University of Virginia Library

SCENE VIII.

Interior of a neat Turkish Cottage as before— small table and stool, writing utensils, and a flower glass on the table.
Enter Scander despondent, followed by Cymballo, bringing on the box, the former the Rose.
RECITATIVE—CYMBALLO.
Alla be prais'd! tho' the sad dye be cast!
We have reach home (Merchant sighs.)
not happiness—at last!
Of all the Flowers gather'd, who'd suppose—
Dat we should be so nettled, 'bout a Rose!
(The Merchant, with a sigh, places the Rose in a Flower Glass! makes signs to Cymballo to put water to it.)
How ugly now dis beauteous Flower appears!
Me vexed so, me could water it wid tears!

Goes off.

Scander comes forward with the scroll, which he examines with agitation, and at length seems determined to embrace Death, rather than risque the life of his Daughter—Cymballo returns with the Rose, &c. and places it on the table; at which Scander, after desiring Cymballo to convey the Trunk of Dresses to his Daughters, seats himself, and writes,

Much fatigued with the various occurrences he had experienced, he then drops to sleep.—Selima enters, approaches him cautiously, perceives the Rose, inhales its perfumes with delight, and kisses gratefully her Father's hand—perceiving the scroll, she reads

It alarmed, during which he suddenly awakes, and starts up—Cymballo and her Sisters enter—they groupe—a pause—the Merchant embraces Selima.

RECITATIVE.
Zoray.
We've heard it all!—(look!—she's the first caress'd!)
Heard the strange end, Miss, of your strange request!

Elmira.
Thus to plant thorns in a fond Father's breast!

Selima, terror struck, occasionally casts her eyes on the Rose, the scroll, and her Father—at length directs enquiring glances towards Cymballo.
RECITATIVE—CYMBALLO.
Missee, me tell you!—Alla! how provoking?
(Looking at her Sisters.)
Cursee hard hearts!—my troat be almost choaking!

Selima learns a part from Cymballo, of their unfortunate adventures—during which her Sisters persuade Scander not to return—having obtained sufficient intelligence of the fate allotted her, she rushes forward, tears the scroll her Father had written, and, kissing the one given him by the Monster, intimates she will gladly take his place.
RECITATIVE—ZORAYDA TO HER FATHER.
That you should suffer, filial Love denies!
The Cause alone, should be the Sacrifice!

Elmira.
The wished attempt, let her essay at least?
Her charms (who knows) may captivate the beast!

Selima, kissing Scander's hand, rushes off, followed by Cymballo—her Sisters detain their Father, and endeavouring to pacify, draw him off on the opposite side.