Ra45 Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2017 with funding from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Alternates https://archive.org/details/redroverortigeroOOunse THE RED ROVER OR, T H E T 1 G E R OF T H E SEAS. ilauttcail 3®ranta, ui CU)o ^rts. HBAMATIS PERSONA!. Lieftttenant Wildair The Red Rover .... Dick Fid fruinea Corporal Stiff Mr. Hemming. .Mr. Osbaldiston. .Mr. T. P. Cooke. .Sig. Paulo. .Mr. Asbnry. Sam Smith. Hector Homespun Mr. Vale. Sailors &c., &c. Madame de Lacy Mrs. Daley. i Gertrude ....ilias Vinccut 9 THE RED ROVErv. ACT 1. SCENE I. — Newport Ilarhoiir. The Rrd Rovers Vessel riding at anchor in the distance. Cottage, over the door “ Hector Homespun, Tailor and lirceches Maher'* Hector Homespun discovered, worhiiuj at win- dow, occasionullij listening during the joUoiving scene. Music. Enter the lied Rover. Rov. So, it is evident that young officer at least suspects the character of my gallant craft. No time, then, is to he lost. Hal who have we here? Enter Dick Fid awd Guinea. Gul You berry good scholar, Massa Dick; but liim neber see ship go in wind’s teeth. Fid. Wind’s teeth, you black rascal; Avhy, look here. The trader has left his vessel in the outer harbour knowing tliat the wind holds so much to the westward at this time of the year. But can you make out whether she has an anchor underfoot, or is she merely riding by a single cable? Rov. {advancing') You speak of yonder vessel, my men as if you were judges of these matters? Fid. Do you think it strange, then, that men ^lould be ignorant of a profession in which they A-ave passed their lives? Rov. I confess my total ignorance of all maritime matters. AYhilst you have been plougning the bold ocean I have passed my time over musty parch- ments. I am but a humble member of the law, in the service of his Majesty, as well as yourselves, here on some important business. You know it’s one thing to understand a ship, and another to clear up a point of law. Fid. I can’t half make out this fellow, and as I don’t much like these land sharks, Tii cut my cable and heave ahead. Your servant, sir; but I must look after my lieutenant. Come along Guinea. \Exit Rov. Negro, here; inform me your opinions of yonder vessel, and this reward Gai. Him no want reward — him no like lawyer — liim get nothing out of Guinea. lExit laughing Rov. ’Tis evident they too have their suspicions. Zounds, this place may become too hot for us. Hec. (^from window) Sir — mister Rov. Confound it, here’s that cursed meddiing tailor been listening. Enter Homespun mysterioushj. Hec. Honoured sir. Rov. Come, sir. your biisioess? Hec. 1 think I beard you say you 'were in the ser- Tice of bis blessed majestical highness the King? Euv. Certainly, sir; what then? Hee, Then, bi?, I feel biglily honoured in unbofjora- ing myself to such a man. You see yonder ship in the outer harbour? Rov. Yes, sir, I do; what then? Hec. {mysteriously) It’s my firm belief, sir — and I’ve taken my measure, I promise you — that 5mnnet sliip belongs to nobody more or less than that scourge* of the ocean the Red Rover— there! Rov. The Red Rover! Hec. {softly) Oh yes! Rov. That indeed would be a secret wmrth possess- ing, for it is well known that a heavy price is set on the Rover’s head ; and that a rich, a} , and a splendid reward will be the fortune for him who is the instru- ment of delivering the whole knot of miscreants into the hands of Government — I should not won- der but it might insure a knighthood. Hec. Knighthood!— what, me a knight? Good gracious ! Rov. What is your name? Hec. ]\Iy name! — gracious and grateful sir, is TIecror Homespun, at your service. Rov. I doubt not, most discerning tailor, that your fortune’s made; ’tis certain you must be knighted —fear not becoming Sir Hector Homespun. Hec. Do jmu think so— what I Sir Hector? Rov. Fear not ; but you have kept this secret td yourself— nobody but myself knows the nature of your suspicions. Hec. Not a soul hut Mrs. H. Rov. So much the better {looks out) you see yon- der low point— meet me there at dusk, where tlie land juts into the outer harbour — from that stand we will make our observations; here our speaking together might excite suspicion; remember, on your silence and punctuality depends the favour of the king. ^ You may rely on my punctuality— clock- work, illustrious sir. Rov. Enough— remember {going— turns— hows most respectfully) Sir JSector Homespun — ^your servant. [AViV. Hec. {bowing) Gracious sir, you most humble' obe- dient. Here’s a turn in affairs. Sir Hector Home- spun I who’d have thought it? But I won’t mention a word, not even to Mrs.- H. — that is, Lady Home- spun that is to be. No, no; I knoAv how to* find out a secret and keep to it. Sir Hector Homespun, well I [_Exit into house SCENE ir. — A Rocky Point -on the Sea Shore. Enter Lieutenant Wildair. Wll. Well, here have I been five weeks vainly re- connoitering to discover the Rover’s ship, which was supposed to be laying near this coast, and as yet have nothing to report to my commander but my doubts concerning yonder ship. :My duty, formerly my de- light, has become irksome, since I danced with that THE RED ROVER. .oveiy girl at the Newport ball. Why — why do I think of her? Can I, poor foundling, ever hope to aspire to the hand of lier, sole daughter to a proud and wealthy man? No, no; the sea must he my hope— the Dart my mistress. As I like, here comes the lovely Gertrude, but not alone. Lie still, my heart, for my tongue dare not give utterance to thy aspirations. Enter Gertrude mth Madame de Lacy. Ger. And so, dear aunt, for a month at least yon- der vessel must be our prison. Mad. Nay, Gertrude, give not way to such gloomy thoughts. Remember that vessel is to bear jmu to the arms of a beloved parent {secs Wildair) Pardon me, sir; but wiiat think you of the weather? V e are about to embark in yonder ship for Carolina \Vil. In that ship. Madam ? Mad. {points) Yes, that ship ! Know you au^^ht of harm of that ship? ° U il. No, madam ; but had I a mother, a sister — or, even a friend who heeded me, I should hesitate to trust them on board yonder vessel. tio^?''^' ^ consists your objec- JViL It is sufficiently plain— she is too clean in her harpiDgs, and too full in the counter' to Pteer; besides this, slie carries no head sail, but all the press on her will be aft, which will jam her into the wind, and more than likely throw her aback— the day will come wh^n that ship will go down stern foremost. ^ ^ Mad. Surely, sir, although I don't understand your meaning, you magnify the danger? WiL You may believe mo. Madam, lamsiivere ^heve me, I would not be guilty of uttering one riencel “ "" conviction of my own fxpe- Mad, Yet we have letters of recommendation from experienced persons. However, we thank vou sir. foi > our frankness, and will nmke furtheiMn’ and all great men keep humble ones waiting them. 'Ihat’swliat I'll do, when I’m Sir JIccto? Let me see, when I’m a knight 1 mu.st have a car- nage and servants, and liveries too; but of what colour, thats the question — {opens pattern cn/d)-~ let me see, green — no, that won’t do, it will always ro' mind me of cabbage; red— no, that’s too showy brown— no, too sombre. ^ Etiter Corporal Stiff a file 0 / Marines. ' Cor. Halt — left about face. Hec. {trying to hide his hook behind him) Eh wliatS Uus a guard of honour ?-(&cn.. the corpZcd)^ Gwd e^nmg, sir; I hope you are quite well? tor. Hem! Attention! I’m Corporal Stiff Hec. I m delighted to see you Corporal Stiff. tor. Attention! Your name’s Homespun?* iAc. Yes, most valiant corporal! Cor. You’re my prisoner. Hcc. What me! a knight that is to be? r/J' y* ship. ^ “I mistake. I'm a tailor, not a sailor. Cor. All right. Fall in— right about face. Hec. I.^cau t go— I can’t abear the sea, I’m always mwell Now, good Mr Corporal, let , no go, 2d irf^u 1 m a irmght. I’ll make a gmeral of vou. Cor. Silence! J\iafch. . ^ caSroptei*"’’’ <* lExuent. Homespun walking between two marines Exit with Gertrude. Wildair bowing to the Ladies. Wil. What can be done? My suspicions true d KrsuS „.e ^ '"i'* ‘ho ““ '-fo- my friend. liV Ao^Ufe:",' a froaj S, ^ Deck of the Red Rover’s vessel m the distance. Moonlight. Music. 7^‘s ^ Comwtander’s dress, enveloped in a cloak, seated on a cannon. ^ Uov. ’Tis evident, from the many suspicions rou%«^l age'^fbr anchor'? age tor me. Let me get the ladies on board-for ^ prize— and then once more for tiie open sea. What ho, corporal. Enter Corporal. Cor. (saluting) Here, captain. talkaUv? tlLJT' successful in securing th&i Cor. All right, Captain, he’s below, is aCgsWo.* hO‘*‘ ‘hat tw^reamen!'"^ ©i'nHemau suJ Hov. What want they? THE RED ROVER. Mwic. Etifer, over side, lieutenant WiWair. Exit Corporal. r(ov. He here! Well, sir, your business? friZ A berth. Bov. Indeed! Wil. Jn tliese times no one should be idle. Rov. Right. For what do you take me? Hi/. Ihc good folks here about take you fo? a trader! Bov. Right. Look around you, sir-, what think you of luy v8Sf«l, does ehe answer your ideas of order? Wil. I percisTC you are armed at all points. Bov. Before we enter on business, you must know more of me. Holding letters of marque, we are duly authorised to tight the battles of our king. TFi7. I understand you. Rov. Some people call ours a lawless life; but as you have come here for a purpose, I ivi 1 be frank and at once confess that I have need of you. Uy second, a few days since, slipped bis cable, and ins cabin is open to you. Poor fellow, he is food for fishes. JVil. He waa drowned, then? liov. No ! he died battling bravely with a king s ship, Wil. A king's oliip. . Bcv. Why do you slsirt? There are other kings man those of England. Aye, and other flags to .-^ht under. What think you of that of hauglity Spain (shows it) or that of subtle France (shotvs it) cr this of wealthy Genoa {shows it)? You see I have the colours of all nations. WU. And which of these do you assume? This (shows red colour) and in me behold — =- Wil. AVhom? Nov. The lied Rover! Aye, the Red Rover ! ! {sir-ikes gon. [Rn?. How, sir, we understand each other. WiL Perfectly. To night I must go ashore; but n-y day -break I will return to my duty, Bcv. Before you leave me, declare you will not be- Vfty me Avhile ashore;— you will not betray, by V(ird or sign, the character of my ship to a living ioul ! WiL Shall X swear it? Bov. No; oaths were made for men of week minds. A seaman’s word is his best faith. You hesitate — what am I to understand? Wd. Nay, doubt me not. I give you my word— the word of a seaman! Rov. Farev/ell, then, till morning. What, cheer up— a boat alongside— by my powers tho ladies! Wil Good heavens! Gertrude here I— lo.^t, lost. [Music. The sailors assist on hoard IVl.adam8 de Lacey and Gertrude. ?,Iad. (seeing Wildair) Amasement! W’hom do I see— he here? IVil. (/o Rover) I’ve charged my mind, captain; the wind I see lies fair for sailing. 1 wil! remain on board. Bov. ’Tis well, and your men Wil They will, if you wnll, join your crew. They are well tried and faithful follower?. W hatoli! Fid, Guinea! \_Mudc. Dick and Guinea come over the side Wil Up with the boat, and to your port.s, you are entered in the crew. Bov. All’s well. The wind sets fa^r. All bands ahoy! Hard a port with the helm. Farewell! my good people of Newpo- 1. Onc.e more for the open sea. [Music. Crew shout. The Sailors are all busily em- loyed. The Ship moevrs. All animalion. Pano- rama. The shore recedes. Lively music. All bus- tie till curtain falls. END OF ACT FIItST. ACT 11. SCENE l.--TheMain Beck of the Rover’s skip. Can- nons, ranged — masts, rigi’ing, S^c. Lieutenant V il- dftir discovered pacing the deck. Wil How beautiful is the morning! The glorious orb of day, just rising from bis watery bed, seems to beam peace and happiness o’er the world; and yet how tumultuous are the feelings raging in my breast! In wdiat a fearful position is my beloved Gertrude placed! 8he, the only being I ever truly loved. But i am near her, and w ill l-azard life itselt to save her EnUr Madame de Lacey and Gertrude cabin. Mad. Good morning, sir! Tempted by the bi an- tics of the rising sun, we are come to walk the deck 1 an hour or two before breakfast. 1 IVR. Would to heaven ’tw^ere any deck but this. Ger. Why that aspiration? After the advice so THE RED ROVER. 5 kindly offered us last night. I scarcely expected to and you an officei’ on board the very ship you so strongly cautioned us against, t u a IVil. Madam, on my honour, at that time 1 had never seen the captain, nor trod this deck. Circum- 6f ances alone have led me to this step ; but question me no further. As 1 said then I now say, no mother, sister, or friend of mine should, with my consent have crossed the side of this ship. Ger. Let us hope the danger is not very great, since you so readily have risked it. Wil. What would I not risk, fair one, for your Mad. 1 own, sir, there’s an apparent sense and candour in your words that raises my apprehensions. Tell me, sir, tell me, what is the danger you antici- pate V Wil. Silence, lady ! we are interrupted now, the captain approaches. Let no look betray your fears, whate’er may happen ; fear not, I will be near to save you. Enter the Red Rover /rom cabin. 2iov. Good morrow, ladies ; you are early risers, I fear you will find ours but a dull life ! Mad. Nay, sir ; many of my^ happiest hours have been passed at sea ; nor know I a sight more beauti- ful than the broad expanse of the glorious ocean. Rov. Come, ladies, take a seat, and the happy spirits of my crew may serve to beguile an hour. What ho ! there, corporal. Enter Corporal Stiff. Rov. Pass the word, there, all hands for mischief. Cor. Aye, aye, your honour. [Music. The Red Rover and Wildair hand the ladies to a seat. The crew muster on deck ; a sailor with a fiddle, seats himself on a barrel. Rov. Come, my men, give tliese ladies a specimen of a seaman’s dance, and convince them that all the graces are not left behind when a bold ship leaves land. Fid. Aye, aye, your honour. The corporal Guinea, and myself, will soon show the ladies. — God biers the petticoats, say I— that we can shake a toe with any dancing master that ever capered in Great Britian or France. Come along, my lads. And you, fiddler, ptill it out strong ! [Music. Triple Hornpipe. Fid. Guinea, and the Corporal. Rov. Thanks, my men, for 3 ’our promptness ; you shall have a double allowance of grog. Crew. Huzza ! huzza ! [The Rover a»d Wildair /mac? the ladies into the cabin. Fid. descends the hatchway. Sam. Now, my lads, what’s to be done? What sa^' you to a lark with the tailor ? Sailors. Aye, aye, bring out the tailor. [All the sailors crowd round the cabin. They de- scend and return with Hector Homespun. Ilec. Good gracious ! how ill I am. Why didn’t you let me stop in my berth, as you promised. I think it will be my death. Sam. Come, master tailor, give us a song. Ilec, A song ? I never sang a song nor anything profane. Sam. Then you had better sing now, if yon wdA to escape a good ducking. Sailors. Aye, aye, a song, or to the yard arm. Jlec. My good men, don’t be so vociferous. I’k try, but 1 know I can’t sing. There once was a man, A long time ago, Who tried all his life As you soon shall know, To be honest and upright ; And— and — I knew I should break down — I really can’t sing. Sam. Well, then, I’ll tell j'ou what it is my lads, we’ll just slew him to the mouth of great gun, and blow him to the devil. What say ye? Sailors. Aye, aye, to the gun— to the gun. Ilec. Slew me to the gun — blow me to peices ? I don’t like to go ashore, I’m not well. 1 feel very queer — help- murder — murder ! [The crew seize him, and are ohout to drag him to the gun, when Dick Fid. rushes on and throws himself between them. Fid. Back all you, cowards. What, twenty of you on one poor swah of a tailor ? Shame on you ! You, tailor, go below, and if one of them dare to fol- low you, ril send him flying over the sides in search of the devil, bis commanding officer. Sam. Down with this king’s ship dog— down with the spy. Fid. ( seizing a handspike ) I tell p’Oti what it is, you had better keep off, or this handspike and your precious stupid noddle will meet rather roughly. jS'«m and Crew. Down with him! Music. Enter Lieutenant Wildair. Wil. Hold! What means this tumult? What ails jmu, Fid. are you drunk? Fid. Drunk, your honour ? Lor, bless you, no ; I am only teaching these lubbers their duty. They wanted to kill the poor tailor for a bit of fun ; but Dick Fid wasn’t one to stand by and see it. Sam. Down with him, boys, Wil. The first that stirs does so at the peril of his life. Sam. Who’s he that sets himself up for commander 6 THE RED ROVER, aboard tliG D'dlphiii — in what service did he learn his trade, I wonder? We know you for the lieute- aant of the Dart — a sp 3 ’'from a king’s ship. [Lieutenant Wildair seizes Sam by the throat. Crew. Overboard with them — overboard with the spies ' — vengeance — vengeance ! [J violent scuffle ensues, Fid is seized, the Marines again present their mushets. Enter the Red Rover from cabin, and rushes to the front, when all becomes quiet. Rev (aloud) ^lutiny ! Are you tired of your lives men? Is there one amongst you all, that is willing to make himself an example for the good of the rest? If there be let him look me in the eye — let him move .a hand, a finger, or a hair ; I wait patiently — it is well! Reason has come among us. To your berths. Lieutenant Wildair, conduct the lady to the cabin. \_Exeunt the Marines at the cabin door ivith jmrt of the crew, others go down the hatchway -.a few remain- ing. Sam. (grurnbling) We want no commanders from a king s ship. liov. ( rushing to him, and in a voice of thunder) You want! who ai-e you that want? If it were a dog that I placed there, is it for you to dispute my au- thority ? Into irons with that old mutineer. (A vause.) Why am 1 not obeyed? \ Music. Guinea and Fid seize Sam — they hurry him down the hatchivay, a Sailor foUoivs ivith the irons j — they all descend the hatchivay — Fid is about to follow. } Rov. What ho! Richard Fid, your fidehty to your master pleases me: fidelity in a seaman to his com- mander is his brightest and most intrinsic quality. Fid. Sartinly, yer honour. Rov. I think you said you had sailed twenty' four years with Lieutenant Wildair? I am not surprised, j then, that you value his life. Tell me how you first j met him? Fid. Why, after a very natural way, yer honour, for a seaman. You see the ship that Guinea and I «:ailed in was lost; we two only, out of two hundred crave souls, escaping in a boat. Well, yer honour, as wc were buffeting about wc fell in with a vessel under bare j^oles, if a vessel may be called bare that has nothing better than the stumps of her three masts standing. We boarded her, and found a starved dog was the only one she could musteff to keep us olf } — there she lay, a line craft of som-c hundred tons’ I burthen, water logged and fast settling down. i Rev. The ship was deserted? | Fid. Aye, sir; the crew, as it, had been all j v'ashed away— I never could come to the truth cf their particulars. Well, sir, and so as we were knocking about, says Guinea, says he, Massa Fid, I think I liear some one making plaints below— so down we bolted, yer honour, and in one of the darkest berths below, there was diskivered, dying of starva tion, a poor little infant and its mother Rov. The child was Wildair? Fid. Aye, it was Master Harry, sure enough; aaC a pitiful starveling he was then — not proud and brave as you now see him -the pride of the ocean I may say.; Rov. But the mother— what became of the mother? Fid. The mother had given her last morsel of bis- cuit to the child, aud was dying, in order that he I might live; there she lay, white as the sail on which the storm has long beaten— her poor cold arm around the babe, holding toils mouth the very mor- sel that might have kept her own soul and body a little longer together— so pale, so— poor thing, poor thing! Roo. What did she when you brought her to the light? Fid. I have always thought she prayed, for some- thing passed between her and one who was not to be seen — her eyes Avere raised aloft, her lips moved, but no man will ever know what she said, for, poor creature! with one long, deep-drawn sigh her spirit steered its course to the great harbour, where storm.s aud wrecks are alike unknown. Rov. But did you not discover the name of the ship? Fid. Why, you see yer honour, the ship's name was under water, though for the matter of that, if it had been high above neither Guinea nor myself were scholars enough to have read it; but howsomdever, there’s a bucket on deck with something on it, and I got Guinea to tattoo it on my arm as near as he could. Here it is! Rov. (reads') “Ark, of Lynn.” Fid. Aye, that’s what everybody calls it. Well, you see, yer honour, v/e saved the poor child, and brought him up, entered him aboard ship, and now he’s the pride of the ocean. Rov. And how long did he remain on hoard a king’s ship? Fid. IIow long, your honour? Why long enough to learn his duty to his king and country. Rov. Thank you. Fid, you may leave me. Sailors (outside) A. sail— n sail. Rov. Ah, a sail. Send Lieutenant Wildair to me instantly. \_Music. All the crew enter hastily and look anxiously off Enter Wildair, whs joins the Red Rover. Hector Homespun on arid looks cautiously aboiiL IIcc. Ah, there (h:.y arc ad looking anxiously at THE RED ROVER. Bomething— and, oh! there’s that horrible big gun; I the very sight of it makes me feel as if I was sailing through the air in a thousand shreds. Blow me from the gun, will they! Blow me if I don't stitch up the touch hole—where’s my bodkin {goes to can- non ami puts a hodicin into touch hole hammering it in iiith a sleeveboard) there now, I’ve stopped your noise anyhow. [Exit cautmisUj, Rov. (loolciny off through the telescope) It is a ship; a hull of price l)eneath it. Ah, Mr. Wildair, look out at the south western quarter, and give us your opinion the telescope to him) Rouse; rouse up, my boys. [The Red Rover nms np the steps to above deck, looks mi and returns* Wil, {looking out) Does the glass deceive me? (aside) By heavens ’tis the Dait! her appearance here on these seas, at such a time, may appear too much like confirmation of the base character I already bear aboard this ship. Rov. What’s your opinion, sir? Wil. (looking out) I see her to the top of her courses: she is a heavy ship. Rov. The more likely to bear a noble freight (ad- vancing to Wildair) What ails you, Lieutenant Wil- dair? How’s this, sir — you turn pale? Wil. A sudden pang darted across my forehead; »tis past. [Crosses, leaving the telescope on the gun carriage Rov. Lieutenant Wildair, you know that ship? Wil. I’ll not deny it — I do, sir. Rov. You have but recently left her. Wil. That, also, is true. Rov. And she is called Wil. The Dart. Rov. Hal have you then found means to betray us? Was I assured of it, this moment were your last. in/. Sir, here you command and are all powerful, and are safe in casting on me your unjust reproaches. Believe me, sir, I am no spy; but I have incurred the danger of the suspicion, and am prepared to pay the penalty, Roi\ These are bold words, young man (voices of mutiny above deck by the crew) Listen to that sound, sir; there’s danger there; mutiny— follow me, sir, and let me see how you dare face those men, whose fate you too evidently have hrougb.t about. Wil, As I am a man, I- — Rov. Silence, sir, and obey ! Loyal or otherwise, I command here. [T/jeRed Rover and Wildair runup the ladder to the Mutineers above — Fid and Guinea come forward from the steps. Fid. My eyes, Guinea, here’s a breese springing up. Every sail furl’d, and we ly ing here in the deep trough of the sea. The old Dart may pass in the offing without ever noticing us in the least. So here, take my knife, Guinea; when I give the signal cut away the spun yarn that binds the hit of bunt- ing to the flag-stafi‘, and let it drift in the wind by way of signal to the Dart — away, lad. Gui. Aye, aye, massa Fid. [Music, Guinea hastens up the steps, u'ith caution. A general hurry~the Red Rover, Yvildair arid Crew rush on, also the ladle Sum . Down with them— death Rov. What seek you? Sam. The lives of the spies wlio have betrayed us. Rov. Prove it, and their fate is in your hands. Ger. No, no — you will not— dare not, be so merci- less ? Rov. Lady, this is bold language to sound in the ears of blood-thirsty, remorseless pirates, as wc are supposed to be. But fear not. Mr. Wildair you are free; a boat shall convey you hence. Wil. And my men? Rov. Take them with j’-ou. Wil. And the ladies? Rov. Away, sir— begone quickly! See, the Dart bears away from us — lienee away. Fid. Ah! the Dart leaves us. Now, Guinea. [Guinea losens the crimson flag, which spreads out in the wind Sailor. Ah! By whose order has yonder mis- creant dared to loosen that flag? It’s a signal to the enemy! [Music. He fires a pistol and Guinea is s^o^--Guiuea struggles, descends the steps, and falls. Fid. Guinea — Guinea, my lad. Sam. Into the sea with the black, and up with the others to the yardarm. TF^7. (fiercely) At your peril ! Fid. What! Would you cast a brave seaman to the sharks, with a dying look standing in his eyes, and hJslast words still in his messmate’s ear? Guinea —Guinea, my lad. Gui. Ob, massa Fid, pardon poor blaekee man. Poor Guinea die. Massa Fid, take from him arm da colLiy of poor dog— do, good massa Harry. Bless you, bless you, massa Harry. Oh, bless you Fid. [Music. Guinea dies — Fid removes the collar fro*, his arm — all are affected. Fid. Don’t jmu look so, master Harry, for poor Guinea; my life on’t, he’s already aL:>ft. But for these murderers—— 8 THE RED ROVER. Saihrs. Revenge! Revenge! Save lam. Pity! Mercy! [Guinea’s body is removed by the sailors down the hatchway. Fid. Mercy ! ’tis a name unknown here. Ma’am (turning to Wildair) But mayhap, sir, this lady’ who seems the most natural being aboard except she dear young gentlewomao, will take this collar, which the negro took from the neck of the dog wlien we discovered you an infant aboard the wreck. Mad. Merciful powers! what say yon? Fid. There’s something wrote here. Ma’am, which one day might lead to a diskivery of his family. Mad. (examining the day's collar') All! what do I see? “ Paul de Lacy !” he was my husband who perished on board, with his ill-fated son and nurse! Fid. No, no; the boy lives. He is here! Mad. Where? Wil. Mother! behold me at your feet. [^They embrace. Mad. My son! merciful Heaven, receive a mother’s thanks — my boy, we’ll die together. Sailors, (looking out) The Dart holds out a signal of defiance. Dowm with the betrayers. Sam. Blow them into the sea. Music. ^e~cnter the Red Rover, from the cabin. Rc-p. Hell-hounds! — fiends! — spare the women! ((Beseechingly . Skisnu Neither they nor you — slew the mouth of the gun this way. 1 he sailors turn the first cation round, Sam. (turning to fire the canon) What the devil ails the gun— it won’t go off ? (The cannon R.H,, is turned round against the mutineers. Uov. But this will; give me a light. (The muiineert oi-e overwhelmed w'th confusion) Villians, into the cabin with ye; or by the living power, with my own hand. I’ll discharge the gun, and strew'' the winds and Walters with your limbs. Ro?;. Now, ladies, aw\ay to the jolly boat— you go alongside [Sam Cxiive^f, watching the opportunity, opens the cabin doo)\ fires a pistol, and shoots the Red Rover. Madame de Lacy^ Gertrude, Lieutenant Wildair and Hector Homespun exeunt. Roy. Miscreants! they have slain me. Fid. And see, the rascally tailor has left a light burning in the hold; the ship is in flames. [E.ri7 into the jolly boat. (Flames ascend from the hatchway. Red Rover stag- gers, and falls dead in the centre of the stage. Shi/ begins to sink. Crew flics to rigging, as she goes down. Sea closes over, and the Dart L seen hearing down, and receives the Ladies, Pid, LieateLiant Wildair and Hector Homespun as the curtain ftsditk THE END.