University of Virginia Library

SCENE IV.

Romantic View by moonlight, with an opening through which Robbers descend; in addition to this a most extensive chasm, through which not only the Sea is visible, (on which the moon-beams play brilliantly) but a practicable Fort at a distance— a ruined Abbey attached to first Wing.
Enter Captain and Lieutenant of Banditti followed by their Band.
RECITATIVE—LIEUTENANT.
Captain, the Moon sends forth so clear a light,
I fancy for our trade, no luck to night!
It's devilish hard! an idle life I hate!
But come, a Dram—and leave the rest to fate!

GLEE—ROBBERS.
For arts little caring,
In arms 'tis we shine;
Advent'rous preparing,
The loaded carbine:
Disdaining the world and it's laws.
How jovial life passes,
While nothing's to pay;
Then boys poize your glasses,
And fire, fire away!
A dram to the good of our cause,
Fire away! fire away!

Drink and exeunt on the prowl.
After which a boat is rowed on, in which, as a passenger, is Zaluch.
GLEE ON THE WATER,
ZALUCH AND WATERMEN.
Here in distant times
The solemn Convent bell
Bade responsive chymes
To holy rapture swell:
While fervently the cloister'd Nun,
Chaunted her vesper orison!
But now the distant roll, of the hollow, hollow drum,
Mingled with the merry little fifer's play;
To quarters calls each wandering Soldier home,
Listen, listen, listen to the distant lay!
Hark! hark! it does invite,
To go to bed home, go to bed home, go to bed home,
Good night, good night!

As they separate, the moon is hid by a cloud, and a short summer storm takes place—the Banditti on the watch single out Zaluch as their prey; he appears much agitated, though not perceiving them.
RECITATIVE.
Zaluch.
Vell, who'd have tought of dis now?—all so bright!
And pless me! all at once so black as night!
Dat's but a cut-throat road! it chills my blood!
What's that, a gibbet? 'tis a hanging wood!
I vas so eager for to get afloat!—
What brought me here?—eh? bless ma heart! de boat.
Where vas de Boatmen?—holloa! all, quite gone!
I shall be robb'd! and lose what's not my own!
My Conscience! tho' the venture was well meant,
I'd not ensure myself for cent per cent!
'Twas a good motive, tho' a bad essay,
To meet my Friend upon his wedding day!
A Friend indeed! mine by de dearest tye,
A Friend who snatch'd me from captivity!
From a French Prison—'twould have been my grave,
But British Tars, are as humane as brave!
Vell, bless me! I must venture!—hang such woods!
I vish I could insure myself and goods!
(Going cautiously through the entrance into the Forest— starts.)
What's dat? my heart jumps in my mouth wid fright!
I'd give a premium, now dat all vas right!
I ca'n't tink how it is my heart so fails!

(As he pursues his journey alarmed, Banditti steal on after him.)
Lieut.
to Capt.
Be firm, determined, dead men tell no tales!

They seize and bear Zaluch off struggling, and crying “help! murder! &c.”
Enter HORATIO AND SURGE.
RECITATIVE—SURGE. (listening.)
Avast!—your honour!—hark! capsise my mess—
But that's a signal—some one's in distress.
(A pistol is fired without—Horatio draws his sword, and rushes off.)
Off like a shot—master's among 'em smack,
You too (drawing his cutlas)
look eager, tight one for attack!
And so here goes—if Pirates—why belike
Will Surge is not the boy will make them strike!

Exit.
Re-enter Horatio and Surge engaged with Banditti, whom at length they conquer, and rescue Zaluch —Surge having taken a pistol from one of them points it at his head; Horatio disarms the other.
RECITATIVE—LIEUTENANT.
Don't—pray don't fire—because, d'ye see, you'll find,
I'm like a lamb, so naturally kind!
And if once more I could my freedom gain,
You'd find me grateful as I am humane!

Watching his opportunity, he snatches the pistol from Surge and fires, it passes his head, blowing his hat off—Horatio flying to his assistance, both Robbers escape—Zaluch falls at the feet of Horatio.
RECITATIVE—SURGE.
Damme! well missed!—what undersail! avast!
Give me but one more grab, and zounds I'll hold you fast.

Exit.
RECITATIVE—ZALUCH.
My Benefactor!—bless me!—can it be!—
Rescued again by him from jeopardy!
Pardon dese tears—my gratitude runs wild—
I'm such a chicken—I cry like a shild!
Horatio affectionately raises him.)
My wish was at your wedding to appear,
And bless ma heart! I meet my good friend here!
(Draws out a Jewel Case.)
Tank Heaven you're safe! dis vas my poor heart's pride!
A grateful present to your lovely bride!
(He opens Jewel Case and displays it.)
Dis her sweet Image to your eye-sight bring!
Dis yours discloses, by dis secret spring!
Dere, take, and keep it for poor Zaluch's sake,
If I was robb'd of it my heart would break!

Enter SURGE out of breath.
Surge.
Zounds! they've out-sailed me! damn the sharking crew!
Ah! my old Israelite, what is it you?

Zaluch.
Anoder friend! vell, vell! I'm too your debtor—
Accept my tanks—my purse—

Surge.
—'Sha'n't—I knows better!
The battle o'er, like light'ning Surge would fly,
To save from found'ring e'en an enemy!
Then may the swab be capsised, end for end,
Who in misfortune wouldn't help a friend!
GLEE.

They enter the boat, and at the end of the Glee are rowed off.
ZALUCH.
Good bye! good bye! may Heaven your efforts bless!
And War or Peace crown Britons with success!

Exit.