University of Virginia Library

SCENE THIRD.

MAHOMET, MUSTAPHA, CHUSANES.
(Mahomet enters from the left hand door of the inner tent; Chusanes prostrates himself; Mustapha offers to retire.)
MAHOMET.
Mustapha, stay! (To Chusanes.)
Rise, slave! (To Mustapha.)
What, no Zoganus?—
Is there no messenger?

MUSTAPHA.
Great Sultan, no!

MAHOMET.
Curse on his tardiness, and negligence,
Which disappoint my hopes, and keep my soul
In this suspense.

MUSTAPHA.
He doubtless waits to come
In greater pomp, and bring the Princess forth
In state, attended by her Lords and Chiefs.

MAHOMET.
Hah! say'st thou so.—Be they as princes feasted;
Till night has thrown her starry mantle o'er
Our warring hosts. (To Chusanes.)
Then give them chains, not death.
Belgrade shall be their ransom, they my hostages.
Soul of my Father Amurath! I swear,
The affront thy arms sustain'd from this proud City,
Thy Son shall see aveng'd. This fierce Huniades,
Who drove thee hence, with shame, and fell defeat,
Shall round thy tomb be dragg'd, a second Hector.
Curse on his glory, it obscures my own.
Though giant terrour's self stalks in my van,
And bows the trembling Nations ere I strike;
Yet he resists the conqueror of the East,
Stops my career, and bids my fame stand still.
By force, or stratagem, Belgrade shall yield,
And suffer for this obstinate resistance;
For all the pangs my wounded pride has felt,
For all I still may feel, should dismal overthrow
Disgrace my arms—I will not think it can;
For if I do, I shall grow mad with rage.

MUSTAPHA.
If this strong City can be overthrown,
You gain the Realm, of which it is the key.
Surely they'll give their Princess to our Emperor?

MAHOMET.
But I must send, and sue, for this Agmunda;
I, who had will'd, amidst the smoking ruins
Of proud Belgrade, as royal spoil, to seize her.
I fear these Christian Dogs are not deceiv'd,
And that they know the blazing fleet is mine.
But yet, Belgrade! thy towers shall kiss the ground.

MUSTAPHA.
All that men dare attempt, your troops will do;
Inspir'd, and aided, by your great example.

MAHOMET.
Chusanes, have our orders been obey'd;
And does each Chieftain know his post of honour?
Is all in readiness to storm the City?

CHUSANES.
All that the mighty Sultan has commanded;
And his Slave waits to know his further orders.

MAHOMET.
Let fires throughout the camp, ready for midnight,
Be prepar'd. Plant the ordnance 'gainst the postern,
North of the Eastern tower; for there I deem
The wall is most assailable. Let Tura
Lead on the main assault; and his worst troops
First climb the scaling ladders. To the left,
Let Isa Beg lead on the Tartar slaves.
To the command of that brave veteran, Cali,
Appoint five thousand chosen Janizaries,
To back the assault, and drive the caitiffs on.
He dies, who turns his back, or breaks the ranks.

CHUSANES.
What is the signal for our troops to leave
The outer camp?

MAHOMET.
The word be “Mahomet,”
Let all, in silence, march without the lines;
And then, from host to host, the word be “Amurath,”
And instant let the cover'd fires blaze forth,
To light them to their fame. To-morrow, tell them,
Ere the Sun gilds the East, their conquering Sultan,
Bearing the holy Prophet's sacred standard,
Will view their glorious deeds, and aid their prowess.
Should any dire mishap o'ertake our purpose,
Let “Duma” be the word to spread the alarm.
Within yon Grove, see my rear-guard be posted.
Be my ten thousand troops all night in arms;
That, if aught intervene, before day dawns,
Worthy my Sword, all may be ready for me.

CHUSANES.
Say, what reward shall victory bring the Faithful?

MAHOMET.
(Chusanes goes out, and instantly returns, as meeting Zoganus; he conducts him in, and then retires.)