University of Virginia Library

Scene III.

—An Apartment in the Caliph's Palace, with a lattice window, after the Eastern fashion, half open and looking into a garden. The light, never being strong, gradually darkens, as evening comes on.
Enter Azim, Kalasrade & Zulema.
Kalasrade.
Hast thou heard aught of Sadak?

Azim.
Lady, no!
But Amurath approaches. He hath sent
To warn us of his coming, and commands
That the loud gong, whose sound proclaims the time
As measured by the sinking water-cup,
Shall be suspended in the regal hall,
And thou in presence there; that he may claim
At the true moment his appointed bride.

Kalasrade.
Alas! alas!

Zulema.
How fast the hours have flown!
Twilight is thickening, soon those stars of day,
The jasmine flowers, will disappear, replaced
By the bright fire-flies flickering through the grove.

Kalasrade.
Look out again. See if my Sadak come.

Trio.—Azim, Kalasrade & Zulema.
Kalasrade.
O'er the far mountain, and through the deep valley,
Doth none come to succour the poor Kalasrade?
Look where the path gleams through yon forest alley,
Look where it winds round the rock's darkening shade.

All.
O'er the far mountain and through the deep valley,
None comes to succour the poor Kalasrade;
None where the path gleams through yon forest alley,
None where it winds round the rock's darkening shade.

Zulema.
See yonder flash like a bright spear advancing:
Comes Sadak to succour the poor Kalasrade?
No, 'twas but the light on the rice bird's wing glancing,
As she sought her high nest in the bowery glade.

All.
O'er the far mountain and through the deep valley,
None comes to succour the poor Kalasrade;
None where the path gleams through yon forest alley,
None where it winds round the rocks darkening shade.

Azim.
Hark to yon sound like a fiery steed rushing,
Comes Sadak to succour the poor Kalasrade?
No, 'twas but the brook o'er its pebbly bed gushing,
As foaming and chafing the tiny waves played.

All.
O'er the far mountain and through the deep valley,
None comes to succour the poor Kalasrade;
None where the path gleams through yon forest alley,
None where it winds rounds the rock's darkening shade.

Zulema.
See, how she sinks upon the couch! 'Twere best
Leave her awhile; a moment's breathing space,
Ere Amurath demands her presence.

Azim.
I
Must seek the Caliph. Would that I might hope
To change his purpose.

(Exeunt Azim & Zulema.)
(Kalasrade remains on the Couch. A March is heard at a distance, and she starts up and comes to the front of the stage.)
Grand Scena.—Kalasrade.
What do I hear? The hated sounds that tell
The tyrant's dread approach. Oh! strengthen me,
To bear this trial, Love, pure wedded Love,
And brave Despair! Living or dead, I'll still
Be faithful to my Sadak. Could he live
And fail me at this fatal hour? No! no!
He's dead! He's dead! But I'll be faithful. Spirits!
Blest spirits of the air! at whose behest
I craved those mystic waters, listen now,
Look down upon me, aid me! They are silent;
And darkness comes apace. Earth, air, and heaven,
Abandon me in my extremest need.

Air,

[Exit.