University of Virginia Library

SCENE X.

Blackbeard's Cabin.
Cold Collation and Fruits.
A sopha on—table with lights, &c.—several of his officers seated—Blackbeard, with Ismene, approaches, they rise to receive him—he commands them to retire—Nancy, who is one of the party, is the last to obey—he takes keys from his girdle— examines his lockers, &c. during which Nancy approaches the Sopha, on which Ismene is reclined, and contrives, unperceived, to give her a letter—after which Blackbeard, turning round, commands her to retire; he then closes the cabin shutters, which, while he is performing, Ismene comes forward and peruses her letter, “Expect Friends;” then hastily conceals it in her bosom—Blackbeard extinguishes the lights; she becomes much agitated; he approaches her, drags her to the sopha, solicits, threatens, &c. when a groan is heard, and THE Apparition of Orra rises! stalks across the stage, and vanishes.— Blackbeard, with his sword drawn, apparently defying it—Ismene is horror struck—but resolving not to be alarmed from his purpose, he again seizes her, when a loud whistle and rapping at the cabin claims his attention, and his Boatswain and Nancy ENTERING, inform him an enemy is in sight—he gives orders to Nancy to guard Ismene, presenting her his pistol for that purpose—Nancy, on his EXIT, throws down the pistol and falls at her feet. (whistle heard, and tapping at the cabin window.)
DUET.
William and Nancy.
Nancy.
No longer heave the heart-felt sigh,
Thy footsteps I attend.
(Tapping heard again.)
And, hark! I hear my Willy nigh,
Humanity's true friend.

(She opens cabin window, &c.—and he is discernible.)
William.
(Enters through window, followed by Abdallah.)
Under the stern we anxious wait,
To guard you in your flight—

(Moon rises, and is seen through cabin window.)
Nancy.
Ah! cruel moon! why thus defeat
Our hopes by too much light?
Say, may we venture?

William.
No, no, no!
The splashing oar would now alarm,
For scudding, on, a British prow
Impels the daring Pirate arm;
All's hush'd above—

Nancy.
In silence dread,
For slaughter they prepare.

Both.
May heav'n protect us in our need,
And virtue be its care.

Nancy and William step into the boat, which Abdallah, endeavouring to lead the Princess through the stern gallery—enters—she is on the point of following,

when Blackbeard rushes on and prevents her —William, &c. push off the boat—he attempts to shoot them, but his pistols miss fire—she kneels, and thanks heaven for their deliverance, and is going to precipitate herself into the sea—he whistles—Cæsar enters, bearing the following scroll,

Blackbeard reads it at first agitated, but soon resumes his wonted ferocity—drum beats to arms— swears to die sooner than strike, and prepares to head his crew—calls Cæsar to him, and leaves the Princess in his charge, with the following orders,

Cæsar swears to execute them, receiving from him a match-light for that purpose—Blackbeard and crew exeunt, and Ismene is dragged off by Cæsar.