Hugh the Drover, Act I: Pt. 24. Oh, the Devil and Bonyparty

Turnkey, Showman and Men: Oh, the devil and Bonyparty

Were drinking once so hearty,

When there came a Cotswold man

And upset their little plan!

Old Nick then up did start he,

I don’t like this here party.

Say he hits me with his flail,

Where my back joins on my tail.

Then says Boney, ‘Whoa my hearty,

We’d best break up this party.

When I see a Cotswold man

I take cover while I can,

And I’m safer with Old Nick’, says Bonyparty.

Women: Spy! Hang him! Shoot him! Put him in the stocks!

Spy! French spy!

Hugh: (to Mary)

You know ’tis false, beloved – tell me so.

Mary: O true to England, true to love I know.

I know you true, beloved, for ever.

Hugh: To heaven and you – for ever.

The two processions join opposite Hugh and Mary. The Constable scrambles down.

Constable: Enough of that.

The Constable tears Mary violently away from Hugh who is restrained by several men.

Constable: Take him! Seize him!

John: Come lads, take hold of him!

Turnkey: That’s right, hold him, boys!

Hugh: Let go, you ruffians!

Crowd: Ah!

They crowd round Hugh and his captors. Hugh is bound and dragged away.

Crowd: Spy! Spy! Spy!

Spy! French spy!

Carry him to Glo’ster gaol

And there let him lie.

Boys: The spy shall go to prison,

To prison, to prison,

The spy shall go to prison,

He’ll come this way no more!

Men and Women: They’ll hang him in the morning,

The morning, the morning,

They’ll hang him in the morning,

He’ll play the spy no more.

Mary: (running towards Hugh) Hugh!

Hugh: (escaping for a moment) Mary!

Crowd: Ah!

Hugh is seized again. Mary falls into Aunt Jane’s arms.

Chorus: Spy! Spy! Spy!

Spy! French spy!

Carry him to Glo’ster gaol!

Spy! French spy!

Hugh is dragged off, followed by the whole crowd. Mary and Aunt Jane are left alone.