IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 Ui M2B 1 2.5 |50 *^™ HbIB >^ 122 II 2.2 '" 13 6 L25|,,.4,,.6 ^ 6" ^ <^ /> f r>^ °% / 7 y^ Hiotographic Sciences Corporation 23 WiST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 ^^ >y '9> ^ %^ ^ > CIHiWICMH Microfiche Series. CIHJVI/ICiVIH Collection de microfiches. Canadian Inatituta for Hiatorical Microraproductiona Inatitut Canadian da microraproductiona liiatoriquaa 1980 Tachnical and Bibliographic Notaa/Notas tachniquaa at bibliographiquas Tha inatituta haa a'^amptad to obtain tha baat original copy avaiwbla for filming. Faaturaa of thia copy which may ba bibliographically uniqua, which may altar any of tha imagaa in tha raproduction, or which may aignificantly ehanga tha uaual mathod of filming, ara chaclcad balow. L'Inatitut a microfilm* la maiilaur axamplaira qu'ii lui a *t« poaaibi9 da aa procurar. Laa dAtaila da cat axamplaira qui aont paut-ttra uniquaa du point da vua bibliorraphiqua, qui pauvant modifiar una Imaga raproduita, ou qui pauvant axigar una modification dana la mithoda normala da filmaga aont indiqute ci-daaaoua. • 1 — 1 Coiourad covara/ 1 1 Couvartura da coulaur Coiourad pagaa/ Pagaa da coulaur 1 1 Covara damagad/ i — 1 Couvartura andommagAa Pagaa damagad/ Pagaa andommag^aa 1 1 Covara raatorad and/or laminatad/ 1 — i Couvartura raataurAa at/ou paliiculte Pagaa raatorad and/or laminatad/ Pagaa raataurias at/ou paiiiculAaa 1 Covar titia miaaing/ 1 1 La titra da couvartura manqua ^_ Pagaa diacoiourad. atainad or foxad/ Pagaa dAcoiortea, tachattea ou piqutea Coiourad mapa/ 1 — 1 Cartaa gtegraphiquaa an coulaur Pagaa datachad/ Pagas ditachtes Coiourad inic (i.a. othar than biua or black)/ 1 — 1 Encra da coulaur (i.a. autra qua blaua ou noira) ^ Showthrough/ —J Transparanca 1 1 Coiourad piataa and/or iiiuatrations/ Planchaa at/ou iilustrationa an coulaur Quality of print variaa/ Quality in6gaia da i'impraaaion D D D D Bound with othar matarial/ Rail* avac d'autraa documanta Tight binding may cauaa ahadowa or diatortion along intarior margin/ La raliura serrie paut causar da I'ombra ou da la diatortion la long da la marga intiriaura Bianit iaavaa addad during raatoration may appaar within tha taxt. Whanavar poaaibia, thaaa hava baan omittad from filming/ 11 aa paut qua cartainaa pagaa bianchaa ajouttea iora d'una raatauration apparaiaaant dana la taxta. mala, ioraqua cala Atait poaaibia, caa pagas n'ont paa AtA film^aa. Additional commants:/ Commantairaa auppi6mantairaa: I I Inciudas supplamantary matarial/ Comprand du material supplimantaire Only adition availabia/ Saula Adition diaponibia D to II P< Ol fil Ol b4 th ail ol fil ail Ol Tl al T! w M di ai bi ri re Pagas wholly or partially obscured by arrata slips, tissuaa, etc., hava baan rafiimad to anaura tha bast poaaibia imaga/ Laa pagaa totaiamant ou partialiamant obacurciaa par un fauiliat d'arrata, una paiura, ate, ont M fiimAaa A nouvaau da fapon k obtanir la maiiiaura imaga posslbia. Thia itam la filmed at tha reduction ratio chaciced below/ Ca document est filmi au taux da riduction indiqui ci-deaaoua. 10X 14X 18X 22X 26X 30X V n 12X 16X aOX MX 28X 32X ails du tdifier une nage Tha copy filmad hara haa baan raproducad thanka to tha ganaroaity of: National Library of Canada I'ha imagaa appaaring hara ara tha baat quality poaaibia conaidaring tha condition and lagibility of tha original copy and in kaaping with tha filming contract apacificationa. L'axamplaira film4 f ut raproduit grica A la g4n*roait4 da: BibiiothAqua nationala du Canada Las imagai auivantaa ont At* raproduitaa avac la plus grand soin, compta tanu da la condition at da la nattatA da i'axampiaira f llmA, at an conformity avac las conditions du contrat da filmaga. Original copias in printad papar covars ara filmad baginning with tha ^ront covar and anding on tha last paga with a printad or illuatratad impras- sion, or tha back covar whan appropriata. All othar original copias ara filmad baginning on tha first paga wKh a printad or illuatratad impraa- aion, and anding on tha laat paga with a printad or illuatratad imprassion. Laa axamplairaa originaux dont la couvartura ^n papiar aat ImprimAa aont filmAa an commandant par la pramiar plat at an tarminant soit par la darniAra paga qui comporta una amprainta d'impraaaion ou d'illuatration, aoit par la sacond plat, aalon la caa. Toua laa autraa axamplairaa originaux sont filmte an commandant par la pramlAra paga qui comporta una amprainta d'impraaaion ou d'illuatration at an tarminant par la darnlAra paga qui comporta una talla amprainta. Tha last racordad frama on aach microficha shall contain tha symbol ^^> (moaning "CON- TINUED"), or tha symbol V (moaning "END"), whichavar applias. Un daa aymbolas suivants apparaltra aur la darnlAra imaga da chaqua microficha, salon la cas: la aymbola — ► aignifia "A SUIVRE". la symbols V aignifia "FIN". Maps, platas, charts, etc., may ba filmad at diffarant reduction ratios. Thosa too larga to ba entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, aa many framea aa required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., pauvent Atra filmAa A daa taux da rAduction diff Arents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour Atre reproduit en un seul clichA, 11 est filmA A partir da I'angia supArieur gauche, de gauche A droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'imagas nAcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mAthode. irrata to pelure, n A n 32X 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 L / liRMH DEAt^O ABOO (Tlie I^ed ^aud Bor Ever!) Historical ii*ish Dfatna JN FIVE ACTS. SPECIALLY WRITTEN FOR THE St. Ann's Youipg fJen's Societg; By JAMES MARTIN, (K MEMBER OF THE SOCIETY.) St. Ann's Young Men's Hall, 157 Ottawa Street. 1893. Lamh Dearg Aboo ! o CHnRffCTERS. OWEN ROE O'NEILL Commander of the Iri»h Forcoi. SIR PHELIM O'NEILL. Irish Chieftain and Cousin of Owen Roe, tiRLOGH O'NEILL Brother of Sir Pheliro. LORD MAGUIRE n COSTELLO McMAHON Irish Chieftains. OWEN O'ROURKE - ROGER O'MOORE Irish Gentleman and Patriot. TEDDY O'HOOLAHAN O'Moo.e's Servant, and a boy who likes a little **divarsion." SFIAMUS O'HAGAN An humble and simple follower of Sir Phelim O'Neill. FAILLA: An Irish Minstrel. SIR RICHARD NORCOTT English Baronet, and an ambitious un- scrupulous apostate. CONNELLY The tool of Norcott, and one who loves gold. LORD CASTLEH AVEN Catholic Anglo-Norman Peer. SIR JOHN NETTERVILLE. . Catholic Anglo Norman Knight. SIR JOHN BORLASE > Lords Chief Justices. SIR WM. PA.;SONS f ^ SIR FRANCIS WILLOUGHBY.English General, and Governor of Galway Fort. Officers, Irish Soldiers, English Soldiers, Peasants, etc., etc., etc. LAMH DEARG ABOO ! o loves ACT I. SCENE L— Fair Grounds. {TefU8,hooth$,ek„inrear, Tbddt diioovertd »urr&unded by peasarUit ete, Iri§h Mimtrel io the lefi. Teddy.—Now, sorra a word will ye hear till the danoe it over. Our good friend Failla (the miDstrel) beyant there, will sive ui some music, and afther the reel Til tell ye the wondherful newe that I've heard. {Mimtrel tunes up.) Gome on now, ye light- footed boys, and keep up the honor ot the country. (Tfiey danee wh Irish reel, at the cinciusion of whi h the minstrel soMks.) Minstrel. — Brave and merry boys, ye have had your dance, listen now to the sonic of an old man, for 'twill tell ye a story ye will like to h^iar. (Sings,) Our Isle is groaning ' neath the heel Of tyrants base, ard now to thee She calls aloud to arud with steel. And strike for liberty. Chorus : Erin, dear, for thee We will strive with heart and hand, We wil! make thee free. Our loved native lancL Lift high thine heart. Old Erin, dear, For one comes o'er the ocean wave. To chose the clouds of doubt and fear, And ihee, old la&d, to save. Ohorui. The ^reat p'NeiU ! the mighty chief 1 Will guide us for our country's weal, And we will turn in glad relief To Owen Boe O'Neill, Chobto. Teddy. — ^Yes, be the powen, we'll soon get the chance to clear out the murdherin' Sassenach soldiers. Faith, an' I think Failla there can hear a body thinkin', for what hu song has tould ye is the same news that I had to tell. Yes, begorra, the great chiefs are puttin* their beads together, an' its soon we'll be ordherd out to fight for our poor ould counthry {hok$ to right). Oh, faith, an' here comes Shamus O'Hagan. {Enter Shamus R.) Shamus. — How are ye all, boys, and what in the world are ye doin'; indade, ye look as wise as payoocks. Teddy. — Faith we were only talkin* about a blackguard of a faliy that was seen by some o' the boys last night. Bhamub (fearfully). — ^Have a care what ye bay, Teddy O'Hoolahan, about them same fairies. Maybe its into a pig ye'll be turned it ye ofiTind thim. Teddy. — Oh, begorra I I knew I'd frighten the life out of ye, ye omadaun. Sure the very mention of the word fairy is enough to banish the few wits ye have. However, it's not them we were talkin* about at all, at all ; I was spakin' to the boys here about the risin' that's to take place. Of course ye've heard all about it, Shamus ? Shamus. — Aye, faith I have, and the brave chief. Sir Phelim O'Neill is goin' to be at the head of it. Teddy. — Aye, it's thrue that he'll be at the head of the fi^htin' men, but it's the masther, Roger O'Moore that's at the bottom of it all, for it was himself that roused the chiefs in the first place. But I've heard talk of this great gineral that's now in foreign parts, an' I believe he'll soon come over to Ireland. His name is Owen Roe 0'^eill, and they say he's as smart a gineral as the great Hugh O'Neill that used to thrash the Sassenach many years ago. [Look to left.) Oh, faith, I see that fellow Connelly comin' down the road. Listen to me, boj^s! I think that same Connelly is nothin' but a mane spy, judgin' from a bit of a talk I had with him the other day. Look here, boys, move off behind there, an' I'll have a quiet chat with the spalpeen, a/ see if I'm right, {They move to rear, and Connelly enters L.) Connelly. — Ah, how are ye, Teddy ? I thought I'd meet ye around here. Aud how is everything goin'? Teddy {subdued tone) — Och, faith it's tired of me life I am, mizin' with such spalpeens as thim beyant there. Faith, I think I'll throw the whole thing up: Connelly. — What do ye mane, Teddy ? Throw what np ? Teddy. — ^Begorra I mane what I tould ye of the other day. Sure if I was found out they'd have me life. If thim boys beyant there knew that I got into the service of Roger 0*Moore, just to find out what I could about the papists, me life would'nt be worth a farthin' I to clear nk Failla ^uld ye 1*8 Bat chiefd iherd out faith, an' W are ye lard of a loolahan, turned if of ye, ye lough to ^« were re about about it, PheliiD fiFThtin' i)ttom of t place, n parts, 8 Onren e great trs ago. »' down lelly is -d with >re, an' right, Bet ye I am, think Sure there id out rth a Connelly. — ^Ha ! Then ye're the right sort, eh I I had me tui- Ipicions of ye before, but now £ believe ye're after the same game as I am me^elf. Look ye here, Teddy, I know a man that'll fill our I pockets if we can tell him about the doins' of these Irish papists. I Will ye go into partners with me ? Teddy. — ^I'd like to, but— I'm afraid. Connelly. — Sure ye need'nt be. All around here think that we are like themselves, and before they find out the truth we can be miles away, aye and with full pockets. What d'ye say to it ? Teddy. — But how do I know but ye'd tell some o' the boys about me treachery, if ye got mad with me for any rayson ? Connelly. — No fear of ihat, for I'd be in the sf^me box. Teddy — ^Thrue enough Vor ye. Well, it's a bargain, and to start with I'll tell ye what I saw last night. I was out for a bit of a walk on the road bordherin' the wood, when suddenly I heard a quare noise like iron dashin' together, and when Connelly. — Ha, it was the rebels at their drillin' ! Go on, Teddy, there's a fortune before us. Teddy. — Hould on, now ; if ye spake so loud they'll hear us over there. Well, I heard tiie noise, and snspuotin' the cause of it, I crept into the wood without turnin' a twig, an' wnat di) ye think I saw ? Connelly {exuUingly). — ^The rebelly papists! Did ye see who was drillin' them, Teddy ? Teddy.— Faith an' I did. Buc I'm afraid to tell ye afther all, for maybe the man you expect to eet the money out of is a secret frind of the rebels, an' then what would become of me. Do I know him, Connolly ? Connelly. — Indade an' ve don't, an' it's sorry I nm that I must'nt tell ye his name, for I took an oath not to spake of it to mortal. But he's sure, Teddy, he'd sure ; go on now and tell me who the leader was. Teddy. — ^Well, all right, I will. Ye see the moon was full and givin' good lighi, so when T'd crept in about fift^ teet I came to a little hill, and beyant that was a clearin', and right forninst me I saw CoNNELLY.-'^Yes, ycs ; for heaven's sake go on ! Tfddy (rising and extending his arms.). — Right forninst me I aaw, — {loudly and slowly) two puckawnM of goats tighten' like the divel and ciashin' their horns together ; yes, ye limb of Satan, that's what I paw {springs forward and seizes Connelly) Go and tell your masther, or whoever sent ye here to spy on your betthers, ye cold-blooded thief of an informer, but not before I give ye a taste of what's in store for ye. Hi, there, boys, come an' help me to give this murtherin' thief some divarsion — (peasants run up, car- rying a rope, one end of which is thrown around Confielly*8 neck.) Tbdoy— That'8 it me hearties— (otieitf) We'll pretind to hang the sooundrel, — Along with him, b >y8, along with him. (8kamu$ lookt down road R, runs up to Teddy.) Shamus. — ^Teddy, look who's comin' up the road ; run for your liven. Teddy. — Oh, thunder and turf, here's the Lord Maguire, an if he oatchfs us at our fun we'll never hear the ind of it. {They drop rope and run out left exit ttie ahuned Connelly hidee in tent,) (Enter Lord Ataguire and Chatelloe MoMahon^ R-E) McMahon. — Ha I the fair grounds are deserted, which is some- wbat strange, for our lads Mre fond of sport ; but ere old Father Time hath added many more days to his record they will have sterner work before them than dancine to the tune of the pipes. Maquire. — [ like not this haste, McMahon. What will it avais us to hurl our masses unprepared against the enemy ; the scheme is too hare brained to suit my liking. McMahon. — Ah I there speaks the over-cautious Fermanagh lord. By my sword, it ill becomes you, Connor Maguire| to speak in such manner. Maquire. — Ha, ha, McMahon, your hot blood takes fire too quickly ; 1 swear ihat my heart is with ye, hut my head follows it not jiittt yet. Let me once see a proper leader, full equipments for an army, and officers to handle the men, and, by the Lakes of Fermanagh ! Connor Maguire will not be the last to show his face to the enemy. McMahon {grouping Maguire*8 hand). — Spoken like a true son of Erin, Connor ; my words meant no reproacn, and I know full well that your father's son will uphold the old name. {Continue their walk to left exity and when near it McMahon continues.) You will be with us then to-night at O'Moore's, when the matter will be gone over, and perchance you may hear words to remove all lingerios doubts. ( They go oat^ Connelly peepe out from tent, then advances to C/) Connelly {Drops brogue, which has been assumed). — ^Ha. ha, ye rebel plotters. Ye go to-night to the house of the arcn-rebel, 0*Moore, to hatch ^our plans, and it will repay me to be within hearing, aye will it. {Feels his neck,) That scoundrel Teddy O'Hoolafaan played me a scurvy trick to day, but 1 will bring him to account for it. {Shakes his fist after Maguire and McMahon,) Go my Lord Maguire and Costeiloe McMahon ; make the most oi your freedom while ye ma^, for prison bars t^ill goon wreck your hopes, and your capture will fill my pockets with brigkt, red gold.) IS alii lei SCENE IT.—RooM in Roger O'Moore's House. {Chieftains seated ait table. — Wine.^Present, Lord Maguire, McMahon, Tirlogh 0*Neitt, Owen 0*Rourke, Roger 0*Moore, host. O'Moorb. — Why, gentlemen, the wine circulates but slowly to- ^ hang )r your in if he fy drop {Enter aome- Fa>.her 1 have ipes. t avais oheme lanagh speak re too OW8 it ments ^kes of is face son of U well i their >u will 9 gone faring toC!) tia.ye rebel, rithin 'eddy :him hon,) )8t of your fold.) sated {T to- night, and the fact snrprises me, an the quality in exceUi^nt, and such as should cheer tne heart. How is it — are ye thinking to conform to Puritan ways of godliness ? Maouibe. — Nsy, my good sir ; if it be with our friends here as it is with me, their thoughts are too deei> for much speech. 0*MooRE. — Ah, you have been thinking then, friends and noble gentlemen, of the matter concerning which' I spoke to you sever- ally as occasion offered heretofore, and I trust ye are resolved to lend what power in you lief« to the relief f»f our suffering country. Maguibe — [ assure you, Roger O'Moorp. that no one feels more keenly than myself the galling yoke of the oppressor, but it would be worse than useless for us to make any show of.resistanctf at the present time. We have neither arms, ammunition, money nor anything whatsoever to fit an army for the Held. O'RouBKE. — It is even so, friends. What, between confiscation and what not, the English have left us bare as whipping- posts. TiBiiOGH O'Neill.— Nothing! Call you nothing, Owi n 0*Rourke, the strong hands and stout hearts who follow the standard of our chiefs. Why, man, we could raise an army in a week fit to sweep the English into the sea (pounds the table,) 0*MooBE {rising and grasping Tirlogh*8 hand). — Spoken like a true son of tne Hy-Nial. Maguiee. — All well so far as it goes. Men we have in plenty, but who will put arms in their hands, and find them wherewithal to live while they fight the country's battles. Would ye Renrns to go, getting excited,) Oh, the blundherin', thundherin', murtherin' blackguard wait till we catch him {runs out shutting door,) O'Moore {returning to his seai), — ^You see, my friends, the hounds are after their quarry thus earl^. They must not run us to earth and thereby spoil our plans. Did they but know of our intentions, the chances for our country's freedom were gone, for we would die. Now, gentlemen, I have but a few words more to say. Ye all know full well that Sir Phelim O'Neill, gallant soldier of Ireland though he be, is lacking in the experience necessary to Buccess in the field, and I have that to tell ye which will rejoice your hearts. (Rising from his seat,) Noble gentlemen, ana gallant sons of Ireland, let us raise the banner of the Bed Hand, unsheath the sword of glorious freedom, and Owen Rob O'Neill {this name And they *ll thinfft f Gathoiic knew it, orkiog for Oourla of ^ipp^ara at ay count. i>od, they they are >n, when ' without, ^f^mentt can run this dis- !y. The in at ye Ben of a Qd sked- > to tell ver was the fair en him 9 lives. Iherin', hutting lounds dearth itions, would ^ Ye reland ess in earts. ^8 of \i the name hudfy and $lowly) will be with us to lead ns to violory t (all tfjiring to their /eet—Tirhgh O'NelU g^atpt 0*Moore*$ hand, and, agitaledli ipeaki.) TiRLOOH O'Neill— Rory O'Moore, have I henrd you aiight ? Say thone wordii again, man. O'MooRE.— Yes. Tirlogh, 'tis true. Owen Roe O'Neill, your mighty cousin, the man who has won the highest bnnom on the fields of Spain and Flanders, will si*on wear the sword of the great Hugh, and lead us in defenc* of religion and our oountry. TiRLOGU. — God hiese you for those wordn, R'»ry. With Owen Roe at the head we shHll be invincihle. (A loud tummonB at the door. Enter Sir Phelim.) O'MooRE {springing forwi rd, graeps Sir P*b hand). — Sir Phelim O'Neill himself! Right glad am 1 to see you, Sir Phelim, and, thrice welcome are ye to our board this night. Sir Pheum (bowing to Rory and the othere). — ^Thank you, Rory, but. gentlemen, (stUl standing) what mean ye by those joyful looks. Methinks ye are hatching some mischief for our well- beloved rulers. (0*Moore placet a seat for Sir P.) Sir Phelim (dropping hts assumed gaiety) — Good friend O'Moore and noble gentlemen, glad I am to find ye here Assembled. News, aye horrible news have I for your ean». (Turning to 0* Moore.) Bory, during our formrr convernations 1 may have appeared luke- warm in this matter uf war with the English, but by the soul of Nial you will find me so no longer. My men of Tyrone are even now strapped and buckled for wai, and ere a week goes ov»r our hcHds Charlemont fort must be curs. (Standing up, looks around fiercely ) Now for the news I have to tell ye. Last night the small Island Magee was peopled with living beings. Happy in their fancied security, the lads and lasses were enjoying them- selves in their innocent fashion, when the cursed Scotch troopers ^swooped down upon them, and of the whole population but one esoapH to bring the news to me. Aye, men, women and children have been butchered in cold blood 1 Chieftains of the Gael ! is there a man among ye now who hesitates to strike a blow for our suffering country ? Is there one among ye who refuses to un- sheath his sword, and keep it unsheathed while one of those accursed tyrants tread our soil \ Speak ! (AU rise, McMahon ad- pandng to Sir Phelim,) McMAH0N--Ohieftain of the North, {drawing his sword.) This trusty weapon shall know not rest While those vipers infest our land. (All lay their hands on their swords, as a token of agreement with MeMahon's words. 0* Moore steps forward to Sir Phelim, O'Moore.— Sir Phelim, the news of this horrible butchery will «tir the hearts of the Catholic English of the Pale. 10 Ml Sib Phelim.— What nay you» O'Moore? The English of the Pale 1 Sdeath mac, speak not of them I They be cowardly, weak-kneed, time-servers, who arn too much attached to their fat lands to aid us in our treason, as they will call it. O'MooRE. — Nay, Sir Phehm, I can apeak for Lord Castlehaven and Sir John Netterviile. who will join us heart and soul for the freedom of religion. . Sib Phelim. — ^Trust them not, Kory ! I say if Ireland is to be freed it will be by her own sons and not by those canting knaves, r would as soon trust the English Lord Jnstic*' Parsons and Bor- lase as those Englishers of tne Pale. 0*MooRE.— I know you like not those English Palesmen, but ere long I hope your opinion of them will be changed. Sir Phelim.— I may be mistaken, but I warn you to keep an eye oh those same nobles, and, above all, trust not Sir Richard Norcott, for he is as false as Satan himself. O'MooRE. — Sir Richard^Norcott has pledged me his aid — Sir Phelim. — Trust him not, Rory, for I tell you he will but do the work of the English Parliament, and thereby enrich himself. He is but a smooth-tongued, scheming villain, and if able, would smother us all in English dungeons, (speaking to the other chief s.) Now, brave chieftains, haste ye to ^our respective coupties ; fsather your followers, and march to within a mile of Dungannon, \draw8 his sword) and, by this sword of the great Hugh, I swear that Dungannon, aye and Chariemont shall be ours before many days. Too long have we Iain beneath the armed heel of the despoiler. Too long have we feared to worship God after the manner of our forefathers in the broad daylight. No longer shall our priests have to ofifer the Holy Sacrifice in hiding, for the time has come for freedom, and when Owen Roe O'Neill arrives from abroad, let us be able to show him that our own province, at least, is cleared of the tyrant. The banner of the Rea Hand of Ulster will be raised to the breeze by the morrow, and then woe be to the enemies of our religion and our country. SCENE III.— Room in Sir Richard NoRcorr's House, Sir Richard standing soliloquisiiig. Sib Richard. — Ah! through what dangers will not ambition lead a man. But, pshaw, there be but little danger to fear from these Irish papists. Their secret meetings savor strongly of re- bellion, but their plottings -will not reach me. Yet I must not show my hand to those nobles of the Pale, for, loyal though they appear to be, I know them to be rebels at heart, I must wear the mask until they openly side with the Irish, and I must also appear to favor such a step, and when they are fairly in rebellion against 11 ish of the cowardly, their fat ustlehaven «1 for the i is to be g knaves. and Bor- n» but ere keep an Hichard 11 but do himself, e, would r chiefs.) ourties ; igannon, I swear *e many I of the fter the er shall he time ee from at least, f Ulster e to the Richard nbitioD ir from of re- ist not li they «r the ^p^ear gainst English authority, then my reward will be at hand; a goodly portion of their rich lands shall be mine (reflects a moment). Ah ! if my revered ancestors on th«^ other side of the grave could know of iny renuncintinn of the Catholic religion, — biih! away with such weakness, — riches, power, grandeur are the things I seek, and r shall have them though I cumpass the ruin of mj^ fellows. (seats himMlf) My Lord Castlehaven is tj visit me to-night, and» ha, ha, ha, I must honor him- He thinks me a most zealous Catholic, and by the King, I will have him think so still. Ha, he comes (Enter Lord Castlehaven and Sir John NettervUle.) Sir Richard. — Ha, gentlemen, I am glad to see yp. (they take seats) Your note apprising me of your intended visit gave me much pleasure, knowmg as I did that your motive was to claim my poor h^lp in the cause of our suffering religion. Lord Castlehaven. — Yes, Richard, you are right ; we have borne our troubles over-long, and we of thd Pale are about to throw in our lot with the Irish. I like not their company, but we e'en must put up with it. Netterville. — Nay, my Lord ; speak not slightingly of the Irish, for there be some amongst them who would be our equal in worldly eyes, were it not for the oppressors of our common religion. Castlehaven. — ^That is true enough, Sir John, and we must be more circumspect in future, for I know you to be the friend of Roger 0' Moore, and in truth I like him myself, for he hath many noble qualities. Now, Sir Richard, I am aware that you are not a man of war, but nevertheless you can do much to aid ua in this matter, and it is to ask that aid that brings us here to-night. There be some of our lords and noble knights who refuse to join the proposed confederation. Each of us has his task to accomplish, and this has been assigned to you, namely, to win over those who are oold in the matter. Sir Richard. — [ fear, my lord, that you over-rate my abilities' but nevertheless I will undertake the work, and if I fail it will be due to their obstinacy and not to the good-will of Richard Noroott. Castlehaven (rising with Netterville),— -ThAnk you, Richard, I knew we could trust you in the matter of aiding oar religion, and If our cause is won — as it must be — you will have done much in the winning of it. Good night, friend, and may success attend you. (they go ovi and Sir Riehard returns to his seat.) Sir Richard. — Ha, ha, they play into my hands, (laughs) if they but knew whom they were confiding in? Bah! they sicken me with their talk of religion. Thai is not their trouble, as I well know. The king is levying tribute on them to aid him in his 18 * I !i i I i' M i I <: b iL,! foreign wars, and they tremble Inat he should take it into nis r»>yai mind to have ail instead of a port ion of their wealth. That is the key to their anxiety. Ha, who comes now. {Enter Connelly.) Sia Richard. — Well, man, what have you discovered ? €k)NNELLY. — Plenty, Hir Richard. Thn rebels met at 0'Moore*8 house, but when I reached the place and was about to overhear their plotting8,0'Moore'ri servant saw me and gave chase, but [ doubled on them and returned jUnt as they were leaving the house. The fierce- looking O'Neill they call Sir Phelim was mounting his horse, and I hearl him say, "God be with ye, gentlemen ; tomorrow we'll rifle the nests of these Englinhers," and when he had gone O'Moore told fjord Maguire and McMahon to meet him at the cross- roadH at eleven o'clock to-night. Sir Richard. — Qood, you have done well, Connelly, and yoi shall be well rewarded for your trouble when these birds are caught. How many were there aft O'Moore's house? Ck>NNELLY. — Phelim O'Neill's brother was there, and O'Rourke, but both nxle off with O'Neill. Sir Richard. — That will do ; you may go now. (Connelly lingers while Sir Richard vrrites.) Sir Richard, — Did I not tell you to go, man ? Connelly — ^Yes, your honor, but could'nt you give me some- thing now on account? {Sir Richard gives him some gold and Connelly turns to go,) Sir Richard. — Hold I take this note to the house of Sir Wm. Parsons. It is now nine o'clock and you have little time to spare. Take one of my horses, and make all haste possible. Go. {ConneUy goes out, Sir Richard rises from seat.) Sib Richard. — Fortune favors me, by all the heathen gods. O'Moore and his two brother conspirators will soon be in the toils. Ha, ha, my foot is on the tirst rung of the ladder that reaches tn wealth and power, and, by the fiends, nothing shall stoo me till I reach the top. If my conscience should upbraid me, I will stifle it ; if my former friend*^ loathe and hate me for my treachery, I will laugh at them ; and those whom the world calls the lions of society will 'awn upon me and lick my hands, for^^n I will be the pos- sessor of rich lands, a lordly title, and the power to give or take away. SCENE W.'—The crossroads. Enter Teddy, L^t E, Teddy. — Oh, be the powers, {placing his hand on his side) but me heart is nearly frightened and joulted out of me. Sure, itli 18 tne some* runnin* IVe been for the last half hoar looking for the masther. {looki up and down the eroas roada) I wondher where he o>in be. tinre I met the miirdherin* sojers about a mile beyaat, an' I had just time to jump behind a hedge, when iTp they came, an' 1 heard, the villains speak of themasther, an' I'm sure they'll have his life if they find him. Och I where can he be. (looks around wildly) I have'nt seen him this hour, and oh ! the Lord help me» I must find him {runs out right E.) (hnter Lord Maguire and McMahon, left E conversing,) Maquire — ^Yes, I know you are right, Mo3if ahon, but try as I will, I cannot allay those dark forebodings. McMahon. — ^Tut, man ; shake them from you and look only on the bright side. There be black days ahead for us all, but they will come as the dark before the dawn; and the rising sun of freedom will scatter the mists of slavery. (Enter 0*Mo(yre, L.E,) O'MooRE. — Well, {rood friends, we have met again only to part. I intended going with ye, but a right trusty friend has brought me intellitcence that compels me to take a trip into Leinster. The business is connected with the cause, and concerns a powerful friend of mine in that province, so God be with ye, and tell Sir Phelim the reason for my absence. Maguire and McMahon.— God keep you, Rory. (0' Moore goes out L,E.f the others by IL After a few momeirds Teddy runs in from Right, excUed) Teddy (stopping Jor a moment). — Now; Teddy O'Hoolahan, ye must find yer roasther, for the sojers will be down on ye in a moment, and then there will be no one to warn him. (runs out left E.) (Shouts are heard^ and aJt right E appear Maguire and McMahon walking backward, swords drawn^ English soldiers following ; Sergeant cries present — soldiers obey,) McMahon. — (in an undertone). Let us submit, Connor ; we may yet live to fight for Ireland. (They are taken out left E, by four soldiers ; Jour others and sergeant remain. ^ Sergeant. — Where is the other rebel ? there were three men- tioned in our orderB, and we have hut two, we must find him. (They go out left F„ and Immediately 0* Moore appears with Teddy.) O'Moore. — Maguire and McMahon, — where are they, Teddy? Teddy.— Faith, I don't know. They're all right, though, for I have'nt seen them at all, at all. But fly, masther, for the love of heaven, or the sogers will capture ye. (Tugs at 0* Moore's coat,) O'Moore. — ^Yes, I will go. Imprisonment and my death would not help Ireland, and I wiiniv0 to h<'lp crush the power of the oppressor. i 14 i i f HI! i- ' ' {Loud/ootttept are heard, soldiers are returning.) Teddy.— Fly ! masther, for love of Qod, fly ! the sojen are upon vm, {(y Moore runs out right E, Soldiers a^ppear at left, Teddy remains^ sergeani sees him, seizes him. ) Sbroeant. — Who are you 7 what are you doing here ? Teddy.— Divel a thing but standin' here, lookin' at ye fine boys ; oh, but would'nt I like to be a oould sojer. Sergeant. — Here I none of youi foolery. What are you doing out here thin time of night ; answer me? Teddy. — Faith. I'm returnin* from a little divarsion in the shape of a dance, an' when I saw ye brave boys, I had to stop to look at ye. Sergeant. — Have you seen any person around here ? Tell the truth, or I'll crack your head for you. Teddy. — ^Troth that same head is the only one I have, and it would be a pity to make a crack in it. Yes, I saw a gintleman a few minutes a^o, and what's more, he gave me a shiUin' tor houldin' his horse. Serqbant.— Ha ! which way did he go ? Teddy. — {pointing to road opposite tlwJt taken by 0*Moore.) Down that way, sir, and if I'm not mistaken, the same gintleman was the one they call Bory O'lifoore. Sergeant. — ^Hal the very one we want. Men, attention ! march I {They go out left E, Teddy runs to right.) Teddy. — {excUedly^ gazing down road.) There he goes 1 I can see him ^ettin' into the bof t on the river ; now I can see his paddles shinin' in the moonlight I Saved ! the masther is saved I Thank €k>d I {FaJUs on his knees, with hands upraised.) it! '^i End of First Act. V 16 ACT II. SCENE I. — (Exterior of Teddy's Cottage^ alongside of which is a bench, Teddy is heard singing, and in a moment appears in the ddorway, then seats himself on the bench ; his Right foot appears to be injured, as he has a decided limp. Has also a bandage around his head, he sings,) ** The taunt and the sneer lei the coward endure, Our trust is in God and in Kory O'Moore. '* Aye, faith it is, an' with the help of God, whose holy religion that same Rory O'Moore is fightin* for, we'll soon be able to walk around without gettin' our feet and Qur heads shot off. Ouch ! bad cess to the murdherin Sassenachs did'nt they thry to shoot me own head an' shoulders off me, but faith they did'nt aftherall, bad luck to them. (Enter Shamus O'Hagan, r. e., left arm in sling.) Teddy (rising). — Shamus agra, an' is this yer own four bones (they shake hands) Come here alanna and sit down and tell all the news ; sure yer all shot and kilt like meself. Is'nt it a great pity that ther6 are any others in the world but Irishmen, and then there would be no fightin' ; nothin' but peace, plenty and lots o'divarsion. And whats the matter with the arm Shamus ? Shamus. — Oh sure ye might know yerself ; a bullet from the enemy, and Sir Phelim wouldn't hear of me fightin' any more till I'm well again, so off I was packed home. Teddy. — Faith an' somethin' the same happened to meself. Ye see, the night the masther escaped from the sojers— an* its over three weeks ago now — I ran to a neighbors' house, for I feared I'd be caught if I'd go to the masther's. Well I slept at me friend's all night and in the mornin' I was off to find the Irish Army, thinkin' that the masther would be there but divel a bit of him was but he turned up in a few days, as sound as a button. There was plenty of fightin' done — an' we always beat the English — but one day in a scrimmage I got a thump in the head, and another in the foot, this one (touching his Right foot) and I was laid out for dead. I'll show ye now what I was doin' when T got wounded (gets up, walks a few paces limping the l^^rxfoot, and is about to proceed with his narration, when Shamus speaks,) ' I ll :;1! i 1, i 16 Shaiius.— Teddy ! Teddy. — What is it Shamus ? Shamvs. — Did'nt ye tell me a moment ago that it was your rtght toot was struck ? Teddy. — I did Shamus, an' what have ye got to say about it ? Shamus. — Oh nothin' in the world, only you limped on the left foot this blessed moment. . ^ Teddy (staring at Shamus highly offended) — Well, bad manners to you, you spalpeen ! Is'nt it me that was struck, and dont / know the right foot to limp on ye graceless vagabone ! Faith, ye'U hear nothin' at all about me now. (waiks back to seat and hums a tune,) Shamus. — Sure now Teddy, yer not goin' to be angry with me for makin' a mistake, for that's all it was me boy ? Teddy. — Well if ye promise to make no more mistakes I'll go on. Shamus. — Not another Teddy — Fll hould me tongue. Teddy. — Very well then, — now where was I at— oh ye ; I was standin' with lots ot the other boys, fornist the English sogers when I got the thump in the head and went down like a log. When I come to me senses, I was in a hut, and Masther O Moore was there too, and the upshot of it was that I was sent home to get better. Bad luck to the fellow that struck me whoever he is, {scratches his head and manages to loosen the bandage, which falls to the ground. Picks it up and fastens it around his Neck.) Shamus (looking at Teddy, bewildered). — " Teddy agra " ? Teddy. — What is it Shamus ? Shamus. — Oh nothin' at all, I was only thinkin' with me mouth open. Teddy. — Faith then yeMl have to open it again, what was troublin' yer mind ? Shamus. — I promised ye to keep me mouth shut, and Fm goin' to do it Teddy. Teddy. -^Troth yer not. If ye don't tell me what ye were goin' to say, 1*11 never look at you again Shamus. — And ye'lf not be angry? M y about it ? i on the /efr ad manners nd dont / ne ! Faith, /ut your punish- I as you SCENE III.— (^^^ of Prison. Sentry on duty. Teddy, dis- guised as a Scotch parson, is seen approaching, R. E, cautiously » Crouches down out of sight of the sentry.) Teddy (in an undertone), — Oh ! was I ever in such a divel of a fix, in all me born days. Here I am, with about a dozen words with the Scotch brogue sthuck on to them. And I can't pass that fellow over there without the countersign. Well I can only wait here awhile, and see if anything will turn up, (listens, the relieving sentry marches up, and as the first gives up his post, he gives the countersign, the word, ^^Religion") Teddy. — Now the Lord be praised, I have it, " religion." Teddy me boy, just put on a bould face and the game is yours, (rising partly he walks bcukwards a few paces ; then struts solemnly for- ward \ the sentry in turning sees him levels his piece.) Sentry. — Wha gangs there ! Teddy. — A friend. Sentry. — Advance friend and give the countersign ? Teddy. — Religion. Sentry. — Pass friend (thinks he recognizes in Teddy a well- known parson^ salutes, continues). Aw ma reverend friend, I didna ken ye at furst, an' I hope ye'll forgive me for dew'in' ma dooty. Teddy. — Dinna speak o*it. Twas yeer dooty. Take this fur yeer tribble (gives him money ^ Sentry. — Thank'ee. Teddy (in a whisper). — Hae ye nothin' tae to dreenk, I'm nigh fashed wie drouth. (Sentry grins, looks around carefully to guard against discovery, then produces a small flask, on top of which is a glass and into this he pours some of the liquor, and hands to Teddy, who drir.ks. He then refills it for himself, when Teddy says. "Hark." The soldier turns for a moment to listen, then Teddy drops a powder into the uplifted glass. Sentry says, " Tis nothin' here's to yer honor, and drtuks. Teddy slips inside the gate, and in a few seconds peeps out again. Sees sentry lying on his side.) Teddy.* — He's fixed be jabers, Faith he'll not wake up for a couple of hours ; Now for this bit of paper, and the gaoler ; (Disappears and in short time reappears at L. E. followed by, Maguire and McMahon. IM Hi 22 Teddy. — Thank heaven ye are at liberty, me noble chiefs, for if that iron bar in yer cell had'nt been loose, I never could have got ye out 80 quick. I have three horses beyant there about half a mile. Let us hurry, and on the way we can cut them irons on yer wrists, (excitedly,) Hurry for the love of Heaven there's some body comin'. (//// crouch down in hiding. Enter Sir Richard Norcott, R, E.) NoRCOTT (shouts,) — Ho ! what have we here. The sentry asleep I Ha ! soldier ! (Teddy springs upon him and with the. aid of the others^ gags and binds him,) Teddy. — Lay there ye spalpeen, whoever ye are ; yer no friend of ours anyway, and sorra a bit of me cares if ye lay there for ever, bad cess to ye I Now for the horses ! (They run off R, E,^ in a few moments a soldier appears ; re moves the gag from Sir Richard and unties him, ) NoRCOTT, (rising while other soldiers run up.) ^Yt are too late ! ye good for nothing varlets. The birds have flown ! They have half an hours' start of ye, and 'tis useless to follow them. Curse ye all ! why did you not haste when I called. Now ye skulking knaves ye crawl along when it is too late I too late ! (Sentry awakes, and stands up looking bewildered,^ End of Act IL ACT in. Six months are supposed to have elapsed between 2nd and 3rd acts. SCENE I.— ( Wood near Charlemont Castle. Glimpse of Castle in distance. Violent Thunderstorm in progress. Sir Richard Norcott discovered under a tree for shelter^ Sir Richard. — Confound the storm ! I should have arrived at Charlemont fore ere now, but for the elements, (lightning flashes). Good Heavens I what a flash ! Little wonder that my good horse bolted and threw me ! By the gods i tis enough to frighten rea- soning man. The fiends take Connelly ! the fellow is over long in capturing my horse, but I must e'en wait here till the knave returns. Ah I yonder lies Charlemont Castle. By the bones of i^EEN 2ND 28 I my ancestors I 1 would that I were m-ithin its walls. Tis about the last step in my ambitious scheme, and, if successful— as it must be — the goal of my ambition will have been reached. Within the last few months, the rebel forces have met with many and serious reverses ^^ the lords of the Prle are fully committed to the cause of rebellion, and yet, neither the Irish nor the confederates look upon me as other than one of the best and most powerful friends. Yonder lies Charlemont I Tis too strong to take by assault, but cunning shall open its gates to our Scotch soldiers ; The Irish leaders are within its walls, and ere another day goes over, the re- bel shall be leaderless. Our Scotch troops are within ten hours march of yon castle, and I, Richard Norcott, a well-loved guest of the Irish, will open the gates in the still hours of the morning, and by the fiends I not a man shall escape the sword, (lightning and thunder,) Aye, clouds of the air I (looking upward^) flash forth your light to guide me on my way ! Roll out your thunders in unison with the tumult in my soul 1 Ha ! ha ! the vision of future grandeur, that flits before my eyes, is brighter far than the lightn- ing flash, that heralds the crash of the thunder. Ha ! who comes ? (Enter Connelly, R, E.) Connelly, — I have found your horse Sir Richard, and he is now tied to yonder tree. Will you proceed at once ? Sir Richard. — Yes. Look you here Connelly ; your informa- tion with regard to the absence of Maguire and McMahon, is cor- rect, is it not ? Connelly. — I can swear to it Sir Richard, neither one nor the other is at the castle. Sir Richard. — Ha ! 'tis well, for I dare not risk meeting them although they but know my face, and 'tis now six months since they saw me ; yet, I would rather not meet them, Connelly ; you will now return to my house and await the coming of the troops ; they are now on the way, (producing a book, writes, tears out the leaf,) give this to the commander. Sir Francis Willoughby ; He will arrive to night, and that note will tell him what to do, you may go now. (Exit Connelly, R, £.) Sir Richard. — Now for the last act in the tragedy that will bring me fame and power ! Ha ! who is this ? I think I know the voice of that scoundrel ! (springs behind a tree.) 24 It I .1 ; h I Ml I I ','] ' ■\ ! (Enter Teddy, Z. jE"., shouting,) Teddy. — Ouch, murther, but this is enough to frighten the wits out of a greater coward than myself; {runs under a tree with his back to Norcott.) Faith 1 wish it was that blackguard Shamus was ] herd instead of Teddy. Begorra there wont be a bit of^inse left in me, by the time I get back. (NoRCOiT moves up stealthily to Teddy, Teddy continues). — Oh ! be the powers but it's a terrible storm for a poor boy to be out in Sir Richard {grasping Teddy and drawing his sword).So ! ho ! caitiff, caught at last ! and bv the foul fiend, you shall not escape to carry on your pretty tricks. No by the Gods ! you die ! (About to plunge his sword into the startled Teddy when a chieftain ; — who is Owen Roe O'Neill, but who must remain un- known for the present, — springs from L, E. and with a dexterous movement of his sword disarms Sir R., who, startled, releases Teddy and turns to his assailant. One glance at O'Neill whom he recognizes, makes him cower.) Owen Roe. — Ha ! assassin ! what manner of man be you to thus attempt the murder of a defenceless boy ? speak, scoundrel ! Sir Richard (who is unknown to ONeill, and now recovering somewhat), — "And who are you that dare to interfere with me in such a fashion"? Owen Roe. — Enough that I am one with the will, aye and the power, to protect an unarmed boy against the blade of a murderer? Sir Richard. — You shall pay for this insult, I am one who never forgets Owen Roe (pointing to right), — Go, coward ! the snarling wolf showeth his teeth where he dare not bite. Go, ere I forget mine honor as a man, and treat you as you deserve ! (Sir Richard slinks off, looking black as thunder, and Teddy who has watched the scene open-mouthed, throws himselj before O'Neill and grasps his left hand.) Teddy. — Glory and honor be to ye, brave man ; sure its me life I owe to ye this blessed day, and may the saints look down on ye for yer brave deed this minute, for only for ye I'd never have drawn another breath (looking up) An' who may ye be, that I may tell the masthej Roger O'Moore, who it was that saved his Teddy? 26 hten the wits tree with his Shamiis was ofdBi'nse left ontinues). — )r boy to be e/^/v/).— So ! ou shall not s ! you die ! DV when a * remain un- a dexterous \dy releases BILL whom be you to scoundrel ! recovering with me in ye and the murderer? fi one who arhng wolf 3rget mine ^d Teddy seij before Jre its me : down on ever have be, that I saved his Owen Roe. — Only a soldier of Ireland my boy ; but rise, ahd tell me What this murderous attempt may mean. Teddy (rising and resuming his usual ckeerjui manner). ^-^Ydiwh an' I will. When the Lord Maguire and Costelloe McMahon were escapin' from prison^ that spalpeen intherfered with us, and because I tied him neck and heels, and stuck a lump o' me coat into his mouth, to keep his tongue from screchin,' faith he has it in for me ever since. Owen Rob {smiiing). — Ha ! ha ! he wished to repay you for your kind attentions, eh ! But tell me. — You mentioned the name of Roger O'Moore, where may I find him ? Teddy. — Faith he's over beyant there in the castle, an' its proud I'll be to show ye the way, an' tell the masther what ye've done for me. Owen Roe. — On then good Teddy ! I would have speech with Roger O'Moore. (They go out lefi^ ^ORCorn appears at rights shaking his fist after OA/eill). NoRCOTT. — ** I know you my brave gallant, I know you, and by the infernal powers, I will be revenged or my name is not Richard Norcott.** SCENE 11.— (Hall in Charlemont Castle. Present : O'Moore, Sir Phslim, Tirlogh O'Neill, O'Rourki, ,^SiR ToHN Nettkrville and CaStlehaven. a ii seated excdpt Sir Phelim, wh^ strides up and down.) O'Moore. — '* In Heaven's name, gentlemen, let us keep together at least a little longer. The further help from abroad, so long delayed, will yet arrive, I assure ye— — • Sir Phelim (stopping opposite O'Moore).— " What Wf you Roger O'Moore 1 Help from abroad I By my sword the words tire my ear ! *' Help from abroad " I (disdainjully.) In faith, if ye intend waiting for further help from that quarter, I move that we at once deliver our necks to the hangman, for 'twill surely come to that I O'Moore.— Nay Sir Phelim, 'tis not so bad as that ! Sir Phulim (in/rfTtr/Z/Vf^)— Roger O'Moore! know you the state of our resources ? Know you that our powder is all but gone? Know you that our coffers are empty ? If you know all these things, tell us then, in the name of all that's wonderful how we are to carry on the war. 2o r:/^l. 'I ii; i'ipp ; f O'MooRE —I know it Phelim, and the knowledge sears my heart. But I know also that several ships, with cargoes of all things need- ful, sailed from Spain, some time ago and ere this should have arrived at our shores. I know not the cause of the delay, and heaven grant that they have not come to grief. Netterville. — Aye, heaven grant it ; but if they arrive not soon Koger, I know not what we are to do. Sir Phelim.— That's the question, — what are we to do? We have fought well since the beginning of this war. We have cap- tured fort after fort, but such winnings were but a waste of powder, for, owing to our needful supplies having run out, we have again lost those places to the enemy ; and by my faith ; if the lords of the Pale had gone into this quarrel as wholehearted as we Irish, we^ might have had another story to tell. Netterville {springing to his feet). — What mean you Sir Phelim ? Think you that we of the Pale have been luke warm in this matter ? I tell you Phelim O'Neill that although Celtic blood runs not in my veins, there stands not a man on Irish soil, who hath the good of our religion more at heart than John Netterville ! Sir Phelim (advancing to Sir J^ohn). — Forgive me Sir John, if I have so worded my speech as to throw a dotlbt upon you or our good Lord Castlehaven, {bowing to Castlehaven) for two better friends of the cause do not breathe, but, you tnust admit that some we know of, have not aided us as they might have done (^^ holds out his hand which is grasped by Sir /ohn^ but ere he can reply the door is opened to admit Maguire and McMahon^ to whom Sir Phelim turns.) Sir Phelim {to Maguire ). — How now, Connor ! what news bring you from the West ? Ill tidings, I swear, by your looks. . Maguire. —You are right Sir Phelim. Our last stronghold has been stormed and taken but a week ago, by the English and Scotch under General Coote. but I am glad to say with little loss to our brave troops. ( Throws himself into a seat as likewise does McMahon who speaks. ) ' McMahon.— Upon my honor! no one threw himself into this struggle with more hope of success than I, but, gentlemen, if succor arrive not soon, we must e'en give up the ghost. . Sir Phelim {turning to O* Moore). — What say you «^z£/ Roger O'Moore ? Will you stil) talk of " help from abroad " after this reverse ? .w ,-' .. •.^. .-; > -J 21 ^ arrive not O'MooRE.— God help us Sir Phelim, I know not what to coun- sel. We must still pl&ce our faith in^ Him who never abandons those who trust in Him I cannot account for the delay in the arrival of the Spanish ships, (looking upward) and oh ! merciful Heaven grant that no harm hath befallen them, for not only do they carry the needful stores, but they bear him whom we have expected for weeks, (rising and advancing to Sir Phelim), Think not, my good Sir Phelim, that my great faith in the military skill of Owen Roe O'Neill, meaneth anything touching your zeal, or that of the noble gentlemen (waving his hand around) who have so nobly fought for the good of our poor country \ but all here assembled have knowledge of our great lack of trained officers to lead our troops against those of the Parliament of England, for three of the most experienced English generals have been com- missioned by our oppressors, to crush us in our fight for liberty, and, apart from our present company, we have but few capable leaders. Castlehaven.— You speak truth good friend O'Moore, and, although my arm and head are at the service of this unhappy land, yet I will be happy to be among the first to accept the leadership of Owen Roe O'Neill. Sir Phelim (advancing to Castlehaven^ extending his hand). — Nobly spoken, noble Castlehaven ! but I fear me that we shall never be called upon to fight by the side of Owen, for my heart sinks within me with the thought that he hath met disaster at sea, else he had been with us ere now ; but if God spareth him, and he come to us safely, I, Phelim O'Neill will fight by his side while God spares me the breath of life ! O'MooRE (grasping Sir Phelim's hand), — Gallant son of a gallant race ! your words cheer my drooping spirits, and rouse my soul to greater effort in behalf of our country ; and while our beloved Erin possesses such as you, her children will never be slaves, {footsteps outside are heard approaching, and G'yioo^^f dropping Sir Phelim's hand, turns his face to the door and con- tinues (xcitedly.) Merciful Heaven ! do mine ears deceive me. No ! no 1 'Tis he ! he lives ! he comes ! and Ireland is saved 1 (advauces a pace or two in direction tf door, which is thtown open to admit 0\^%Yk Roe O'Neill. All spring fot ward and OwEn Roe removing his hat speaks), ( Teddy is seen in the doorway in an attitude of wonder,) n iilP; ' i.i!: i ■! ! I Owen Roe. — Yes, noble and gallant gentlemen, O'Neill dots live, and has come to give what aid he can, to the brave defenders of our religion and country. SCENE III. GouNTRY Road. (Enter Sir Richard Norcott ami Connelly.) NoRCOTT. — Yes, Connelly ; my plan lor the capture of Char- lemont is now useless and I have despatched a message, advising Sir Francis Willoughby to halt on the plain, ten miles south of Charlemont. When )rou left me in the wood to-day, I encount- ered that scoundrelly servant of O'Moore, and was about to chas tise him after my own fashion, when a man, in the person of Owen Roe O'Neill, sprang fVom behind, and turned aside my sword, and so surprised was I at his sudden appearance, that I allowed him to escape with the young viper. I had thought the man away in Spain or Flanders, but he is now in the fort of Charlemont, and as you have done me such good service in the past, I am about to place you in the way of earning a fortune. Connelly.— Ah ! and how may that be done ? NoRCOTT. — This way. If you render this O'Neill incapable of troubling our Government, I will see to it that you receive ^£^5000, one thousand of which I will pay you myself when you have done your work to my satisfaction. Connelly. — I see, Sir Richard. In plain words you wish me to Kill this O'Neill ? NoRCOTT. — Well yes, that is my meaning. This man is a dan- gerous one, and his removal would make you rich for life. What say you ? Connelly. — I'm afraid I can't do it Sir Richard. The prize is rich, but the thought of murder, with my own hand, seems too much, even for me. I'll not stop at betraying a man, nor leading him into ambush, but I could'nt do the killing myself. No Sir Richard I could'nt do it. Norcott. — By the foul fiend Connelly, the thing you call a heart is becoming over soft. What, man ! Would you allow an opportunity such as this to pass you by, when the simple touch of a trigger will do the work for you. You would be willing to be- tray a man and lead him to his death, yet your conscience, for- O'Neill does ive defenders LLY.) ure of Char- age, advising iles south of ^ I encount- )out to chas e person of d aside my ance, that I thought the the fort of Jrvice in the fortune. ncapable of •'ve ;^5ooo, i have done ou wish me m is a dan- fife. What The prize seems too or leading '.. No Sir you call a 4 allow an le touch of Jng to be- ience, for- 29 sooth, would withhold your hand in the actual killing. By the gods ! yours is a sadly twisted conscience, ha, ha, ha. Connelly. — {looking fiercely at the other) Laugh, yes laugh, so long as you don't have vO put your own head into danger, but can get tools to do your dirty work ! NoRCOTT. — (laying his hand on his swori) You dare to anger me, varlet ! Have a care» or I may teach you that I am master^ and can punish as well as reward. Connelly.— I meant no insult Sir Richard, but you irritated me, and I dropped the words I said ; give me a minute to think about what you proposed. NoRcoTT. — Well, make up your mind quickly, for we have no time to lose. Tonight the work will have to be done. Connelly. — The danger will be great. The place is too well guarded for such as I to reach near enough for my work. How would I have to go about it Sir Richard ? NoRCOTT. — I will tell you. O'Neill arrived to-day — to-night the rebel papists will, most assuredly, rejoice and make merry, and, in such case, their vigilance will be somewhat relaxed. Tie your horse in the wood a short distance from the castle. The ban- queting hall is on the ground floor, you can easily approach when the road is clear, and, — yoiir pistol will do the rest. In a few moments you can reach, your horse and, ere they recover from their shock you can be far enough off to defy pursuit. How now ! are you willing ? Connelly (rising) Yes, V\\ do it 1 NoRCOiT. — Ha ! 'tis well ; now you are acting wisely. When your work is finished, haste to the head-quarters of Sir Francis Willoughby ; there I will meet you, and place in your hands the portion of the reward I promised, and the balance will follow shortly after. To horse 1 now my man, and earn your gold 1 ( Connelly exit) NoRcOTT (rubbing his konds). — Ha ! Owen Roe O'Neill, you knew not whom you insulted today, and by the fiends you shall never know, for Connelly will do my work, and / will have raised myself to the top of the ladder ! SCENE IV. — Exterior of Charlemont Castle. Time — Night. Castle illuminated within, Teddy discovered on his hands and knees^ with an eye applied to the muzzle of a cannm in the grounds. After a few moments he stands erecty and gazing at the gun, speaks,) Ill I :l| I ;: I ,1 80 Teddy. — Be jabers, its, the first time I ever got a chance of examinin^ this thiinderin' big blundherbuss ;--I suppose (touching Jhe muzzle) this is where they get the powdher in^ but when they do get it in, how the devil do they get it out again ; be the powers it bates the life out of a body to see the invintions they have for murdhierin' each other with. Oh I begorra, I sigh for the days when a kippeen of a stick was considhered good enough t;o bring a man to your own way o* thinkia'. Now that omadhaun of a blunderbuss beyant there, (pointing to his own weapon lying on the ground near by) is bad enough, but what do they want with a murdherin' big one like this, (to the cannon) Begorra, the world's gone clane out of its senses, and the only one left with any rayson at all is meself, Teddy O'Hoolhan. Faith an' I feel in great good humor this blessed night, an' I'm dyin' to play a thrick or two on somebody. Oh be the powers, here con(ies Shamus , now for sonif divarsion I (Enter %nKyL\i% R, E.) Teddy (seating himself on the cannon),-r-Come here, Sh^tnus, me jewel, an, I'll tell ye about me advinture to-day in the woods ; take a sate here, beside me, Shamus agra. f'SHAMUs complies). Now ye see, the masther sent me out on an errand, an' I was'nt more than twenty rods from the old castle, when I thought I heard some one callin' me by name, but sorra a one I coqld see. I listened for a minute, and as plain as I'm spakin' to ye now, I heard the same voice sayin : — "keep away from the woods this day, or ye'll be kilt " — Faith I felt me hair risin' on mc head, for devil the one was around -, but when I looked up, there above me head, on a tree, was a blackguard of a crow, with his head to one side, lookin' straight down at me. Oh, troth I was scared in earnest now, for the thought came into me head that it was a fairy in the shape of a crow, that spoke to me, and Shamus (frightened and grasping Teddy* s arm) a fairy, Teddy, a fair}' * a; v, ; y^ say anything to offend him ? Tl ■:;, K: ai hc did'nt give me the chance, for cockin' his headt^.;'^;c oi- - : side, he said, or at laste I thought he said, " Oh I took ye tor Shamus O'Hagan," and with that he flew off asiftheould boy was afther him. Now bad cess to him for a fairy ; faith he'd warn you agin the danger, but sorra a word would I have heard of it, only he took me for you. Shamus. — (who has been awe stricken by the intelligence) Teddy, 81 I'm a done man this night, 6ch ! what have I done to be men- tioned by a fairy {rocks himself to and fro.) Teddy.— Shamus, me man, what haria can come to you because a ifairy spoke yer name, tell me, alanna. Shamus — Faith an' it's this Teddy ; whin a fairy mentions yer name, yer sure to resave a visit from him before twinty-four hours go over yer head, an' I'd rather meet the ould boy himself than thim same fairies. Teddy. — Narry a bit of him will ye see Shamus, don't be afeard now ; sure the likes o' you should'nt believe in such things. at all, at all. Sh.\mus. — Oh, but I know betther Teddy, he'll call on me as sure as I'm born. Oh what'll I do ? Teddy. — An' if he did come, could he change himself into any shape he liked, Shamus ? I've heard that they can do anything in the world. Shamus. —Aye, indeed they can, for I know of one that crept into an ould chest, and nearly frightened the wits out of me own uncle. Oh, begorra I'll be afraid to move from the spot unless yer with me Teddy. Teddy. — Tut, tut, Shamus, sure I don't believe there's a rale fairy in the world, it's only that people think they see them. Be the powers, there's Ned Bralligan callin' me ! Stay where ye are Shamus and don't stir a foot, an' I'll be back in a minute. (Runs out^ leaving the thoroughly scared Shamus, alone with his terror, Shamus {looking around fearfully). — Oh, murdher, what have I done, to be picked out from among them all, and I'm the only one that knows the power of the fairies ; sure the other boys only laugh at me when I tell them what I know. Oh ! oh ! what's this. {He stands up and stares at an object coming towards him^ which object is Teddy moving forward on hanis and knees ^ and enveloped in a cloak^ in such a manner^ as to appear like some unknown animal, Shamus is unable to stir^ and Teddy approaches to within a couple of yards of him ; when he stops^ and in an assumed voice y speaks.) Teddy.—" Shamus Q'Hagan." Shamus (with an effort, ) — Yes, good Misther Fairy, what is it ? Teddy.— Ye'U have to lend me yer ears, for I've lost mine, from Hstenin' to that limb o' the divel Teddy O'Hoolahan. D'ye under- stand me ? as Shamvs {aside,)-- Oh be the powers, its kilt I'll be if I don't {vomise what he asks, Ouch ! wirra, wirra, what'll I do. (Aloud. ) Yes, yes, ye'Il have thim but let me go now, an' ye can have them to morrow. (Aside^) Oh, murdher, hew will I escape. (Looks aroutidy ftantUaUy^ and as Teddy moves closer to him^ he makes a bounds and disappears to the rtght^ while Teddy rises and gives chase. In a few moments Teddy appears again, holding his sides, and laughing.) Teddy. — Oh, Teddy O'Hoolahan, but yer a thunderin' black- guard to scare the poor gossoon out of his sinses, but sure, afther all, ni tell him that / was the fairy, and the whole thing from be- ginnin to end was a murdherin' story, an' faith it'll cure him of the nonsense about fairies entirely, and— what's that I I thought I heard a noise beyant there in the woods. (Listens.) No ; it's nothin' at all. Faith, Teddy, me boy, it's frightenin' yerself ye'U be doin' before ye stop, and I'm thinkin' ye got enough of it this day in the woods, and only for General O'Neill ye'd have been kilt dead. Aye, the general, the darlin', did'nt take long to change that scoundrel's tune. Faith they're all havin' a grand time in the castle, welcomin' the brave O'Neill, and I'm thinkin' its time for me to be turnin' in. I'll go an' find Shamus and tell him about the fairy, begorra. (Runs out R, E> and in a few moments Con- nelly enters L, E., pistol in hand, and cuivances stealthily to window of castle^ Connelly (looking around.) — Not a soul in sight ! the infernal powers are with me ! One pull at the trigger and the gold is earned ! {Just as he reaches the window. Teddy returns R. E. looking for something he appears to have lost. Connelly is too intent in his " work " to hear Teddy, who, glancing round sees Connelly about to take aim through window, seizing the gun that lies near him, he rushes swiftly ami noiselessly toward Connelly, and deals him a blow on tht right arm, at the same time hollering with all his might. 7 he pistol drops from Connelly's hand, and that worthy, seeing several Itish soldiers running up, bounds off to the wood, Teddy after him. Those in the castle run out. Sir Phelim among the foremost. Teddy reappears running, but is stopped and questioned by Sir Phelim* Teddy is much excited, and is holding gun by the end of the barrel. Sir Phelim. — What may all this noise mean Teddy ? In faith I believe your head hath given way 'neath the strain of trick- plotting. ' J ■ 88 Teddy. — Begorra your honor Sir Phelim, you would'nt say that if ye saw what I did. That tool o' the devil, Counelly was thryin' to murder ye all, shootin' through the window there, and only me ould gun intherfered — ouch, sure I'm afraid to think of what might have come of it. Sir Phelim. — What say you ? an attempt at murder ? which road did the villian take ? speak quickly 1 Teddy. — Straight thro' the wood. He has a horse and oh I the rourdherin' scoundhrel will be gone if we don't hurry. Sir Phelim. — Ho there, soldiers ! To horse ! seize the fleeing villain, and by the soul of Nial ; he shall have but the proper treatment for such a dastardly trick. (Soldiers rush out leftfol lowed by Teddy; Owen Roe O'Neill addresses Sir Phelim.^ Owen Roe. — Ha I Phelim, methinks I know the reason for this coward action. To-day, in yonder wood, I encountered a fellow who was about to murder that brave young Teddy, but my pic- sence prevented the foul deed, and the intended assassin has en- deavored to repay me for my interference. Sir Phelim.— Great heavens I had he but succeeded. But you know not the person you speak of Owen ? Owen Roe. — Nay, I know him not. He wore the dress of a Knight, and would be a well-looking one but for his evil face. Sir Phelim. — Ha, a Knight, say you I In truth I am puzzled, for this Connelly is but a low varlet, a rascally spy, in the service of the enemy, — but here comes our men, and, by my faith, they are empty-handed. Teddy and the soldiers appear^ the former holding in his hand the note given by Norcott to Connelly some hours previous ; Teddy advances to Sir Phelim,) Teddy. — Sorra a sign of the murdherin' thief could we see Sir Phelim, but here's a bit o* somethin* I found where he mounted his horse, (gives the paper to Sir Phelim who glances at it,) Sir Phelim.— Great Heavens I what a double-faced traitor ! Gentlemen I (loudly) He whom we have trusted as a faithful ally ; he, who has been with us in our councils, since the beginning of this war, is but a false-hearted, scheming knave, and the proof is here (slapping the note) Listen, noble gentlemen, [reads) ** To Sir Francis Willoughby — march to within a mile of Charlemont, and there await till midnight ; then, with a picked body of troops advance to the eastern gate of the castle. I shall be within, — a favored guest of the Irish. The ^ate will open to your touch, and the fort will be ours " signed " Richard Norcott." — Good heavens 84 lliiiij was there ever such a base hound as this ! Owen Roe. — Ha I it was this Norcott then, whom I encounter- ed in the wood. I thank God again, for the storm that compelled me to seek the shelter of the trees, now I understand why this man was so easily overcome ; he must have known me/ and, aware that my presence at the castle would wreck his plan, the sudden blast- ing of his hope withdrew the blood from his craven heart. Now, gentlemen, we must recompense this brave youth {meaning Teddy) to whose prompt and gallant action, at least one of us owes his life, {unfastening a medal from his own breast). Advance brave boy ; {attaches it to Teddy's breast\ wear this in memory of what you have done this night. There beats a brave man's heart in your boyish bosom, and I will do that which will look to your advancement, and hasten the day when you will fight by the side of our chieftains for the honor and glory of our religion and old Ireland. Teddy. — {overcome with emotion^ placing one knee on the ground and grasping O NeiWs hand) Great an' noble chieftain ; ye overcome me with words of praise for only doin' me duty, but ye have'nt spoke of the life ye saved to-day in the woods. Me heart is loo full to spoke what I feel, but ye know what's there for ye, an' ye'll know too the feelin' that's in the heart of me poor ould mother, who'd have died if she had lost her Teddy. Her blessin' will follow ye wherever ye go, and evesy day I'll ask the blessin* of God on your noble head, and pray Him to shower His gifts upon ye, that ye may be able to save our poor ould land, and protect our holy religion. \ End of 3RD Act. ACT IV. SCENE I. — (A glade in the wood near the fort of Char- lemont, Owen Roe standings communing with himself admiring natures beauty^ Owen Roe. — I have lived *neath the cloudless skies of sunny Spain, and many times have I watched the gorgeous sun- sets in wide-famed Italy, but the beauty of the one nor the grand- eur of the other, hath ever stirred my heart with the same feelings ^ of joyful emotion, as when mine eyes rest on the green carpet and rich-clad mountains of the Emerald Isle, — my own dear Erin. In my many years of martial life in the kingdom of Spain, my 85 1 1 encounter- lat compelled why this man id, aware that sudden blast- heart. Now, ning Teddy) us owes his Ivance brave nory of what an's heart in look to your ^y the side ;ion and old ■nee on the e chieftain ; Je duty, but voods. Me t's there for of me poor eddy. Her I'll ask the shower His d land, and ' OF Char- y admiring skies of geous sun- the grand- ie feelings en carpet dear Erin. Spain, my head hath guarded the interests of its sovereign, but my heart hath ever been with the beautiful, though sorrowing land of my birth. {lifts up hand) Ireland, loved Ireland ! My soul, my whole being, are for thee ! (^pauses a moment) Why should the sister isle have ever looked upon us with angry eyes, and sought to turn us from the holy faith that shall ever be cherished in this Isle of saints by the children of St. Patrick ; but they have ever done so, and have used the sword to enforce their commands, and as naught else is left us, we must e'en use the same means to expel them. Ah, good morning Roger, {to O* Moore who appears) The beauty of the early morn has coaxed you abroad, I see. O'MooRE. — Yes, Owen 1 always loved the early hours when all the world's asleep. But tell me, Owen, how our efforts are looked upon, abroad. Does Philip of Spain still cherish the same kindly feeling toward us ? Owen Roe. — Indeed yes, Roger, the best proof of which is the goodly number of ships, laden with all things needful, with which he has supplied us ; and the French monarch has not been behind with such good help, and I have now at my command over one hundred officers, Irish born, who have gained distinction in one or the other country, as I informed you a few days ago. It now rests with ourselves whether we tamely submit to the oppres- sion of the enemy, or deliver our fair land from his hated yoke. O'MooRE. — It shall be the latter with God's help and that of Our Lady ! Let us take a walk down the stream Owen, and I will give you more fully than heretofore, an account of our actions for the past six months. (They move off r, e., and Teddy enters left, singing,) ** Says I to my Kitty, ye 're purty and witty, More illigant far than the bould Judy Carney ; An' faith an' I sigh for a glance of yer eye, Says she, git away with yer blarney. Says I now my jewel, ye mus'nt be cruel. For to plaze ye I'd swallow lite Lakes o'Killamey ; But thry as I may, faith she'd look up and say, Now Teddy be off with yer blarney. (Dances a jig, and while so engaged Shamus enters Left and is about to speak.) Teddy. — (still dancing) Don't spake a word Shamus^ not a word till I finish this. (In a few moments he ceases, and addressing Shamus, says,) 86 I i J "'I! iiliiii i ii u. Teddy., — D'ye know me rayson for tellin' ye not to stop me, Shamus me honey ? Shamus. — Faith I don't Teddy, what is it ? Teddy. — (mournfully) It's because it's the last jig I'll ever dance in Ireland. Shamus. — What in the world d'ye mane Teddy. Is it lavin' Ireland ye are ? Teddy. — (same) Not lavin' il of me own free will Shamus, but Tm goin' to be thransported ! Shamus — Thransported ! Well of all the quare men I ever met in me life you're the quarest. What on earth has got into yer head now ? Teddy.— yoguishly) Not the fairies this time Shamus. Faith it's thrue ; thransported I'll be, or murdhered, or kilt entirely. Begorra its enough to make me grey before me time to think of It. Shamus. — Me poor boy ! tell me the cause of yer sorrow, an' perhaps it'll make it lighter for ye to bear. Out with it acushla. Teddy. — Well as yer an ould and thried friend of mine, I don't mind tellin' ye Shamus. Ye see it all came about that new-fangled dhrillin' of thim strange officers that our brave general, God bless him, brought over with him from across the sea. An' faith they have a quare way of dhrillin' the boys. Begorra I think the half o'them are Frinch or Italian, or Chinese maybe. However, they have a haythenish way of shoutin' that they never learned from christians. When one of thim roars out somethin' like this — " Hoo "—with five or six pair o' lungs, how the divel am I to know that I've to stand still. Well, the other day, I begged the gineral to let me dhrill with some ot the other boys, and he tould me I could, so off I wint to the common and joined in with the rest o' them. Shamus. — Oh Teddy, Teddy, me poor boy, this is where the thransportin' comes In, I'll go bail. Teddy. — Faith, an' yer right, Shamus. I had me ould gun undher me arm, with the iron part stickin* out forninst me, — like the other boys, — when the foreign captain, bad cess to him, began shoutin' like thunder, an' off we started on a run ; but we had only gone about tin yards, when the murdherin' blackguard began screechin' agin as if somebody was hammerin' the life out of hini. Faith all I heard was that bastely '* Hoo" and divel a one o' me 87 to stop me, jig I'll ever Is it lavin' Shamus, but men I ever got into yer nus. Faith :ilt entirely, le to think sorrow, an' t acushla. ine, I don't lew-fangled God bless ' faith they ik the half k^ever, they rned from like this— am I to >egged the J he tould 1 with the 'inhere the ould gun me,— like tm, began had only rd beg;an t of him. Me o* me was goin' to stop for such a haythenish word, but begorra every one else did, and in a moment there was a murdherin* howl in front jo'me, and down wint Paddy McCann, and down I went on top of him, and there we were, rollin' over and over like two frogs in a puddle of wather. Well over comes the captain lookin' as black as your face on a dark night, an' it was there and then he said he'd thransport me. But I've heard nothin' of it since, an' maybe, ^t^ther all he'll let me off. Shamus (laughing) Oh, Teddy, Teddy, but yer the quare boy ; sure it's not thransphort he meant at all, but t iport^ that manes to tell the gineral that he could make no hand of ye. Oh be the powers, but it's a great joke. (Laughs again Teddy gaza at him as if not comprehendiag^ and^ his mistake becoming apparent to him^ he breaks out. ) Teddy. — Well of all the desavin' sky-Iarkin ; murdherin' thievin' scoundrels under the sun, you're the worst of them all, Shamus O'Hagan ; are'nt ye ashamed of yourself to be laughin' like an omadhaum at the sorrows of a poor boy, when it's consolin' him ye ought to be. Oh begorra, (jumping around) if I could only tear up a tree or two, I'd have yer life on the spot, — ("Shamus makes a spring and escapes by L. E.y followed by Teddy, who returns in a moment ) Teddy. — Well, well, to think of the blundher I made in pickin' up the wrong word. Teddy, me boy, for the future ye bettherkeep yer mouth closed, and then ye can't be makin, a laughin' stock of yerself, for that blackguard Shamus '11 tell the joke to every one he meets. Faith I'll run afther him and tell him to hould his tongue, or I'll tell all about the fairies, faith I will, (runs out L. E. Connelly appears at R.^ disguised by means of long whiskers and long coat ; his back stooped somewhat.) Connelly. — I'll meet that villain yet, and repay him for the blow he dealt me, and by which he caused me to lose a fortune. I am safe in this disguise, and if met by any of the Irish, I can as- sume their brogue, and pass as a poor old man. I have'nt seen him since that night, but when we meet again, I will leave him dead, aye dead. SCENE II. — Council Hall in Charlemont Castle. At back of stage is a raised platform^ on which are chairs in a semi circle, and are occupied by the various chieftains, Owen Roe in the middle chair. That to the right by 38 tl<:: iii!(i!f ■ i ,11' i i Castlehaven, /^ Z^^' Sir Phelim. 7 hat one next ^iva Fhelim is vacant, being 0*}Aooke.\ who stands afew\ feet back from the plcUform, and to the left. On the \ right, and nearly, or about opposite O'Moore, sits a harper wtth long white hair and full beard ; around the rest of the stage are seated the newly-arrived office^, in such a manner as not to obstruct the vtetv. Placed ot^er the platform are the flags ^Ireland. Flanders, Spain, YKMiCEand the Vav Ah colors, O'UlooKE. addresses O'WE^ RoeJ O'Moore. — Noble and gifted son of the Hy-Nial, we, the chief- tains of the different clans in this land of Ireland, together with our gallant allies, the English Catholic Lords, resident therein, are here assembled to tender you the proud positionof commander-in- chief of the Catholic army of Ireland. Right well are we aware, that in eVery conceivable way, you are eminently entitled to the highest position in the land, and our hearts, our minds, aye, our very souls tell us, that the duties pertaining to your high office, will be discharged with the courage and ability which have so marked your career in foreign lands. You came to us when our country is groaning 'neath the load she carries. Her children are slaughtered by hundreds ; the priests of our holy religion are hunt* ed like wolves, and our first successes are as naught, for their fruits have been swept away by a stronger army than ours. I speak for the chieftains of our land ; I speak for the Lord Castle- haven, Sir John Netterville, and the other English Catholic Lords who have lent us their aid, and who will still lend it, and I speak for my poor self when I say, that when you raise the banner of the Red Hand, there breathes not a man within the borders of this Emerald Isle, who would not brave a thousand deaths to fol- low you, for the glory of our religion and country. (O'Moore now makes a sign to the harper who sings, O'MooRfi then seats himself.) Air—'*0'DonHeliAdoo." O chief of the mountains ! O Son of the Waters ! Our hearts bleed within us, our tears flow unchecked : We weep for the fate of our sons and our daughters, We weep for our country, our homes that are wrecked. O haste noble chieftain ! our chains to dissever, O list to the voice of thy country in tears ! » She calls thee i thou answer 1 and now and forever Thy name shall ring proudly and great in her ears. ^^ one next Sik\ stands afew\ left. On the I i^ooRE, sits a ^ ; around the >ed officer's, in Placed (n>er fDERs, Spain, dresses Owen 've, the chief, together friih t therein, are ►mmander-in- re we aware, titled to the ds, aye, our high office, ich have so is when our children are 3n are hunt- t, for their in ours. I 'Ord Castle- ^olic Lords nd I speak banner of borders of aths to fol- (O'MOORE then seats I 89 {The music ceases and O'Neill replies.) Owen Roe. — Gallant sons of the chosen isle of St Patrick, and I ye, noble bearers of proud and honored names (bowing to Lord C. and Sir John N.) I am unable to find words adequate to ex- press the depth of emotion that swayed my soul while listening to the burning words of our courtly friend, Roger O'Moore. The task ye impose upon me, is one to which my soul leaps with fervid joy, not for the sake of the fame its accomplishment would bring, but for the relief of our suffering countrymen, and that of the English race who dwell in our land, and worship the same God, after the manner of their fore fathers. We, of Irish blood, can never abandon the faith bequeathed to us by our beloved St. Patrick, and I know in my soul, that the noble English Catholic gentlemen present with us today, iind who have fought so well for our cause, will ever cherish the holy faith practised by Edward the Confessor, in the good old days of Catholic England. (Clasping his hands and looking upward) Oh all ye martyred innocents, and all ye fathers and mothers, sons and daughters^ who have suffered for your faith and country, look down upon us this day, and beseech that God in whose august presence ye now dwell, to guide us in the right, and direct our souls ; that our actions may tend to His greater honor and glory. (Sir Phelim, risings advances a pace or iwo^ bearing the sword ^HuGH O'Neill*) Sir Phelim. — Owen, I have a pleasing task to perform this day. He who takes his place at the head of our troops to battle, for our country's rights should wear this insignia of power. (Advances to Owen Roe presenting the sword). This sword Owen, was worn by our great kinsman Hugh O'Neill. Take it ! refuse it not ! and use it as he did, and may God bless you, (resumes his seat and the minstrel sings.) Air :— *' O'DuNNELL Aboo ! " The sword of the Gael in the sunlight is flashing, The tear of each patriot is changed to a smile, The cymbals of Erin in triumph are clashing, Whil(e the war-flag is waved o'er our glorious Isle ! Stay every sigh and tear. Crush every sign of fear. Nerve every arm to dare and to do ; List to our battle-cry, Piercing the very sky — The shout of the Northmen—*' Lamh Dbakg Aboo ! " •■'h M i»! m I'i'Hl |i|: Up, up from th« vales of Green Erin ascending The wild shouts of clansmen our triumph foretell, or Norman and Gael both the banners are blending, And loud o'er the conflict is heard their fierce yell. The eagle sweeps boldly down. The foeman may darkly frown. The day of the conflict he deeply will rue — The raven must turn to flight. When, in their mail*clad might. Our warriors charge with their ** Lamu Drarg Aboo ! " Behold in the van of our heroes advancing The sword flashes bright o'er the crest of the foe, The bugles are shrill and the white steed is prancing That carries to glory our brave Owen Rob ! Raise, then, the shout, O'Neill ! Splintering of spears on steel Tells to the stranger what Erin can do : Cheer after cheer we raise, Victory's glad lights blase The victors rejoice with a '* Lamh Dbarg Aboo ! " (Bows his head on the harp for a moment^ then springing to his feet,) Ha ! ha I ye are gaining ! ye win ! now Still on them ! Yet one more bcld rush, and th' oppressor mnst go ; They waver I they fly ! Oh God, ye are free men ! The Red-Hand forever, and brave Owen Roe ! I (The last four lines to be recited^ not sung ; the minstrel looks into vacancy^ as it wert^ while giving them, and when finished remains standing a few moments, his ehin lowered to his chest, and thin re' sumes his place. Oweh Koz rises.) Owen Roe. — Venerable minstrel of Ireland : your words and your voice, seem unto my ears like the blast of the trumpet, bid- ing the sons of this down-trodden land, to rise in their might, and, 'neath the banners of their chieftains, rush into war in defence of their country. Noble lords, >chieftains. and ye, brave officers, I call upon ye to join in the struggle for liberty ; to banish the enemy who hath oppressed us ; I call upon ye to follow the banner of the Red Hand of Ulster, and let the clash of your swords be the token of fealty to the sacred cause of religion and Ireland. (He draws his sword, and all do the same : the officers at each side Of the lower part of stage advance to within two paces of each other, and, when Owen Roe raises his sword with the point to the ceiling, the chieftains on the platform cross theirs, and the offi- cers do likewise^ all at the same moment ; and let a strong light be thrown upon the scene.) I'li'i il ell, yell. IG AboO ! " ing JO!" mgi'ng fo his ei looks into W remains nd thin re- words and mpet, bid- night, and, lefence of officers, I anish the le banner svirords be land. rs at tach paces of tkepoifit ^theoffi light be ISCEN£ ni.--{GKouMDS Adjoining Charlbmont. Owen Roe etni all the chieftains present^ Castlihavbn and Nbt-* TERViLLE about to leavefoT^e East of Ireland^ to carry on the war in that part of the country. 7 he two stand near each other with Owen Rob before them,) Owen Rob. — Now, my good Lord Castlehaven, I am well ac- quainted with your knowledge and skill ip war, and to you 1 en- trust the execution of my plans, in the East of Ireland. I have learned that the enemy, to the number of 5,000, intends marching hither to join the forces already in the north, and such a junction must be prevented. I send with you fifty officers to aid you in carrying out your commands, and right well do I know that when the proper time arrives, your gallant men will give a good account of themselves. Castlehaven. — Yes, indeed they will. Tried warriors are they; and ye, our friend of the North, shall hear the crash of our arms, ere the passing of another month. And now O'Neill, we must say adieu for a while, for we must e'en be on the march. Adieu, gen- tlemen, till we meet again : Owen Rob.— Adieu Castlehaven and you my gallant young friend (to Netterville) may the God of battles watch over ye, and give ye victoiy t ( 7 hey depart K. £., all wishing them God- speed.) Owen Roe (to the chieftains) Ah i would to God that all the English were like unto those gallant warriors. If they were, our people might live in peace, and this cruel game of war would be unknown m our land. Now gentlemen, to the castle to continue our preparations. ( They go out left, Shamus appears at ^. seats himself.) Shamus. — Oh, faith this thing they call war is all very well at a distance, but when it comes right home to ye, there's nothin' en- thrancin' about it. Oh dear, oh dear, but this is the wicked world we're livin' in. I think I'll indulge in a bit of a jig an' maybe it'll make me feel betther. {Dances an Irish Jig.) (As soon as he ends the dance Teddy with gun strapped on his hack is he^urd approaching, singing, and he enters H. £,) Oh if I was veraelf, an* you ware this Teddy, And I was tne ton of Tim t)ighby ; And if yoa were me eoatin, now say if yer ready To tell who the divel would I bt. f:i 42 ^^-XK'^tJh'"? ^«'d t>c, but I kno* what ve ,1. " / think TV/" r^ ^ •^^^'«?' ^^^^ /^o//M/rVLi ^''^ ^fi> and never again interfer; fth Tnv o7T*^ . ""^ ^"^ 'his time • he'll nimself. and £m^^ k. - *^*^*P^ ^ (/a>^^j a back nmj /■ ^. . ^*^>^» nour what ye Ihamus, and e. Begorra e war that's !nce unaisy. n the kiilin' Faith in 5 war, for it idhaum. ' are Teddy ; for its up 3 do, an' I a little life and tould e laminted Begorra igets into one of the rars home LLY, dis- lefty and e words his hand hllsy jace inking he le; he'll lape from \ctly still, m) it I won- |me boy, view of ier and :r I but 48 did'nt I act well that time ; I pretinded I was kilt, fo. if I did'nt, that scoundhrel Connelly would have taken another shot, and then it was all over with me. Begorra something tould me who fired, the moment I heard the shootin*, — (jumping around) Och, where's me blundherbuss. — (Runs out R, and returns in a moment with his shilelahy and starts in pursuit of Cohhelly.) (Enter Owen Roe and Sir Phelim, R.) Sir Phelim. — Surely I heard Teddy's voice ; what can it mean ! A spy perhaps ! Ha, here he comes ! (Enter Teddy with Connelly, who is limping,) Teddy. — (to Connelly.) Oh begorra, only yer sufferin' enough with your sprained foot, I'd batther yer ugly face (catches sight of Owen Roe, who advances,) Owen Roe. — What have we here master Teddy ? What old man is this ? TtDDY.—Ould man, gineral ! faith I'll tell ye the kind of an ould man this is — (tears off Connelly's wig and false whiskers and pointing at him says7) There, gineral, is the could-blooded scoundrel who thried to murdher ye the other night at the castle, an' he would have kilt me this minute, only for the ould blundher- buss, I sthrapped on me back this mornin' ! and — (at this moment Shamus runs in from R. excited and out of breath.) Shamus.— (/bo:r Misther CMoorc and the tiineraU and I'd Hke Connelly. — (raising his hand.} Hush-h-h, what's that coming up the road ? (Shamus trembUs^ turns his head to lookj and Connelly deals him a bloiu^ filling him^ and bounds off left, Shamus remains motionless a few moments then rises.) ^HKUVS— (Putting his hands to his head,} Oh murdherwhat have I done ? Fve let that scoundrel escape^ and I'll be kilt as sure as I'm a livin' man. (looks to Ufty Oh^ here's Teddy. Dear oh dear what'U I say to him ? (^Tiddy puns in from Z., looks around^ and at Shamus. Tedpy. — Oh ye blundherin' omadbaun what have ye done ? Where is Connelly ? Shamus. — Teddy dear, don't be angry with me. The scouii-^ dhrel blinded me with a Uow in the eyes^ an' before I could think, he was gone. O Teddy, what'U be done to me for lettin' htm go? Teddy. — Faith ye'U be hanged, dhrawn and quarthered, an' have yer omadhaun of a head cut off. That's what'U happen to ye» and ye'd deserve it begorra. But I'm feelin' so good, now that the masther is safe,, that I'll undertake to get ye <& Oh be the powers Shamus^ ye ought tCK have seen the Ssuisenachs falfin' back, when the gineral leapt off his horse, and in a thundherin voice commaAded the whole pack to be off. Faith they nearly smashed themselves^ bumpin' up agtn each other in their huny l9 get awi^. How Shamus let us be off at»' when the gineral comes i shall not PHiLiM h r ! caught nane ould nurdherin' o assassin, tn. Look rell. Will t of ouid 1 ! {Zo(fJks the sogers 111 tie ye e and the ait coming p iff left, her vrhat e kilt as r Teddy. fnm Z., ^ done? S SCOUEK td think, him go? red, an* ppen to od, now Oh be »s falfin' ndherin nearly unry t» Goiiie» 45 back, 1^1 spake to him about ye, and get him to forgive ye. ( They go out R, and Connelly appears at left..) CoNNBLLY — ttkaking his fisty—Hz^ ha, Teddy (THoolahan ! the pistol mtssea ye, but the next time the steel will find your heart, and I will be revenged. End Act IV. ACTV. (3 MoBTTHs Are Supposed TO H aye Elapsed Between Acts 4 And 5.) SCENE I —(Outside The English Encampment. Sir Francis WiLLOUGHBT discoveredin converse with Sir Richard Norcott.) WiLLOUC»iBY. — Yes, Sir Richatd ; everlasting faxat is in store for the man who succeeds in removing this O'Neill. But in the name of the foul fiend how are we to reach him. You have tried it ere now, and more than cmce, yet this man lives, aye, and to our cost! Norcott. — Alas ! yes, what you say is too true, my last at- tempt was a miserable failure, as were the others, but for all that O'Neill shall die, for the |;ood of my country demands it. WiLLOUGHBY. — Curse It, man, drop that cant '' The good of our country," fot sooth ^ By the Gods, 'tis little you would ewe if England^ and all her people were at the bottom of the infernal regions, provided that Richard Norcott's purse were Well filled* and an extra handle affixed to his worshipful name. Ha, ha,^ ha \ dear Richard, verily 'tis amusing and good for the stomach to lis- ten to you. " The good of our country " (he laughs loudly.) Norcott. — Ha> Sir Fmncis, you are in high spirits to-night ; but ere many days elapse, the laugh may be turned into some- thing else^ for, if nothing occurs to stop him> O'Neill and you will come to blows, and mayhap he will not spare you, as he did a month since. WiLLOUGHBY. — What do you mean man by reminding me of that wretched defeat! Our men were worsted 'tis true, but bv a superior force ; and I would tell you my good Sir Richard, that il may not be good foe your bodily welfare if yon allow your tongue too much liberty. It ill beseemeth you, of all men, to taunt me 46 If- 11,; I I*. with the memory of my defeat, since your own head is never placed in danger, *' even for the good of your country." NoRCOTT {soothingly). — Nay, my dear Sir Francis, be not angry with me for indulging in a little pleasantry ; foi that is all my words meant I assure you and believe me I have your. Sir Wm. Parsons (enteting from R.). — How now, good pepple ! rest you here in comfort, while the rebels are marching down upon us. By the king you seem to take it easy. J NoRCOTT. — What mean yon. Sir William ? the rebels are close tp us ? ' Parsons.— Aye, within ten miles, and scattering all before them! my place, and the mansions, castles, strongholds and all other properties of the godly Protestants are in the hands of those ac- cursed rebels. Verily, this O'Neill is a magician. Scarce three months have gone since his arrival, and Ireland bows down before him. By the Gods 'tis terrible ! WiLLOUGBY (rising). — Fear not Sir William, O'Neill will not hold those places over long, for our Scotch auxilliary Monroe, has land- ed with an army of 8.000, and in a week, at most, ye Lord justices may return to your occupation of sending those rebelly papists to the gallows. Ha, ha, ha, an occupation that suits your natures. I warrant ye, {goes outR) Parsons. By the book, yon soldier is a pleasant knave, Nor- cott. But if he had shown half the skill of O'Neill, he would not now be cooped up here, almost within hailing distance of the rebels he pretends to despise. By the fiend. Sir Richard, but we are in a bad fix. If Monroe be defeated by O'Neill, this land of Ireland, will be too hot for any of us. But surely he will not be, for his forces, with ours, far outnumber O'Neill's army, and Monroe is an old, experienced general, yet I will be uneasy until victory declares for us. Norcott. — (moving up close to Parsons.) This battle will not take place my good friend. O'Neill will never meet Monroe ! Parsons. — And pray, Sir Richard, what good fortune will hinder O'Neill from so doing ? NoRCoTT. — (producing a dagger.) This, Parsons, this ! I have sworn to reach the heart of the arch rebel with this piece of steel, and by all the fiends of the infernal regions, I shall do it. He whom I had engaged for the work in the past has ever failed, but the hand of Richard Norcott shall not be thrown out in vain ! 47 Parsons. — I admire yonr resolve Richard, but how to reach him ; Fll swear that he is ever well attended. Surely you will not cut your way through his men ? NoRCOTT.— Ha, ha, ha, a brilliant idea by the God's ! No ; I have a less dangerous way of reaching him. It is his custom, as I have learned, to retire daily some distance from the Irish camp. He chooses the early morning, for quietude, no doubt to hatch his plans for our destruction. The one person who might be with- in hearing, is a sort of servant of the rebel O'Moore, but I shall take care to evade him. Once within striking distance of O'Neill, my stroke will be sure, for even were the weapon to but scratch him, he would die, (again producing the dagger.) Yes, neither heaven nor earth could save hxm^for the blade is poisoned \ SCENE II. — Outside O'Neill's Headquarters. Owen Rok pacing up and down. ^«/(fr SiR Phelim, -^.) Owen Roe. — Pleasant news this, Phelim, is it not ? Sir Phelim. — In faith it is, pleasure of a wrong sort Owen. I wish, with all my heart, that this Monroe had broken his neck ere he got a chance to come over here to do the dirty work of the English Parliament. Owen Roe. — Tut, tut, Phelim ; (smiling) would you deprive this Puritan General of the opportunity of teaching us the way of righteousness, from his standpoint ! Know you not that he claims to come in the name of the Lord and Gideon, to sweep us idolaters from the face of this benighted country ? Sir Phelim. — I know that he is a canting knave, holding the Bible in one hand and the sword in the other. It was such human wolves as he commands, who perpetrated the horrible butchery in Island Magee less than a year ago, and as I live, he and his ras- cals shall be repaid tenfold, for that inhuman massacre. Owen Roe. — But, Phelim, his forces with those of the English commanders are far superior to ours, in point of numbers at least. We can boast of 6000 troops all told while the strength of the allied army will be fully 10,000. How, think you, can we stem such a tide? Sir Phelim. — Do you forget, Owen, how you, with a handful of men, thrashed Willoughby, and his 1500 braves but a month since, aye and compelled them to sue for quarter. How now, Fabins of your country 1 do you forget that ? M' 48 Owen Rob. — No, Pheliin ; but the odds against us this time will be greater, and we must not call upon Castlehaven, tor he is doing good work in the south. We must e'en meet this fanatic Monroe, as we are, and trust to Heaven for the rest (motfing off to Jf) I will see you later in the day Phelim, and speak with you of my plans (goes out K.^) Sir Phblim looks after him a moment,) Sir Phelim.— Owen ; Owen ; if I had that head of yours, I would be King of Ireland in a month, aye and of England too ; but he ! why he would refuse the crown of either country were it offered him. Never has he a selfish thought, but is ever slaving away for the good of his country, God bless him 1 (goes out Z. Teddy and Shamus enter Jf. arm in arm Teddy wears a suffifd,) Shamus. — But how comes it Teddy that yer not wearin' your dne dhress ; begorra I think ye ought to be proud of it ? Teddy.— An' sure an' I am, but faith when I have it on, I fetl like a whale oiit of wather. And that reminds me Shamus, about this thundherin' big knife I have here, (touching the sword) and begorra, I can use it too, for I have been takin' lessons with it from ope p thim haythen officers, till tne arm is nearly as thick as yer skull. Let me try it on ye Shamus agra. (Draws it.) Shamus (/easing ^a^i^).— What would ye be doin' Teddy ye blackguard ? T£DDY.-r>Oh I just want to thry me agi/itywiih the baste, (piehs up a stone) put this stone on the top o'yer head, an' see how nate ril make two stones of it, without tumin' a hair, (Shamus $4 hor- rified and about to run,) Teddy.-— F^ith 4n' ye need'nt run, for I worit thry it at all on ye Begorra I migh( hit yer skull, and that would ruin me waypon, for I don't think I could get it sharpened again, (replaces the sword) Ix)ok ye here Shamus, I have something to tell ye, — (looks to the right) oh be the powers here comes Colonel McMahon, an faith the gineral's with him, let's be off Shamus. (SHAiifUS goes out L, followed by Teddy, with martial stride, Owen Roe and Mc^Aif on enter ^ ) Owen Roe. —Ha, ha, they have not been sleeping, then, since t()eir arrival I McMahon. — No,^ indeed, Moproe with his advance guard is within two days march of us, and his main body is but littl^i behind* The Scotch general h^ effected n JDPctipn with some of the Eng- lish forces, and his total strength is upwards ot 10,000. 49 Owen Roe. — Ha ! very well McMahon, he will find ua pre- pared for him. Will you advise Col. O'Moore that I await him hore, (paces up and doumy McManon goes out R ) Owen Roe. — By my sword ! they come like the wind. Over 10,000 against our six ! Heavy odds, 'tis true, but with the help of God and Our Lady, victory will perch upon our banners ? {Enter O'Moore and Sir Phelim, R.) ' Owen Roe. — I have news that will set us a stirring, friends, Monroe and his legions are but fifty miles off. The crucial hour has all but come. They are two to one, but were they ten to one we shall defeat them ! the enemy hath gathered all his strength in his last effort to crush us, and when Heaven hath blessed our arms and given us victory, Ireland wiil be once more glorious and free. Come, friends, and we will see to our preparations. ( 7 hey go out R.y Teddy enters left) Teddy (looking aronnd perplexed) well, well, now that's very funny, for as sure as Tm a born gossoon, I saw someone around here, but there's not a sign of a livin' soul. Begorra I'll go an' get some of the boys, an' we'll search every hole an' comer of the place, an' if we find any pryin' scoundhrel, faith we'll hang him at once an' be done with him, (exit R, Connelly enters L. carrying a cloak similar to that worn by Owen Roe.) Connelly.— Not here yet ! but he will come. Many a time I have seen him speaking to O'Neill in this spot. I risk my life in coming here, but what care I for the danger if I can have revenge on that scoundrel O'Hoolohan. Sir Richard Norcott has thrown me over, and but for this wretch I would now be wealthy. I'M kill him, and then fly to England. Here I have a cloak the same as O'Neill's (puts it on) In the dim light O'Hoolohan will not re- cognize me, and from this position I can see him as he approaches, and once he is within the grove and near enough, I can settle with him, (paces up and dowu two or three times, and when he turns with his hack to the left^ Sir Norcott springs out from Z. dagger in hand and strikes, arid flees, Connelly staggers forward a step or two and falls.) (Shamus enters R,) Shamus. — Where on earth can Teddy be ? I'm sure I saw him comin' this way, but where he's gone to I don't know. (About to proceed he sees the figure on the ground, and thinking it to he (yNeill by reason of the cfoak he throws himself on his knees beside the figure if 60 exclaiminf(,) Great Heavens, the gineral's murdhered, (looks into the face and springs to his feet) Oh merciful heaven its not him ! its Connelly, but this cloak I what does it mane. Oh ye saints in heaven, what's this, [runs out Z. screaming " help ** and in a few moments he^ Owen Roe, Sir Phelim, O'Moore and Teddy runs in R. At this moment Connelly raises his head and Sham us runs to support him. He looks around till his eyes rest on Teddy, and there fix themselves. Teddy advances^ bending over Connelly who spiaks.) Connelly. — I meant to kill you, — I wore this cloak, that you might think ->I was O'Neill, but Sir Richard Norcott — stabbed me, — I saw him as I fell. I am dying, — forgive me, — and you too O'Neill — I tried once to kill you, — forgive — as you hope for mercy. — (Teddy throws himself on his knees.) Teddy. — Forgive ye ! of course I will with all me heart, you poor sinful man ; an' may God forgive ye too for your sins. Owen Roe. — And I also forgive you for your attempt upon my life, and may God in His mercy forgive and pardon you (Curtain drops for a few moments, and when it rises the gronp is same as before, but Sir Richard Norcott is seen in the grasp of two soldiers. ) SCENE 1 1 L— Owen Kois^s head-quarters at Be^bvvcr, before the battle. Owen Roe alone, gazing to the left, and in a few moments he speaks.) Owen Roe. — Ha, they come ! Their pibroch rings 6ut upon the air ! They come to crush, to annihilate us I ! Heavens I what a host. But let them come, our brave fellows are prepared to re- ceive them ; and were their numbers twice as great, we shall con- quer ! Defeat for us this day, would be the doom of our country ; but defeated we cannot be, I feel in my soul the assurance of vic- tory, and she tells me that this days' sun, will see the chains of our country broken forever I (Enter Sir Phelim, R., agitated.) Sir Phelim.— For Heavens sake, Owen, tell me why you have left the fort at Kinard undefended ? The Scotch are crossing the river half a mile from here, and, by my sword if we check them not, they will be down upon us in a body ! Owen Roe. — Nay, Phelim, they will not reach us for some time. My intention is to delay the battle till we have the sun at our 61 backs. He is now shining full in the faces of our troops , the wind will blow the smoke of the enemy's guns into our faces, and 'twould be madness for us to advance now. Sir Phelim. — But what will prevent them charging upon our main body, which lies yonder ? Ow£N Roe. — I have taken care that they shall not, Phelim. A . ^rtion of our artillery under O'Rourke and Tirlogh, is stationed near the wood, in such a manner as to be unseen by the enemy, and when a part of his force has crossed the stream we shall open fire, and treat him to a charge of cavalry. Then, several of our regiments will cross the bridge lower down the river and attack the enemy's flank. Thus we will have them between two fires, and can hold them for a final charge of our main division. Sir Phelim (extending his hand which Owen ^ois, grasps.) Forgive me Owen, for doubting your wisdom for a moment. You have a longer head than all the rest of us put together, and you will be the victor to-day, or my name is not Phelim O'Neill. Owen Roe. — Yes Phelim, with God's help we will overcome .ose fanatics, and bring back the roses to the cheek of fair Erin. But, best cousin mine I instruct the colonels in command of our centre to hold their men back at all hazards, until they hear from me and God be with you. (ExitSm Phelim ^. enter Teddw same^ he is dressed as a soldier.) Owen Roe. — Well Teddy, I see a question in your face ; what may it be ? Teddy. — It's a favor I want to ask ye, gineral. Ye see I'm not arale soldier, an' I want to be near ye in the fight that's comin '. I knowmasther O' Moore '11 be with ye, and, somehow I'd like to be near ye. It would make me fight betther. Owen Roe. — I grant your request with all my heart Teddy, but I think you have another reason apart from the one given, eh r Teddy. — Well if you must have it gineral I'll tell ye. I want to be near enough to batther the faces of those ugly, murdherin' divels, if they attimpt to lay a hand an' ye, an' if one of them as much as looks at ye, there's not a bone in his body, but I'll break into powdher ; Lamh Dearg Aboo ! let me at them /«/«/.? out R. O'Neill looks out left a few moments^ starts suddenly^ and is about to leave the spot^ when McMahon r»w in left,) McMahon. — General, the Scotch, to the number of two thousand have recovered from our several attacks and are reforming for another charge ; their right wing is about to open a cannonade, and 52 our left is engaged with the enemy's flank. The Scotch centre is exposed, and Col. O'Farrel is retiring in the direction of the wood. OwKN Roe. — Thank you McMahon, so I have seen from my position here. Tell Sir Phelim to advance with our main divis- sion, (McMahon gois cut R,, and in a few moments the Irish pipes are heard playing the air " Oh the sight entrancing" and Sir Phelim appears at H,, accompanied by O'Moore.) Owen Roe. > Gallant chieftains the moment has come I The enemy's centre is exposed, their eyes are blinded by the rays of the sun, and the wind is turned in our favor. Phelim, give the order to halt (Sij? Phelim obeys, the music ceases, andOvfEU Roe addresses the troops^ Troops supposed to be lined up out of sight of audience,) Owen Roe {^loudly). — Soldiers of Ireland, ye may now have your way ! The enemy wavers already, Monroe is trying to rally them for another charge, but 'twill be useless. Strike ! for the sacred cause ye love so well ! strike for your homes and holy ah. s! remember your martyred priests, — your murdered children!! re timber your desecrated homes, — your slaughtered brothers, and remember the massacre of Island Magee. Follow your general, for I myself will lead the way. {Draws his sword) on then com- rades — brothers, on I to death or viciory ! (runs out and drop cnrtain falls for a few moments y and when it rises, the old minstrel is seen looking out left.) Minstrel, (with uplifted hands.) — Oh Heaven t what a charge I Can our brave soldiers withstand it ? The enemy opens a can- nonside ! Oh I oh I our lines break ! No, no, they rally ! the Irish cavalry, charge against the enemy. Ha, O'Neill I thou'rt a gallant leader. See I see ! his sword whirls like the flash of the lightn- ing, his plumes dance in the sun. On ! on ! to victory, thou gal- lant son of the Hy-Nial. Ha, our heavy guns open fire I Our c&valry rush like the hurricane ! The enemy staggers ! they reel and wither beneath the shock ! Ha 1 ha ! ye are gaining ! ye win ! now still on them ! But cne more bold rush, and th' oppressor mnst go ; They waver ! they fly ! Oh God, we are free men ! The Red Hand forever, and brave Owen Roe ! SCENE IV.— -(Same as Scene III. Enter Castlehaven and Netterville with McMahon and Maguire.) Castlehaven. — Yes, good friends, indeed we have reason to thank Heaven for this glorious victory of Benburb, and I would :entre is e wood, om my 1 divis- i^ Irish " and i I The rays of ive the :n Roe V have to rally for the id holy Idren!! rs, and eneral, ficom- when large ! a can- i Irish gallant ightn- u gal- Our ^land 58 that we had arrived in time to aid ye. On our march hither the thunders of your cannon saluted our ears, and, though we pressed onward with all speed, we were in time for naught else than to witness the signal fires on the mountain tops, that proclaim to a joyful people, the glorious news of their emancipation. But what of O'Neill ? Is he here ? i Ha ; he comes ! (Enter Owen Rok with all the chieftains. Owen Roe advances to Castlehaven and Netterville.) Owen Roe, {extending his hands.)- -Welcome, thrice welcome to our camp, noble gentlemen I The news of your success in the South, reached us yesterday, and nerved us on to victory to-day. Verily our country owes ye a debt of gratitude, she can never re pay. Castlehaven. — Nay, say not so, good friend O'Neill ; for the freedom of this land and our religion gained this day by your great victory, more than repays us for our poor services in behalf of long suffering Ireland. (Enter Teddy and Shamus.) Teddy {excitedly). — General ! the prisoner. Sir Richard Nor- cott, got hould of a pistol this minute, and has shot himself, an' he's now dead. Owen Roe. — Sir Richard Norcott dead, and by his own hand I ah I what a fate* Castlehaven. — Aye, but a fitting one for the apostate, the traitor to God and to his fellow man. He is the last of our enemies, and the people of the old faith in this Emerald Isle may now live in peace and happiness. Owen Roe {grasping Castlehaven*s hand) Yes, gallant EngHsh. man, your noble efforts and our signal victory of to-f^ay, have broken the power of the oppressor, and while this land of Erin holds within her borders, such gallant hearts as are now here as sembled, her children can thank Heaven for the blessing of a happy and contended Ireland. * and on to ^ould