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74
THE FALL OF THE ALAMO
74
J. Travis.
Once more, to learn that thou must conquer it.
Santa Anna.
Enough; lead him away and try the lash
Full twenty times on him to test his strength.
J. Travis.
That, tyrant, thou canst test immediately.
[He leaps with the fierceness of a tiger at Santa Anna whose throat he seizes with both hands.]
Santa Anna.
[Gasping for breath]
Tear him away from me; he strangles me.
[The officers pull Travis away, and form a line between him and Santa Anna, who has fallen into his arm-chair from exhaustion.]
J. Travis.
[Rising to his full height.]
Behold! as has a feeble youngster's hand
Laid weak and low that mighty tyrant lord.
So lightly shall our patriots' little band
O'ercome his hosts and break his yoke abhorred.
Cos.
[Addressing Santa Anna.]
Speak but the word and we cut him to pieces.
