alls not.
He bids me loud proclaim it, and declare,
If this brave officer, by cruel mockery
Of war's stern law, and justice's feign'd pretence,
Be murder'd; the sequel of our strife, bloody,
Unsparing and remorseless, _you_ will make.
Think of the many captives in our power.
Already one is mark'd; for Andre mark'd;--
And when his death, unparallel'd in war,
The signal gives, then Colonel Bland must die.

GENERAL.

'T is well, sir; bear this message in return.
Sir Henry Clinton knows the laws of arms:
He is a soldier, and, I think, a brave one.
The prisoners he retains he must account for.
Perhaps the reckoning's near. I, likewise, am
A soldier; entrusted by my country.
What I shall judge most for that country's good,
That shall I do. When doubtful, I consult
My country's friends; never her enemies.
In Andre's case there are no doubts: 't is clear:
Sir Henry Clinton knows it.

BRITISH OFFICER.

Weigh consequences.

GENERAL.

In strict regard to consequence I act;
And much should doubt to call that action right,
However specious, whose apparent end
Was misery to man. That brave officer
Whose death you threaten, for himself drew not
His sword--his country's wrongs arous'd his mind;
Her good alone his aim; and if his fall
Can further fire that country to resistance,
He will, with smiles, yield up his glorious life,
And count his death a gain; and tho' Columbians
Will lament his fall, they will lament in blood.
[_GENERAL walks up the stage._

M'DONALD.

Hear this! hear this, mankind!

BRITISH OFFICER.

Thus am I answered?

_Enter a SERGEANT with a letter._

SERGEANT.

Express from Colonel Bland. [_Delivers it and exit._

GENERAL.

With your permission. [_Opens it._

BRITISH OFFICER.

Your pleasure, sir. It may my mission further.

M'DONALD.

O, Bland! my countryman, surely I know thee!

GENERAL.

'T is short: I will put form aside, and read it.

[_Reads._] "Excuse me, my Commander, for having a moment doubted your
virtue: but you love me. If you waver, let this confirm you. My wife and
children, to you and my country. Do _your_ duty." Report this to your
General.

BRITISH OFFICER.

I shall, sir.
[_Bows, and exit with AMERICAN OFFICER._

GENERAL.

O, Bland! my countryman!