University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

Interior of a neat Turkish Cottage—Lattice Windows looking into a Garden—Hearth laid for lighting a Fire—Coffee Pot near the Hearth;— small Cupboard, in which is Fruit, &c.—a Spinning Wheel, small Table, Stools, &c.
Enter Hassan Alhabal, an old Gardener, much fatigued, with a Spade.
RECITATIVE—HASSAN.
Phew! how the Sun melts one! we of Adam's trade,
Like Lambkins and young Lovers, court the shade!
Ah! love! love! love! when once it taketh root,
Bitter or sweet, who can foretell the Fruit!
When I was young!—but my Love dates are pass'd—
A wither'd Fig—I'm out of date at last!
Yet my kind master's Rosebud—dear! oh dear!
Her sunny smiles, Hassan's old frame can cheer!
(Coming forward he seems suddenly to limp.)
Alla! what's that?—something my foot has torn?
I talk'd of Roses! and in pops a thorn!
(Taking one out of his old slipper.)
Quite through and through!—well, well, I must declare,
Like me, these slippers are the worse for wear!
They're no great things!—yet, Hassan, thou can'st brag, that
They're somewhat better, than Abou's of Bagdad!

COMIC SONG—HASSAN ALHABAL.

Exit.
A noise is heard at the door of the Cottage, and Hassan re-enters, followed by Selima and her Sisters dressed in rustic habits.
RECITATIVE—HASSAN.
The Holy Prophet! 'sbud, what shall I say,
Welcome, all welcome as the flowers in May!
Pleasing's each Lilly, that the Valley decks,
To an old Evergreen, who loves the Sex!
What a parterre! one, two, three sprigs of Posies.
(The haughty Sister passes him last, and slaps his face)
Umph! there are nettles tho', as well as Roses!
Puts on his spectacles—enter Scander, in a very plain habit, melancholy, but resigned—the old Gardener gazes on him, then at the Sisters.
RECITATIVE continued.
What do I see? dear Master!—this mean dress!
Your Daughters too!—what plung'd in deep distress!
Aye, Honesty i'n't always well requited!
Flowers in their Bud, Ships in their Voyage are blighted.
(Scander orders him to retire.)
I'm going Sir—I'm gone—don't—pray don't frown?
(Stumbling.)
Curse the old slippers! they'd near thrown me down!

Exit.
Selima welcomes her Father and Sisters to the Cottage, places seats for them—which her Sisters in great dudgeon accept—presents Scander the old Gardener's spade, intimating he may occasionally amuse himself in the Garden; and, taking books out of a little work bag she had brought with her, tells him, when tired with labour he may shorten the time by reading, &c.—takes down the Musical Instrument, which she gives to one of her Sisters to chear them, placing the Spinning Wheel before the other—this she accomplishes in the most delicate manner, concluding with taking on herself the character of their servant—the Merchant tenderly embraces her, and retires—both Sisters appear very pettish —the one sometimes thrumming the instrument, then throwing it away in disgust—the other violently spinning and breaking the thread, then hurling the wheel away—taking up the book, throwing it down, &c.—in the mean time Selima strikes a light, kindles a fire, boils the Coffee, and taking dates, biscuits, dried figgs, &c. from her work-bag, beckons her Father, through the lattice, out of the Garden, and presents them all with refreshment —Scander seems delighted with her resignation, and appears to thank Heaven for having given him so affectionate a Child—one of her Sisters much agitated throws down the coffee cup, and, bursting into tears, rushes off—Scander and Selima kindly following her —Zorayda proudly bridles up, &c.
RECITATIVE—ZORAYDA.
Sister's a fool to weep!—I—I—do'n't mind—
I can sit here and spin—I'm so resign'd!
Lord I'm not hurt—whate'er folks may suppose!
'Twas hard to lose one's House tho', and fine cloaths!
One's Husband too!—but I don't care—I swear it!
Ne'er to be married!—oh!—I cannot bear it!

Bursts into tears and rushes off.