University of Virginia Library

SCENE SECOND.

MAHOMET, MUSTAPHA, CHUSANES, AGAS AND JANIZARIES.
CHUSANES
(entering).
Arm! mighty Sultan! arm! Our troops are slaughter'd:
(Mahomet strikes his forehead.)
Caught in our own curs'd Toil. For when our fires
Blaz'd forth, they show'd our marshall'd foe prepar'd,
With battle-axe, and pointed spear uplift,
To hurl destruction with their wonted rage.
Our foremost dauntless fought, and bravely fell.
But all our valiant hosts at once gave way,
At the re-echoed shout of fierce Huniades:
They fly, like carded wool before the wind
At his approach, nor dare abide his presence.
Huniades is master of our trenches,
(Mahomet girds on his sabre.)
And our own cannon are against us fir'd:
The Oglani fly; all fly before Huniades;
And our own Fires light Him to victory.

MAHOMET
(drawing his Sabre).
Light Him! vile Slave! they shall light Me to vengeance.
(To an Aga.)
Give orders, that the troops in yonder grove
Move not, till I demand their aid; when wanted,
I'll send this signal to approach my standard.
(Showing the scabbard of his sabre.)
(The Aga goes out.)
(In a lower voice to Mustapha, showing an immense ruby Ring on his left hand.)
If I send this, give the Sultana poison.
(To an Aga.)
Unfurl our mighty Prophet's standard.—Follow!
(Addressing himself to all.)
And view the triumphs of my conquering Arm.

(A magnificent Green Standard unfurled; the Turkish Arms emblazoned in gold and precious stones. The Agas, as the standard is unfurled, draw their sabres.)
ONE OF THE AGAS.
Or Death, or Victory; lead, mighty Prince!

(Mahomet goes out, attended by Chusanes, the Agas, and the Janizaries. The standard borne before him.)