Dramatic Sketches, by Sir Charles Rockingham, Written for Private Performance at Thomastown Castle (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1866. Excerpt: ... But I must tell you, fair niece, what brings me so unexpectedly upon you in this warlike guise. Octavia. Pray do; but try my red wine first. General. It is most excellent. He drinks. No bad draught after a ten miles ride in the sun. Well, the papers will have informed you that I have carried my point at last, and that martial law has been proclaimed in the whole of my district. Octavia. So you can shoot us all now without any trial. General. Without the slightest ceremony of any kind. Had I been listened to sooner the country would long since have been as peaceful as your native England. But better late than never; and, this day week, not a brigand shall be alive within my division. How pale you look fair Rosina We only wage war, you know, against those who carry arms. Rosina. I fear nothing I assure you, General, for my own treasons. But I shudder to think of all the blood which must be shed among those faithful adherents of a fallen cause. You may call them brigands now, in the hour of their adversity One day of triumph would make them martyrs and heroes. General. There's an incorrigible rebel for you Take care I don't detach two of my handsome young lieutenants to mount guard over you. But call these miscreants brigands, martyrs, heroes, or whatever you please, my division shall soon be clear of them. Tristani's bands are already completely dispersed and all would be quiet enough, if I could only get hold of Mendoza. Octavia. Ah Mendoza We have heard a great deal of him in this neighbourhood, where he has often been at work. I cannot help feeling a little interested in him. General. Because he is young, handsome, brave, and truly devoted to the Bourbons. He finds grace with the ladies generally. Octavia. Does he really? General. Yes; but the atroci...