AMANA.

AMANA .

ACT I. SCENE , A Fountain . Enter AMANA , with a Goblet in her Hand . Amana . HAIL sacred fount ! blessed by our holy prophet Whose precepts , pure as thy translucent stream , Cleanse the foul man , diffusing health and virtue . Frequent ablutions purge our outward stains , And moral laws preserve our inward pureness . But hark ! a caravan approaches near . Quick from all eyes let me conceal my own . veils . Enter CALED . Caled . Damsel , by heat and thirst impelled , I come To seek refreshment from this hallowed spring . Say , wilt thou lend that goblet ? Amana .

Take it freely .

reaching it to him . Caled . Heavens ! what an arm , a shape , a mien , an air ! Such are the Houries promised us above , And why not taste our happiness below ? She must unveil . aside . Withdraw that curtain , maid , To cure my passion , or confirm my wonder . taking hold of her . Amana .

Rude stranger , hold —

Caled .

Nay then , I'll do it for thee .

they struggle , and her veil falls off . Enter NOURADIN . Nouradin . Insolent slave , forego thy brutal hold , Or by the soul of my departed father , strikes him . This moment is thy last . Say , beauteous maid , Can you forgive this ruffian's barbarous outrage , Or shall his instant death make just attonement ? Enter ABDALLAH , and Amana runs to him . Amana .

O ! let me hide me in my father's bosom .

Abdallah . My loved Amana ! my last grasp of life ! What monster viler than the wildest Arab , Could dare insult thy unoffending youth , Or force thee lave thy glowing cheeks with tears ? Nouradin . The slave who dared offend the angelic maid , Waits to receive his doom from her decree , And justice satisfied , too lovely fair , I hope that vassal's crime will rest on him , Absolving us from any purpose vile ; Nor may the innocent attone the guilty . Amana . Injustice dwells not in a heart like mine , Nor can resentment there long hold a place . To you , my lord , my grateful thanks are due , Who rescued me from brutal violence : That wretch's rude assault I pardon , also . Let him depart unharmed . Nouradin . Excellent maid ! Thy mind and body sure are of a piece , Bright emanations of the deity ! Abdallah . If you from insult have preserved Amana , O ! take a father's prayer , whose feeling heart , For every wrong she suffers , must drop blood : My age's darling ! sole remaining stay Which holds my frame from sinking to the grave . O ! could I see that tender lilly propt By fortune's fostering hand , or better far , Supported by the bride-groom rose , I then , With smiles would close my wearied eyes in death . Nouradin . O ! if the purest flame that ever warmed A virgin heart , for such is mine to love , Unknowing of its pleasures or its pains , 'Till I beheld this loveliest of her sex , And gazed my soul away . O ! if a passion , Which in a moment equals that of years , Can make me worthy to possess such charms , Accept that prop , that firm support in me , Whose circling arms shall screen her from each blast , Cherish her blooming years , and nurse her age . Abdallah . Since heaven deprived me of its richest bounty , My lost Amestris , joy hath never once Pervaded this dark mansion : the busy guest Now fills each space , nor leaves me room for utterance — Generous young man ! thy worth , thy wealth and power , To me are fully known , with gratitude I willingly accept the proffered honour , If my Amana's heart feel no reluctance To aid her father's wish , and make us blest . But should all Egypt's monarch , from his Throne Descending , court her to the bridal bed , If her repugnant heart refused his love , I would remit a father's stern behest , Nor force my child to splendid misery . What says Amana ? Amana . My father's tenderness has been so great , That I have scarcely felt the bonds of duty , As inclination prompted every act Which might appear obedience ; and in this , The most important deed of all my life , My heart feels no reluctance to obey . Nouradin . Extatic sound ! thus prostrate at thy feet , Let my full heart pour forth its grateful rapture ; And by a life of love , and friendly care , Repay the happiness I now receive . Abdallah . Arise , my son , and may our holy prophet With benign aspect smile upon your union : May long and prosperous days attend your lives , And every hour increase your mutual flame . Nouradin . This day the mourning for my father ends ; From Mecca's shrine , to which in pilgrimage I went , I now return ; some Angel , sure , Hath led my footsteps near this sacred fount , And in reward for filial duty paid , Hath blessed me with an husband's happy rites . With her's and your consent , to-morrow's sun Shall see us joined in Hymen's constant bands . Meantime , to Cairo instant we'll repair , Where choicest ornaments shall deck my fair . Their rays inferior by thy eyes be shewn , Which shine in native modesty alone . exeunt Nouradin , Amana and Abdallah . Manet CALED . Caled . May swift destruction overtake you both , And if wronged Caled's means can lend it aid , They shall be well supplied . Thou Nouradin , Hast robbed me of this maid ; I met her first , And had a prior claim . Her childish coyness Would soon have yielded to my free-est wishes , Hadst thou not intervened ; while she , right woman , Preferred the fortune to the man . Nor yet , Is this the worst offence ; did he not strike thee ? And act the bravo's part throughout ? A blow ! What tho' the chance of war hath quite reversed My outward seemings , still my pride remains As high , as when in Spain , my native country , I was saluted by the stile of lord . And tho' the Turk hath sold my limbs to bondage , The inward man no shackles can controul . My abject state restrains a nobler daring ; Therefore I'll seek amends by cautious means , And may revenge quick animate my purpose ! 'Tis said that love has wings — But vengeance still Outstrips its flight — The Cyprian queen is drawn By doves — The bird of Jupiter's an eagle . On eagles wings my vengeance now shall speed , And in my talons grasp'd these doves shall bleed . exit . SCENE changes to a palace . Enter OSMIN . Osmin . What art thou , pomp ? an airy being sure , Delusive shade ! which fools alone admire , But wisemen ne'er enjoy . Even substances Grow vain , and mock the eager grasp ; the mind Sated , not satisfied with blooming beauty , Lo ! dull disgust pursues the tired embrace . Variety's a cheat — Instead of quickening , It only palls the taste ; and sinks our relish To depravity . The lowly cottager , Whose homely wife , made coarse by labour , rests Within his arms , feels more of bliss than I , Who can command a thousand various fair , To inspire new wishes , and revive my ardor : But then it is submission , and not love , Which prompts their yielding — They chuse not Osmin , But obey the Sultan ; while in full gust Of amorous dalliance , I but feel myself An happy brute , yet still a wretched man ! Enter FATIMA . Osmin . Why Fatima , with ill-timed zeal and fondness , Dost thou obtrude upon my private leizure ? Fatima . Blame not th'impatience of unchanging passion , Which follows where attraction leads the way : Tho' that , which once to me you urged , is dead , Mine , like the fragrant mittle , lives in frost : Thy chilling coldness may destroy its blossoms , But cannot kill the root . Osmin . These strong professions , Of never-ceasing love , sound like upbraidings To my tired ear — I like them not — nor thee . Fatima . Oh ! do not wound me with such harsh expression ; But since my once loved image hath forborne To mark its former traces in thy bosom , Yet still , in pity to my sex's weakness , Restrain thy speech from scorn . O ! spare the guilt To thy own breast , of stabbing mine with grief ; Yet leave me hope — the wretch's only solace — And let the jealous doubts of slighted love , And not thy stern decree , pronounce my doom . Oh ! suffer me to gaze sometimes in rapture , Upon my sovereign's face ; to hear that voice , Which whilom used to inspire my soul with joy , And ease my heart with sighing on thy bosom . Osmin . Away — away — dalliance without desire , Is lifeless sport — besides , it might encrease Thy hapless flame ; and I in generous pity , Would quickly cure thy simple sex's folly . Retire — I am used to dictate — not to argue . Fatima . Since you pronounce it , I will go for ever , A banished wretch , exiled of joy or hope . But dread the anguish thou hast made me feel , May be repaid thee in the same degree : Love is a vengeful power , and will , I hope , Resent his votary's cause : some beauteous maid Shall yet avenge my wrongs , and make thee know Worse pangs than I do now — if possible . Osmin . Thy vain predictions , like phantastic dreams , Vanish in empty air . I dare deny That all the charms of thy whole sex conjoined , Can raise , or pain or pleasure , in my breast — Full well I know , therefore despise ye all . Fatima . Then hear , almighty love , thy suppliant's prayer — If thou dost ever touch that stubborn heart , With bitterest venom tinge the piercing dart ; Mix yellow jealousy , and fire-eyed rage , And may no healing balm his pangs assuage ; Let him feel all love's anguish , all its pain , And may his fondest wishes meet disdain . exit . Enter NARDIC . Nardic . May endless days of never fading bliss Await my sovereign , may still ripening honours Bloom round his brow , and each day add new trophies To adorn his fame . Behold from Gaza's walls A messenger arrived , proclaims your arms Victorious o'er the rebel slaves , who now All own allegiance to thy rightful sway . Osmin . 'Tis well . Now let those lofty disaffected towers , That braved the heavens , and me , be razed to earth ; And let all those who dared oppose my reign , Now feel my vengeance . Is the city sacked ? Nardic .

Yes , mighty Sultan .

Osmin . Then let its name no longer be remembered . But see , O Nardic ! how the short-lived joy , Inspired by this success , like the swift glare Of lightning , is extinguished . Discontent Returns , and renders still thy prince unhappy . Nardic . Where then may we seek bliss , if he whose nod Gives life or death , while numerous nations wait Attendant on his will , can yet be wretched ! Whose every sense is gratified to fulness ; While all of art , and all of nature join To soothe his wish , and court his appetite ! Our bounteous Nile yields all that can indulge The smell or taste , of fruits and flowers luxuriant ; Our minstrels cunning in their harmony , Draw forth such dulcet sounds as might assist Creation in her work , and animate The dust from whence we sprang . But , O ! the last , The best , the highest pitch of mortal bliss , See the collected master works of nature , The lovely fair from various regions sought , Envying each other every partial smile . Osmin . Avaunt , audacious slave ! darest thou presume To expostulate with me ? When I have said That I am most unhappy , think'st thou then , Thy flattering tongue can gloss my wretchedness ? But wherefore do I suffer thee to breathe , Thou abject thing , except to administer Delight to Osmin ? Then hear my firm resolve — If in three days thou find'st not some new joy , Some untried vanity , that may awake My soul , and rouse it to a sense of pleasure , Thy head shall pay the forfeit — Vanish straight , Nor waste thy precious time in vain debating . exit Nardic . Osmin . I have surrounded joy's capricious maze , Yet cannot find the clue — Some demon sure With-holds it — But I'll seek it in the pit Of Acheron , or missing , sink in the pursuit . Nor rapes , nor murders , shall obstruct my course , Pleasures , like maids , must first be won by force ; Of them too , when we taste , we soon are cloyed , And only sigh for those not yet enjoyed . End of the First Act.

ACT II . SCENE , NARDIC's Apartment . NARDIC Solus . Nardic . TERROR , solicitude , and wild despair , Pursue my steps ! Each moment seems my last ! The tyrant seeks my life , and he must have it — Where can I turn to find new joys for one , Who has in vain exhausted nature's treasure , And plenteous as she is , hath made her bankrupt ? Were he indeed a king , I might supply New objects daily to relieve his languor , And yield him transports beyond mortal sense . To feed the poor , to comfort the distressed , To usher bashful genius into life , Become a parent to the orphan's tear , " And cause the widow's heart to sing for joy , " Exalt a monarch to an angel's rank : But virtue ne'er hath warmed his earth-born soul , 'Tis a sixth sense to Osmin . Science fair To him hath spread her lettered page , in vain — His mind ne'er reached to contemplation's height , Nor felt the rapture of a moral sense : His pulse , his nerves form all his notices ; His heart , his soul are aliens to his joys . I have sent proclamation forth , that he , Who in two days produce the fairest virgin To fill the Sultan's arms , shall in degree , Stand next to Nardic , be the third within This spacious realm . No claimant yet appears . Enter an Attendant , and CALED . Attendant . This stranger , mighty lord , earnest desires To come into thy presence . I have now Fulfilled thy wish . to Caled . Nardic .

'Tis well — Retire . exit Attend . What would'st thou ?

Caled . Let Nardic's smiles from out the dust raise up The lowest slave that mingles with his fellows . Here may my faithful service be accepted , And Osmin's arms be blessed with sovereign beauty . Nardic .

Say on , for lo ! my ears are all attention .

Caled . This day the merchant Nouradin prepares To wed the fairest maid Circassia's plains , Or Georgia's vales have ever yet presented To the seraglio's of the South or East . The fabled Venus fails of her description , And those angelic nymphs which by our prophet Are promised to the happy saints above , But equal her perfection . Never sure , For vulgar use were charms like her's ordained — Our Caliph only may deserve such bliss . Nardic . If that thy tongue , unused to flattering speech , Hath but reported truly , quick expect The high reward proclaimed — Nay more , endowed With all the active friendship of my life . Haste then , and bring this most transcendent fair , To bless my longing sight . Caled . My gracious lord , Without thy aid our purposed wish were vain . Lo ! Caled is the slave of Nouradin ; And shall he dare to ravish from his arms The bride of his affections ? Thou must lend The Sultan's power , which only can accomplish His happiness and ours : with that invested , Instant I'll force her to your raptured gaze , And prove that I want art to paint her charms . Nardic . The royal mandate quick shall be prepared , And if our holy prophet aids my prayer , She'll answer to thy boast . Come in with me . exeunt . SCENE , A Garden . NOURADIN and AMANA seated in a Bower . Nouradin . My beauteous bride , with pleasure I survey These dazzling gems diminished in their lustre By thy bright eyes , like stars before the sun . But O ! that glorious planet moves but slowly , Stopping perhaps his course to gaze on thee . Were Thetis such a bride as my Amana , His chariot would outspeed the wind , and yet , Not equal my impatience for the night . Amana . All that I hear , all that I see , is new ; Yet not the pride of sudden elevation Swells my full heart , but gratitude to thee . These splendid ornaments , and this gay scene , Attract my wonder , but inspire not joy : 'Tis he , the fond dispenser of them all , 'Tis Nouradin alone that gives them value , And makes them pleasing to Amana's eyes . Nouradin . O ! were the flaming mines where diamonds grow , With all of wealth and grandeur , in my power , How poorly should I estimate the gift , Compared to that which I receive from thee ! Amana . Too highly dost thou rate so slight a prize , For poor Amana's heart is all her treasure , There humblest duty , joined with tenderest love , And grateful sentiment , shall ever dwell , For thee , my lord , my lover , husband , friend . Nouradin . Transporting charmer , generous to excess ! But words are feeble to express my sense . Here then I make a solemn vow , that tho' kneeling . Our law admits plurality of wives , Thy Nouradin's sincere and faithful heart Shall never wander from Amana's charms , Nor feel the power of beauty but from her , The pride , the pleasure of his future life , His whole of bliss below . Who dares intrude ? rising . Enter CALED , and Guards . Nouradin . Unmannered slave ! what insolence to rush Into my presence thus ? Caled .

Then know my errand .

presenting the mandate . Nouradin .

With reverence I receive the Caliph's mandate .

reads . Caled . Can'st thou not read it ? Why dost tremble so ? Arouse , and be a man — I did not strike thee — Thou first bereaved me of that precious beauty — I but repay thee justice for thy wrongs . Nouradin . Ten thousand daggers stick within my heart — Monster , Barbarian , Oh ! drops the paper , and Caled takes it up . Amana . Alas ! he faints , Quick let me fly to aid him . runs to him . Caled . Lovely maid , Thy tender cares must henceforth be bestowed On one more worthy of thy charms . The Sultan In tedious languishment attends thy presence , And we must not delay . Amana . Oh ! never , never — This world hath no exchange for Nouradin . Nouradin . Tear out my heart , pluck all my limbs asunder , Wreak thy full vengeance on this wretched body — But spare , Oh ! spare Amana . Amana . Nought but death Shall ever wrest me from my love . My father ! Enter ABDALLAH . Wilt thou not rescue me ? Caled .

Observe this mandate .

to Abdallah . Abdallah .

Alas ! my child , it is not in my power .

Nouradin . Since wealth can bribe thee to an act of baseness , Let it , for once , inspire humanity . Take all that I possess — excepting her — Thou can'st not leave me poor — Caled . Were all thy wealth Trebled a thousand fold , nay were it more Than even thought can number , for it all I'd not forego the joys I feel in vengeance . Now thou art answered — Quick prepare to part — I will indulge thee with a last embrace . Amana . They shall dismember me to loose this hold — Oh ! kill me , sir , and save me from dishonour . to her father . Abdallah . Oh ! my unhappy child , thy father wishes To see thee dead , but cannot give the blow . Caled . Come , madam , to delay your bliss were vain ; If you consent not , force shall make you happy . lays hold of her . Nouradin . Oh ! do not hurt her tender limbs , and I Will quit my hold of her , and life together . My loved , my lost Amana ! they force her off . He falls . Abdallah . Curst be this clime , and doubly cursed its Prophet ! For whose false faith I left the only true ; At once abandoned heaven , and my country , Renounced both worlds for my Amestris' charms . O liberty ! thou first , best gift , to man Bestowed in Paradise — Nature's creation Subject to him , himself without controul , Except to heaven alone . Thus , thus derived , We claim it as our birth-right . Yet , O shame ! Whole nations have resigned this right divine , From heaven revolting , yet submit to man . Albion alone preserves the blest Palladium , Where every power of doing good is free , And peasants may defend their rights from kings . A second Eden in religion also , In faith and practice purest among men . Yet I a renegade to each advantage , Tho' born a Briton , bred a Christian too , My creed , my country , for a woman's love Did forfeit . True indeed , my paradise I have enjoyed below — But vengeance sure Tho' slow , hath now o'erta'en , and my Amana Is marked a victim for her father's crime . Yet still , just heaven ! If sin may be attoned kneels . By deep contrition , weigh my penitence , Nor shed the parent's guilt upon the child . Oh ! rather let me live while nature's powers Admit existence , in that life be cursed With pain , with penury , with every ill To vex the mind , or torture human sense : Extend those evils to my latest gasp , And purge my apostasy with wounds and death ! Nouradin . Why did I part with her ! Why not sustain starting up . The Sultan's cruelty , and Caled's vengeance ! Oh ! had they hewed me piece-meal , what could they Have done , but kill'd me ! And I now must suffer A thousand , thousand deaths ! But fear for her Unmanned my nature quite — For in the strife , They might have injured her . There , there I died — Torn from my bleeding heart where is she now ? Perhaps encircled in the Caliph's arms ! Abdallah . Stay that ungenerous thought — tho' born a slave , My daughter ever hath been bred a Briton ; Nor will she condescend to live on terms Which her chaste soul abhors — From earliest youth , She has been taught to know that life is dowerless . Without virtue : stript of that rich portion , One lot alone remains — to die with honour . Therefore believe Amana still a virgin , Or no more — Nouradin . Why dost thou seek to aggravate my sorrows ? I hoped Amana's heart might be at peace , That wealth , that grandeur might have bought her smiles , And left me only , wretched — Oh ! 'tis false ! Vile treason against love ! That heavenly maid , Within this hour , declared she only lived For Nouradin — Then let me instant fly , To save her from pollution : this good sword Lodge deep in Osmin's breast — or in my own . Abdallah . My son , attend . A thought has quick occurred , Which may perhaps , redeem us from despair . The captain of the guards , his name is Hamet , Was once a well tried friend of mine : honest , Sincere and brave ; strict bound in gratitude , For services , no matter now to tell . And if the modes of court have not erased All generous feelings from his aged breast , He will both pity , and assist our purpose . Should he but lend his aid , I yet have hope , Of rescuing Amana from perdition . But , oh ! he never felt a father's anguish , Nor did his heart e'er bleed as mine does now ! Nouradin . O ! lose not time in fruitless doubts or fears . But fly this moment , and strong urge your suit ; Use every argument that thought can frame , To bind him to our friendship : if my wealth Can buy his service , let him take it all , And pay me with one sight of my Amana . Abdallah . Thou need'st not seek to press a father's haste To save an only child ; for tho' no raptures Now fire my blood like yours , more generous passions , Rage 'gainst oppression , with parental fondness , Have made my heart as brave as his who dares The cannon's roar in battle . But my son , Know that the adventure is most hazardous ; Therefore with caution let us now proceed , Entreating heaven to bless the pious deed — And if we fail , I am prepared to bleed . End of the Second Act.

ACT III . SCENE , NARDIC's Apartment . Enter NARDIC . Nardic . WHAT strong impatience agitates my mind ! Would Caled were arrived . I long , yet dread To view this promised maid , upon whose charms Depends my life or death . Oh ! the mean slavery Of proud dependence ! How contemptuous seem All power , all greatness , which we poorly borrow From another's smiles ! or purchase basely With office servile , or with treachery buy ! Strange state of man , to be or slave or tyrant ! Is there no mean condition , holy prophet ? Are all then born for one ? No way to blend Prerogative with liberty ? To poise In equal scales , the prince and people's rights , And make them mutually suspend each other ? Enter CALED , leading in Amana veiled . Caled . Now let thy servant's truth be fully proved . Behold the fair Amana . Nardic . Her shape and stature vouch in part thy praise , Her face I hope will certify the rest . takes off her veil . Transcendent charmer , dry those falling tears , And let thy lovely eyes be decked in smiles , To greet thy coming greatness ; happiest , As fairest of thy sex , I hail thee queen , prostrates himself before her . And here devote my future life , and service , To the commands of our bright Sultaness , The fair Amana . Amana . O detested flattery ! Offspring of meanness and ambition , fostered In courts , luxuriant soil for every vice To thrive and flourish in . Know I disdain The Sultan and his greatness . If indeed , Thou mean'st thy kind professions for my service , O ! give me back to a fond father's arms , To a despairing husband's bleeding heart , Or with thy poignard set my own at rest . Nardic . Alas ! bright maid , thy youth and inexperience Have much deceived thee , and thou know'st not yet The joys superior which attend on greatness . Soon in the Caliph's arms thou wilt renounce The mean plebeian whom thou now lamentest , And thank our prophet for the blest exchange . The highest transport to a female heart , Shall too be thine ; for thou wilt triumph o'er Contending rivals for the prize of beauty . A thousand fair ones shall obey thy will , Who while they pine in envy at thy bliss , Must still acknowledge thy superior charms . I soon shall lead thee to true happiness , And lodge thee safe in Osmin's fond embrace . exeunt Nard . and Cal. Amana . Rather to instant death convey me straight ! What will my fate do with me ? Oh , Nouradin ! Why did my soul receive its first , its tenderest , Its only feelings , from thy worth ! Why was Thy generous love bestowed on such a wretch , Lost and abandoned now to vile pollution ! No — it shall never be — tho' void of means To free myself by force , my daring soul Shall seek some horrid way — I know not what — To rescue me from force , and prostitution . Enter OSMIN and NARDIC . Nardic . There stands the lovely fair , whom I described — Now let thine eyes be judge . Osmin . Retire a while . exit Nardic . My beauteous maid , bend not thy eyes thus mournful , Upon the earth , but let them shine on Osmin . Amana . O let the judge of nations hear my prayer ! throws herself at his feet . With eyes of pity not desire , behold The unhappiest of her sex ; unworthy far , Or of his greatness , or his love : for oh ! Her aliened heart was wholly won , e'er she Beheld the mighty Osmin , given away By sacred contract , to a lovely youth ; And this day was to have solemnized our nuptials , But for the treachery of a barbarous slave . Then let not him for whom fond beauties sigh , Retain the furtive prize of villainy ; But quick restore her to the virtuous ties Of filial duty , and of wedded love . Osmin . Arise — but be assured thou plead'st in vain — The tenderness of thy complaint hath moved me , But not to pity — Since thou can'st feel love , Why not sustain its pleasing pains for me ? Thou art not formed of coarse plebeian mould , Too delicate to sill a vassal's arms . I would preserve thy passion in its force , But thou must learn to change the happy object . The task is easy , from my own experience , For I have loved before — and now love thee . Amana . As well might'st thou command sweet flowers to grow On the tempestuous sea , as force true love To change its object . 'Tis impossible ! From one strong stem , rooted in both our hearts , Our passions bloomed at once , reciprocal : Thy breath may blast the fruit , but ne'er thy hand Reap the ripe harvest . Then , O mighty Sultan ! If ever thou dost hope to taste the joys Of mutual love , O let my streaming eyes , And lifted hands , procure my reconveyance . Or if thou enviest him this poor possession , Quick let my death destroy his hopes , with thine . Osmin . Thou shalt not die , nor will I part with thee — But know the slave for whom thy fondness pleads , Shall bleed within thy sight , if in the space Of two revolving suns thou yieldest not To gratify my wish with soft compliance . 'Tis thy own fault if henceforth thou art unhappy — By gentle means I chuse to win thy love ; My utmost power thou may'st command , at will , Thy friends shall all be great ; nay more , the slave , The very slave thou sigh'st for , will I serve : His life or death depends on thee — thou art , As well as mine , his destiny — Farewel . offers to go . Amana . O ! do not leave me ! Thy relenting heart Speaks in thy eyes , and gives a dawn of hope . Thou wilt not murder Nouradin ! Thou wilt not — I know thou wilt not . Say his life is safe , And bid me be at peace from wild distraction . Osmin . I have already told thee my resolve , Nor am I used to trifle in my speech . My words are firm decrees ; and since pronounced , That wretch's fate now rests on thee — Not me . Amana . Then hear my resolution , fixed as thine — Tho' dearer to my heart is Nouradin , Than sight is to the blind , health to the sick , To prisoners liberty — O far , far dearer Than life , and all its joys , to his Amana — Yet will I put with him , survey the mutes Fixing the bow string round his neck , where I Should fold my grateful arms , to death devote him , Rather than wound his image in my heart , Or stain that mirror with a second object . Osmin . Beware , and stop thy heedless tongue , lest I Revoke the clemency my grace hath proffered , And doom thy minion to an instant death . Amana . Oh ! I am silent , will not dare to speak , Even to intreat thy pity — O Nouradin ! Thou can'st not know what I endure for thee . aside . Osmin . 'Tis well — restrain thy impetuous grief , and let The tedious interval I have indulged thee , Be well employed to brighten every charm , Which now obscured , and deadened by thy sorrow , Shew like Aurora when her infant beams Hold contest with the gloomy shades of night . And like the glorious ruler of the day , Let genial warmth dispel the sullen mist ; Then in the full meridian of thy charms , With perfect beauty bless my longing arms . exeunt severally . Enter NARDIC , CALED and HAMET . Nardic . Joy to thee Caled ! May still prosperous days Attend thy life with full and long enjoyment . Our Sultan has accepted thy fair gift , And owns her equal to his fondest wish . Therefore with power in next degree to mine , I here invest thee Aga of the guards . Hamet in thy new office will instruct thee — He has resigned it to make way for Caled . Caled . Most mighty lord , Caled is bound to thee , Thy future slave ; for even those flattering honours With which thou load'st him , hold inferior rank , As second to the higher debt he owes thee Who slaked his thirsty soul with sweet revenge . But much I long to know how did Amana Receive the overture of Osmin's flame ? True woman , I suppose , for such the sex , One lover out of sight , with greedy ear She listened to the second's soothing tale , Forgot her vows , and sunk into his arms . Nardic . Caled , thou'rt much deceived — her stubborn will Yet bends not — She is indeed a woman — Perverse and obstinate — pleads plighted love To Nouradin , intreats to be restored To his embrace , or begs that she may die . Caled . How would her sighs delight my list'ning ear ! But then I fear lest thro' her sullen coyness , The Sultan take disgust , and cast her from him . Perhaps restore her to her husband's arms — The thought has daggers in't . Nardic . O fear not that — He is too much enamoured of her charms , To quit the fond pursuit : the power of beauty Had never such effect upon his heart , Since first I marked the movement of his passions . Besides , his restive pride will scorn to yield , And force is ready should persuasion fail . He has allowed a respite of two days , To abate her grief , and tune her soul to joy ; While , as he knows his own unbridled will , Which like a whirlwind bears down all before it , He hath withdrawn himself from the serrail , To waste the tedious space in solitude , At The plain of the Mummies , near Kairo . Sakara upon the bank of Nile ; Where I must now attend him , by command . Thou Caled to thy charge repair , and know That any who attempt to pass thy watch , Within the palace wards , must die . Farewel . Caled .

Adieu , and fear not Caled's strictest duty .

exeunt severally . Manet HAMET . Hamet . Oh ! I am well repaid for thirty years Of brave and faithful services , displaced For a vile pandar . True indeed , I ne'er Have ravished virgins from their bridegroom's arms , To gratify his satyr's lust — I warred With men , not maids ; and oft in heat of battle At peril of my own have saved his life . But that is past — his kingdom is at peace , He does not want me now ; and like his armour , I am left to rust , too cumbrous to be worn . Enter ABDALLAH . Hamet . Welcome , my antient , and approved friend , Thou comest in proper time to lend me aid And comfort with thy philosophic counsel . Thou art the man on earth I wished to see — Thy friendly tongue hath oft advised beware The dangerous shoals and rocks which frequent lurk Beneath the tide of royal favour — Now , Behold me stuck aground , shipwrecked indeed ! Abdallah . Thy adverse fate sincerely I lament , Thy well-proved merit claims this tribute grief . But oh ! my friend , a nearer , higher sorrow Now fills up all my thoughts — A father's anguish For an only child ! My lost Amana ! Hamet . Say , what of her ? My dear , unhappy friend ! Has the destroying angel torn her from thee , And veiled her beauties in the silent tomb ? Abdallah . Had fate demanded her , I were resigned — But oh ! she still survives , a sacrifice To brutal force , unless thy generous aid Shall join to rescue her from vile pollution . Hamet . By this good sword , which never yet hath failed me , In hottest battle , even by Hamet's life , Or what is dearer still , his unstained honour , I swear I will redeem the virtuous maid , Or failing , perish in the attempt . Abdallah . Enough — But see the monster Caled nigh approaches — Let us retire , and plan the generous purpose . Hamet .

The die is cast — my life upon the hazard .

exeunt . Enter CALED , as they are going out . Caled . Amana's father , in discourse with Hamet ! I like not that — perhaps they plot my ruin . I stand on slippery ground . My elevation Was too precipitate ; and like the pine , Whose hastened growth outstrips its slender girth , Each blast alarms me , and I shrink my head . Old Hamet's well earned post , and long worn honours , He hath resigned with silence and submission , Unlike a soldier conscious of his worth ; Therefore I doubt not deep within his heart He will retain the sense of injury , Which like an inward wound will rankle there , 'Till it break out and shew the putrefaction . Tho' freed from bondage , yet a slave to fear , That worst of tyrants , I am wretched still . His steps I must attend with cautious eye , Quickened by malice — For whom we have wronged , 'Tis natural to fear , and thence , to hate . exit . SCENE , NOURADIN's apartment . He lying on a couch . Nouradin . This feverish grief , and torturing expectation , Drink up my blood , my bosom is on flame , My nerves shrunk up , and I shall first expire Before Abdallah comes to tell me — What ? What can he tell me ! Save that my Amana Is dead — or worse — a victim to dishonour ! His frigid age feels not a lover's pains , Nor can the fondness of a thousand fathers , In nature or degree , compare with mine . Enter ABDALLAH . Abdallah .

Arise , my son , and let thy soul taste hope .

Nouradin . Thou dost not mock me sure , oh ! quickly speak , Say does she live , and free from brutal stain ? Have thy blest eyes beheld the unsullied maid ? Oh ! say may she again be mine ! My wife ? Abdallah . I have not seen her , but I know she lives , And dwells in innocence ; and may , I hope , Again be thine — The friend I told thee of , Hath proved his worth , and with his utmost power , Hath promised to assist the bold adventure , Therefore prepare to quit this cursed land , Where tyranny is law ; and innocence Can find no safety , but in hasty flight . If we succeed in rescuing Amana , My native country shall afford us refuge ; But if successless in the brave attempt , Our solace be that we shall die in virtue . Nouradin . Oh ! I am all impatience for the tryal : To live with her were happiness indeed ! But if my fate that blessing shall deny , Death is its next best gift . Now speak the means . Abdallah . Know then , the tyrant , whether thro' compassion , Or still in hope to soothe her to compliance , Hath granted her two days to wean her sorrow , To conquer nature , and submit to fate ; During which interval he hath retired To Sakara , whence like an epicure , Fasting from beauty to increase appetite , He , like an hungry glatton , may return , And feast his quickened sense with fuller gust . Nouradin . O ! may the grasp of death first seize his heart , And cast him forth a prey to ravening vultures ! Abdallah . To disappoint his vicious purpose , know , My antient friend , the kind , the generous Hamet , Late captain of his guard , now subaltern To impious Caled , from a twofold reason , Impelled by friendship's ties , and just disdain , On being thus disgraced to pay the hire Of hellish deeds , of rape and treachery , Will introduce thee in the Sultan's robes , His yearly perquisite , at dusk of even , To the seraglio , to Amana's ward ; From whence , by means which Hamet shall direct , Thou may'st descend into the garden , where I shall be stationed to receive my children , And thro' a private portal straight convey A treasure richer than the crown of Egypt . From thence to happy England let's repair , That land of liberty , and wealth , and valour . Nouradin . Whether indeed thou rav'st of that blest clime , In meer Eutopian dream , I cannot say , But this I dare pronounce , that with Amana , A desart would supply that heaven on earth , My paradise below , is love and virtue . Abdallah . Within this hour Hamet will doubtless bring The safe disguise , by him thou must be led . But oh ! when thou beholdest thy Amana , Beware , my son , of dalliance , suffer not A lover's fondness disappoint his wishes : Lose not the important moment , but remember Each instant's precious to thy life , and her's . Nouradin . Oh ! that the hour were come ! fear not , Abdallah . If Nouradin's fond arms once more enfold her , Again behold that face , that form divine , No power on earth shall ever force her from me , And leave me life to plain , as I do now . Abdallah . Alas , my son , I doubt not of thy prowess , It is thy fondness which I fear ; that weakness , Which only brave men know ; and while it sinks Their spirit as a vain presumptuous man , Exalts it to the softness of a seraph . Nouradin . Were but my life , my happiness , at stake , Well might'st thou doubt the weakness of my virtue , Against Amana's charms — But where her safety Becomes the question , I can turn a stoic ; Scarcely indulge my ravished eyes to gaze , Or raptured hand to feast upon her touch , 'Till I restore her to her father's arms , Abdallah . O ! may the blessings of a mutual love , Light on you both : let me but see you safe Beyond the tyrant's lust , or violence , And all the business of my life is o'er . exeunt . SCENE , the seraglio . Enter AMANA and FATIMA . Amana . Unhappy fair ! I pity thy sad fate , Tho' quite unlike my own . I never thought The chaste , the tender love that women feel , Could e'er be won by outward form of man . Beauty's our own peculiar character , Their's , sense and learning , bravery and honour : Desire and admiration are their rôle ; Esteem , submission , gratitude are ours . Fatima . Sure in some northern climate thou wert born , Where Cupid , as the poets represent him , Is but a child indeed — A playful god — His darts unvenomed , and unnerved his arm . Not so he took possession of my heart ; But shot himself , with his whole train of ills , Into my glowing breast : thou happy fair , Wert formed to inspire the passion in its rage , Thy heart insensible to all its pangs . Amana . Alas ! thou art deceived : Amana's heart Feels all the fond solicitudes of love : But then it was thy chaste , thy generous passion , Unhappy Nouradin ! that lighted up The flame in my cold bosom , which with life Alone shall be extinguished . Fatima . Hapless maid ! Here I return thy pity twenty fold — Alas , thou art more wretched than myself — I have but one concern — with mutual warmth To inspire the Sultan's breast — while doubly vexed , Thou hast a love debarred , and one to shun . The Caliph's fate and mine exact the same ; Pursuing , fled from , meeting hate for love . Amana . Curst be his passion , curst his vicious love , And doubly curst the hour he saw Amana ! Oh ! that deformity would spread its veil Over these few but ill-starred charms ! To avoid His brutal passion I would e'en forego The chaste , the tender love of Nouradin ; Or trust to constancy to insure his faith . Or that the sudden hand of death would seize My captive limbs , and rescue my free soul From the more dreaded tyrant . Some way yet , I will escape — Despair point out the means ! Fatima . If thou indeed hate Osmin more than death ; And art yet unprovided of the means To shun his loathed embrace , I may , perhaps , Assist thy frenzy ; but , unhappy fair one , Weigh well the desperate deed ; for once begun , It were too late to save thee from thy folly . Thou might'st indeed rob Fatima of life , But nought of mortal aid could rescue thine . Amana . O ! do not judge so poorly of Amana , To think that she could ever be induced To wrong her kind deliverer — Here I vow , No rack shall wrest the secret from my lips , Which with their latest breath shall bless thy service . Fatima . My mother was well skilled in nature's lore ; And this small vial dying she bequeathed me , Saying , that should this world of teeming ills , E'er load my life with woes too strong for sufferance , I need but quaff this draught , and ready death Within an hour would swallow up my pains — Accept it then , for wretched as I am , Even lost to hope , I dare not wish to die . Amana . With gratitude sincere I thank thee for it — Welcome thou anodyne of human cares ! I'll place thee near my heart ; for oh ! 'tis thou , And thou alone , I fear , can'st give it rest . Now , hated Osmin , I defy thy vice , In spite of thee I shall escape dishonour . Wafted on air my unstained soul shall fly , And seek its native mansion in the sky ; A bower of bliss for Nouradin prepare , And deck it with the choicest garlands there ; Await his coming for a little space , Then live for ever in his chaste embrace . End of the Third Act.

ACT IV . SCENE , A Gothic building , representing the palace of Sakara . Enter OSMIN and NARDIC . Osmin . HOW poor is greatness , and how weak is power ! When a fond girl shall dare resist my will , And yield that love which I in vain sollicit , To a plebeian , to an abject slave , Low as the groveling worm on which I tread , Compared to Osmin's wealth , his rank , his birth . My word may render that mean wretch unhappy , But cannot make me blest — Even in my arms The adverse fair will sigh for Nouradin , And curse the tyrant for the unwilling joy . Nardic . And what avail her curses , while her charms Shall gratify my sovereign's fond desire , And feast his every sense ? Osmin . Away — away — I am surfeited of sense , want higher gust , Which love reciprocal alone can yield . Oh ! must I never taste the fond embrace Of mutual love ? The ardour ne'er behold Of unfeigned passion , modesty alone , That brightest ornament of female beauty , Restraining its excess ? Must I ne'er see The half denying , half consenting glance Steal from Amana's eye ? I may possess , But not enjoy her charms — Dull feast ! To gorge a clove-foot satyr's appetite ! O ! that I could transform my outward semblance , And take the shape and garb of Nouradin ! Then might I feel the true extatic joy Of being pressed with transport to the heart Of this too lovely , but capricious fair . The very thought inspires an half enjoyment . Nardic . Then why not practise the deceit , my liege ? I have seen this Nouradin , when late he came To sue a licence out for Mecca's shrine , Whither his filial piety and duty Inclined him to perform a pilgrimage , In zeal and honour of his father's shade . He seemed a comely youth ; in face and person Resembling much my prince . The least disguise , In the dun shades of night , might gratify My sovereign's present wish : thy fond embrace Would fill her arms as well as Nouradin . 'Twill make her happy during the delusion , And save a world of virgin coyness : then , If she be woman , she'll forgive the cheat , And bless the artifice that saved her shame . Osmin . Haste then — supply me with a merchant's garb , This night I'll play Amphytrion ; absolved By gods who smile at the fond frauds of love . I'll enter the seraglio , steal into The sighing fair one's ward , disguise my voice , And whisper in her ear , " 'Tis Nouradin , " Thy love , thy husband ! Quick let us enjoy " Those transports which the sacred priest this morn , " Hath sanctified by Hymen's virtuous bands . " Thus , thus , w'ell disappoint the tyrant's hope . " O the transcending joy I then shall feel , When full possessing all she can bestow , I let her know 'tis Osmin she has blessed , And like another Jove confound her sense With my full blaze of glory . Nardic . I am charmed At this fair scene which opens to thy view , Such happy thefts exceed those dull enjoyments Which willing beauty yields . This key conveys My royal master thro' the palace gates , Unseen by all his guards . Within an hour , I will provide a dress to suit the intent , Exact the same that bridegrooms wear , for such We must suppose was Nouradin's this morn , When habited in form to espouse the fair . And may success attend my sovereign's will , Equal to his and Nardic's mutual wish . exit . Osmin . Cold and inanimate thou talk'st of wishes , Who neither know'st the pride of king's disdained , Nor the indignance of a thwarted passion — O ! could I , like another Phaeton , But guide the Sun's bright chariot , for a day , I'd plunge the world in deep and sudden darkness , Nor ask for light but from Amana's eyes . Like him too , once to obtain my soul's ambition , I'd hazard mine , and this whole globe's existence ; For I in truth , could never yet believe Our lying Imans , or their flattering prophet : All that I know of bliss , I will enjoy , And leave the rest to chance , or destiny . exit . SCENE , NOURADIN's House . Enter NOURADIN in the Sultan's Robes , with HAMET and ABDALLAH . Hamet . My friends , I have risqued my life to aid your cause , And much I fear , but more I hope the event ; These robes of royalty sit easy on thee , And as thou bearest a likeness to the Sultan , The guards will ne'er suspect the masquerade — But should the least suspicion chance to arise In any of the watch , deep plunge this dagger In his heart , and speed thy course in silence . Nouradin . If there be such a deity as love , He will protect and guide me to Amana ; For sure a fonder votary ne'er bowed Before his altar in the Cyprian isle . Night too will be my friend ; accustomed still To smile on lovers , she will not refuse Her aid to Nouradin . My beating heart Bounds with prophetic rapture ! I shall yet Retrieve the angelic maid from soul offence , And make her future life one scene of bliss . Abdallah . I would not wish to damp thy virtuous hope , But much I dread there is an heavy cloud Hangs o'er our heads , to shower down evils on us . My cursed apostasy hath brought this ruin On my ill-fated house , and my Amana , With you my son , tho' innocent , may suffer For my impiety — So heaven decrees ! Nouradin . What means Abdallah ? Abdallah . In the distracted moment when my child Was deemed a sacrifice to brutal lust , And torn from thy despairing arms , and mine , I told thee of my country and religion ; And oh ! I told thee — Nouradin . I do remember something like a dream ; While on the ground in agony I lay , You talked methought , in wild phantastic vision , Of lands of freedom , of a purer faith , And judgments visited for sins derived . Abdallah . To thee , my son , I might appear to rave , Born as thou art beneath a tyrant's yoke , And early taught to bend thy passive neck To arbitrary sway . The mountain goddess Hath never deigned to mark her footsteps here ; Nor yet hath heaven its saving grace extended To lands of despotism , and gross imposture . But what I tremble for is , lest the charms Of my Amestris , opening in their prime In my Amana , may perhaps induce The curse of disobedience to our law . Hamet . Let not thy timorous faith forebode such ills , Nor sink the spirit of our bold emprize . For thee or me , the muddy dregs of life , Are scarcely worth the draught . A nauseous potion ! Therefore , without repining at the past , With calmness let us wait the pregnant future , And whether death or freedom be our lot , Let us receive the alternative like men . Abdallah . My friends , I fear not for myself , my life Hath filled its years ; and like a full fed guest , I'd gladly quit the banquet , and depend On penitence sincere for future bliss . But oh ! I dread lest those , much dearer to me , Than all the joys of earth combined , may starve , Like dowerless children of a spendthrift father , For my extravagance and luxury . Nouradin . Forbear these sad reflections — If high heaven , Whose justice with the tenderest mercy tempered , Presides o'er all its works , if it regard The ways of man , its justice will pronounce Amana mine , and in its goodness will Restore her to my fond and faithful arms . Hamet . Prophetic be thy hope — This silver key , The last remaining badge of Hamet's greatness , None but the mighty Nardic hath another , And he most luckily attends the Sultan , Will open every gate within the palace . Beneath the garden wall we'll wait for thee — If thou escapest we shall be free , if not , This dagger shall release my bonds — Farewel . exit . Nouradin . The servent blessings of a grateful heart , Raised from the depth of sorrow into joy , Dwell ever round thee , and protect thy age . looking after him . But why that heavy gloom upon thy brow , Ill-boding to our hopes , as low'ring clouds In days of harvest , to the rural swain ? to Abdallah . Abdallah . From threescore years of tedious disappointment , I have been taught that hope is the true curse Of Tantalus ; and when the flattering draught Seems just to touch our lips , some sullen sprite Dashes the stream aside , and makes us feel Our griefs increased , by bordering on joy . Therefore I bid thy inexperience fear . Nouradin . Thy philosophic lore I'll strive to learn , When my tumultuous passions are at peace ; Then only can it rule the human heart : The rudder's useless in a storm , must yield To raging billows , and resistless winds , Whilst the scared pilot stands in mute despair . But to our holy prophet here I kneel , To bless my little bark with prosperous gales — Let but Amana be the precious freight , No other treasure shall I wish on board , Or care what course we steer — Possessed of her , All climes , all nations are the same to me . Where-e'er she smiles a paradise will bloom , And every withered herb breathe rich perfume ; Fruits will spontaneous grow beneath her eyes , And flowers to deck her bed will gladly rise . exeunt . SCENE , the Garden of the Seraglio . Enter AMANA and FATIMA . Amana . My spirits are attuned to peace and harmony , And now with tenderest pity I bemoan Thy ill-placed love — Surely I think there is A curse attends that passion in our sex , And she alone is blest whose equal pulse Beats undisturbed , in senseless apathy . Fatima . O ! say not so — It is the balm of life , And even its pains delightful — What must then , Its pleasures be ! But those , alas ! I fear , I ne'er again shall know . Amana . Do not despair — When the first tumults of the Caliph's rage , For my escape , are past , then may'st thou hope . By arts of soothing tenderness , once more To steal into his heart , and win his love . By soft indulgence to his present passion , Thou may'st revive the former in his breast , And thus regain the empire thou hast lost . She who would please proud man , must not disdain The lowest methods to attain her purpose : Humility's the garb in which their sex The most delight to see us dressed — By this , Their vain superiority is shewn , And our dependent state upon their wills . Fatima . Thy calm expressions raise my utmost wonder ! Thou can'st not surely , mean to die e'er long , Yet talk with such reflection and composure ! Amana . My soul is fixed , and therefore am I calm . Did hope or fear perplex this constant breast , The strong emotions could not be concealed . What can I hope , from lust and tyranny ? Or what have I to fear , who in that hour When I was forced from my fond husband's arms , Lost the last glimpse of happiness below ! For thee alone , my generous Nouradin , And my unhappy father , do I feel . O ! Fatima , this thought hath roused sensations , Which I could wish had slept — I am , alas ! I feel it now , a weak , a very woman ! Fatima . Unhappy fair ! thou speak'st too modestly — No Greek or Roman ever yet recorded , Hath shewn less fear , or more contempt of death . If in the hour of trial , thy firm soul Support thee thus , thou art a prodigy ! Amana . It will not then forsake me . I am armed With innocence ; and none but guilty souls Should fear , or hesitate at death's approach . My father will rejoice at my escape ; And even thy grief , my faithful Nouradin , Will soften into tenderness and peace , By knowing I am happy — My loved shade Thou wilt invoke , thy guardian seraph then ! Whilst I with joy still hovering o'er thy head , Shall guide thy footsteps in the paths of bliss . Fatima . Amazing fortitude ! Sure angels prompt , And will reward thy virtue . But behold , The setting sun hath warned us to retire — Soft rest , and pleasing visions bless thy slumbers . Amana . Adieu , my friend , may every happiness Thou prayest for me , await thee in return ; May Osmin , since it is thy wish , restore That aliened heart which thou hast bought so dear . exit Fatima . My senses are oppressed — Within this bower I will indulge their bent — Spirits benign ! Who rule o'er dusk and dawn , watch and protect me From all the dangers of the sullen night — And O ! if virgin thoughts as pure as snow , May hope for favour from ye , send a dream Of Nouradin , my lost , my hapless lord ! Let him be present to my sleeping eyes , Whom waking I shall never more behold , Or in these faithful arms again enfold ; In gentlest whispers let him breathe his love , Then sighing leave me like the widowed dove . End of the Fourth Act.

ACT V. SCENE before