No bird of song to cheer the gloomy desert!
No animals of gentle love's enliven!
Gen. Lee. Let Britons do the like—no—they dare not attempt it—let 'em call forth the Hanoverian, the Hessian, the hardy Ruffian, or, if they will, the wild Cossacks and Kalmucks of Tartary, and they would tremble at the thought! And who but Americans dare undertake it? The wond'ring moon and stars stood aloof, and turn'd pale at the sight!
Gen. Washington. I rejoice to hear the Canadians received them kindly, after their fatigue furnish'd them with the necessaries of life, and otherways treated them very humanely—And the savages, whose hair stood on end, and look'd and listen'd with horror and astonishment at the relation of the fatigues and perils they underwent, commiserated them, and afforded all the succour in their power.
Gen. Lee. The friendship of the Canadians and Savages, or even their neutrality alone, are favourable circumstances that cannot fail to hearten our men; and the junction of General Montgomery will inspire 'em with fresh ardour.
Gen. Putnam. Heavens prosper 'em!
Enter Officer and Express.
Officer. Sir, here's an Express.
Express. I have letters to your Excellency.
Gen. Washington. From whence?
Express. From Canada, sir.