University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

A Camp.
Enter Aga and Lieutenant of the Janizaries, meeting.
AGA.
Good-day, Lieutenant! Sir, what News abroad?

LIEUTENANT.
They talk of Peace; the Sword will soon be sheath'd.
Know you the Cause, the Reasons, noble Sir?

AGA.
Many assign'd—'Tis said, his Highness brooks
But ill our Order, matching not his Spirit:
Is it not strange, my Friend! that one so young,
Should thus outstrip us in the Race of Glory;
Should still be foremost in each bold Emprise,
Each hardy Toil—O! how it shameth those,
Lolling inglorious on their Mother's Lap,
Or in soft Dalliance trifling with the Fair;
While Osman in the Field performs such Deeds,
The bravest Veteran would be proud to own.

LIEUTENANT.
Surely, a matchless Youth! Name but the Task
Which Honour stamps, he wou'd atchieve, or fall
In the Attempt—and still his Courtesy
Adds Lustre to his Sword—I have been told,
E're the eighth annual Sun roll'd o'er his Head,
As many Languages did grace his Tongue.

AGA.
'Tis true; in Science as in Valour—great—
Whene'er he talks of State perplex'd Affairs,
Fond Admiration holds the Hearer mute—
Of War—each feeble Arm is brac'd for Battle.
But O the Day! had you but mark'd the Youth,
When with his single Arm, alone, unaided;
Dauntless he stemm'd the Tide of furious War—
Curse on our coward Corps! they wou'd not rally,
Not back their Emperor, who onward press'd,
And bravely snatch'd the Laurel from the Foe.

LIEUTENANT.
Amazement at his Prowess, noble Aga!
Their Faculties suspended—Shield him, Heaven!
We ne'er were bless'd with such a Prince—Farewel,
Most worthy Aga!

AGA.
Farewel, Lieutenant!

[Exeunt severally.