ADELA. Prodigiously. I find, after all, that courage is something like a cold bath; take the first plunge, and all is over. Lord, Lenox, how delightful it would have been, had I been armed and fought gallantly in that affair; my name would have been immortalized like Joan of Arc's. Congress would have voted me a medal, I should have had a public dinner at Tammany-Hall, and his honour the mayor would have made me one of his prettiest speeches, in presenting me with the freedom of the great city in a gold box. LENOX. And so, then, you admire a military life? ADELA. Oh, I'm in raptures with it! I am a perfect female Quixote, and would relinquish a thousand dandy beaux for one brave fellow; and, therefore, Lenox, don't be surprised, if you should see me going about from tent to tent, chaunting the old songs of _"Soldier, soldier, marry me, With your fife and drum."_ _CHRISTINE suddenly appears in the background and surveys the party with astonishment._ CHRISTINE. Heavens! what do I see? Lenox, and with a female so affectionately? LENOX. Your spirits charm me, dear Adela, and revive those feelings for you, that time has impaired, but not destroyed. But come, let us in and see your worthy father. [_Leads her into the tent to the left._ CHRISTINE. Cruel, unkind, false Lenox! Are these your vows of constancy? are these your protestations of love? Scarcely are you free from our cottage, when your vows and pledges are but air. Wretched Christine! what will become of you? I have deserted my father's house to avoid a hateful match, and seek the protection of the man I love; he is false, and I am lost. What's to be done? Return home a penitent, and meet the frowns of my father, and be wedded to the man I hate? Never. Seek out Lenox, and upbraid him with his falsehood? No, pride and wounded honour will not permit me. Let him go--he is a wretch who trifles with the affections of a woman. I care not what becomes of me, despair is all that I have left. Ha! a thought strikes me with the lightning's force--the army--I will enlist--this disguise is favourable, and in the battle's rage, seek that death which quickly awaits me--'tis resolved. [_CORPORAL passes over the stage._] Hist, corporal. CORPORAL. Well, my lad, what would ye? CHRISTINE. I would enlist, good corporal, and serve my country. CORPORAL. Enlist! As a drummer or fifer, I suppose. CHRISTINE. No; in the ranks--and though small, you will find me capable. Give me your musket. [_CHRISTINE takes the musket, shoulders, presents, and goes through a few motions._] CORPORAL. Well done, my little fellow; you'll do, if it's only for a fugelman; come along to our sergeant, and receive the bounty. [_Exit._ CHRISTINE. Now, Lenox, now am I fully revenged for your cruel desertion. [_Follows._ _End of the First Act._ ACT II.