_Sir Henry._ But, then, your country!-- Consider what it is you owe your country. Distressed she combats with revolted nations, And can't by force reduce them to subjection; Assist her while you can, and take my word, You need not fear an apprehension. I charge you, be not found within their lines; Remember still to keep on neutral ground, Unless a flag of truce be sent from Arnold That will secure your person and the plot. But if by chance you should be questioned By any scouting parties of militia, A purse of shillings scattered to the wretches Will soon procure a passage unmolested. I long to hear the upshot of this meeting, The _Vulture_ man-of-war is at your service, And shall to-morrow take you up the river As far as she with safety may adventure. _Maj. Andre._ Then for the sake of Britain and of you Will I to Arnold haste away, Sir Harry. If things succeed, as I expect they shall, Within three days will I be back to tell you The means we fall upon to gain the fort. ACT II. SCENE I.--_Enter an aide-de-camp from_ GENERAL WASHINGTON _to_ ARNOLD. _Scene, West Point Fort. Time, midnight._ _Aide D. C._ Sir, I am sent by our renowned general To let you know that in his best opinion Five hundred men in reason are too few To man the works of this important post. Three thousand, he informs, are at your service, Lying at camp, with stores and baggage ready, Whene'er you send a requisition for them. _Arnold._ Five hundred are too few! Why, sir, what means he? I do assert, and do insist upon it, That with the aid of scant two hundred men I could defend this fort and all its outworks (Its strength is so prodigious in defence) Against ten legions of the boldest Britons, With Clinton at the head to lead them on, Whether he choose to come by sea or land. _Aide D. C._ Well be it so. I have discharged my duty In bringing you our noble general's message. Pray, sir, have you commands to send from hence? My time to stay is short; I must be going. _Arnold._ Tho' I am steady to my sentiment, That these five hundred men are full sufficient, Yet, to comply with the spirit of his meaning, You may inform the general, two hours' warning Will bring me in four thousand of militia. They are as rugged and as hardy fellows, As bold and desperate in the works of war, As skilled to hit the mark or push the bagnet, As any of the choicest continentals. Pray tell the general this, and I am sure, I'm satisfied, he'll be of my opinion. [_Exit Aide D. C._