This is the Fire and Madness of your Youth, And must be curb'd to do your Country Service. Facts are not always what they seem to be, And this perhaps may be the Fault of One Whom their Laws punish if you once detect him. Shall we then, to revenge your Countrymen, To recompense a Wrong by one committed, Rouse all to Arms, and make a general Slaughter? 'Tis higher Motives move my Mind to War, And make me zealous in the common Cause. But hear me--'Tis no Trifle we're upon-- If we have Wisdom, it must now be used; If we have Numbers, they must be united; If we have Strength, it must be all exerted; If we have Courage it must be inflamed, And every Art and Stratagem be practis'd: We've more to do than fright a Pigeon Roost, Or start a timorous Flock of running Deer; Yes, we've a strong, a warlike stubborn Foe, Unus'd to be repuls'd and quit the Field, Nay, flush'd with Victories and long Success, Their Numbers, Strength, and Courage all renown'd, 'Tis little of them that you see or know. I've seen their Capital, their Troops and Stores, Their Ships, their Magazines of Death and Vengeance, And, what is more, I've seen their potent King, Who like a God sits over all the World, And thunders forth his Vengeance thro' the Earth. When he is pleas'd, Smiles sit upon his Face, And Goodness flows in Rivers at his Feet; When he's provok'd, 'tis like a fiery Tempest, All's Terror and Amazement in his Presence, And frighted Heroes trembling flee his Wrath. What then is to be done? what may we hope? At most, by secret, sly, and subtle Means To curb these vagrant Outcasts of his Subjects, Secure our Countries from their further Ravage, And make ourselves of more Importance to them, Perhaps procure a Peace to our Advantage. In this I'll join and head my valiant Troops, Who will not fail to act a valiant Part.

Astinaco Monologue from Ponteach; Or, The Savages of America

Rehearse Astinaco's monologue