University of Virginia Library

SCENE VI.

Interior of Blackbeard's Fort.

Enter Orra and Ismene—Orra accuses Ismene of perfidy in depriving her of her husband's affection—she throws herself at her feet, disclaiming the idea, and lamenting her own miserable situation —offers jewels for the means of escape, dreading the very sight of Blackbeard—Orra consents, and is opening a sliding pannel for that purpose, when her husband's voice compels her hastily to close it, and appear attentive to her prisoner—Blackbeard ENTERS musing—orders Orra to retire, who obeys him with reluctance—he then throws himself at the feet of the Princess—she breaks from him, accuses him of cruelty to his wife—he draws a pistol from his belt, and swears that shall dispatch Orra, should she be any bar to their happiness—Ismene shudders at the thought, and beseeches him rather to dispatch her—charmed with her intrepidity, he more fervently addresses her—Orra re-enters, and surprizes him—

he attempts to discharge his pistol—it is snatched from his grasp by Ismene—a pause—Cæsar WHISTLES without, ENTERS, and falls on his knees trembling —Blackbeard demands the cause, he presents the following scroll:

During this, Orra, with feigned affection, re-opens the pannel, and she and Ismene escape—Blackbeard on turning round seems petrified on not perceiving them—observes the pannel open—a pause—convinced they have escaped that way, they draw their swords, and follow, vowing revenge.