ls,
after the taking of Ticonderoga and Chamblee, as I just now learn by a
Savage, marched immediately to besiege St. John's, and are now before
that place, closely investing it, and no doubt intend paying us a visit
soon.

OFFICER. Say you so? then 'tis time to look about us.

GEN. PRESCOT. They'll find us prepar'd, I'll warrant 'em, to give 'em
such a reception as they little dream of--a parcel of Yankee dogs.

OFFICER. Their success, no doubt, has elated them, and given 'em hopes
of conquering all Canada soon, if that's their intent.

GEN. PRESCOT. No doubt it is--but I'll check their career a little.----

_Enter SCOUTING OFFICER, with COLONEL ALLEN, and other prisoners._

SCOUTING OFFICER. Sir, I make bold to present you with a few
prisoners--they are a scouting detachment from the army besieging St.
John's.

GEN. PRESCOT. Prisoners? Rebels, I suppose, and scarcely worth hanging.

COL. ALLEN. Sir, you suppose wrong--you mean scarcely worth your while
to attempt.

GEN. PRESCOT. Pray, who are you, sir?

COL. ALLEN. A man, sir, and who had the honour, till now, to command
those brave men, whom you call rebels.

GEN. PRESCOT. What is your name? If I may be so bold?

COL. ALLEN. Allen.

GEN. PRESCOT. Allen?

COL. ALLEN. Yes, Allen.

GEN. PRESCOT. Are you that Allen, that Colonel Allen (as they call him)
that dar'd to take Ticonderoga?

COL. ALLEN. The same--the very man.

GEN. PRESCOT. Then rebels you are, and as such I shall treat you, for
daring to oppose Lord Paramount's troops, and the laws of the land.

COL. ALLEN. Prisoners we are, 'tis true--but we despise the name of a
rebel--With more propriety that name is applicable to your master--'tis
he who attempts to destroy the laws of the land, not us--we mean to
support them, and defend our property against Paramount's and
parliamentary tyranny.

GEN. PRESCOT. To answer you were a poorness of spirit I despise; when
rebels dare accuse, power that replies, forgets to punish; I am not to
argue that point with you: And let me tell you, sir, whoever you are, it
now ill becomes you thus to talk--You're my prisoner--your life is in my
hands, and you shall suffer immediately--Guards! take them away.

COL. ALLEN. Cruel insult!--pardon these brave men!--what they have done
has been by my orders--I am the only guilty person (if guilt there be),
let me alone suffer for them all. [_Opening his breast._] Here! take
your revenge--Why do you hesitate?--Will y