University of Virginia Library

Scene the Last.

—The Peris' Home.—Maimoune seated in bridal array, surrounded by Peris as bridesmaids.—A banquet prepared.—Music.
Mai.
The time draws near. I'm sadly flushed and shaken;
I hope too rash a step I have not taken,
And put my foot in it. Should he be cold,
And deem my husband-catching schemes too bold,
He may think (having of what's right a high sense)
I've sought to wed him with an undue licence.
Ha! here he comes; my trepidation's great—
I shall receive him in a funny state.

Enter Camaralzaman, conducted by Taffeta and the Peris.
Cam.
Nothing but magic can I set down this to.
This grotto quite surpasses Monte Christo.
This dazzling splendour sets me fairly blinking,
Shutting my eyes up like—in fact, like winking.
[Seeing Maimoune and Peris.
More marriage belles! and, faith, a pretty lot;
But for the gentlemen, I see them not;
And you'll admit, I think, my question's sensible,
Isn't a bridegroom rather indispensable?

Mai.
Excuse the boldness of my invitation;
But, prince, would you accept that situation?

Cam.
You're joking, lady.

Mai.
Sweet bird, do not laugh;
To catch you is my wish, but not with chaff.
The marriage preparations that you see
Are for the union of you and me.

Cam.
What? do you think, because you choose to make
A wedding feast, that I'm to be the cake?
Me marry you—marry, come up! not I.

Mai.
You wont? oh, crimini! in fact, oh, cry!
You must be mad, sir, to refuse the match.
Consider, I'm no ordinary catch;
My wealth and influence possess no bounds;
Just look at my establishment and grounds.

Cam.
Good grounds, no doubt; but still not good enough
For my accepting you on. Cease this stuff.
One maid alone can ever be my bride,
To whom I'm bound, though not exactly tied.

Mai.
Throw off that tie, 'twill give you no great shock,
And in its stead take my entire stock.

DUET.
Tune—“Green Bushes.”
Mai.
Oh, let us be married, young man, if you please,
In these fairy domains you may live at your ease,
From bailiffs and creditors perfectly free,
If you'll leave your own true love, and marry with me.

Cam.
Oh, I care not for riches; you needn't suppose
I've a spirit so poor as to marry for those;
And of you my opinion much higher would be,
If you'd show a few blushes at making so free.

Mai.
(aside.)
He's twice as obstinate as any pig;
If he is not, why, dash my Peri-wig!
I've half a mind, for the contempt you've shown,
To change you to a block of solid stone;
But, no, you're that already.

Cam.
Nay, be pacified;
And, though as man and wife we can't be classified,
Let us be friends. Refuse I'm sure you'll not.
Come, and I'll tell you what to do.

Mai.
Well! what?

Cam.
Why, all your guests here—it's a shame to cheat 'em,
And all the dainties—some one ought to eat 'em;
There ought to be a wedding, that's quite clear.

Mai.
Well?

Cam.
Fetch the young princess of China here,
And, 'pon my word, I'll marry her.

Mai.
No doubt!
(Aside.)
But really it's a chance for coming out,
And showing off a little magnanimity;
'Twill be a struggle of intense sublimity.
I'll give him up, though it may cost me pain:—
There, now! Maimoune is herself again.
All human weaknesses away I pitch;
I'll be a Peri, and behave as sich.

[Music. The scene at the back opens, and the Emperor and Badoura enter in a fairy triumphal car.
Cam.
I didn't want the venerable gent.

Mai.
I brought him here to give you his consent.
(To Emperor.)
Now, ask no questions; don't stand gaping there,
But give your blessing to the youthful pair.

[Maimoune joins their hands; Emperor puts his hands on their heads, after the most approved benediction fashion.
Emp.
Anything else in my way, just at present?

Mai.
Nothing!

Bad.
Well, this is odd, but very pleasant.

[A loud rat-tat knocking is heard, and a bell rings.
Mai.
Which of our bidden guests such uproars bring?
Hope they don't call that a wedding ring.
Enter Danasch, R., sprucely dressed.
You're the rap-rascal, then, that made that row?

Dan.
If I've offended, I'll knock under now.
I've called to say, that I've been thinking over
My past career. I'm sick of being a rover.
I've cut my bad associates already,
And mean to try to be a little steady;
So p'r'aps, if I improve in my propriety,
You'll introduce me to some good society.

Mai.
(aside.)
Well, I don't know—he looks extremely well—
He may be worth one's notice, who can tell?
Partners are scarce; and, bound in Hymen's tether,
We might get on extremely well together.
(To Danasch.)
Come here—I will—yes, thus my love confessing;
[Gives her hand.
I've got no Pa—will you please give your blessing?

[To audience.
Cam.
Yes, let us your approving voices hear,
And for our wedding-feast provide the cheer.

FINALE.
Air—“Jolly Nose.”
Cam.
Jolly rows of bright faces, which garnish our Pit,
All looking good-natured and merry;
And those happy forms in the Boxes that sit,
Are cheering to look upon, very.

Emp.
Jolly rows, too, you'll see, if your eyes you will cast
In a rather more lofty direction;
And I fancy they don't to our efforts just past
Entertain the profoundest objection.

Air—“Old Dan Tucker.”
Bad.
Now, all I want this very night,
Is to hear a noise, to see a sight;
The noise, your hands applauding sounds,
The sight, your face without frowns—

Dan.
Get out of the way, I'll address them,
And with some eloquence of mine impress them!
Air—“Who's dat Knocking at de Door?”
Oh, I've just come to say, that we really ought to be—

Mai.
I think you'd better let the matter rest with me.
I've tried 'em once or twice, I think, ere now,
And pleased with what I say they always seem somehow.
Air—“Buffalo Gals.”
Then with your applause won't you come out to-night?
Oh, grant us that one boon!

Chorus.
Then with your applause, &c.