University of Virginia Library

Scene II.

—The Fairy Boudoir of Maimoune.
Enter Taffeta and Filma, C.
Fil.
Pray, is your mistress in?

Taf.
I hardly know,
I'll go and see; what name, ma'am?

Fil.
Filma!

Taf.
Oh!
To you, of course, she's in; but, truth to tell,
She's lately been so very far from well,
She can't see any visitors.

Fil.
Poor dear!
Just be so kind as tell her I am here.
[Exit Taffeta.
I've called on dear Maimoune to impart
Some news that must go nigh to break her heart!
When grief and suffering our bosoms rend,
There's nothing like a real, good-natured friend.
Enter Maimoune and Attendants, C.
Good morning, dear! why, you look downright gay;
You smile as you were wont to smile to-day.

Mai.
Oh! yes, I'm quite recovered, thank you, dear;
(Aside.)
The spiteful thing! I know what brings her here.

Fil.
I've called to tell you something.

Mai.
(aside.)
Oh! no doubt,
But on a subject I know all about.

Fil.
Prince Camaralzaman—

Mai.
Well!

Fil.
Oh! my dear—
It will be dreadful news to you, I fear;
He's going to be married.

Mai.
Yes!

Fil.
(aside.)
Plague take her!
I thought to faint with horror it would make her;
Don't you feel sorry?

Mai.
Couldn't, if I tried,
As I myself intend to be the bride.

Fil.
You?

Mai.
Yes!

Fil.
You're joking!

Mai.
Joking—'faith, not I;
The die is cast.

Fil.
Oh! never say that die,
You said that you'd forget him!

Mai.
P'r'aps I did,
But my heart wouldn't do as it was bid;
Come, be my bridesmaid.

Fil.
Nothing of the sort,
You ought to be ashamed, miss, so you ought,
To think of such an ill-assorted marriage.

Mai.
Be good enough to call this lady's carriage.

Fil.
Oh, certainly! with pleasure, ma'am—good day!

Peri.
(entering.)
The Lady Filma's carriage stops the way.

Fil.
(aside.)
A splendid bit of scandal this will be;
I'll ask some friends this very night to tea.

[Exit.
Mai.
Delightful task! to aid my tender suit,
And teach his young idea how to shoot;
With magic I my prince's dart will tip,
That to the judges it may give the slip—
He'll seek it; it will lead him to my arms,
And so my spells will beat Badoura's charms.
Now, girls, away! make every preparation
To welcome him as does become his station;
Let music's silver strains his ears delight,
Not common fiddlers hired for the night,
At half-a-crown an hour and their beer,
But regular fairy music let him hear;
And bid our fairy butler furnish, too,
A dozen of our fine old crusty dew;
Then, fly! and get our wedding-dresses made
By the most stylish Peris in the trade.
At once, now; see my wishes acquiesced in,
[Exeunt Peris,
Meanwhile I'll practise looking interesting.
My dress and figure I had better see to,
I'll practise to my shadow, like Cerito.
Shine out, fair moon, that I my form may view,
[Strong light at wing, L., to throw a shadow on the stage. All the other lights down.
Thank you! some day I'll do as much for you;
[Dances the Pas de l'Ombre.
My looks ain't bad—no skill could well advance 'em,
If he stands them, he must stand something handsome.
[Resumes dance.
Oh, dear! oh, dear! my wings are rather crumpled,
Yes, and my bustle seems a little rumpled

[Adjusts her dress by the shadow; resumes dance, and exit, L.