 | Huniades ; or the Seige of Belgrade |  |
SCENE FIRST
—THE SULTAN'S TENT.(In the interval between the Fourth and Fifth Act, the word “Mahomet” given; first heard near, and distinctly, from many voices; then dying away at a distance. Just before the scene draws for the Fifth Act, a discharge of several canon; then shouting and warlike music. The scene drawing discovers Mustapha in the Tent. The Sultan's Guards ranged on the outside of the Tent. Another discharge of cannon. The door of the inner tent opens: the Princess seen seated on a sofa, fainting, attendants supporting her.
MAHOMET,
(Coming forward, to the Attendants in the tent).
See, she attempts no deed of desperation.
(Door of the inner tent closes.)
Haste, call Chusanes.
(To one of the Guards.)
(To an Aga of the Guards.)
Aga! sound my charge,
That my ten thousand Spahies form their ranks.
(The Aga goes out.)
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Mustapha! thou must guard my tent, and watch
Over the life of this disdainful Princess:
Maddening with grief and rage, she, when our cannon
Open'd their brazen throats, feeling at once
Her Country's certain fate, with all the energy
Of deep despair, her bosom on the earth,
Invok'd her God, “By his dread Attribute
“Of fearful Justice, to assert himself,
“And curse me in the snare my falshood form'd.”
Grief shakes her frame almost to dissolution.
(The Sultan's Charge sounded.)
Soon as returning life comes to her cheek,
Be it thy care to impress her mind with hopes
Of winning mercy for her Country still,
If she but live. She must not dare to die,
Against my will. Death would impede my triumph
O'er these proud Huniads.
(Canon again.)
Roar on! and sweep
My foes from earth. Hark!!—
(The alarm word, “Duma,” from many voices. Mahomet takes his sabre from the throne. The alarm word again and again. Then, “Huniades,” from many voices.)
| Huniades ; or the Seige of Belgrade | |