Lewis Sewall

“ Now to the Eastward, led by John they go, §sc on John?
To seek, a combat with the Savage foe. ⁠30
They cross two rivers, and with rapid pace
Push, ardent, on, their Savage foe to trace.
As they advance, John sends out scouts to see,
Or learn, the movements of the enemy :
These soon return, and state that they had found ⁠35
The foe, with packs and horses scatter’d round.
John calls a halt ; the troops obey his voice,
And in the hope of victory, rejoice.
Not so Sir John, his fears suggests his doom,
He sees in prospect, all his woes to come. ”

“ A warlike talk addresses to the crowd.
“ Dismount, my gallant heroes, one and all ;
“ And, with loud shouts, upon the Savage fall !
“ Our spies report, o’er all the plain is spread ⁠45
“ Arms, blankets, powder, tommahawks and lead.
“ These shall be yours, with these a warlike name,
“ Secures your Glory in the roll of fame.”
Our Hero ceased, they raise a dreadful cry ;
The Savages, alarmed, promiscuous fly ⁠50
To a thick cane-brake, where, secure from sight,
They hold a council, and resolve to fight. ”

“ There are living witnesses to the facts. If the ridiculous part of the Knight’s character was all, he might still be supposed a well meaning man. It is however more likely that he will continue to be unmasked, till his best friends will be ashamed to say that they ever thought well of him. ”