THE HARP m- a « ^llfl^ » .\%^^ AN IRISH HISTOEICAL DRAMA, lit lour %i\$, B Y AY I L L I A M KELLY. NEW YORiv FRANCIS AND LOUTREL, STEAM JOB PKINTEIJS AND STATIONERS, ]No. 4 5 MAID EN LAN I 1861 V'^^ZT Ent.uko .ccok.mn,. to Ac- ok Conokks., i,. tl,e year IS.iT, l,y Wn.,.,AM Kkm.v, in xV. Oi^S i^ ^^-^ Clerk's Office of th.- District Cuuri of the United States, for the Southern Distrietof JN'. V. ^-^ ^ _^' ■' ^^. "1 ^ THE IIAEIMVITHOUTTHE CROWN, Hounlraslifl's im Wa\\[]\}U\\ lEISH HISTORICAL DEAMA IX FOUR ACTS, By WILLIAM KELLY. l>\' ' NEW YORK: FRANCIS AND LOUTREL, STEAM JOB PEINTERS AND STATIONERS, No. 45 MAIDEN LANE. 1867. t^^^^^ .^^' DRAMATIS PEKSONJi. Lord Mouis'TCAShei., General of the Irish Armj^ St. Euth, In Command of the French and Irish Troops. Maeshall Luxemburgh, Commander-in-Chief of French Troops. Cayalier Philabert Emanuel De Tessee, Second in Command. Duke op Tyrconnell, Viceroy of Ireland Under K. James. Sarsfield, Earl of Lucan, Major Gen'l of the Irish Arm3\ Sir Dermod O'Brien, Colonel of the Fourth Irish Dragoons. Colonel Grace, Commander of the Fortress of Athlone. Colonel Fitzgerald, Commander of the Irish Grenadiers. O'Donnell, Dillon, O'Neil, Col, Dorrington, Commander of the Royal Irish Foot Guards. Father O'Carroll, Chaplain to the Moimtcashel Family. Michael O'Ryan, Sergeant in Sarstield's Own. Oney Sheehan, An Irish Piper. O'Carroll op Nenagh, Leader of the Rapparees. Tim O'Connor, Of the Kilkenny Rangers. RORY, Colonel Herbert, Of King William's Army. Major General Douglas, Commanding English Troops. General Reyigny, A Huguenot. General Leeyison, Commander of the Dutch Blue Guards. Sir Toby Butler, Commander of Ormond's Yoemanry. Staff Officers, , First and Second English Soldiers Lady Evileen MacCarthy, Daughter of Lord Mountcashel. NoRAH O'Leary, Foster-sister of Lady Evileen. Widow Sheehan, Mother of Oney. Officers, Soldiers, RapPx\rees, Yoemen, Peasants, &c., &c. ACT 1. 'SCENE I. — Interior of B My more Castle,, residence of the Mountcashel Family. Saksfield, Earl of Lucan, Major Gen'l of the Irish Army. Sir Dermod O'Brien, Colonel of the Fourth Irish Dragoons. Colonel Grace, Commander of the Fortress of Athlone. •Colonel Fitzgerald, Commander of the Irish Crenadiers. Michael O'Ryan, Sergeant in Sarsfield's Own. Oney Sheehan, An Irish Piper. Colonel Herbert, Of King William's Army. Lady EviLEEN MacCarthy, Daughter of Lord Mountcashel. NoRAH O'Leary, Foster-sister of Lady Evileen. JLady Evileen weeping. Norah. — There, now, sweet Lady, do liave courage, you will kill yourself intirely — so you will, alannab. They dare not touch a hair of your father's head. Oome, asthore machree, let your poor Norah once more see you look happy. Lady Evileen. — Thanks, dear Norah ; 1 will try to ■compose myself. But, Norah, when I realize the fact that my poor father is wounded, and in the hands of his enemies, far away from those he loves so well — no kind voice to cheer, no gentle hand to tend his w^ounds — my •courage fails me. If I could but watcli by his couch, I would then indeed be happy. JN. — Sweet lady, but that cannot be; so come, now, cheer up alannah. You know how unhappy you would make your father if he was aware that you were fretting and crying yourself sick. Are you not a MacCarthy? Is he not suffering in a good cause — the cause of our poor old country, her liberty and her faith ? So do, acushla, do cheer up and look happy once more. Zadj/ E. — Thank you, kind Norah, I will endeavor to do as you wish. iV^. — Ah, that does my heart good to hear you speak so cheerful — and you know there's Sir Dermod, what Avould he say if he saw you frettin so — for shure he loves the ground you walk on, and dotes on your name;: God bless him, but he's the prince of a gentleman. Lady E. — Stop, stop now, I will get jealous. God grant this war may scon be ended, and peace restored to our poor country. Oh ! father dear, your child prays- for comfort and consolation to your lonely heart. N, — Hush, hush, did you not hear % Listen ! yes, it is the messenger from Dublin. God grant he brings us good news. {Exit Nor ah ?^ {Enter Nor ah.'] N. — Oh, a letter for you. Open it quick my lady.. {Lady Evileen takes the letter andlooks at the drections.'] Oh, Norah dear, it is from Sir Dermod. {Kisses it, opens and reads.] " DuBLTX, Tuesday night, June oth, 1690. " My beloved Eyileen, — All is lost. After a long,, and bloody struggle at the Boyne, we have been de- feated, and are in full retreat, I hope soon to have the happiness of seeing you. Heard from your beloved fatber ; he is rapidly improving, and is treated with kindness by our enemies. In haste, yours devotedly,. " Dermod O'Bkien." N. — Now, my Lady, you must look like yourself again. Lady E. — Yes, yes, kind ISTorah, but this is bad news for our poor country. May God strengthen her children, and bless them with courage and strength to battle with our enemies. JV. — Yes, may Heaven bless them, and pity those that have lost sons, brothers and lovers. Oh ! Michael I^ Michael ! Do you think he has escaped, my Lady ? {Nor ah weeps.] Lady E. — Come, come, Norali, do not be alarmed ; your lover has escaped, I feel confident. \Enter Servant. Annoimces Si?' Dermod O^Brien.'] [Eivter Sir Dermod. Lady Evileen rushes to meet him. They emljrace.'] Lady E. — Dermod, dear Dermod. ■Sir D. — Evileen, my dear, this, indeed, is happi- ness; but, darling, how changed you look. I fear the news of your beloved father's capture has preyed severely on you. Lady E. — Dear Dermod, I will promise not to think -so often of it; but come, Dermod, tell me the news from Dublin ? Sir D. — Oh, dear Evileen, it is bad news. The King, for whom we have sacrificed all, is fled to France, and left us to struggle against the mercenary hordes of the Prince of Orange. Lady E. — It will, indeed, be an unequal struggle. Sir D. — Yes, but better make the sacrifice than surrender our liberty and our ancient faith. Lady E. — ISTobly spoken, dear Dermod. God will bless our arms. Sir D. — Our brave Sarsfield has assumed com- mand of our shattered, but not beaten army — he is infusing new life and spirits into the troops, and de- clares he will contest every foot of ground against the invaders of our country. Lady E. — And my poor father cannot assist you. Sir D. — That may not be so ; he will soon be •exchanged, and then we shall again have the benefit of his wise council and brave sword. Lady E. — But tell me, Dermod, your brave dra- goons, I hope, have not sufiTered severely. My poor foster-sister is most unhappy about her lover. Sir D. — His name, Norah. iV. — Michael O'Ryan, your honor. Sir D. — Michael, ah, yes; why that must be Ser- :geant Michael O'Kyan of my regiment. He is safe, -and as sound as a bell, I am happy to tell you, Norah, and will soon be in the neighborhood — he is as brave- a soldier as ever put foot in stirrup. Now, dear Evi- leen, time presses, I must make my adieus. Fare- well, till to-morrow. [_Exit Sir Dermod?^ SCENE IL — Grounds and Castle of Ballymove.^ [Enter Sergeant Michael O^Byan^ singing .•] Oh, I am a bowlcl dragoon, With my long sword, saddle, bridle. Whack, rowdy, dow. Sergeant O^Ryan. — Ah, thin, musha, the Lord be thanked that I live to lay my two liven eyes on the ould Castle of Ballymore again. God presarve its ould walls, and the people that live under its roof;, and shure they are the rale ould stock — none of your half-and-halfs. Not a drop of blood in their vanes that's not as purely Irish as my own, and that's say- ing a good deal. Ah ! God be good to my poor father's soul, for he used to tell me, " Mickey, my boy, niver disgrace the clacent name you bear ; for," says he, " in the churchyards of Ballinaclouch and Dollarcls- town there is some tombs of your ancestors as ould as Mathusalah, and a good deal oulder." And there's the sweet Lady Evileen, she's an angel, so good to the poor on the estate, and the colleen that's to be Mrs. O'Kyan. {Enter Oney Sheehan.^ SergH. CR. — Ah, Oney, my poor boy, how's every inch of yourself, and the pipes. I hope you'r doin a thrivin business. Oney. — Och, thin, Master Michael, honey, but the good ould times are changed intirely since the theevin red coats came amongst us, with their Dutch pretenders and there Plessians. Shure it's one wake and one chrisinin in a month now, and as for weddins, shure the like is not thought of these days.- Oh, sweet bad luck to the invaders of our country, and God bless King James and the great Louis of France, of brave ould France, tlie ould friend of onr nation. Serc/t C/ R. — Yon are riglit, Onej, niy boy, lie is the friend of our ])oor ould country. I see you wear the onld cockade, Oney. Onei/. — Wear it, och thin may I niver die a sinner but I'll wear it 'till the hour of me death. Sevcft (JR. — How's the poor ould mother, Oney? Oneij. — Ah, thin bless you, avick, for askin', but she's mighty poorl_y. Ould age is coming on her mighty quick, and these tronblesome times w^orries the poor ould soul. Seirft O'R —And the ladies at the castle, Oney, when have you been up there ? Oney. — Ah, God bless the cratures, tliey've always a welcome for the poor piper, and the sw^eet colleen with lier own hands, filled out the tay for my breakfast, the cratnre asked me fifty-iive qaestions about the news that's a goin'. I tould her the King had run away. Ser(/t O'R.— What did she say to that? Oney.-—''' Oney," says, she " betune you and I he's no great loss." Then she asked me when did I think the boys wonl be coming to Ballymore, and told me to come to the castle and let her know when Sarsiield's lads come to the neighborhood. Serif t 6^'7?.— God bless her. Oney will you do me a little taste of a favor ? Oney. — Ah, thin Michael my honey, shure I'd walk on my knees for you. SergH O^R. — Well, now take this little taste of a paper to the colleen. {Trumpets sound.'] Serg\ O^R. — Ah ha! that's the general's call. Oney. — Is it Sarsfi eld's? ScvrgH O^R. — Yes, Oney, my boy ; its onr brave Sarsheld — God bless him. Oney. — Amen. {Exit Oney. SCEM: irL — Sar.' in my head and it got the better of me ; devil a bit but it did, yer honor, — so that when I thought I was on the straight road to Athlone shure I was turnin' my back to it all the time, yer honor. Bad luck to such a mistake as that has Mickey Byan made since he was christened, and shure that's over twenty yeai's ago, yer iionor. Geri.D.- — That's all very fine, my man ; but the fact of your being taken within our lines places you in a bad position. A court martial will assemble immedi- ately, when you can make your defence, but the fact of your being a spy leaves little doubt that jow will have to suffer the penalty of death. What icgiment Serg't 0^ R. — To the Fourth Irisli Dragoons. Sars- fiell's Own, your Honor — the Unest reghiieiit in King James' sarvice, God bless him and botlier his enemies. Sir Toby. — Ha! jou rascal: hold your Jacobite tongue; we'll teach you how to speak to gentlemen. Aha, that we will. Officer. — Keep a civil tongue in your head, you. Irish Jacobite. Serg't O^R. — Musha, then, you dirty spalpeen, if" you just take off those things, and stand out there be- fore me, I'll dust yonr dirty carkass for you in quick sticks. You pack of dirty rebels, I'll teach yees dacent manners, and not to insult a poor boy when his hands are tied. [The oficers return to the front of the stage in consultation ?\ Gen. D. — Prisoner, it is my painful duty to in- form you that you have been found guilty of being a spy. The laws of war are short, and swift, and at live to-morrow morning you will be shot, and God have mercy on your soul. Colonel Herbert ; you will take the prisoner in charge. [_Exit.- SergH 6^'^.— Oh, Norah, darling, mustldie and not see your face, or speak one w^ord to you, darling; it is but a short time your poor boy has to live, alannah. Oh, Father Patt, if I could but get your blessing I w^ould die happy. Oh, IN orah, darling. Hush, Mickey my boy ; have courage ; you must not let your enemies think yon are afraid to die a soldier's death, or dis- grace the decent name you bear. Col. H. — Prisoner, there is one way to save your life. You can give us some valuable information. Y^our life is in your own hands, SergH O'R. — No, your honor ; my life belongs to ray country. Turn informer, on the poor ould land of my birth. Oh! God forbid. I would die a thousand deaths first. No, i^orah darling; 3^our poor boy will die like an Irish soldier — true to his country and his colleen. Lead on, your honor, I am ready to die. 10 SCENE Y. — A wild mountain scene — The nwon seen throng Ji large mass of clouds — The English camp in the distance — Firing party ^ in charge of CoL Her-bert — The miishets stachecl — Se-rgH 0''lt. and guard dosing asleeij — Oneifs pipes are heard in the distance. SergH O'R. starts ; tlie Lord be good to me ; if tliat's not Onej Sheehan's pipes I'm not a living boy. [Sentry^ awahening^ asJcs lohat 7nusic is that.'] SergH CPJR. — That music. Don't be frightened avick, for I think it's the fairies tliat are on the march, for they never travel withont mnsic. Sentry. — Fairies! man. What are they ? SergH' O'li. — Oh. then avick, where were yon born, or what kind of cnltivation did yonr mother give you ? Don't know wliat tlie fairies are ! Well, I will en- lighten yon. They are the good people. Sentry. — What good people ? what good people ? Good people, indeed, in this infernal country. Why, you are all a parcel of dunderheads, who refuse to re- ceive our good Saxon civilization. SergH O^ R. — Now be aisy, avick. I can't stand that. Is it civilization ye mane? It's jonking ye are. Isn't ould Ireland the land of Saints and Sham- rocks. Ci^'ilization, indeed. Ah, be easy my boy. Hundreds of years ago, didn't Saint Patrick (God bless him) send his Saints across the sea to teach yous Christianity and dacency. Didn't King Dathy con- (pier the world, and only he died at the foot of the Alps he would have conquered China too. Ah, be aisy ; Julius Ca?sar conquered yees and made yees his slaves, but he never set foot in ould Ireland, as good reason why, because we wouldn't let liim. And there's Saint Bridget; didn't her Habit cover the Cur- rough of Kildare. I spose you never heard of that mirical. Well, I will tell you. Saint Bridget was traveling in the Sweet County of Kildare, and King O'Toole, of course, hearing she was coming his way SCENE V. 11 like a dacent Christian went to pay his obadience to the Saint ; and the King, having a son born to him with a reel foot, the cunning old fox tliought lie'd ax the Saint to cure him. Well, be dad ; Saint Bridget said she would if he'd give her as much ground, to build a churcli, as her mantel would cover. It's a bargain, says the King. Well, but the Lord preserve us, the Saint's mantle spread over the whole Currough of Kildare, and on it was built gi-eat churches and monasteries. The Saint, God bless lier, had the best of the bargain. \_JSfoise is heard. The sentry springs to his feet and seizes his musket. Enter Oney Sheehan.~\ Sentry. — Who goes there ? Oney.- It's only the poor piper. Sentry. — Stand and give the countersign or I'll blow your brains out. SergH O^R. — Ah then now, sentry honey, don't harm the poor piper ; shure he's an omadhaun, and don't know what the countersign manes. Shure the poor boy has no sinse in his head — goes round the counthry playing his pipes for the bit he ates. Let him pass ; sorra harm he'd do yees, barren you might get a little information out of him. Sentry. — He don't look much like a chap that could do much harm ; so come, sit down and play us a tune. \_Orieij plays.'] Oney. — Michael, alannah, the boys are marchin' on us. {Here the guards fall asleep. Oney steals along and -pours the %oater from his chanter on the jjriming of the muskets. In a few moments the heads of the Trislt soldiers are seen cautiously advancing. They rush on the stage. The guards awake., rush to their muskets., hut they will not go off. Michael is unhound^ and the English officers and men are taken prisoners hy the Irish troops.] 12 SCENE YI. — Interior of Ballymore Castle^ with windows looking out on the road. Trumpets sound, drums heat. [Enter Sir Dermod CBrien^ Lady Eoileen, Norah, Serytaat O^JRyan, and attendants.'] Sir D. — Evileen, dear, our troops are preparing to inovo. Knowing how pleased you would be to see them depart must be my excuse for disturbing you so early this morning. Lady E. — A thousand thanks, dear Dermod : ten thousand thanks. [Trumpets sound.] SergH O'E. — Ah ! there, your honor. There's the last call. See, see, the boys are already moving. {^The hand is heard playing Garryowen.'] SergH OLi. — Ah, gineral, jewel, tliere goes Tyrcon- nell's Own, all yallow bellies, every man sowl o' them: they are the boys that can push the bayonet. There's Dorrington's Royal Foot Guards — County Louth boys — every man six foot in his stocking feet. Here i>.— Me; me. Wliere ? SergH O^B. — Ahem! {Takes NoraKs hand; jputs it on his heart.'] Your honor, there is no use in send- ing for the doctor ; the cure is here, your honor. [Sir Dermod takes Lady Emleenh hand; they laugh heartily?}^ SergH O^R. — Ah, your honor, it is a most vulnerable part — always exposed to the round shot of a pui-ty pair of eyes. Sir D. — Lady Evileen, Col. Herbert will remain a prisoner, on parole of honor. Lady E. — Col. Herbert, you will, I trust, make your stay with us as free from restraint as possible. Our library is at your service. The grounds around the castle will, I hope, interest you. Sir D. — We wish to make your stay with us as pleasant as possible, until you are exchanged. The Lady Evileen cheerfully extends to you the hospitali- ties of the house of Mountcashel ; the Earl, her father, being a prisoner of war in the hands of your friends. Col. LI. — Allow me to express to the fair lady my sincere thanks for her kind invitation, which 1 cheer- fully accept. Thanks, also, to you. Sir Dermod, for your gentlemanly and soldierly conduct, and if my services can be of any use, now or hereafter, you can» at all times command them. 1 will write to England,, to my brother. Lord Herbert, Avho is high in the con- fidence of the prince of Orange, our future king, inter- ceding for a speedy exchange of Lord Mountcashel. Sir D. — You are verv kind Col. SCENE I. 17 [Enter a dragoon witJi a dispatcli — hands it to Sir Dermod — he reads :] Limerick, Miclniglit, August 2d, 1690. Sir Dermod — Douglas has re-inforced William before Limerick. Loose not a moment in joining iis with yonr Brigade. Cross the Shannon at Killaloe. Ever faithfully yoni's, PATRICK SARSFIELD. F. S. — Express to the Lady Evileen my respects and sympnthy. Sir D. — Ah, snch is a soldier's life. Evileen, my love in ten minntes I must he in the saddle on iwy way to our friends. Lrblaying Ids -pipes — takes out his cockade^ loohs at it admiringly^ and fixes it on his coat. Noise is heard — Oney^ alarmed^ tahes it off and hides it aivay.'] Oney. — The Lord presarve us these dreadful times, 'Tis sartin death if the cockade is seen now, Arrah, but bad luck has come intirely on the good cause since the French came last. Hush ! [A drum is heard.'] It's the yoemen, [Exit.] {Enter Sir Toby Butler with a company of yoemen.] Sir T. — Aha; I think we'll have him this time. Aha, my fine fellow, caught in your own trap, at last, pipes and all, I'll w^ager my honor. [Knocks at the cottage door. No answer.] Eh ; come, come, open the door at once, or we'll soon break it in for you. Widow Sheehan [speaking from the window] — Ali, thin, what would so fine a gentleman, like your honor, want with the poor widow this blessed day? Sir Toby. — Come, old woman, none of your palaver or equivocation. We want your son, so open the door at once. Widow S. — 'My son, your honor, has gone to Ath- lone to buy a little tay and tobacco for the ould woman, yer honor. Sir T. — -He's in the house, so open the door at once ; if not w^e'U soon take means.-— Here, sergeant, get some dry straw ; we'll smoke them out ; we'll soon fetch these Jacobites—aha ! aha ! The piper I 32 ACT III. won't go round the country p]a3'ing his treasonable tnnes and ridiculing the British , constitution audits noble kiDg. Aha ! we'll have him this time. Widow S. — Oil, your honor wouldn't set hre to our little cabin over our heads? Sir T. — Apply the match, sergeant. \Ju8t then Oney and his mother are seen tnaJdng their escapeJ] Aha ! aha ! there they go. Ready — aim^lire. \_A.t the first volley Oney^s mother falls. Oney takes her in his arms and moves np the mountain.'] Load. Ready — aim — fire ! [ When the smolte clears away Oney has escaped^ hearing with him the lifeless tody of his mother.] By heaven he has escaped us again ! [Exit SCENE lY.— Interior of Bally more Castle. [Enter Lady Evileen and Nor ah O^Leary?^ Norali — Come now, my lady, shure the boys will soon be coming from Limerick, with the great French general at their head, to relieve ns from the red coats. Mavourneen, do now let your Norah see you look happy again. Lady E. — 'Tis impossible. How can you expect it, Norah. I will leave tlie castle to-morrow, and retire to Rosconimon Castle. We will be near our friends then, Norah. Yes, I have made up my mind, Norah. Please ring for Rnry. \_Norah rings.. Enter Rory.] Tell Col. Herbert 1 wish to speak vrith him. [Exit Rory. Enter Col. Herhert.] Col. Herbert, I have taken the liberty of requesting an interview. My ob- ject in so doing is to inform you that I with my attendants leave the castle to-morrow. Col. 11.^ [aside — Nevei", except as my wife.] You astonish me. I hope noi:e of the attendants has given your ladyship any cause of complaint, for I SCENE IV 33 had given strict orders for every attention and respect to be paid to your ladyship. Lady E. — 1 aju resolved to leave to-morrow. Col. H. — It will be impossible. Yon cannot leave. The most imperative orders from head-quarters state that you must not be permitted to quit the castle. You seem astonished, but, lady, I hold his majesty's commission and must obey his orders. Lady E \twriilng to Sforalh\ — jSTow, indeed, is our cup of bitterness fidl. [^Emhraces N'orak and weP2)s.~\ \_Enter Sir Tohy^ Sir T. — Aha, aba, Colonel — ,£>:lad to see yon. \^Puts out his hand to shake hands.. The Colonel r el act antly takes it^ What do you think, Colonel, but that rascal of a piper lias escaped me once more — aha, aha. Lady E. and Norah. — Thank God he has. Col. H. [loalks to the other end of stag e~] — Confound the old fool, I wish him far enoujjch this moment. Sir. T. — But his old hog of a mother I think must be shot. Lady E. and Norah. — Shot I tlie poor Widow Sheehan. By whose orders ? Sir T. — By mine. She tried my patienco sorely, and brouo'ht it on herself — ^aha, aha. That she did. Lady E. — May heaven defend our poor people from such petty tyrants. Sir. T. — Come, my fine young lady, recollect who you speak to. Norah. — Come, my fine ould tyrant, recollect that when you speak to the daughter of Mountcashel you must speak with dacency ; but shure what can be ex- pected from the murderer of a poor defenceless old woman, you ould rat trap. You have not tlie courage of a soldier, but rove round ihe country murdering poor defenceless people. It's well for your ould bones that I wear petticoats. [_Sir T. gets in a rage,~] Col. II.- Fardon me, Sir Toby, we soldiers are here not to make war on the ladies, but against men with arms in their hands, who are disputing the authority 34 ACT III. of his majesty. I have some little business to arrange at present. Any other time I will be happy to see Sir Toby Butler. \_Exit Sir Toby^ looking quite insulted.'] Lady E. — By whose orders am I detained a prisoner in my father's castle ? Oh, fathei", your child is heart- broken and desolate! Col. H. — I beg you will allow your maid to with- draw, as I wish to speak to you alone. Lady E. — I cannot gi-ant yonr request. My foster- sister shares with nje my sorrows and my pleasures. ]No secrets are hidden from my faithful J^orah. {They embrace?^ Col. LI. — Be it so, fair lady. Then to be brief — I love you. Do not start, fair Evileen. From the mo- ment I had the happiness of seeing you, this heart has loved you with a fondness I cannot describe. In vain I endeavored to reason and argue with myself against its rashness— its foolishness, if 1 can so call it ; — but love triumphed over all reasoning, and now, when you are, I might say, left without a protector in these troublesome and uncertain times, I offer you my hand and fortune. My brother, Lord Herbert, is unmarried, old and feeble, and according to the rules of nature cannot live long. At his death you shall share with me the coronet of a peer of England. This war will not continue long. Then the two people will become united, prosperous, and happy. May I hope for a fa- vorable answer from my fair Evileen. LoAy E. — Colonel Herbert, 1 will be brief. My affections are already given to another, I, when a child, being betrothed to Sir Dermod O'Brien. The strong ties of honor and duty, the old friendship be- tween the Houses Mountcashel and Inchiquin bind and seal the contract then made, which nothing but death can undo. Of my father's misfortune and this evil war I shall say nothing. Colonel, you are, I am sure, too honorable to press your suit further after this explanation. SCENE V. 35 \Enter dragoon loith despatches. Hands them to Col. Rei Ijert. Col. Rerhert opens the despatches and reads : "The enemy were feelino- oar position to-day with a brigade of cavahy, under Sir Dermod O'Brien. Tliere was some sliglit skirmishing, whicli brought on a severe action, in which we lost a goodly number of men. It was reported 8ir Dermod was killed, whicli report was afterwards confirmed by some prisoners. Keep your troops well in hand, as the enemy is mov- ing. " 1 ours in haste, " GiNKLE, 3faj .- GenercoV^ Col. II. [aside'] — ^This is indeed most opportune. She shall know it. [Reads the despatch. Lady E. falls into the arms of Norah and is home to her chainher.'] Now, Evileen, 1 will press my suit. Yes, she must be mine. [Exit. SCENE v.- — Bcdl-room in Roscommon Castle — Band playing — Saint Ruth and all his offtcers., Tyr- connell^ and ladies — The jjleasures of the night at fdl Nast. Enter Sarsfield — Trumpets sound' drums heat y the dancing ceases. Sars. — Cease these sounds of i-evelry and to your posts, gentlemen. The enemy is before Athlone. If Colonel Grace is not reinforced, and that quickly, it must fall. St. R'utli. — Go on with the dance. Tell them Saint Ruth is near. Sars. — I implore you. General, to send reinforce- ments without dela}^ St. Ruth. — There is no danger. Let the festivities be resumed. SP) ACT Jli. Sars.- — ^Oli ! my country, thy destiny is in the hands of a vain but brave man, wlio knows not the subtle foes he has to deal with. [_Exit Sarsji-eld. [Enter staff offcer.'] Staff Of. — Genera], the enemy has forded the Shan- non in three columns. Fitzgerald, with his grenadiers, makes a gallant resistance, but must he soqu over- powered. St. Ruth. — Stop the festivities ! To your posts, gentlemen [tahes end his ivatch.] At five let the advance guard move foi'wai'd. [Enter Sarsjield .'] Sars. — Athlone is lost. The red cross of Saint George floats from its historic and timedionored walls. Its brave commander sleeps the sleep of death. Oh, Saint Ruth, thy laxity has cost our poor country dear. St. Muth, — Such language to your superior ill be- comes you. Sars. — Draw and defend yourself. [They G7'0ss svjords. Tyrconnell on one side and Dorrington on the other interpose their swords hetween the comhatants.'] Tyrconnell. — Gentlemen, I pray of you to desist. [Enter staff officer.'] Staff Of. — The enemy has crossed the river in full force. Their pickets are posted one nnle from oar camp. St, Buth. — Sarsfield, I was wn-ong ['proffers his hand^ ; forgive me. Let us be friends SJooks at the rnap\ Yes, yes, that will be my position, and all the efforts of the enemy will be unavailing to move me from it. Gentlemen, we'll nuive at once for Aughrim, near Kilcomnadan Hill — there uur position will be im- pregnable. [Exit. I 37 SC?:XE YI.—By the French troops. De Tessee. — 1 will ride <.nit, sii". [fs struck dead. [Enter Sarsfidd.] Sars.—O'^^iW O'Neil! Saint Enth has fallen! All I fear is lost [turns to staff officer]. Go, sir, find arish and barony, from Onneybeg to Coolagh,from Clanvvilliam to Small Connty, from Coshlea to Coshma, from Pobble Bricii to Upper Connells, frc-m Lower Connells to Kerry, from Kerry to Kilmallock, Oney \n\\\ know no rest- till this mnrderin' onld wretch feels my vengeance. Father CO. — Oney, my poor boy, you must for- give your enemies. Come, take some nourishment. Oney. — Your riverence, I have no appetite. My lieart is sick and soriowtul, and I feel no hunger but the hunger for revenge. Ah! forgive my poor mother's murderer — never ! AVliat pity has he for our poor people, who are shot down like dogs. \^At this moment a voice is heard crying " Sur- render, you Jacobite dogs ! Surrender!" Enter Sir Toby Butler and yeomanry. Oney and Sergeant O^Iiyanfy up the hUl.^ Sir T. — Aha, aha. There goijs the i-ascals. Ready — aim — fire ! [Just then Michael is heard cheering^ leaving his flag. Another volley flj red hy the yoemen^ hut Michael and Oney escape?}^ Sir T. — By heaven they have escaped me this time, too : but who have w^e here ? Aha ! a nice place for the ladies this ! And you, sir : how come you here ? Give an account of yourself, sir. Father O'O. — I am a clergyman — chaplain to the Lord Mountcashel. Sir T. — Aha, aha ! A fine Jacobite that ; but he's done for. Aha, aha! Well, you'll have to come along with me. I'll find a place wdiere you will be safe. Aha, aha ! 44 ACT III. Father O'G. — We are g<'>iiig to Limerick, sir. By what authority do you detain us? Sir T. — By tlie King's autliority, sir. Here, ser- geant, put handcuffs on those Jacobites. We'll teach them to be loyal to the British Crown. Father O'C. — You don't mean to put those disgrace- ful things on the lady's hands? Sir 7'.— Yes, sir Sergeant, do your duty. Father O'O. [taking his stand hefore the ladies] — Back, sir! back! I am a man of God and peace. Seventy winters have passed over my head ; but to -accomplish this wanton insult to the fair daughter of Mountcashel, you must pass over my lifeless body \takes Lady Evileen to his side]. Back, sir! back! [Just then drums are heard. Enter CoL Ilerhert^ offi- ■cers and soldiers] I appeal to you, Colonel Herbei-t, to prevent this w^anton insult. Col. 7:/.— What is the meaning of all this ? Sir T. — These Jacobites are my prisoners. They must be handcufled and taken to Bally bracken Jail. Col. II. — Sir Toby Butler, you make a great inis- take I am in command of this district, and these people are 7ny prisoners. Shame on you ! Those ladies are now under my protection [advances and takes Lady EvIeerCs hand]. Lady, be under no ap- preiiension. No insult shall be given to the Lady Evileen. W^hy did you leave your home ? Beturn, I •beseech you, to the castle. To Limerick you cannot go. Our troops have possession of the whole country from here to the very gates of that doomed city. Yon would probably meet with nothing but insult from our rude soldiery. Father O'CarroU will, I am sui-e, ^gree with me. Father O^C — If Colonel Herbert pledges his word of honor that no insult will be offered, I certainly will advise the Lady Evileen to return to the castle. Lady E. — Good father, I will do as you advise. Col. H. — Then let us depart. There is every indi- cation of a coming storm. [They prepare to move.] SCENE VII. 4> SI/' T. — Colonel Ilerbei't, these peo})le arc my pri- soners, and I claim their custody, sir. Ves, sir, 1 in- sist on yon giving them np to me. Yes, sir, I insist on^ it. I have the means to compel yon, sir. Ahem 1 Attention, my men ! Shoulder arms ! Gvl. II. — Liecollect, sir, you now have his majesty V troops to contend with, and not tlie poor unarmed peasanti-y. Put up your muskets, fir. The first man that fires will hang from the neai'est tree. Come,, ladies. \J^xit Col. Ilerhert and ladies. Stf T. — l^'ire ! \_The men n^fuse to fire. Exit.l ACT IV. .SCENE I.—Liimrich, September, 1691—7%^ wcdls and haUlements — Hills in the distance — Thomond J^ridge — Treaty Stone — Sentry on guard — Jrish Flag. Trumpets sound. Lord Mountcashel, General of the Irisli Aruiy. Marshall Luxemburgh, Commander-in-Chief of French Troops, Sarspield, Earl of Luc an, Major Gen'l of the Irish Army. Dillon, O'Neil, Sir Dermod O'Brien, Colonel of the Fourth Irish Dragoons. Father O'Carroll, Chaplain to the Mountcashel Family. Michael O'Ryan, Sergeant in Sarsfield's Own, Oney Sheehan, An Irish Piper, Tim O'Connor, Of the Kilkenny Rangers. O'Carroll op Nenagh, Leader of the Ripparees. General Revigny, A Huguenot. GrENERAL Leevison, .... Commander of the Dutch Blue Guards. Colonel Herbert, ... Of King William's Army. :SiR Toby Butler, Commander of Ormond's Yoemanry. Stafp Officers, Officers, Soldiers, Rapparees, Yoemen, &c Lady Evileen MacCarthy, Daughter of Lord Mountcashel. J>JoRAH O'Leary, ..... .Foster-sister of Lady Evileen. Enter Sarsfield^ O'Brien, (7 Neil awl Ojfi'iers. Staff Officer. — General, a flag of tiiice tVoiii tlie €iiemy. Sarsfield. — Ride out, sir, and conduct tlie bea'er to our ])rese]ice. SCENE I. 47 S^Eiiier I^crigvy aiui Leevifon.'] 8rie7i.~\ O'Brien ! If Ave a treaty make, Will England her compact keep ? If England dare these kingdoms to unite, Allegiance is no more her monarch's right. Sooner than from my country's cause depart I'd clasp her independence to my heart; This sword all ties with Briton would unbmd, And fling the foul connection to the wind ; And, when reclining on the bed of death, Ere this frail dust should yield its struggling breatli, Like him \vho swoi'e liis son to endless hate, And thirst for vengeance on the invader's state, Each lisping boy indignantly I'd swear, By every pledge, by every oath that e'er Could bind his spirit, never to torego The bitterest hatred to his country's foe. Our country fallen — her liberty, her fame. Would lie entomb'd in England's hated name ; On other shores would Erin's sons seek fame. 48 ACT IV. Her commerce vanished, her strength decayed, No more withhi her noble deserted halls To splend'rous feast the smile of welcome calls ; Disease and death would soon o'erwhelm A brave, a fertile and an ancient realm. All no, O'Brien, we at least EnglancVs livery will never wear. Its red glare would haunt our eonsciences ^nd sting us dee}> iov our infamy. \E liter staff officer^ Staff' Of. — My Lord I bring sad news, — the Dake of Tjj-connell is dead. Sars. — Dead ! Then, indeed^ James's eause is lost for ever. Staif.Off. — Your i)reseuce is requested at the castle. [Exit all.'] [^Enter funeral corti-ge^ hand j^^^^v'^'^'^g ^^^^ Adeste Etdelis^ then a detachment (f the Boyal Irish Foot Guards — co'jjin home on the nnishtts of six soldiers / Sarsfield^ Sir Derriiod. Dillon and officers as chief mourners j detachments from other regiments hring ^tj? the rear. As the cortege is passing the long roll is heaten., canonading and musket ry is heard.] Sa.rs.—R'A\\. [They la/y down the coffin. Exit all hut SergH C R. SergH O'R. — Bad luck to yees, but yees might have dacent mannei's, and let the poor coipse be buried in quietness; but its not in yees to do anything dacint, so its not, never was nor never will be. Ah, God presarve our people. A shell falls near the coffin / Sery't O'JR. lifts it and throivs it over the walls.] SergH O^R. — Ah, y('U murdtrin' villin, go back to the dirty bhickguards that sent you. [Funercd march resumed?^ [Trumpets sound. Enter Sars., Sir Dermod, Dillon and officers.] Staff Off. — My Lord, a large force of the enemy's cavalry surprised Brigadier-Gen'l Clifford's command at Annabeg, at day-break this morning, and have made a lodgment on the Clare side of the Shannon. SCENE I. 49 jSars. — Order liim under arrest, sir, at once. Such negligence must be severely punished. E"ow, indeed, oui* position is most critical. Coward or traitor he must be, to tlius allow the enemy to cross the river and cut off our supplies, when he should have exer- cised the most sleepless vigilence. Yes, he is one of that pnrty who would maintain the foul connection on any terms, no matter how degrading to our na- tional honor. This imbecile has given to the enemy a weapon more terrible than all his legions. Starva- tion stares us in the face ; but, gentlemen, a true soldier never despairs : G inkle will tind. us awake and at our posts, ready to drive back his hordes. From the old Castle of St. Jolm let the harp without the crown be thrown to the breeze! Under its beloved folds we can die as befits soldiers. [Miter staff officer.] Staff' Off\ — A flag of truce, my Lord. Sars. — Conduct the gentlemen to our presence. [Miter General ReriiiRy and Leemson."] Gen. i?^v;.— His majesty has graciously commanded us to offer for your acceptance, terms at once honor- able, just and merciful. B^irst, a full and complete aniJiesty; perfect religious equality guaranteed ; the trooi)S to march out with all the honors of war, the flag oF England placed on one side, and the flag of France on the other; the soldiers to select freely ui:der which standard they will serve. [SarsffsJd considts ivith his offcers ] Sars. — Are tlu'se terms sent in good faith, sir? Gen. Bee. — The Kojal word is irrevocably pledged to the faithful caiiying out of all the conditions of the Treaty as soon as signed by his Majesty's commission- ers on one part, and your Lordship's on the other. And here your lordship, let me offer you, by the express command of General Ginkle, a commission in his Majesty's service, with a pension of six thousand crowns a 3^ear to the Generals. Leevison and myself add our personal entreaty to accept his generous ofl'er. Sars. — -Many tlianks, Revigny, for your generous 5 50 ACT IV. condnct, but 1 cannot accept his oiFci', Under Will- iam's rnle things will be so changed ; the liberty of our people will be curtailed, ci'aniped and clogged by a foreign parliament, the red will supplant the green, the shamrock, su'all and fertile as it is, will be tram- pled out of the land of our fathers. E'o, Eevigny, my heart w^ould sicken and die under such a regime. In good King Louis' dominions my comrades can, with the green flag unfurled and borne proudly, march side by sTde with the flag of Imperial France. What say you gentlmen ? \^All the ajftcers cheeT.'\ Officers. — You speak our sentiments and resolve. General. \Sar^jield advances, to the Treaty Sione^ on ivhich he sigrts the celeb'rated Treaty of Limerick^ ^rd Octoher, 1691.] Sars. — It is done in good faith on our part, let the troops be mai'clied out to select their future flag. 7?^'^. — His Majesty has consented to your embai'k- ation on the French fleet. Sars. — Tlianks, General. \Ent(T Leemson and Sir Dermod.'] Sars. — Well, have the troojjs made their selection ? Sir D. — Yep, General, nineteen thousand seven hun- dred and flfty-iive enlist undia- the banner of France, five soldieis under the English. Sars. — Kobly done, brave boys ; but what a sacrifice to thus leave the land (>f their birth, with all its kindred and loving lies, fathers, mothers, wives and sisters; but the enemies of our race on many a battle-field shall yet feel our vengeance. Sir D. — Everything is ready for our embarkation Sars, — Then let the troops inarch. \^By this time the stage is crmvded ivith %oomen^ the wives., mother s.^ and children of the soldiers — the loud cry of oh hone^ och hone, refunds on every side.'] Sars. — Now, good father, we crave tliy ltle^si ng. \_The soldiers and people all kneel — the pried llcssts them — they all 'rise?\ SCKNE II. 51 jSti/'s.—^ow, sweet laiul, farewell. Farewell thou majestic Sliaiiiioii. Farewell liol}' hills of sweet Mayo, where in childhff tdie stage, amidst the cries of the women.'] SOENE Il. — Camp ofth'i Irish Brlgid^:;< I'l thi ser- vl.ce of Frame— JEm of the B'Utle of S'^-dnblrk— Enter Sarsfield. and Sir Dermod. Sir D.'—l bring you ghid tidings. Lord Moiintcashel has escaped from Carrickfergus. God grant he may reach the friendly shores of France in safety, as I see tlie English offer a reward of five tliousand pounds for bis apprehension. S'lr^s. [t'lke^ Sir D^rmo Vs h^ind]—T\\\^ is indeed go;)d news, dear friend. I have been planning an ex- pedition to Ireland. Sir />.— To Ireland ! General? Sirs. — Yes, listen. At Saint Maloes there is a Freuch Skipper who lias made several trips to Ireland, knows every inlet of the Shannon ; in your Regiment you have several men from Ballym^re, cai you select one competent and faithful? 52 ACT IV. Sir D. — Let me see. Ah, yes. General. There is Sergeant 0'Ry;ii. a good soldier, and Lady Evileen's foster sister's lover. Bars, — That's the man, send him to me at once. {EAt Sir Dermod. Sars. — Yes, we must at least njake the attempt to rescue tliis fair girl from the clutclies of our treach- erous enemy. - [Enter Sergeant 0'Byan.~\ Sars. — You are a Ballymore boy. iSerg^t C R, — Yes, General. Sars. — Know tiie surroundings of the Castle? SergH 0' R. — Ah, thin, General jewel, there's not a stone in the ould spot that Mickey Ryan lasiTt made his acquaintance with ; shure I could count every stone on my fingers for you. Sars. — Well, then take this letter to Captain r3e Yillcaten of Saint Maloes, owner of a French lugger, give it to him — he will take you to the Shan- non. When you arrive there, give him all the information in yuur power, you will then assume some disguise, gain an entrance into the castle, and com- municate with father O'Carroll, and arrange with him for the escape of the Lady Evileen. Once on board tlie lugger, with a fair wind, you will soon reach the shores of La Belle France. Take this money, use it freely to gain the object we have so much at heart. Depart at once, loose not a moment. [Exit SergH C'R.-] [Enter staff q-fficer and hands disj)atGh to Sars- Jield, who reads.] ^' 23rd July, 1^92. " General, you w^ill advance youi- whole force with all possible dispatch to Steinkirk, where you will have the pleasure of again meeting your old foe, Wil- liam of Orange. Accept the assurance of our high esteem. " LUXEMBUKGH." SCENE III, 53 Sars. [turns to his oJjiGers] — Gentlemen, glorious news. We'll march to-night. Willi the rising of to- morrow's snn we'll again measure swords with our faithless enemy. Let the memory of our wrongs nerve evei'v arm. Remember Limerick. Gentlemen, you will summon your officers and give your instruc- tions. Let our battle-cry be " Garrvowen, death, or glory." SCENE III. — Glanmacnoise^ on the Shannon — • Round toioers and ancient ruins — Sentry on guard. Sentry [Tim (9'6^>;2M(9/'],— All, bad luck to their soldierin'. bhnre I tould them a thousand times they'd never make a yoeman out of me. I'll light the pipe any how. It will be a consolation to me in this desol'rtte spot — not a house or shebeen, man or beast, within five miles of me. By the great gun of Athlone, but if the grand rounds don't come soon I think I'll give tiiem the slip. Shure, God forgive me for carry- ing a gun against the poor oiild countrv, but shure it's against my will I do it, any how. Whist! What's that! [piots up his pipe.'] Bedad it's the ouhi thief himself. I'll just drop behind this tree, so tlnit he can't see me now I spake to him. [Enter Sir Tohy^ attended^ hy orderly] Who's making tinit noisu ? Sir T. — The rounds, you blackguard. Tim 6>'a— What rounds? Sir T. — The grand I'ouuds, y(m rascal. Tim 6^'(7. — -Pass on grand rounds, and God save 3^011 kindly [puttin/j his pijye agresarve us, but I'd sooner see him alive than dead any how. Aha, here he comes ; but I'll 50 ACT IV. be up to him this time [taJces uj) his gun and fixes Jiis (iGGOutrements]. Oh, by all that's woncleiful but he sees me, but I'll be atore him. {Enter Sir Toby. Tim ijies^m/ts Ms imislcet at hivi^ keeping him well covered ~\ Sir T. — Sentry ! sentry ! Tim O^G. — Bedad I hear, avick. Sir T, — Do you want to murder me, you rascal ? Don't you see its the Grand Rounds. Tirfb O'G. — To be shure, I do. [still keeping liimi covered with his 7nusketJ] Sir T. — The rufRan will shoot me. Tirn O^O—Divil a fear, barrin it does'nt go off be itself, an' in truth if it does, its your own fault for put- ting guns in the hands of the likes of me ; did'nt I tell you, you could'nt make a yeoman of Tim O'Conor, and if you are murdered, your murder be on your own head, avick, you can't deny that I often asked you for my discharge. Oh murdher, take care now Sir Toby, my hand is getting shaky from keeping her in so long, take care now I tell you. Sir T.— The rascal will shoot me. Down with your gun, sir. No olihcer's life is worth a rush with a gun in the hands of such an omadhaun. Lay down your gun sir, and go to your home, let me never see your face in the Rangers again. Go, yuii are discharged, sir. [Tim gives a loud cheer, gives the gun a pitch. TJxit.~\ Sir T. — ^Mighty glad to get rid of the rascal. 1 think I had a nai'row escape from the omadhaun. What's that noise? [Oney rushes on the stage^p>uts his arms round Sir Tohy—puts a noose rotmd his arms.'] Oney. — Ah, I have you at last after long and weary sarchin' and watchiis'. Oh mother jewel, you will soon be avenged, look down on }'our poor boy this day. Sir T. — -My good man, you surely would not injure me. Untie my arms, have mercy, liave mercy. Oney. — Aha! aha! how you mock the holy word; mercy, is it. What mercy iiad you, when you with your murderin' yeomin set lire to our little cabin, that sheltered us from the rains and stoi'ms of Winter. SCENE III. 57 Mercy, is it, and when struggling to escape from the scorchiii' an(] suffocatiiT flinrjs and smoke, I snatched the ahnost lifeless hody of my ])oor aged mother, lifted her in my arms jumped from tlie window, and again breathed the free air of heaven. Mercy, is it! Then with fiendish, helli^li vilhmy you ci'ied, tire I I felt her heart's l)K)nd flow down my cheek, and swore an oath to be revenged. Long and weary has been my watch for you. Mei'cy, is it! yon gave none, you'll get none, this minute you die. [^Oney presents a pistol at his head.~\ Sir T. — Oh, tor the love of heaven do not murder me, you shall have richei, money, honors, everything, but do not murder me. Oh, murder! help! help! Oney. — Aha! aha! you may cry but nothing but the winds hear you, die you must, blood for blood. [Pre- sents his 2^istol.] Si?' T. — Help! help! mercy! [Fnter Norah (PLeary.'] JSTorah.—M.QVi-y , who cries for mei'cy ? [^Sir Toby rushes to het\ climjs a round her feet, cries to her to save hi?n.] Norah. — Oney, avick macbree, would you commit murder? Oh, do not di.^gr.ice the good old cause. ney . ~^i^\\y\ away, Nv>rah ; what im-rcy had he for my poor ould mother, that never injui'ed a human being. Stand away, I bid yea, for V\\\ mad, die he must. {Norali catches his ar'in\ NoraJi. — Oh, Oney, Oney, do no" ^tain your hands with his blood, leave him to a higher judge. Oney. — Stand aside, Nni'i'i, or your blood will be on my head too; stand aside, I bid ye. Norah. — Oh, merciful heaven, he's mad. Good Saint Bridget, strengthen me — yes — I have it [p>uts her hand in her hosorn, takes a crobs from her nech — p^its it hetiaeen Oney and his victim — it acts liJ^e in/Kjir. Norah. — That is the symbol of mercy and Christ- ianity, leave him to God, Oney, avick machree, and God will bless you. \_Sh^, pats the cross in his hands^ draws him to the other side of the stage — voices are heard. Enter O^Carrrjll^ attended hy his rctpparees.'] 58 ACT IV. 0^ Carroll. — This way, who have wx here? A Ladj, eh? Who's this fine gentleman with the red coat? As I live, Sir Toby Bntler, the very in an we are most happy to see. Sir Toby, you are our prisoner, come, there's no use in making resistance, the poor people will be rid of the scourge for some time at least, come along, Oney, my boy, we may want your services. Can the O'Oarroll do any favor for the fair Nurah ? Norcth. — Thank you sir, no ; I must go to the cas- tle, my Lady w^ill be uneasy til! i return. Cf Carroll. — Flow does the fair Lady Evileen? Norah. — Heart broken and sad. She weeps for her lovei'. [J_ drum is heard.'] 0^ Carroll. — Ra ! tlie led coats are astir. Farewell, you may soon again hear from O'CarroU, the Rap- paree. - \_Exit^ SCENE I v.— Lad ij Evileen' s Boudmr in dually more Castle — Father O'CarroU, Lady Evileen, and Norali. — Larly Evileen weejjing:. Father (PC — Patience, my child, I have a com- munication to make that will tax all your f!:)rtitude, accustomed as we have been to scenes of woe and bloodslied, but tliis last affliction will, I fear, be too mucl) for you!" already over-burrlioned heart. La'^ly E. — Say on, good father, I am prepared Wn- the w^orst. Father ffC. — Well, your respected fitlier has been detected in the act of coi'responding witli the French government, giving plaiis and infoi-mation. been tried, and by a court-iuartial found guiltv, and sentenced to be hung like a common felon. Lady E. — Oh, honorable father, why did you leave yourself in our enemy's ]>ow3r; [iuris to Norah^ em- embraces her and weeps^ SCENE IV. 59 J^orah. — My poor darling — God grant you consola- tion my poor child. {Lady Evileeii recove7's]l will go to England, throw myself at William's feet — he will liave mercy; Oh, father dear, to be hnng like a thief! from snch a dis- grace to our house, good Saint Bridget deliver us. I will depart at once. My cloak and hat, Norah. Father U'C. — Patience, ni}'- child ; long before you could reach England your father w^ould be cold in his grave. Listen, when the dispatch arrived, I sought Colonel Herbert, pointed out to him the agony yon would suiter, begged of him to depart for Dublin and at least stay the execntion for a day. Lady E. — And he refused. Father (JC. — ISTot so, my child, he has already de- parted for Dublin. Lady F. — Ihank lieaven, there is yet some hope. Father CG. — ^Yes, but the fulfilment uf that hope is in your own hands, and depends on your own de- cision. ^ Lady F. — Good father, T do not nnderstand you : what sacrifice would I not make to save a loving and kind parent from such an ignominious death. E"a"me it. Father (fC. — Now, my child, listen. You know Colonel Herbert loves yon — has loved you since first he entered this castle as a prisoner of war. He offered his hand and fortune. You refused, of course, being betrothed, t^ the late lamented Sir Dermod. {Lady Fdleeti u'teps on NoraJt's 8hoidder.~\ You know his brother's influence at the Court of William. It is now foi-you to say that yon wdll become his bi'ide and youi' father is saved, and restored to his child and to libei-ty. Lady F.—li^YCj\ mercy! His bride ! Ah! I was to have been a bride ! — the bride of one of my own race and kindred. But he's gone ! gone! — died fight- ing for his country ! He's gone ! Oh ! Dermod, my love ! my heart is yours ! Love another I never will. I cannot ! — T cannot! zlny other sacrifice — death, good father ; death is pretei'abie. L\ither O'G. — Then the last of the princely Mount- 00 ACT IV. casliels dies a felon's death. His child could save him, but will not. Lady E, — Oh, mercy ! mercy ! I — I — consent. \Lady Eveline swoons into NoraWs arms.'] Father 0^0. — Poor child, I pity her. But I must away ; tliere's not a moment to be lost. iExit Father 0' Carroll. Norah. — My ladj^, do listen to your !N"orah. ^q comforted, alannah. Joy of my lieart, do speak one word to your own iSorah, that would die for jou. Lady E. [^recovering] — Forgive me, Norah, I feel much better now — much better, Norah. Norah. — Ah, that's a jewel. It does mj heart good to hear you speak so. Shure the poor master will be saved. The thought of that alone must be a consolation to your poor broken heart. \_Enter Col. Herbert^ officers^ and Father 0^ Carroll.] Father CC. — The time has arrived to fullil your promise, my child. {Lady Evileen weeps. The ceremony proceeds till the priest says : "And if anyone has aught to say that they should not be joined in wedlock, let him speak." Just at this moment drums heat., a volley of musketry is heard, and sounds of conflict. Enter Serg't 0^ Ryan through the window.] SergH CU. — I forbid the bans, in the name of Sir Dermod O'Brien, this lady's affianced husband. [Michael rushes to the si.de of Lady Eoileen and Norah. Michael and Norah embrace.] Col. LL. [draws his sword] — Fool and babbler ! How come you here? Sir Dermod O'Brien is dead. Let the ceremony proceed. SergH (JR. — Liar ! he is living, and has the hono]- to hold a Brigadier-General's commission in the ser- vice of his most gracious majesty, Louis the 14th, King of France and the Netherlands. {Lady Evileen and Norah embrace.] Lady E. — Norah, dear Norah, this is indeed joyful intelligence. {Norah folds her to her bosom.] SCENE IV. 61 Col. 11. — Scouiidiel,rni not to be cheated [tiuns to his officers.'] Let all the outlets from the castle be Pti'ictly guarded, and see that no one escapes. Lady Evilcen, I'll bind jou to our contract. If yon refuse, vonr father shall swing like a dog i'rnni tlie gallows. SergH O'R. — False again! Her father has escaped, and is, thank Gcd, sale in France. Col. II. — Then she shall never leave this castle. Guards ! secure this babbler! Michael [draws his 6Wor6/].— Stand back, now, ye murderin' pack of spalpeens. By Saint Patrick, the first man that lays a linger on the fair lady — [a volley of m lal'etry. Sotm (Is of corf id aga In h card. ] Col. II. — More treason [some one erdcrs the icindota.'] Fire ! [Enter Oney frorn the iDindow^ ivounded a,nd Heed- ing — staggers into tJie arms of FcUJter 0^ Carroll.] Oney.— Vm dying, father [xmts Jiis liand in his hreast — gives a despatcJi Sergeant C^' Ryan comes to Oneys assistance wJnle Fcdher 0^ Carroll reads] : '' Dubliii Castle. •' To Colonel Ilerlert., and to cdl lohoni it may concei ??, greeting : " On receipt of this our Order of Council, you will give instant and safe conduct to the Lady Evileen McCarthy, chaplain, and suite, to our city of Limerick, then and there to embark for F]-ance. You are fur- ther enjoined to the faithful carrying out of these our Orders in Council, as the valuable life of our w^ell be- loved brother. Sir Toby Butler, is held hostage for its faithful execution. " Given nnder our hand and seal, this 12tli day of March, 1692. " Ormond.'" Father O^C. — Sunshine at last. God's justice is sometimes slow, but sure. Sir, I present you with the order from the Viceroy for our immediate release. We'll take our departure for France at once. Col. II. — 'Tis a forgery, sir. Some cunning trick or devise to cheat me. 6 62 ACT IV. Father O^C. — Examine the signature, sir. Yon will find it gennine and correct. [Colonel Herlert disjmtes.'] Oney {sii'pjported hy Sergeant CPByan, and fast sinlcing]. — Oh, mother jewel, joiir poor boy is coming I Let me gaze on the colors once more before I die ! God bless the green ! \]tisses it7\ I die happy ! Mother, I'm coming ! \_Oney die8.~] Father CC. — Poor, faithful creature. Oh, my country, who will despair of the future, when the humblest of thy children thus sacrifice their lives in thy service. [Oney is home off the stage.'] Well, sir, are you satisfied ? If not, read this [hands a jjaper to Col. Ilerhert.'] Col. II. [I'tads^ — " If in one liour after sunset, the Lady Evileen, chaplain, and suite are detained in the castle, Sir Toby Butler dies. (Signed) " O'Carroll, of Xenagh." Officer. — Both signatures are genuine — let them de- part. [Colonel Herhert covers his face with his hands ^ whUe Father 0^ Carroll leads the vjay^ follov^ed hy lady Evileen and Norah.^ Sereft CPIiyan bringing up the rear. SCENE Y. — Camp of the Irish Brigade in the ser- vice of France^ the eve (f the hattle of Landen^ Jidy 28, 1693 — Irish and French flags displayed — Sentry on guard — Sarsfleld seen sitting in his tent — Maps displayed. Sars. — It is most possible the enemy will push on to Langden ; Luxemburgh, in that event, must commence the attack. SCENE V. 63 \_Ser(/l; (T Rijaiis voice is heard s'uigiay'] : " Oh, the English ran away, Says the Slian Van Vocht, And the French they gained tlie day, Says the Shan Van Vocht" Sent. — Sergeant O'Ryaii wishes an audience. Sctrs. — Admit him sir. {Eater SercjiKont (f Ryan.'\ Well, Sergeant, what news ? I hope 3'oui* mission has been successful. Sercjt O'Il. — Ah, long life to you, General ! glori- ous news. Sars. — The Lady Evileen? Ser(jt 0' R. — Is safe and soun 1, yer honor, S\OPS. — In France? Serif t O'R. — In the village; and thinks every minute a century 'till she sees her father. S'jrs. — She sliall not have long to wait. Sergeant, yoti are a noble fellow, and well deserve the tlianks of a fond father. SergH O'R. — Ah, General jewel, v\diere's the Bally- more boy that wouldn't lay down his life for the fair daughter of Mountcashel! S'lr.^. — -And your own colleen, Sergeant? Ser{ft O^R. — Is safe, yer honor, with the Lady Evileen. Many tlianks, yer honor, for asking for the colleen. Father O'Carroll is with the creatures. Sdrs. — Then let them con:ie over to the camp ; I will arrange a surprise. Serld and glorious Hag — the flag that gave us siielter, welcome, and hos- pitality. Let every man grasp his sword with a de- terminal ion to wield it wdiile one gasp of life gives str-engtli. Yes, Ave'll plant ourselves like a wall of granite before the enemy, and say to those hanglity English : '' Thus far hast thou come, but shalt come no fni ther." Le^ the memories of our wrongs and suf- teriogs nerve every arm. Rememljer Limerick ! Forward ! {Exit Savsfield, Sir Dermod^ Luximljurgh^ and officers. — The sounds of the conflict are heard on the ^toge. — Enter Lord ilourdcashel^ vjovndtd. — CJieers are now herad.~] Lord M — Those cheers are a g^ocl omen. {Enter some French efficers.'] Lord M. — Well, gentlemen, what news? Officers. — The victorions colums of the enemy are checked. {Tremcndcms cheers are heard — then strikes Old the soid-stirrin g air of Garryoioen, — Enter Laxern- lurgh and Staff.- -Enter Sir Dermod and oficers.— Soldiers leaving Sarsfield, wounded.^ 66 ACT IV. I^^l'T — Our vi(;torj is complete [advances to Sars- field, taTies his hand.'] My Lord, the Frencli Nation ^ its King, and the Frencli Arin3% thank 3^011 and jonr brave countrymen. Fi-an(re will ever gratefully re- member their gallant behaviour on the bloody field of Land en. Sa7's. — We did but onr dutv. [He swoons — -all ga- ther around. Enter Sergeant Q' Ryan., hearing som.e captured flags — lays them at Sarsfizldhfeet — Sarsfield is dying. — Sir Dermod^ Lord Moantcashel^ and all the Irish fleers gather around him,.'] Sars. — JVly time is come, farewell, my comrades IJi'isses the green flag]. x\h, would to God, gontlemen^ this was for Irehmd ! [(lies]. i LIBRPRY OF CONGRESS 017 400 016 5