Mrs. G. I tell you to drink this poison at once. Drink it, or I will thrust this knife to your heart! The poison or the dagger, this instant!
[She draws a dagger; Melinda retreats to the back of the room, and seizes a broom.
Melinda. I will not drink the poison!
[They fight; Melinda sweeps off Mrs. Gaines,—cap, combs and curls. Curtain falls.
ACT IV.
Scene 1.—Interior of a Dungeon—Glen in chains.
Glen. When I think of my unmerited sufferings, it almost drives me mad. I struck the doctor, and for that, I must remain here loaded with chains. But why did he strike me? He takes my wife from me, sends her off, and then comes and beats me over the head with his cane. I did right to strike him back again. I would I had killed him. Oh! there is a volcano pent up in the hearts of the slaves of these Southern States that will burst forth ere long. When that day comes, wo to those whom its unpitying fury may devour! I would be willing to die, if I could smite down with these chains every man who attempts to enslave his fellow-man.
Enter Sampey, R.
Sampey. Glen, I jess bin hear massa call de oberseer, and I spec somebody is gwine to be whipped. Anudder ting: I know whar massa took Linda to. He took her to de poplar farm, an’ he went away las’ night, an’ missis she follow after massa, an’ she ain’t come back yet. I tell you, Glen, de debil will be to pay on dis place, but don’t you tell any body dat I tole you.
[Exit Sampey, R.