NERAL. He has not confessed who set him on?
OFFICER. He has not, but admits the crime.
GENERAL. [_Returning papers._] 'Tis well--see him executed according to
the sentence. Hard and imperious duty, which, at once, shuts out hope
and mercy!
[_Exit GENERAL._
OFFICER. Now to seek for Lenox, and restore to him his miniature.
[_Exit._
SCENE IV. _The Camp, as in Act I, Scene III; the stage is thrown open,
drums roll, and the procession enters for the execution of CHRISTINE;
she is in the centre, between the two detachments; her coat is off, and
the stock unloosened from her neck--her step is firm, until she reaches
the tent of LENOX, when she clasps her hands and hangs down her head in
despair. Procession makes the circuit of the stage with slow steps, and
when opposite the tent she kneels; an OFFICER places the bandage over
her eyes, and gives a sign to a detachment of four to advance; they step
forward, and level their muskets at her; at the moment, LENOX rushes
from the tent with the miniature in his hand and strikes up their guns._
LENOX. Hold! for your lives! [_Rushes down to CHRISTINE, and tears the
bandage from her eyes._] 'Tis she! 'tis she! 'tis my own, my beloved
Christine!
[_Holds her in his arms; she faints._
2ND OFFICER. What means this?
LENOX. Stand off, ye cruel executioners, would you destroy a woman?
OFFICER. A woman? Heavens! how did this happen?
_Enter GENERAL, ADELA, LAROLE, SOLDIERS, &c._
LENOX. Support her, Adela, support my dear Christine!
[_ADELA assists._
CHRISTINE. [_Recovering._] Where am I? [_Sees LENOX and ADELA._] Hide
me, save me from that horrid sight!
LENOX. Do you not know me, dear Christine?
CHRISTINE. Traitor, begone! let me die at once! Is she not your bride?
LENOX. No, by Heavens, no! 'tis my early friend, my dear companion.
Could you doubt my love?
CHRISTINE. Not married? not your betrothed? O Lenox, are you then
faithful?
LENOX. Could Christine doubt my vows?
CHRISTINE. I see it all--I have been deceived. Pardon me, dear Lenox;
but driven to despair by your supposed perfidy, I enlisted, and rushed
on my fate--which in a moment (horrid thought!) would have terminated.
But you are true, and I am happy.
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