University of Virginia Library

SCENE X.

The Garden as before, Arbour, &c.
Enter Cloud King with his sword drawn, vowing revenge on Selima's Father, followed by first Attendant, and Assassins—noise without—he compells them to retire—Cymballo, much frightened, rushes on—
RECITATIVE.
Cymballo.
Poor Missee!—where she now?—mayhap no more—
Her lilly skin crimson'd, perhaps, with gore!
The Monster! his cursed visage still's in view!
(Enter Hassan (the old Gardener) who strikes him on the shoulder—he starts.)
Oh lud ha' mercy! Hassan, is it you?

Hassan.
Aye, by the 'Coran! 'sbud! what do'st thou ail?
Thy Lips look just like Turnips, they're so pale!
But, if the colour from thy Lips are fled,
Thine Eyes resemble Beet-root, they're so red!

Cymballo.
Hush! Massa coming! grief him's look bespeaks!

Hassan.
Aye, grief makes Mortals look as green as leaks.

Exeunt.

Enter Scander—the Cloud King's Attendant points him out to the Assassins, who attack him, and after a struggle he is vanquished—Selima rushes on and saves his life—she is torn from him by Assassins, who renew the attack—the Sisters, Cymballo, old Hassan, and the Cloud King, in the habit of the Cadi, rush on—all groupe—Cloud King stamps, his first Attendant rushes on with the scroll of:

displayed as a banner, presenting it for Selima's signature —Slaves enter with a brilliant casket of Jewels, and large chests of Gold—pointing to them, the Cloud King offers life to the Merchant, and riches to his Daughters, if Selima will sign the scroll—her Father conjures her not—and, casting her eyes on the ring, she seems terror struck—her Sisters eagerly solicit her.

SESTETTE AND CHORUS.
Zorayda, Elmira, Cloud King's Attendant, Scander, Cymballo, and Hassan Alhabal.
Zorayda.
Think by Assassins Father dies,
Yet happiness appears in view;

Elmira.
And wealth which every wish supplies,
And think th'attainment rests with you.

Both.
We own, alas! we've cruel been,
But you in kindly deeds delight;

Zorayda.
(aside)
La! I cou'd almost die with spleen,

Cymballo.
Me almost wish you dying quite!

Hassan.
I wish that you were dying quite.

Sisters.
O father, we to thee now bend,
Thy mere request Consent wou'd gain:

Hassan. and Cymballo.
May Providence its arm extend!

Sisters.
Ah! me, she will retract again.

Cymballo.
Me fear, alas! their point they'll gain.

Hassan.
I fear, alas! their point they'll gain.

In the utmost agitation, overcome by their solicitations, with dread and reluctance, she affixes her signature, and the following ærial strain suddenly bursts forth.
ÆRIAL—CHORUS.
She is thine! she is thine!
For her coyness the sorceress soon shall attone
In thy glory divine,
Soon, Element King, shalt thou seize on thine own.

The Cloud King, encircled by vapour, ascends, and his Attendants vanish—thunder, lightning, &c.— Selima, gazing on the ring, wildly rushes off, Scander follows.