This page has been validated.
THE FALL OF THE ALAMO
51
[has finished them now and signaling to two Mexican officers to sign them., rises from his seat., and addresses the Texans.]
The articles are ready to receive
Your signatures: yet ere they are affixed,
Ere by the pen you irrevocably
Will ratify the actions of your hands,
I deem it just, once more to warn you all
Against the bitter fruit, which must spring forth
From your defiance to authority.
Johnston.
Waste not the efforts of thy eloquence;
Ours is the best authority of all:
The vindication of our sacred rights.
Bradburn.
[With a Sneer.]
I never heard of that authority.
Johnston.
As he puts down the pen, wherewith he has signed the articles, in which proceeding he is followed by Jack and Zavala:]
The die is cast! 't is Liberty or Death!
Bradburn.
All matters settled now, we leave the fort;
So fare ye well, till here we meet again.
