Page:A Series of Plays on the Passions Volume 3.pdf/140

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THE DREAM: A TRAGEDY.



SCENE II.

An open Space by the Gate of the Monastery, with a View of the Building on one Side, while Rocks and Mountains, wildly grand, appear in every other Direction, and a narrow Pass through the Mountains opening to the bottom of the Stage. Several Peasants, both Men and Women, are discovered, waiting as if to see some Sight; a Trumpet and warlike Music heard at a little distance.

1st Peas. Hear how it echoes amongst the rocks: it is your true warlike sound, that makes a man's heart stir within him, and his feet beat the ground to its measure.

2d Peas. Ah! what have our hearts to do with it now, miserable as we are!

1st Peas. What have we to do with it! Speak for thyself. Were I to be laid in the grave this very night, it would rouse me to hear those sounds, which remind me of the battle of Laupen.

2d Peas. Well; look not so proudly at me: though I have not yet fought for my country, I am of a good stock, nevertheless: my father lost his life at Morgarten.

(Calling up to Morand, who now appears scrambling down the sides of the rocks.)

Are they near us, Lieutenant?

Mor. They'll be here in a trice. I know their ensigns already: they are those brave fellows under the command of Count Osterloo, who