Prudent and politic Sir George Prevost! Hull's threatened ravage of our western coast, Hath more breviloquence than your despatch. Storms are not stilled by reasoning with air, Nor fires quenched by a syrup of sweet words. So to the wars, Diplomacy, for now Our trust is in our arms and arguments Delivered only from the cannon's mouth! (Rings.) (Enter an ORDERLY.) (ORDERLY: Your Exc'llency?) Bid Colonel Proctor come! (Exit Orderly.) Now might the head of gray Experience Shake o'er the problems that surround us here. I am no stranger to the brunt of war, But all the odds so lean against our side That valour's self might tremble for the issue, Could England stretch its full, assisting hand Then might I smile though velvet-footed time Struck all his claws at once into our flesh; But England, noble England, fights for life, Couching the knightly lance for liberty 'Gainst a new dragon that affrights the world. And, now, how many noisome elements Would plant their greed athwart this country's good! How many demagogues bewray its cause! How many aliens urge it to surrender! Our present good must match their present ill, And, on our frontiers, boldest deeds in war, Dismay the foe, and strip the loins of faction. (Enter COLONEL PROCTOR.) Time waits not our conveniency; I trust Your preparations have no further needs. (PROCTOR: All is in readiness, and I can leave For Amherstburg at once.) Then tarry not, For time is precious to us now as powder. You understand my wishes and commands?

Brock Monologue from Tecumseh : a Drama

Rehearse Brock's monologue