, That is the place where will the voice of God With thundering tone proclaim: " So far, no farther," That is the place where soon His hand will shake The hour-glass in the eye of tyranny. THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. 145 Santa Anna. \Ghastly pale^ frantic with rage?^ Away with him, I ordered. He annoys me. Bradburn. [Conducted from the tent by the soldiers and followed by Cos, Castrillon and Almonte, while going out, raises his arms to Heaven and calls out i7i a tone of heart- rendi?tg despair .♦] Oh, Elsie, Elsie ! God protect thee now ! Santa Anna. \Highly disconcerted i\ What means that fool ? — I understood him not, And yet his words spoiled all my pleasure's joy, And thrilled throughout my frame with shuddering force, While his reproach and his inane defiance Could not affect my sensibility. What could he mean ? — Pooh, pooh, it was the rage, The madness of discomfiture, nought else. So let us go and see if our converse With her, his daughter, will succeed the better. [Taking his hat and sword, Santa Anna leaves the tent.^ 146 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. Scene VL The Mission of Concepcion^ situated near San Antonio. The stage represents on one side a narroiv corridor running toward the rear and flanked on both sides by the cells, which formerly the Padres inhabited. In the rear of the corridor^ where a narrow hall- way joins the former at right angles, stands an altar in a niche. The front of the stage represents a plainly furnished room, with a door leading into the corridor."^ A Mexican soldier on guard paces up and dcnvn the corridor. When Santa Anna arrives, he takes his station opposite to the above-mentioned door, and pre- sents arms. Santa Anna. Art thou the sentry o'er the prisoner Travis ? Soldier. I am, Your Excellency. * Plan of the above. Front of the stage. Door. u Door. — Room. n Table. Corridor in the rear of the stage. Altar. A2/ THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. I47 Santa Anna. So tell the lady Who now attends on him, that I request Within this room a brief converse with her. That done, re-lock the captive's room and bring The keys to me, in case I should desire An interview with him ; then go from hence To notify my aid-de-camp Almonte, Forthwith to ope the fiercest cannonade. \Santa Anna enters the room. The soldier^ turning^ un- locks the door behind hinty through which he disap- pears^ So I am rid of each unpleasant witness, And the bombardment, now to be begun. Appropriately will lend to my request Its force and eloquence. But hark, she comes. Scene VII. £lsie, followed by the soldier, emerges from the room the latter had entered, and having crossed the hall-ivay, steps into the room, where Santa Anna is awaiting her. At a sign of the latter, the soldier puts the keys upon the table, standing near the door, and this done, departs to execute his General' s order. Elsie. Your Excellency, no doubt, have been apprised I4S THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. Through General Almonte of the joy As well as of the weight of obligation, Bestowed upon me by your favor's grace. Still I rejoice, that by your presence here I am allowed so early an occasion Self to express my thankfulness, a pleasure Which deputies and interval of time Will oft divest of half its value's charms. I must confess, that after our discourse, Revealing, as it did, the yawning gulf That lies between our innermost convictions, My hope was faint, to see my prayer fulfilled. Diversity of views too oft engenders In e'en the best, aversion of the heart. It is the mark of generosity. Of highest liberality to keep The sentiments of heart and mind apart And to accord its due to each of them. Therefore allow me now to reinforce The weak expression of my thankfulness By the apology for my mistake. Santa Anna. As oft a flattering gift will honor more The donor's heart which swells with gratitude, Unselfish, freely given, than the receiver's. Whose merit after all is doubtful, — so The praise, Miss Bradburn, you conferred on me THE FALL OF TILE ALAMO, 149 Bears witness less to my deserving claim Than to the innate kindness oi your heart. How void of every good, how selfish then Must be the man on whom such heart bestowed Its highest prize, its love, but whose conceit — As lightly as he would a worthless pebble, — Prompts him to cast aside a costly jewel, For which the greatest king would envy him. Elsie. No doubt, 't is Travis whom your speech points out, And who, as from your hints I may infer, Has with contempt flung back, from where it came, The shameless proposition to surrender The Alamo. Grant me to say, that even. Before my father started for the fort, I prophesied his mission's uselessness. As Travis never, never would surrender. Santa Anna. It is not this alone what he refused. Though chiefly meant for our Republic's good. My offer's liberality designed No lessj^^//r welfare dcc\Ayour happiness, Since through your father I held out to him Your hand, together with a princely dower. My honest counsels wrecked against his pride And stubborn will. 'T is plain, he loves you not 150 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. Elsie. Your well-meant kindness and concern for me Bring me more deeply still into your debt, Although I cannot help confess to you : If Travis had availed him of your offer, Had proven a traitor to his country's hopes, Your reckoning had been made without a host, Since my consent you never would have gained. But why converse of things impossible, As Travis never will disgrace him so ? His very love for me, inseparably Blent with his honor and his zeal for freedom. Has caused him to reject your proffered terms. So blame him not. Though nothing can enhance My love for him, his present fortitude \Fervidly^^ Nigh tempts me to adore him like a god. Santa Anna. \^Aside?^ Our first assault, I see, has been repulsed, The better then our second may succeed. \At this moment the dull reports of cannon^ indicating the commencement of the bombardment^ are heard in the distance. Elsie becomes prof oundly excited, [Aloud.] Hear you those guns? they mean your lover's death, THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. 15 I The overthrow of all your earthly hopes ; For hardly can the forteress long resist Our cannon-balls' persuasive arguments. And still, Miss Bradburn, still it lies with you, By one, one single utterance of your lips To hush those deadly thunders into silence, And vouchsafe all the benefits of life To the defenders of the Alamo. Elsie. A word from me } Oh, tell ! how I can save them ? Santa Anna. I am informed, you know a hidden way, — Yes, yes, you know, — I read it in your eye — That underground leads to the Alamo. Elsie. \Nobly?^ Has Santa Anna's height and grandeur stooped To low and despicable spionage, Then I, weak woman as I am, will not Descend to falsehood — Yes, I know the way. Santa Anna. For reasons of the State and Strategy Man oft is forced to condescend to means He loathes to employ in private life. 152 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. Elsie. Heaven then forefend to be a man of State. Santa Anna. To save the terrors of the cannonade, The bloodshed of the storm, the loss of time, We must possess your secret. To reward Your revelation, I agree to grant The self-same terms and offers of surrender As hitherto I offered to the rebels. Madmen they were, if seeing them astride On a volcano's brink, whose fiery womb Is pregnant with the threats of instant death. They still persisted to reject my offer. Elsie. You are deceived ; no form, no garb of death, Save that of shame, has terrors for the brave. But why again discuss a likelihood Whose call to life my stout resolve precludes ? You ask me to reveal the hidden way : My only answer is : I never shall, Santa Anna. Not even to redeem your lover's life 1 Elsie. Not even to redeem my lover's life. THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. I 53 Santa Anna. \^Aside?^ The second time my scheme has failed, but wait : I have some better cards still in reserve. {Aloud?^ Misfortunes hunt in company — so says The proverb, Lady Bradburn; hence defend Your*mind with fortitude — Elsie. [Interrupting him^ What must I hear ? Santa Anna. [Continuing his speech^ And let not rest your undeserved displeasure On the unwilling bearer of the news. Elsie. Oh, pray ! relieve me of my dread suspense. Santa Anna. So hear ! By orders sent from Mexico, On evidence obtained I know not how. Your father stands committed to arrest, Arraigned for treason and disloyalty. Elsie. That charge is false — false as a gem of paste. No subject was so truly, ah ! so blindly 154 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. Devoted to the service of your State. Oh, father ! why, why wouldst thou not receive Thy daughter's warning voice, her fervid prayer, Three years, ah, e'en three hours ago ? Now lies The glorious city of thy golden dreams Invaded, conquered, pillaged and destroyed, While I, thy daughter, must, Cassandra-like, Roam wailingly the ruins of thy Troy. Santa Anna. I self am bound to say, that hitherto My credence in your father's loyalty Has been as firm as your belief ; and loath To do him wrong, I have delayed the order For his arrest, till when on his return A while ago his words, ah! proved too well Of his conversion to the rebel-cause. So openly he spake in its behalf. Elsie. \_Suddenly transgressing from deepest despair to highest joy.] He has ? My father has ? Deceive me not ! He has defended Freedom's rights, you say ? Santa Anna. No rebel steeped in disaffection's venom Could have pronounced a more seditious speech To shock our outraged ears, than he ! THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. I 55 Elsie. [ With great fervor^ Oh, joy ! Oh, sunny glimpse upon my mistwrapt sky ! Oh, star of hope amid my woeful night ! Faint though thou be, I bless thy welcome light ! Santa Anna. My game — I fear me — has gone wrong again. [Aside,'] [A/oud.] Our laws 'gainst treason are severe and harsh, And one important service can alone Unfasten Colonel Bradburn's prison-door, If would his daughter's love, as duty-bound. Off-set her father's clearly-proven guilt By parting with her secret's treasured knowledge. Elsie. And she will not — not — not ! though all of you, Though all the world hissed her with cries of shame, E'en though her father, struggling on his knees. Craved from her lips the mercy of his life. A thousand years I gladly would endure — Could it be done — for him the dungeon's curse, A thousand times I fain would undergo For him the pangs of death; but never shall My country's weal and woe be jeopardized IS6 . THE FALL OF THE ALAMO, To remedy his sad mistake. Therefore I pray, forbear to tempt me more ; my choice Is made : my country's fate before my father's. Santa Anna. [Aside.] That trump is gone! now for my fourth and last. [A/oud.] Miss Bradburn! all to whom I have referred, Although endeared to you by Nature's bonds Or choice of love, are others than yourself. But when you now arrive to contemplate Your own forlorn and unsafe station here. How you, without protectors, without friends, A self-confessed enemy of ours, Are compassed round by strangers and by foes, — Will you then not take pity on yourself.? Elsie. What I have prized and cherished most of all, My father, lover and my native land, Already are or soon will be your prey. What else on earth is left to me ? My life ? Oh, take it from me, and my dying breath Shall thank the hand that rid me of its burden. Santa Anna. Is e'en in peace a lonely woman's fate Exposed to danger, how the more in war ? THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. 157 Whose fiery breath fans every passion's flame, Whose very spirit fosters violence. Where lends the name of foe a welcome pretext To every crime, to robbery and rape, Where oft the reins of rigid discipline Must purposely be slackened to incite The animal propensities of man, — A woman, void of every guardian's care, A woman, known to be an enemy, Inevitably must fall a luckless victim To wicked lust — Elsie. \Falls on her knees ^ and imploringly holds up her hands J\ Oh, spare my womanhood ! Santa Anna. \Continuing his speech^ And be the abject property of all ! Elsie. \^Struggli?Tg on her knees^ Knave ! Fiend ! now first thou stand'st revealed to me In thy true light ! Hast thou no fear of Heaven, Of retribution in the Life hereafter ? Santa Anna. \^Sneeringly^ That knave, that fiend rejoices in his power, And mocks the scorn of idle impotence, 158 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. The more so, as his conscience fain acquits him Of guilt incurred for purposes of State. But, Lady Bradburn, are you ready now Your secret to reveal ? Elsie. [ Who all this time has been lying as in a swoon?^ \Faintly^ I will, I will ! Santa Anna. That is a word as pleases me to hear, And proves that Reason, from her seat dethroned By momentary self-forgetfulness In visionary illusions, has resumed Her wonted place and wields again her power; To tell the truth, it is what I expected When I came hither, for I know too well The practical and innate common-sense Of all that hail from the United States. \He bows to lift Elsie tip. She^ in the act of risings with a quick move^ draws the sword-blade from Santa Anna's scabbard^ and raises it on high^ while Santa Anna^ covering his eyes with his handsy reels back in utter dismay?^ Elsie. [With the utmost contempt?^ Thou knowesty tyrant? [Triumphantly^ No, thou knowest not ! THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. I 59 How e'en the tiny worm is given a sting For sore distress, a weapon of defence, Which, weak and harmless though it even be, Kind Nature's hand, protectress of us all. Will help him aim and guide with deadly dart 'Gainst the Achilles-heel of his tormentor — \As above^ Thou knowest, tyrant ? No, thou knowest not, How Faith and lamb-like Patience meekly bow To every hardship, every sacrifice. Enduring pangs of body and of soul. But also rise with more than giant's strength, With all-regardless, all-renouncing power, When, outraged in their holy sanctuary. Their feelings blend in one impassionate flame — [As above^ Thou knowest, tyrant ? No, thou knowest not, How woman, tender woman, under tears, Shed in her closet's silence, under prayers, O'erheard by none save God, will long defer To break the hallowed peace of her reserve, To lay her bosom's tender feelings ope To chilly blasts of worldly sneer and scorn, But when at last confronted by the choice. The fiendish choice, 'twixt virtue and disgrace, Will fling aside the fetters of her doubts, Shake off the shackles of her self-restraint, l6o THE FALL OF THE ALAMO, And like a lioness, of her off-spring robbed, Unheeding wounds and death, obey alone The holy law of Nature : Self-defence ! [ With sublimity. "l All this thou knowest ;/ |._._Jj > • 1 1 1 1 "^1 -, -. — *t — i — p - ^£ — S m • J M = — -. ' - ^^^Vb 1 ^~r r-n ^ *=aLiz«^ itiizq lib No. 2. COL. CEOCEETT'S SONG. After a German Air. Song. HYMNS. 243 ^^=S=te =p:-(?= fe=gr-r-=it= Zit=t it=tz -r in the wilds of Ten-nes - see, With Indians round a- -jf-^-ri--^^---^: W ^3^ -J 1= \-= ^ t=^=t=^ 1 r =i=e: ^ bout, This child was reared, and grew to be A J J |i^ -=3^^=^ f :|-t-=rp- & =jB==f= ^^t -1 r ::t -1- dar - ing bun - ter - scout. He fought the brind-ed m 5^= -4= U 244 7'HE FALL OF THE ALAMO. m - r-y f- =pzq-?= =ti=il=:tti cat - a-mount, And dragged the panther from his haunt ; And =I^T= * % %- ^^^ ^^ -r f jy-r--. =p =b2=il=:t}»= grap-pled with the lynx and bear, And scaled the ea-gle's -«— «=t: ^ ^ ^7.T=^: Ei^ ^ tTq= ^=^ =l?z:5it -t- -t- cliflf-built lair : And thus it came that with his name Was A 1- t==t HYMNS. 245 t^-<* -i^-^ ff -r -r- -r blent a dar - ing bunt- er"'s fame ; Aud tbus it came tbat f^^ }-zl=X. a^r*=pg =!=q; m ^=s^ =rS-iS- m^ -9- -W -W -Wt -I 1 r-J- i SE. with bis name Was blent a dar - in^; hunt-er's fame. ^^m -I — I- --*- — '•^~ NO. 3. HYMN OP THE LONE STAR FLAG. Finale of the Second Act. Alia Marcia, Composed by the Author. ^ -w--^ ^_im- :S: =r-S— j =pf: i — "--i — t — i — i — "-^ — i — ' 1 — M 1 1- There was a band wan and for-lorn, By cease-less toil and r-r^-r-r~T ^ 246 THE FALL OL' rilE ALAMO, watching worn, Cut off from friends, from homes, from world, With -t — \ — I — r 1 — h — i — r Baritone Solo. F^E n. No hope was theirs of Humming Voices. shot and shell np - on them hurled. staccato, pp #feE^^; ^^ fi=f "^^ Sg^^i^l^Eg ^^ giEii aid or flight. Death front-ed ev - 'ry-where their si<;ht ; But !__ 1 \ 1_^ i 1 1-__^_! 1 ! 1 L-fenrg- ::g _ g _ g-:^ — i 1 1- -m A m— 3^3=:*=^:^^= ^^"^ —I 1 u -\ — I — r- n — I — I — =r= HYMNS. 247 sempre cresc. . ** 5&?_^ g i^Eg i^^^gg^^^gf3z| faltered they ? No! uo! instead They flung this banner overhead : --1 1- ^i5*E*E«=«^?^^f^i^p^E?5?E? -I 1 — t- 1 1 — t — t- ESEE 1 — r 1 ^ — 1 — r Chorus. ?_i -^^■ r-(*:-q*i^- N h Flag of the Lone Starl thou glorious sign! Where i:? the banner that :^=^z|*z*=iz -*-^ — m-M. 1 I I j3M=^= i^^z ^ b#— M— S=yl 1 1 *-* ^^- -t ^—)i^ ' I '^i.,,,' f ( rtsbSa: ri - vals with thine? Baptized in heroes' blood,by martyrs unfurled, J^- ^ M m -^- m m ^ ^ ^ - qOtztie -•- Sr^tE ^i^iiz:^=j«=t»z _j^__^_^ — k— ^r -e— e-«- :fc^=z:ji^z=z^= E-l^^ =?=:^=^=i>^=5l- Flag of the Lone Sta" I thoa pride of the world I ^7- ^S^ ^S=S^*:. J?_L__tgg!f zt«=is= -!» gZlgZ 248 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. NO. 4. PEAYER BEFORE BATTLE. Music by W. GREEF. mf _ cresc. Forsake me not ! when shadows lie around me, When night and darkness cres. everywhere hold bound me : When per - il's gloom has fall - en t-^-r pp f ^^^ 5EfE te^ When peril's gloom ^ r-M — to my lot: Thou Fount of Light ! for - sake me not. ^=E^= r^=^ zpiigz pp No. 5. THE ANTHEM OF THE ALAMO. With Energy, f Finale of the Third Act. Composed by the Author. fc^ ^^ — I F^ — r <9 — ^L ■■m^^^ When o'er our land the war-cloud drew. And loud-ly Freedom's 1 (S J J II I J. I £b: S^ ^ 1 — r -»—M—ii - HYMNS. 249 ^ ^=?= y?=^ ^4= ^■. ~rj^ I I trum - pet blew, We rushed to arms, re - solved to be A ^-i =^-t^= J / I d=ij= -1- ^r^=i::. t:=r=^=^=s =; pp • staccato. ^* cit - a - del 'gainst ty-ran-ny. Hence fear thee not, dear Tex - an IS -I— -1 ^-J4-J!^ pp ^^=S^g=£3i3=5^g=f^-^=g=^ I — r ( &#^^fl3ipp|i:-p«p Land, Thy safe-ty lies in trusty hand ; For firm will stand 'gainst fe^^^3=iz *r=r^r-r ^-zS:—^- 1 — r cv-ery foe Thy vanguard at the A - la - mo ; For firm will l^bili |^^^:pfiM stand 'gainst ev - ery foe Thy vanguard at the A - la - mo. zfctaur -3-^ 250 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. No. 6. MEXICAN BATTLE-MAECH.* Finale of the Fourth Aet. Composed by the Author. =1= :p=p: =s=^^- ^W^ -{-—«-»-( Drums. ^§ili ±j- II Basso marcato. -arsrat -wf-^9t I 1st. ^fi^:g::i!I;g:£I5:g|:g: ^^: "5-1 ■^^- 'z^IZ^Tl^^J^i izn^dii^zzi^rst:! * The first two parts of this March, endinsr «t the Trio, should be re- peated over and over aQ:aiii, until the time when the Texan patriots are ready to join into the Trio by singing their Hvmn, HYMNS. 251 P fes: a^: ^^^ i^ E^ "^rsfS^r" "3-r5 ^=1!?:: T -w =iti«= j=;-j ^^i^Sii^^ ^SS^SEE :^rr i^i±5 ■irBzen Trio.— Stony <)/■ -r-J- ^^^^^^^ ^ :i?^t ?EEi3E -:il-^- ^S |__L| mf ^ rfe^E =e=»: i^rltH borne ^* 5ib^=t In Freedom's fond - ling arms : pSzr— gTizjsrzziir? zt=t»z rF^:^ -(?:ee^=rp- There rnf zk^zd HYMNS. 253 'Pt^=^- UAjLh. ■f=jfkz. |^i^=t=: to a-bide in bliss and grace While live your names in song and j^ -w -^ \mw^g^p^^i^^ P^=^ h'M. Travis. Chorus. Travis. Chorus. Travis. :ff=«=«=^ ^^a^ii^^a^^El^ I (a-mg) {a-rise) praise. So, comrades, rise 1 Rise, comrades, rise I Rise, comrades, (a-rise) (a-rife) fefezd^ .— i ._ ^-^ .. r— -r— r- W^i ^=^= Pizzigzigz 1^=1—= t=^= ->'-t- -t**— r- I 5fc^— 5-- ^fe^ :=t PS^; t^ a,^i=* 1-=1= •-— * —m 1 — I- zgzpg^-^-g- zfczlazziaiz 1^11^=1= ^-- =*in= 254 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO. J Chorus. >..A^- 42.' semxyreff —f-v-f^- — w — — ^ — I ^^fe±zi=£=t- -S=^=^ -->- -S-v -~zA \>\} I' l** 1 1 , ,.,. . , J rise ! A - rise I our last breath be : For —9~ 1 Tex -as —\M— 1 and her -^ M L_j — -t= h fA^& U_|L 3 — % —m — f — L- iiff-i — ^- f^-\r-\r^—-^ — 1»- -fc — ^ ^ — 1 w — — w — -,»- —a — d v\^ ^ r r w 1 ! ; : ! : 1 J ^ 1 -z> • \ 1 1 -•- 1 ^ ^^\y-^ ^ f-^ -IZ = A — S=- — S — : ^-T) fii ^ ! ; "I* J F _j '- p.— -^— — t— : 2J2l^ >^>^^ #> U 1 L^r — \ ' ^—^ A'u-v;: — ^e- =J= m — 1 — r-r- -g- -^- _^ J ~« — -d^^= zn Lib - er- -1 — ty: -A -V - For J_, — Tex — r- t — -as -r and -| ' her Lib - er - ty. =J| — 1»— -4= -2- 1 — ^— 1 zzii" q 1 ~ — 9 — J — (•"" -f- t — F T — • — — t — I— 1 ^^^t=: ^^z. ^ -r -^— ^ -t=- 1 1 1 1 =y After a momentary lull^ during which the destruction of the Alamo takes place^ and while the curtain is falling^ the last part of the March is played by the band alone. HYMNS. 255 -r ' T -^ jg ^^gfr^r g^ ^ ^^^ No. 7. HYMN or VICTOEY. Finale of the Epilogue. Composed by the Author. \ — ^-^—.1^.-3 — ^- |=^Etg^g; =3= -t- -f- -I — r- r It is a - chieved ; the figrht is won ; And (Up - on these fields in years gone by, Stands ^Wf^- S= -;-— , j— , 1 1 -r-^-- 2S6 THE FALL OF THE ALAMO, Solo. Such is not due to P what our doubt-ing hearts be - gun, ) wrought be-fore our won - d'ring eye. ) Piano. :e i^= E^ *? hu - man hand ; 'Tis God who tlius hath blessM your land 1 So /Aj I Jfi^ . , , _ _ ^^ ^^m -s?^-* Wi =11= m. like the smoke of sac - ri-fice, Let ye to Him your thanks arise. -^^„- /?Al I ritard. tr ^, -&E^Z-^ m 4=at =g= w I ritard. I Single Voices, cre^c. Praise the Lord I Praise the Lordl Praise the Lord! Praise the Lordj ^^^^ 3i^ accei/iranajO . HYMNS. 257 Chorus. .^^ Praise the Lord ! Praise Him, ye earth and sky ! Praise Him, oh ^t^ :g-i: -I — r- V V ^ -^- i=iz =t fff if' i i =t«=:t«= ^ —I — ^- ^z=t»= :f^=:i*: -m. =i=--=i= =^=}= -|--T Trumpets. sea I Glo - ry to God on high ! Texas is free ! r J -^ -ft -j^ 4—1- / V I& ^t= #' fffmolto ritard. THE END.