"I'm sorry I'm here, for I'm horribly scared,
But how did I know that they'd all be prepared?
The fate of our forray looks darker and darker,
The state of our larder grows starker and starker,
I fear that a round-shot or one of their carkers[33]
May breech my new breeches like poor Peter Parker's![34]
Oh, say, if my rear is uncovered, what then!—"
(Enter Walter Butler in a panic)
Butler
"Held! Schuyler is coming with ten thousand men!"
(A canon shot from the Fort)
Sir John (falls flat)
"I'm done! A cannon ball of thirty pound
Has hit me where Sir Peter got his wound.
I'm done! I'm all undone! So don't unbutt'n'm;
But say adieu for me to Clairette Putnam!"[35]
(Enter a swarm of surgeons)
Surgeons
"Compose yourself, good sir—forget your fright;
We promise you you are not slain outright.
The wound you got is not so mortal deep
But bleeding, cupping, patience, rest, and sleep,
With blisters, clysters, physic, air and diet
Will set you up again if you'll be quiet!"