By whom the errand should be done,
Young Betty interposed, and said,
“Let me essay the task instead.
Small matter ’t were if Betty Zane,
A useless woman, should be slain;
But death, if dealt on one of those,
Gives too much vantage to our foes.”
Her father, smiled with pleasure grim—
Her pluck gave painful pride to him;
And while her brothers clamored “No!”