She Would Be a Soldier; Or, The Plains of Chippewa — John Shaqi
She Would Be a Soldier; Or, The Plains of ChippewaNoah, M. M. (Mordecai Manuel)
General
She Would Be a Soldier; Or, The Plains of Chippewa
Noah, M. M. (Mordecai Manuel)
American drama; Chippewa, Battle of, Ont., 1814 -- Drama
LENOX. Bring them in; I will examine them, touching the number and force
of their tribe. [_Exit SOLDIER, who returns with PENDRAGON and LAROLE,
with a file of men; both are painted and dressed as Indians; PENDRAGON
preserves his opera-glass, and LAROLE his snuff-box._]
PENDRAGON. What are we brought here for, fellow?
LENOX. Warriors, the fate of battle has placed you in our power; yet
fear nothing, we shall treat you like men and soldiers. Deeply do we
regret to see you take up arms against us, instigated by foreign
influence, and bribed by foreign gold. How numerous is your tribe?
PENDRAGON. Why what the devil, sir, do you take us for Choctaws? Can't
you tell a man of fashion in masquerade?
LENOX. Who and what are you?
PENDRAGON. I am the honourable Captain Pendragon, of his Majesty's
Coldstream guards.
LENOX. The _honourable_ Captain Pendragon, and taken prisoner fighting
in the ranks with Indians, and in disguise? A man of rank and fashion,
and a soldier, changing his complexion, his nature and his
character--herding with savages--infuriating their horrid passions, and
whetting their knives and tomahawks against their defenceless prisoners?
Impossible! And who are you, sir? [_To LAROLE._
LAROLE. [_Taking snuff._] Begar, sair, I am von man of fashion aussi, I
am valet de sham to capitain Pendragoon; ve are in de masquerade, sair.
PENDRAGON. It's very true, sir, 'pon honour--we are in masquerade,
though you look as if you doubt it. War, sir, is a kind of a--a singular
science, and if you are to be knock'd on the head, 'tis of very little
consequence whether your nose is tipped with blue or red, damme. I am in
your power, sir, and a man of fashion, 'pon honour.
LENOX. Well, sir, if your example is to govern men of honour or men of
fashion, I hope I am ignorant of the attributes of the one, or the
eccentricities of the other. However, mercy to prisoners, even when they
have forfeited mercy, may teach your nation lessons of toleration and
humanity. Your life is safe, sir.
PENDRAGON. Sir, you speak very like a gentleman, and I shall be happy to
taste Burgundy with you at the Horse Guards.
LENOX. I thank you, sir.
LAROLE. Par example, dis Yankee Doodel is von very pretti spoken jeune
gentiman, I will give him de encouragement. Sair, I vill be ver happy to
serve you en my contree, to take un tasse de caffee at de Palais Royale
en Paris wid you, to dress your hair, or pull your corset tight.
_Enter GENERAL, ADELA and OFFICER._
GENERAL. Who have we here?
LENOX. Prisoners, sir, and in disguise.
ADELA. As I live, an Indian dandy!
PENDRAGON. A lady? [_With an air of fashion._] Ma'am, your most devoted
slave--inexpressibly happy to find a beautiful creature in this damn'd
wilderness. You see, ma'am, I am a kind of a prisoner, but always at
home, always at my ease, _à-la-mode_ St. James--extremely rejoiced to
have the honour of your acquaintance. A fine girl, LaRole, split me!
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account