Till you return from this important errand I am a slave to impatience, Major Andre. I beg you would this night equip with speed, And on an eagle's wings to Arnold haste. The frigate lies at single anchor ready, And winds propitious to our purpose blow. But hark ye, friend, and tell the general then That if he can by any means at all, On any artful, plausible pretence, So manage matters and with such address As to entice the great Americ chief, At that same hour the fort is yielded to us, There to be present on some feigned business, That so we may be master of his person, Tell him if he does this his pay is double. Besides ten thousand guineas we have promised, Ten thousand more with gratitude I'll pay, And think him cheaply bought. He is the soul, The great upholder of this long contention. I dread his prudence and his courage more Than all the armies that the Congress raise, Than all the troops or all the ships of France. _Maj. Andre._ Well thought! I shall obey your Excellency. It is a bold and dangerous undertaking, 'Tis hazardous, but not impossible. To win on this great chief--'tis a bright thought. He'll think himself as safe at West Point Fort As in the bosom of his spacious camp, And therefore will not hesitate to come Only attended by a score of guards. The same attempt may seize the fort and him. _Sir Henry._ And be precise to fix the time, when we Must take possession of the citadel. Against the hour that I expect you back Five thousand troops shall be embarked and ready To execute whatever plan you fix on. [_Exit Sir Henry. Reenter Lucinda with a handkerchief to her eyes_ _Maj. Andre._ The time is come that is appointed for my departure. It is impossible that even beauty or wit or tears can now withhold me from my purpose. I have promised his Excellency and now to hesitate would prove me to be a coward, one altogether unworthy to be trusted with any business that requires wit and dexterity. _Lucinda._ Your resolution is fixed, and I do not desire you to fall from it; only if heaven should so order that any fatal accident befall you, remember the unfortunate Lucinda. She sends her good wishes along with you, and prays for all imaginable prosperity on every undertaking in which Major Andre bears a part. _Maj. Andre._ My thanks to you, my dearest. If a heart so good as thine petition heaven for my safety, I have nothing to fear. Thy prayers are my guardian angels, and will protect me in every danger. My honour calls me and I must go. Give me a parting kiss, my dear. Adieu, adieu.