are fast retreating; their fire
slackens; the noise increases.

LORD BOSTON. Oh, Captain, don't say so!

OFFICER. 'Tis true, sir, they're running--the enemy shout victory.

LORD BOSTON. Upon your honour?--say--

OFFICER. Upon my honour, sir, they're flying t'wards Charlestown.
Percy's beat;--I'm afraid he's lost his artillery.

LORD BOSTON. Then 'tis all over--the day is lost--what more can we do?

OFFICER. We may, with the few troops left in Boston, yet afford them
some succour, and cover their retreat across the water; 'tis impossible
to do more.

LORD BOSTON. Go instantly; I'll wait your return. Try your utmost to
prevent the Rebels from crossing. Success attend you, my dear Captain,
God prosper you! [_Exit OFFICER._] Alas! alas! my glory's gone; my
honour's stain'd. My dear guards, don't leave me, and you shall have
plenty of porter and sour-crout.

SCENE VI. _ROGER and DICK, two shepherds near Lexington, after the
defeat and flight of the Regulars._

ROGER. Whilst early looking, Dick, ere the sun was seen to tinge the
brow of the mountain, for my flock of sheep, nor dreaming of approaching
evil, suddenly mine eyes beheld from yon hill a cloud of dust arise at a
small distance; the intermediate space were thick set with laurels,
willows, evergreens, and bushes of various kinds, the growth of wild
nature, and which hid the danger from my eyes, thinking perchance my
flock had thither stray'd; I descended, and straight onward went; but,
Dick, judge you my thoughts at such a disappointment: Instead of my
innocent flock of sheep, I found myself almost encircled by a herd of
ravenous British wolves.

DICK. Dangerous must have been your situation, Roger, whatever were your
thoughts.

ROGER. I soon discovered my mistake; finding a hostile appearance, I
instantly turn'd myself about, and fled to alarm the shepherds.

DICK. Did they pursue you?

ROGER. They did; but having the start, and being acquainted with the
by-ways, I presently got clear of their voracious jaws.

DICK. A lucky escape, indeed, Roger; and what route did they take after
that?

ROGER. Onwards, t'wards Lexington, devouring geese, cattle and swine,
with fury and rage, which, no doubt, was increased by their
disappointment; and what may appear strange to you Dick (tho' no more
strange than true), is, they seem'd to be possessed of a kind of brutish
music, growling something like our favourite tune Yankee Doodle (perhaps
in ridicule), til