Santa Anna.
Devoted service, true fidelity
Views less the wishes than the happiness
Of him who seeks advice, e'en at the pain
Of suff'ring for his kindly-given aid.
Relying on our generosity,
Which has not learnt in vain how to distinguish
The person from his office, speak thy boldest.
Bradburn.
So be it then! and may the influence
Of Heaven inspire my tongue to touch your heart.
'T be far from me to shield or to defend
The people who conjured this insurrection
By armed resistance 'gainst the commonwealth,
The ballot's patience was their proper course.
But still I doubt, if force and violence
Be yet the best, the most appropriate means
To lead them back to their accustomed duty.
Santa Anna.
What other way wouldst thou commend to us?
Bradburn.
You have asserted your authority.
And shown your power they never can defeat.
So make it known, that, if they will abandon
Their rash revolt and henceforth will abide
In peace and law, in loyalty and faith.
