Ponteach monologue (Act 5) — Ponteach; Or, The Savages of America

Will they desert their King in such an Hour, When Pity might induce them to protect him? Kings like the Gods are valued and ador'd, When Men expect their Bounties in Return, Place them in Want, destroy the giving Power, All Sacrifices and Regards will cease. Go, tell my Friends that I'll attend their Call. [_Rising. Exit TENESCO._ I will not fear--but must obey my Stars: [_Looking round._ Ye fertile Fields and glad'ning Streams, adieu; Ye Fountains that have quench'd my scorching Thirst, Ye Shades that hid the Sun-beams from my Head, Ye Groves and Hills that yielded me the Chace, Ye flow'ry Meads, and Banks, and bending Trees, And thou proud Earth, made drunk with Royal Blood, I am no more your Owner and your King. But witness for me to your new base Lords, That my unconquer'd Mind defies them still; And though I fly, 'tis on the Wings of Hope. Yes, I will hence where there's no British Foe, And wait a Respite from this Storm of Woe; Beget more Sons, fresh Troops collect and arm, And other Schemes of future Greatness form; Britons may boast, the Gods may have their Will, Ponteach I am, and shall be Ponteach still. [_Exit._