Smith monologue (Act 1) — The Indian Princess; Or, La Belle Sauvage

Now, gallant cavalier adventurers, On this our landing spot we'll rear a town Shall bear our good king's name to after-time, And yours along with it; for ye are men Well worth the handing down; whose paged names Will not disgrace posterity to read: Men born for acts of hardihood and valour, Whose stirring spirits scorn'd to lie inert, Base atoms in the mass of population That rots in stagnant Europe. Ye are men Who a high wealth and fame will bravely win, And wear full worthily. I still shall be The foremost in all troubles, toil, and danger, Your leader and your captain, nought exacting Save strict obedience to the watchful care Which points to your own good: be wary then, And let not any mutinous hand unravel Our close knit compact. Union is its strength: Be that remember'd ever. Gallant gentlemen, We have a noble stage, on which to act A noble drama; let us then sustain Our sev'ral parts with credit and with honour. Now, sturdy comrades, cheerly to our tasks!