SCENE VIII.
Picturesque View in the West Indies.
Branches of a large tree spread across the stage
—a rocky piece in front, to which platforms are
fixed, the whole scene exhibiting an awful wildness.
—Blackbeard's ship and prize visible through
a chasm in the rocks, &c.
Orra discovered leading Ismene with caution
down the precipice; as they approach the
centre of the stage, Ismene is about taking
leave, when she seizes her hand, drags her back,
and, drawing a dagger, vows to revenge herself on
that beauty which had robbed her of her husband's
affection;—
Blackbeard and Cæsar are seen
crossing the platform attached to the tree—Orra,
knowing her life is forfeit, more resolutely attempts
to dispatch her rival, but is prevented by Blackbeard,
who rushes down the precipice, snatches the dagger
from her, and stabs her to the heart.—
Abdallah
ENTERS, and catches the fainting Princess in his
arms—
Cæsar, leaping from the rock, receives, and
bears off the dying Orra, who expires.—Ismene revives
—Blackbeard roughly separates the lovers—
Abdallah draws, and is on the point of attacking
Blackbeard, when
Cæsar RE-ENTERS, receives the
blow, and drives him off fighting—Ismene endeavours
to extricate herself in vain from Blackbeard—
Cæsar RETURNS with his sword bloody, which
he informs her is dyed in her lover's blood—Blackbeard,
pointing to his vessel, swears he'll secure her
on that element, where an escape will be impracticable,
and hurries her over the rocks followed by
Cæsar.
Abdallah, wounded, is led on by Lieutenant
Maynard—Blackbeard's track is pointed out by
the Negro, and, swearing his crew to stand firm to
the cause of justice, the captain at their head pursues
him.
