The Fall of British Tyranny; Or, American Liberty TriumphantLeacock, John
History
The Fall of British Tyranny; Or, American Liberty Triumphant
Leacock, John
American drama; Tragicomedy; United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783 -- Drama
This Mocklaw is a cursed knowing dog, and I believe the father of
Brazen; how readily he found an old act of parliament to my purpose, as
soon as I told him I would make it worth his study; and the thoughts of
a pension will make him search his old worm-eaten statute books from the
reign of King Arthur down to this present time; how he raises objections
too to make me think his mind is ever bent on study to serve me. The
shaking of the treasury keys is a fine bait. [_Rings the bell._]
Charters, magna chartas, bill of rights, acts of assembly, resolves of
congresses, trials by juries (and acts of parliament too) when they make
against us, must all be annihilated; a suspending power I approve of,
and of royal proclamations.
[_Enter CHARLEY._
CHARLEY. I wait your Lordship's orders.
PARAMOUNT. Write a number of cards, and see that the Lords of the privy
council, and Mr. Judas, be summoned to give their attendance this
evening at six o'clock, at my Pandemonium.
CHARLEY. I'm gone, my Lord.
[_Exit CHARLEY._
PARAMOUNT [_solus_].
How do we shew our authority? how do we maintain the royal prerogative?
keep in awe the knowing ones of the opposite party, and blind the eyes
of the ignorant multitude in Britain? Why, by spirited measures, by an
accumulation of power, of deception, and the shaking of the keys, we
may hope to succeed, should that fail, I'll enforce them with the
pointed bayonet; the Americans from one end to the other shall submit,
in spite of all opposition; I'll listen to no overtures of
reconciliation from any petty self-constituted congress, they shall
submit implicitly to such terms as I of my royal indulgence please to
grant. I'll shew them the impudence and weakness of their resolves, and
the strength of mine; I will never soften; my inflexibility shall stand
firm, and convince them the second Pharaoh is at least equal to the
first. I am unalterably determined at every hazard and at the risk of
every consequence to compel the colonies to absolute submission. I'll
draw in treasure from every quarter, and, Solomon-like, wallow in
riches; and Scotland, my dear Scotland, shall be the paradise of the
world. Rejoice in the name of Paramount, and the sound of a bawbee shall
be no more heard in the land of my nativity.--
SCENE IV.
_Enter CHARLEY in haste._
CHARLEY. My Lord, the notices are all served.
PARAMOUNT. It's very well, Charley.
CHARLEY. My Lord, be pleased to turn your eyes, and look out of the
window, and see the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, Common Council and Liverymen
going to St. James's with the address.
PARAMOUNT. Where? Sure enough--Curse their impudence; how that squinting
scoundrel swells with importance--Mind, Charley, how fond he is of
bowing to the gaping multitude, and ev'ry upstart he sees at a window--I
hope he'll not turn his blear eyes t'wards me--I want none of his bows,
not I--Stand before me, Charley--
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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