BLUE-BEARD. A SERIO-COMIC ORIENTAL ROMANCE. A Court-yard before FADLALLAH's House. Fadlallah. Good neighbour, be quiet!-my word is a law I have said that my daughter shall wed the Bashaw! Selim. But, neighbour, your promise! Fadlallah. With him must I break it to keep it with you? My promise! go to! But I promised him since! Selim. You promised me first! Fadlallah. And what saith the Koran ? "Speak truth to thy prince!" Selim. You swore by the Prophet! Fadlallah. I tell thee, forbear! In abundance of words is abundance of care! And again saith the Koran, in Surah the third, "Confine not thy neighbour too close to his word!" Selim. Would you yield to this monster your Fatima's life? Why, he eats every night for his supper a wife! : Fadlallah. Mere libellous nonsense! I tell thee, Selim, I know nothing less like a monster than him! Ayesha. Oh, father! but think on his whiskers of blue! I wish I could find such a husband for you! Selim. Allow me, at least, to take leave of the maid! Fadlallah. You may do as you please-I shall not be afraid. No daughter of mine has a spirit so mean, To prefer her kab-kabs to a gilt palankeen ; Selim. [Exeunt FADLALLAH and AYESHA. Says Fatima so ? Fatima. I am but the slave of my father, you know. I must do as he wills, or with you, my Selim, I must fold my pale form in the mantle of pride, Must loll on my couch with an indolent mien, Of a heart-chilling harem the heart-broken queen, P Selim. I cannot endure it! The Bashaw I'll meet, I'll fling myself down in the dust at his feet. I'll tell him our story. Fatima. His heart is of steel! Selim. By Allah! my dagger shall force him to feel! You may learn that my life is in danger, and—pray ! To be fed, clothed, and shelter'd, as best we were able; Fatima. But what can he do, Our tyrant so mighty, his people so few ? Or threaten the Monks of Mount Sinai with pillage; Selim. No matter, I'll try! [Martial music at a distance. Fatima. Good Heaven-they are here! if you value me, fly! Enter FADLALLAH. Fadlallah. In, into the house, silly girl!-By my beard, This moment the sound of a trumpet I heard : Would you stand in the court with no veil on your face, When his highness, your husband, rides into the place? In, in-get the clothes on he sent you this morning! And, neighbour, kind neighbour, I give you fair warning, If longer in sight of my door I survey you, I'll speak to my son-in-law's worship to flay you! [Exeunt severally FATIMA and SELIM. Abou Malek (speaking without). Sound, trumpets, a halt! My Albanians may wait, Drawn up in two lines, from the bridge to the gate! Let none dare to enter! Well, father-in-law. [Entering. Fadlallah. I hope that your highness will pardon the awe Unprepared as I am, unaccustom'd to view The shadow of one so illustrious as you! [Hesitating. Oh, Lud! I'm afraid of those whiskers of blue! [Aside. I could speak very well if I once made a start, But 'tis gone from me clean what I'd gotten by heart. Where was I?-Oh now [Aloud. Will your highness be pleased--Abou Malek. Slave, infidel, hound! am I thus to be teased With your bowing and cringing, and kneeling, and talking, Go, call out your daughter, 'tis her that I seek,— Fadlallah (aside). His highness is hasty.-I dare not complain, But 'tis hard that my speech should be studied in vain. Abou Malek. What have I forgot ?—I return to the gate To give out some orders.-Your daughter may wait. [Exit. Fadlallah. He's a Bashaw indeed!-How I envy his state! How noble his action!" Your daughter may wait!" Enter FATIMA and AYESHA. Come, Fatima, girl, and give thanks on your knee |