18 ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 
the clemency of Frontenac, Miramont has a plan for the deliverance of 
Ulamar and he wishes to gain time. Frontenac says to Ulamar at 
parting: 
“And now, Angian, life or death are in thy choice. 
If thou wilt swear to embrace our interests, 
A glorious instrument thou mayest become 
To make these nations subjects to our sway 
And then thou shalt be happy, shalt be great 
And under us rule all the Iroquoian tribes 
If thou refusest thou shalt surely die.” 
Ulamar and Irene are now left alone. They regard it as a farewell 
interview, for Irene is too noble to urge Ulamar to save his life at the 
expense of his country. Ulamar reproaches himself with being the 
cause of all their woe. For the sake of his kindred he had risked his 
country’s welfare and now on his own household the curse had speedily 
fallen. Thinking of her possible fate when left alone, Irene wishes to 
die before Ulamar. She contrasts her own future lot with his, saying 
touchingly: 
“The transitory pains of death with thee 
Will soon be o’er, but I shall bear them long. 
Of thy sad death how long may I be dying 
For I have neither enemy nor friend 
That will deliver me.” 
She delicately leads up to the thought that she must die and that 
Ulamar’s hand must strike the blow. He understands her meaning 
when she says: 
“Thou hast a poniard tho’ thy sword be gone.” 
Ulamar draws the poniard but points it at his own heart saying it 
is he that deserves to die. Irene remonstrates with him and passion- 
ately entreats him not to leave her behind. They struggle for possession 
of the dagger. Guards enter and separate them. The time being 
elapsed, Ulamar is led away again to meet Frontenac. Irene is placed 
with the other captive women. 
In the closing act Frontenac again tempts Ulamar with the promise 
of power among the Indian tribes if he will help the French to subdue 
them; but Ulamar answers: 
“Thou mistak’st thy man, I have a soul 
That scorns a tyrant and a slave alike 
And thou would’st have me both.” 
He then surprises Frontenac by making a counter proposal. He 
exhorts the Governor to throw off the French yoke under which he and 
others were groaning, promising, 
