From She Would Be a Soldier; Or, The Plains of Chippewa by M. M. (Mordecai Manuel) Noah

Cruel, unkind, false Lenox! Are these your vows of constancy? are these your protestations of love? Scarcely are you free from our cottage, when your vows and pledges are but air. Wretched Christine! what will become of you? I have deserted my father's house to avoid a hateful match, and seek the protection of the man I love; he is false, and I am lost. What's to be done? Return home a penitent, and meet the frowns of my father, and be wedded to the man I hate? Never. Seek out Lenox, and upbraid him with his falsehood? No, pride and wounded honour will not permit me. Let him go--he is a wretch who trifles with the affections of a woman. I care not what becomes of me, despair is all that I have left. Ha! a thought strikes me with the lightning's force--the army--I will enlist--this disguise is favourable, and in the battle's rage, seek that death which quickly awaits me--'tis resolved. (CORPORAL passes over the stage.) Hist, corporal. (CORPORAL: Well, my lad, what would ye?) I would enlist, good corporal, and serve my country. (CORPORAL: Enlist! As a drummer or fifer, I suppose.) No; in the ranks--and though small, you will find me capable. Give me your musket. (CHRISTINE takes the musket, shoulders, presents, and goes through a few motions.)

Christine Monologue from She Would Be a Soldier; Or, The Plains of Chippewa

Rehearse Christine's monologue