Tecumseh : a Drama by Charles Mair
page 119 of 134 (88%)
page 119 of 134 (88%)
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NICHOL. I think it feasible and prudent too.
Hull's letters, captured by Tecumseh, prove His soldiers mutinous, himself despondent. And dearly Rumor loves the wilderness, Which gives a thousand echoes to a tongue That ever swells and magnifies our strength. And in this flux we take him, on the hinge Of two uncertainties--his force and ours. So, weighed, objections fall; and our attempt, Losing its grain of rashness, takes its rise In clearest judgment, whose effect will nerve All Canada to perish, ere she yield. BROCK. My very thoughts! What says Tecumseh now? TECUMSEH. I say attack the fort! This very night I'll cross my braves, if you decide on this. BROCK. Then say no more! Glegg, take a flag of truce, And bear to Hull this summons to surrender. Tell him Tecumseh and his force are here-- A host of warriors brooding on their wrongs, Who, should resistance flush them to revenge, Would burst from my control like wind-borne fire, And match on earth the miseries of hell. But, should he yield, his safety is assured. Tell him Tecumseh's word is pledged to this, Who, though his temperate will in peace is law Yet casts a loose rein to enforced rage. |
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