University of Virginia Library

SCENE VI.

—Mystical Steel Cavern.
Enter principal Mufti, followed by Albert.
AIR—MUFTI.
Albert, mark! in this Cavern, where burns evermore
The mystical flame which the Curdmans adore,
Alone, and in silence, thy watch must thou take,
And this thou shalt next do for Zulema's sake.

Albert bows in acquiescence, the Mufti retires— in deep thought he paces the stage, his eye fixed on the flame—thunder—he starts—and his ears are assailed by the following
MYSTIC CHORUS
without.
In witching spells while speeds the night,
Great Fire King! hear our pray'r;
We offer up a proselyte
To thy superior care.

Principal Mufti rushes on, but appears struck with wonder at the continued appearance of the Scene.
AIR—MUFTI.
Hast thou watched, speak Count Albert, and sight hast seen none,
Save yon flame burning bright on its altar of stone?
Sure some spell, than our charms and our witchcraft's more bless'd—
Behold! the red-cross 'tis that beams on his breast.

During this he approaches Albert, and, opening his Caftan, perceives the red-cross pendant on his breast, and demands it; the Ærial Spirit, enveloped in blue flame, appears opposite the Mufti, and endeavours to prevent his obtaining it.
DUET—MUFTI AND ÆRIAL SPIRIT.
Mufti.
This Sign of thy Faith to yon Flame is decreed.

Spirit.
Hold, Albert! the action than Death is more fell!

Mufti.
For fair Zulema's sake, quick accomplish the deed—

Spirit.
'Tis done, thy good angel now bids thee farewell!

Mufti receives it from him, and throws it into the flame on the Altar, which brilliantly blazes forth— the Spirit vanishes—loud peals of thunder—Steel Portals, with an immense crash, burst open, and the Monarch of Flame, superbly decorated and attended, appears in brilliant ignipotence, bearing an enchanted banner, and magic sword.
AIR—FIRE KING.
Count Albert thou'rt mine! behold his dire form,
Whose breath is swift lightning, whose voice it is storm;
Who makes each steel portal to rattle and ring,
For, borne on the blast, comes the dread Fire King.
I ween the stout heart of Count Albert is tame,
As he views in his terror the Monarch of Flame:
With this brand thou shalt conquer—thus long—and no more,
'Till thou bend to the cross, and the Virgin adore.

The Fire King presents him the magic sabre, which, with terror, he accepts—the Soldan, Zulema, and all the Saracens enter, bowing to Albert as their Champion, Zulema and the Soldan embracing him.
MUFTI.
And now thou must aid us, with counsel and hand,
To drive the bold Christians from Palestine's land;
For her Lord and her Love then Count Albert she'll take,
When all this is accomplished for Zulema's sake.

The Fire King commands his acquiescence, and Albert receiving the sabre, daringly, vows to undertake the task—the characters all groupe—thunder, flame, &c.
AIR—FIRE KING.
Hark! thunders growl distant, and faint gleam my fires,
While, borne on a whirlwind, the Fire King retires.

The Fire King waves the enchanted Banner over Albert's head, the Sabre, which he brandishes, emits fire.
CHORUS OF SARACENS.
Enchanted the banner that waves o'er his head,
Magic flame sparkles bright on his sword;
And from conquest returning, his fair bride decreed
His valour and love will reward.

SOLO—FIRE KING.
The Red-Cross shall wax faint, and the crescent come on,
Now Albert commands you on Mount Libanon.

Chorus.
—The Red-Cross, &c.

As the Fire King ascends, the Soldan receives the banner, which he continues to wave over Albert's head; the Saracens having all drawn their sabres, and waving them in unison till the Act Scene closes the