University of Virginia Library

Search this document 
Blackbeard ; or, The Captive Princess

Cross, J. C.
  
BLACKBEARD;
  
[note]
  
[castlist]

 1. 
SCENE I.
 2. 
SCENE II.
 3. 
SCENE III.
 4. 
SCENE IV.
 5. 
SCENE V.
 6. 
SCENE VI.
 7. 
SCENE VII.
 8. 
SCENE VIII.
 9. 
SCENE IX.
 10. 
SCENE X.
 11. 
SCENE XI.
 12. 
SCENE XII.
 13. 
SCENE XIII. AND LAST.

collapse section Collapse All | Expand All expand section
previous section Blackbeard ; or, The Captive Princess
next section
32

SCENE V.

The Road of Madagascar.
The wings, &c. representing appropriate foliage, &c.—a kind of fortification of cane work on one side of the stage, leading to the residence of Blackbeard, from which the piratical colours are pending.
Orra (Blackbeard's wife) seated under a plantain tree—A Negro Boy fanning her—TWO Female Slaves waiting—she rises and looks wistfully over the Sea, pointing to the colours, regretting the absence of her husband, and praying for his speedy return—then comes forward, followed by a Negro boy.
BALLAD—NEGRO BOY.

[1.]

Tho' sunny beams the sky adorn,
And glad the laughing Buckra's eye;
I see poor missee weep and mourn,
Massa return or missee die.
Sing chick a ching, &c.

2.

When 'gainst her home de storm beat loud,
And tempests roar their lullaby;
Her starry eye in tear she shroud,
Massa return or missee die.
Sing chick a ching, &c.

33

Blackbeard's ship is seen at a distance towing in his prize—they anchor, and the ship's boat rows to shore; from which Cæsar lands, and informs Orra of her husband's success—she, delighted, orders him to call all the slaves, Male and Female, around her; and Cæsar, at her request, commands them to join in a

SLAVE DANCE,

to welcome him on shore.—As it is nearly finished, Blackbeard lands from his state barge, handing Ismene down the accommodation plank, followed by Pirates and Prisoners bearing part of the rich cargo of their prize—as he descends, his slaves prostrate themselves, Orra kisses his hand—he presents her the Mogul Princess, on whom she looks with a jealous eye—tells her he entrusts her to her care—she receives her with apparent complacency; but, aside, views her with disgust—they retire through the fortifications.

Blackbeard orders the pirates to make merry; but, perceiving Abdallah in the barge, orders him to be brought on shore, and commands one of his officers to blow his brains out—who refuses to do it in cold blood—which much irritating the marauding tyrant, he shoots him dead.—William and Nancy, at

34

the same period, descending from the barge, he gives them orders to dispatch Abdallah, bidding them to beware of the Cockswain's fate, and retires, threatening.—William prepares to obey—Abdallah takes off his turban, and William, recognizing his former deliverer, addresses him in the following


BALLAD—WILLIAM.

[1.]

My friend when a captive, and rhino ran low,
And few did my sorrows regard;
When nought but misfortune had ta'en me in tow,
And the storm in my bosom beat hard.
With a kind feeling heart, did you comfort impart,
And shall I that kindness forget—
No, Yeo ho! never fear, fortune's vane still may veer,
But a sailor won't die in your debt.

2.

My dungeon you cheer'd in your own native land,
Of slavery lighten'd the chain;
The stout bark of gratitude never will strand,
Like me then taste freedom again.
'Twas a kind feeling heart that relief did impart,
And shall I that kindness forget—
No, Yeo ho! never fear, should for this death be near,
'Tis but once, I'll not die in your debt.

35

After which, hearing noisy mirth of the slaves, without, and dreading discovery, he hastily releases him, presenting his sword, and on Cæsar's approach, intimates his prisoner has escaped—Cæsar enters Blackbeard's fortification, and William and Nancy hurry off.
previous section Blackbeard ; or, The Captive Princess
next section