The Sun.
London, England, 1838-05-31 00:00:00

(Distant fightineo

(Distant calls.)

They cry for " hclp"-0 sweeter music still
" Wallace surrounded"—Satan, match me that—
I could shake hands with thee in bloody joy !
( Calls repeated.) " Help, Cumnzing hap—Maccluffis cut to pieces."
What's chat to me ?—Then patch him up again.
They'll get such help as wretches in the deep
Who grasp the shadow of the whelming breaker.
( Calls.) " Help, Stuart calls thee, noble Cumming, hell!"
Help ! lam coming,
(His men pushingforward.) Help, men help
CUMMING— Retire! (They fall back murmuring.)
Till I command, move at your peril—slaves!
( Calls without.) " Wallace is rescued by the gallant Graham!"
I'm sorry, faith :—the combat comes too near me.
Is that not Bruce ?—Oh, Satan ! tempt me not.
Two rivals in my power—which shall I choose ? •
Wallace or Bruce ?—Let Wallace perish first.
I'll settle Bruce hereafter.—Now retreat!
(Moves off with his men.)
(Enter STUART fighting and wounded.)
STUART.—HeIp, Cumming !—heip—Good God ! has Cumming fled ?
Perdition catch his so:pull—l'd die with comfort,
To have one sta'i at him ! (Falls.) -But thus to falt—
And unrevcnged l—Oh, noble-minded Wallace!
It is too much,—

Dies.

Enter FLOREMNIA, hurriedly.
FLORENIMA. I cannot rest a moment—
Looking upon the battle.--Heavenly Father !
Wilt thou forsake the patriot's sinking spirit,
Struggling with evil potency ?—O Stuart !
The eagle's wing could not support thy glory,
Aspiring beyond Wallace ! Thou art fallen.—
And I could weep—but Graham would blush to see me.
Give me a sword, since Cumming will not help
This sword is broken—and 'tis ominous,
For lain broken.hearted !—But my will
Is stronger than my fears ( Throwing the sword away.) Give me a sword.
here is a sword for Wallace and my country! (Exit.)
(Alarums. Scene shifts to another part of the field.)
Enter ELIZA,
ELlZA.—Where shall I find him in that field of horrors ?
Could I forget to think, it were a blessing,
That thought can never reach to : but my brain
Is giddy with the motion of my thoughts.
What murderous odds—four upon one : hold, cowards!
(Enter Gamtut,fighting with HEREFORD and others.)
Two fall before him—now a third—'tis Graham!
And worthy of his sword—hold, Saxon ! hold !
ItA lIA>I falls, as she raises her sword.)
HEREFORD.—The sword of England never yields to man—
But falls at beauty's feet !
ELIZA.— 0 noble Graham!
What help can I afford thze ?—Where's Kirkpatrick ?
GRA nAM.—Fear not for him,—he triumphs —Fly from danger!
Ilrar:Foau.--Nay, she is safe. Illustrious chief! thy glory
Dies not with thee,—for dreadful was thy prowess;
And I may bless the fortune of my sword—
Yet would I save thee,—
G RA HAM. 'Tis in vain, brave foeman !
I am beyond the power of man.—But thou,
All tenderness—bring'A down the light of heaven
Upon my parting spirit! 0 Eliza!
Remember me to Wallace!—say that Graham
Bequeathed the fond Floremma to his care
As friendship's dearest gift!—They come,—rm em';er!—(Dies.)

(to Eliza.)

ELtzA —Oh God! My husband, how I fear for thee,
I see his banner there—but not himself!

HEREFORD.—Start not so wildly—nay, thou shalt not leave use.
I would not lose the glory of thy capture,
For Edward's crown of victory.
ELIZA. Behold him!
Kirkpatrick !—help—
HEREFORD. Come, come,---they press upon us !
( Exeunt struggling,)

ELIZA. Rescue !—Rescue!
(Scene shifts to another part of thefield.—Alarums. Reenter WALLACE
bearing FLoaEMMA, who is wounded by an art ow.)
WALLACE. I hope it is not mortal—
rlere may'ot thou rest in safety, and take breath.
FLOREAIMA.—I feel a little faint—but 'twill be over
And I shall rest in peace ! (Sitting down on a hillock.)
WALLACE. 0 dear Floremma!
Speak not despairingly. Alas! what brought thee
Where war's rude shafts respect not whom they visit—
But deal destruction to the fair and brave
Promiscuously ?

FLOREVNIA. Didst thou not bid me watch,
And be thy guardian angel ? Yes ! most kindly—
And I did promise.
WA L LAC E.
And not by deed—
FLOREMMA. I've watched thee long in thought !
And wished to prove my fervency by action.
And I am happy—though it may not last ;
But while I breathe—l will—
WALLACE. Sweet flower of beauty !
Oh, droop not thus in hope's enamoured bloom,
To desolate our hearts!
FLOREMMA. Where is my brother?
WALLACE— Fear not for Graham—his sword exults in battle!
And we shall triumph yet.
FLOREMMA. Ye are betrayed.
By Cumming's cowardice.—Ny fears prove true—
Too true, alas !—but thou would'st not believe me.
WALLACE—We are prepared to meet our fate like men ;
And lia.lven can ask nomore.

Oh, 'twas but in thought !

FLOREMMA 0 may ye prosper
Still, in the care of heAven, and Scotia's love !
I could say much I—but modesty forbids
What death would yet allow me.
WALLACE Name not death,—
Floremma ! Thou wilt live.

FLOREMMA. When I am gone,
Wilt thou tell Graham how his loved sister died ?
And say she blessed him with her dying breath
For loving thee!—Oli, wilt thou tell him, Wallace P
I would do more for thee!--I know thou wilt—
Thy tears speak feelingly unto my heart :
And I could weep in sympathy of soul—
But—oh, my day of weeping is gone by!.—
And the long night of sorrow
WALLACE.
And Graham will come to cheer thee.
FLOREMMA.
While thinking of his tenderness to me,
And dreams of love !—but he will tell thee all!
And I shall be thy guardian angel still,
In yonder sphere. I will request that favour
Even for thy sake! and heaven shall grant the boon,
To watch o'er those who shared our earthly love !
Oh, 't will be ecstacy to gaze on thee,
Beloved of heaven, and idolised by men
For virtuous independence to the last,
Exalting Scotland's glory !—I am dying
With future transport now!—
WALLACE My own Floremma !
Touch not affection's tender chord so deeply.
I could not hope for such devotedness,—
But would'st thou live—we may be happy yet!—
And Graham shall bless our union.
FLOREMM A. • Thanks, dear Wallace
For this avowal!—lt will cheer my soul
Through death's dark vale—and light the path to heaven.
I was not born to be an earthly bride,
But I wil to a spiritual one to thee—
Descending oft in patriot-breathing dreams,
To bless thy soul with ravishment immortal.
And memory shall sleep while I am with thee—
Or if she wake, 't will be from dreams of love,
When hope was beautiful—and joy was new!
WALLACE— Would'st thou but pause—Floremma, do! and live:—
This deep emotion overcomes thy nature.
FLOREMMA—Oh, let me pour my overflowing heart
Before its stream be cold ! A little while—
And then, kind Wallace! will my tongue be mute.
But now, while love o'ermasters death, let me
Unbosom all the pathos of esteem—
And sigh my grateful soul in thy dear arms
Leaving the coyness of regard to maidens
Whose love is of this world, with hope before them—
But mine bath passed the goal! Yet will I come
From heaven to thee with newness of desire.
And I shall soothe thee to divine repose,
And chase the tear of feeling from thine eye—
When thou dolt sigh my name with soft concern,
While tender scenes steal on thy memory!
And I shall whisper to thy conscious soul
The fond response that may not meet thine ear ;
And thou wilt breathe more soft while I bend o'er thee,
•
Fearing to move—lest waking, I may vanish—
And drop the veil of immortality
Which gives thy soul a foretaste of hereafter.
Oh ! 'tis a joy that elevates my spirit
Beyond the strength of nature. Be thou happy !
And if thou wed one fairer than myself,
I too shall love her for her husband's sake !
While thou wilt cherish her on my account—
Saying I blessed thee with my latest breath—
And took one patting kiss-0 Wallace !—Wallace !
(Dies, kissing his hand.)
_
•,*

Be composed :

He may weep,

SCENE.—ENGLAND. EDWARD'S COURT.
(Enter Loan in waiting.)
My liege, the outlaw Wallace is arrived.
EDWARD. Bring bins before us instantly.

(Exit Lord.)

Good Ormesby,

Had we not better give Lim show of trial ?
How stands the law ?

Ready to find him guilty

0 (CUESIIY.
By frequent precedent.
EDWARD. That's quite enough.
ORM ESBY. (Haste and prepare the block.) (.!side. Exit Attendant.)
Behold the Traitor !
(Enter WALLeen, guarded, having a crown of laurel on his head, in
mockery.)
EDWARD.—Traitor ?—he is no traitor : art thou, Wallace ?
WALLACE.—No, Majesty; but traitors brought me hither.
EDWARD —Mind how thou speak'st ;—thou art upon thy trial.
WALLACE.—Upon my trial, here ?
ORM ESRY. Yes, rebel Scot !
For treason, murder, and unheard-of crimes,
To which I can bear witness.
WALLACE. Kill me then!
sword, and ye shall see me do it!
oWkli.L.LsAnCyr:
.I—That's !—good, my liege : we find him guilty.
0 ItNIESBli.—Not yet : we try thee first.
EDWARD. Defend thyself.
HERE,„,"—Not so, my lord :—you prejudice your peers
By the alacrity of your decision__
Before defence is made. Let bins speak out.
0 Rat ESBY—He will not speak but with the sword.
HEREFORD. . Nay then,
A braver never drew the sword than Wallace !
Nor used it more humanely.—Gracious King !
I can bear witness to his worth in arms.
GLOUCESTER—And so can I, soy liege; he is not guilty.
Eowa no. Not guilty ?
OamEsay. Guilty ! please your Majesty,
According to our law.
HEREFORD. I do beseech you,
Strain not the law to taint our country's honour.
I do acquit bins, on my conscience.
EnEDWARD—DO you ?
do,ToilisEolßdErt°hßatp—paltrot u in liege. And I would crave your highness
your estimation
As one whom Majesty delights to honour!
He is not one who bends the ready knee
Before occasion asks it. Nor, my liege,
Will he disgrace your favour by his actions.
I will be bound for him.
EDWARD—Mind how you speak.
HEREFORD—MY liege, I speak the impulse of my heart,
As touching truth, your glory, and the Nation's,
Which are concerned in Wallace's acquittal.
EDWARD—Have we no Peers but you ?
HEREFORD— I've done my duty,
So please your Majesty;—let them do theirs—
For Wallace did no more !

He is a Tebel I

0 amcsav,--
The peers who love you are of my opinion
GLOUCESTER I'm not, for one; but love his Majesty,
HnacFoaD—LOVe dwells not on his toogue, but in the heart,
And mine disdains the impotence of speech
To trumpet my allegiance. It rests here !
Till
danger call it forth ; but not till then.
EDWARD—
Is there not danger now ?
Oinrrsov—
When traitors find your peers to advocate
The cause they are ashamed to plead themselves.
Enwsan—Thou speakest true ; let Wallace plead himself.
WALLsce—Silence were best where treason is the erime,
And kings are both the accusers and the judges
I shall be silent, but I am no traitor !
EDWARD-1110U art a rebel, then ?
WALLscr.—.
No, I am neither.
EDWARD—What art thou, pray ?
ORMESBY—
A contumacious traitor!—
Standing erect in scorn !—Give him a sword
To plead rebellion. Is he not a King ?
With victory's crown upon his rebel head ?
EDWARD—What, King of Scotland! stand'st thou crowned before us ?
Kneel! and pay homage for that dignity.—
Down, Sovereign Wallace !—down !
WALLACE— Inglorious King!
I wear the Patriot's thou the Despot's crown.
Am I brought here to be the jest of slaves,
And stoop to thee—thus back'd by tyrant power?
But, Edward, dream it not. lam a man
Proud to uphold man's dignity, and meek To yield obedience, due :—but 'tis not here.
Am I brought here to die ?—then speed the dart--
I fear it not. My conscience is my God ;
And that acquits me in my country's cause.
What right has thou to desolate her fields,
And covet all the 'wildness of her mountains ?
Did nature spread the land of mist for thee,
And form thy slave the tenant of the hills ?
No !—there the Caledonian still defies thee!
What wouldst thou have, since England cannot please?
Is not her wealth, might, glory, more than plenty
To satisfy one man's ambition ? No.
Thou must have Wales—have Scotland. Has the earth
No bound for thy insatiate avarice?
Hast thou a patent from the throne of God
To curse my country for thy royal sport?
Has thou no pleasure but in making widows?
And canst thou joy but in the orphan's tears ?
Was Nature's beauty made but for destruction ?
And man created but to be. enslaved ?
Ask thy own heart—and conscience boldly answers—
Man is thy brother, though thou be a King
And he a beggar. Alan was stamp'd by Heaven
In God's blest image—sovereign—free--immortall
But man is fallen. Man now betrays his brother,
And being crowned, shakes his red arm at heaven.
Think'st thou a King hath rule beyond this being,
Or power to awe the Majesty of God ?
Was not thy father mortal ? And art thou
Of matter less corruptible? The grave
Ilath uo respect to royalty of dust.

Most imminent !

Death knows rot slaves and despots. Why should life
Behold such mighty difference? Wilt thou,
Because a King o'er this devoted land
Presume to lord dominion o'er my country?
Branding her sons with names of obloquy,
Because they dare stand up against oppression,
And grasp the sword as their inheritance,
To choose a king themselves—but have no tyrant ?
Were we not mocked with puppet kings by thee—
And visited for their conceived transgression?
Our kings were not enough—but reason also
Must pay thee homage on thy throne of wisdom—
With knowledge for thy footstool—and the sword
Thy blushing arbiter in peace anti war!
My country never saw thy robe of peace
But it was weeping with her children's blood.
Was I not hunted out by human bloodhounds ?
But vain their search had I distrusted Oh !—(Weeping.)
This weakness comes unbidden—but I mourn
That Caledonia could produce such men !
And I not hurried from my native land
To answer crimes beyond thy jurisdiction—
Were such committed 2—But my spirit scorns •
The imputation !—Here I stand, betrayed,
Through thy dark agency—but unsubdued—
The patriot lord of independent mind!
ORMESDY—How brave.he speaks, insulting Majesty.
EDWARD—(His spirit almost makes me spare his life—
But then, his firmness shakes one ) (Aside.) Wouldst thou live ?
WALLAce—Yes : for my country, I would live or die.
EDWARD—Live, then ; pay homage to thy lawful sovereign ;
Repent thy treasons; and swear true allegiance.
WALLACE—I will pay homage to my lawful sovereign,
When I behold him.
EDWARD—I am he!—kneel down!
WALLACE—Not while the blood of Scotland warms my heart !
EDWARD—Then thou shalt die, unbending rebel, now!
WALLACE—I care not, tyrant !—life I do not value,
Without the privilege of using it.
EDWARD—How bold the traitor speaks.—Off with lit head!
ORMESBY—Ay, good my liege! and quarter him besides.
HEREFORD—I wash my hands of this. (Eril.)
GLOUCESTER—And so do I. (Exit)
EDWARD—What say you, peers ! is not that rebel guilty ?
ALL—Most guilty, Sire.
EDWARD—MCI-1 let his head be off!
WALLACE—But ere 'tis off,—from my prophetic tongue
Dread thou the storm which darkens in the North,
To burst on thee!—The stifled murmur spreads,
Through Scotland with such angry gleams of hope,
That, light one beacon, and the hills shall blaze.
There God is now communing deep with Bruce! (Edward startles.
For freedom's spirit, when it seeMito sleep,
Is but the lightning shrouded in its terrors.
EDWA,'with MS head!—begone!— (Drawing his sword.
WALLACE—
(As they are snoring hint away he takes ells marl, crown.)
Remember, King!
We meet where crowns are not conferred by slaves_
Nor given to tyrants ! (Throning the CTOWI2 al Edward.)
Edward,ilreain of that.
(E scant WALLACE and Soldiers.) (A dead march.)
CURTAIN SLOWLY DROPS-