BROCK. Bid Colonel Proctor come! [_Exit Orderly_.] Now might the head of gray Experience Shake o'er the problems that surround us here. I am no stranger to the brunt of war, But all the odds so lean against our side That valour's self might tremble for the issue, Could England stretch its full, assisting hand Then might I smile though velvet-footed time Struck all his claws at once into our flesh; But England, noble England, fights for life, Couching the knightly lance for liberty 'Gainst a new dragon that affrights the world. And, now, how many noisome elements Would plant their greed athwart this country's good! How many demagogues bewray its cause! How many aliens urge it to surrender! Our present good must match their present ill, And, on our frontiers, boldest deeds in war, Dismay the foe, and strip the loins of faction. [_Enter_ COLONEL PROCTOR. ] Time waits not our conveniency; I trust Your preparations have no further needs. PROCTOR. All is in readiness, and I can leave For Amherstburg at once. BROCK. Then tarry not, For time is precious to us now as powder. You understand my wishes and commands? PROCTOR. I know them and shall match them with obedience. BROCK. Rest not within the limit of instructions If you can better them, for they should bind The feeble only; able men enlarge And shape them to their needs. Much must be done That lies in your discretion. At Detroit Hull vaunts his strength, and meditates invasion, And loyalty, unarmed, defenceless, bare, May let this boaster light upon our shores Without one manly motion of resistance. So whilst I open Parliament at York, Close it again, and knit our volunteers, Be yours the task to head invasion off. Act boldly, but discreetly, and so draw Our interest to the balance, that affairs May hang in something like an even scale, Till I can join you with a fitting force, And batter this old Hull until he sinks. So fare-you-well--success attend your mission! PROCTOR. Farewell, sir! I shall do my best in this, And put my judgment to a prudent use In furtherance of all. [_Exit_ PROCTOR.] BROCK. Prudent he will be--'tis a vice in him. For in the qualities of every mind There's one o'ergrows, and prudence in this man Tops all the rest. 'Twill suit our present needs. But, boldness, go with me! for, if I know My nature well, I shall do something soon Whose consequence will make the nation cheer, Or hiss me to my grave. [_Re-enter_ ORDERLY. ] ORDERLY. Your Exc'llency, Some settlers wait without. BROCK. Whence do they come? [_Enter_ COLONEL MACDONELL.] ORDERLY. From the raw clearings up Lake Erie, Sir. BROCK. Go bring them here at once. [_Exit_ ORDERLY.] The very men Who meanly shirk their service to the crown! A breach of duty to be remedied, For disaffection like an ulcer spreads Until the caustic ointment of the law, Sternly applied, eats up and stays corruption. [(_Enter_ DEPUTATION OF YANKEE SETTLERS).]