hope of
pardon. Record the verdict and sentence, for the inspection and
concurrence of the general. [_OFFICER writes. The company rise from the
table, and one approaches CHRISTINE, who appears buried in thought._]
OFFICER. Young man, I deeply commiserate your unhappy situation, but the
rules of war are rigid, and must be enforced. You must prepare to die!
CHRISTINE. [_Starts, but recovers herself quickly._] I am ready.
OFFICER. I would offer you hope, but acts of mutiny, and when covering
such suspicious motives as yours, cannot be pardoned. You have but a day
to live. I deeply regret it, for you appear to have qualities which, in
time, would have made you a valuable citizen. You are cut off in youth,
probably from the hopes of a fond parent.
CHRISTINE. [_In agony._] Oh, no more--no more!
OFFICER. All the sympathy and indulgence which can be offered you shall
be yours! Farewell.
[_Exit OFFICERS, GUARDS, &c._
CHRISTINE. At length 'tis concluded, and an ignominious death terminates
my unmerited sufferings. Cruel father! and still more cruel Lenox! thus
to have wounded the heart that loved you. Oh, what a situation is mine!
separated from all I hold dear, sentenced to die, and in this disguise;
to leave my poor father, and to know that death, alone, can tell my sad
story. What's to be done? Discover all? No, no. Expose my weakness and
folly--to see the false Lenox wedded to another, and I forced to accept
the hand I loathe--to be pointed at for one who, lost to the delicacy of
her sex, followed a perfidious lover in disguise, and, tortured by
jealousy, enlisted, was mutinous, and sentenced to die; but who, to save
a miserable life, avowed her situation, and recorded her disgrace at
once? Never, never! let me die, and forever be forgotten--'tis but a
blow, and it will end the pangs which torment me here. [_Enter a
SOLDIER, who beckons._] I am ready, lead the way.
[_Exit._
SCENE V. _Another part of the Prison._
_Enter the JAILOR, driving JERRY before him._
JAILOR. In, in, you mutinous dog! do you come here to breed a riot in
our camp?
JERRY. Now, my dear good-natured jailor, only have pity on me, and I'll
tell you all about it.
JAILOR. I won't hear you--didn't you breed a riot?
JERRY. Why no, it was not me. I am as innocent as a young lamb. I'll
tell you how it was--come, sit down on this be
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