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RAMAH DROOG: A COMIC OPERA, IN THREE ACTS. AS PERFORMED WITH UNIVERSAL APPLAUSE AT THE THEATRE-ROYAL, COVENT-GARDEN.

By JAMES COBB, Eſq.

LONDON: Printed by A. Straban, Printers-Street; FOR T. N. LONGMAN AND O. REES, PATERNOSTER-ROW. 1800. [Price Two Shillings.]

DRAMATIS PERSONAE.

[]
The Rajah
Mr. EMERY.
Captain Sidney
Mr. INCLEDON.
Liffey
Mr. JOHNSTONE.
Govinda
Mr. HILL.
Chellingoe
Mr. MUNDEN.
Zemaun
Mr. H. JOHNSTONE.
Indian Guards
Meſſ. THOMPSON, &c.
Attendants
Meſſrs. KLANERT, ABBOT, &c.
1ſt Priſoner
Mr. CLAREMONT.
2d Priſoner
Mr. WILDE.
3d Priſoner
Mr. GRAY.
Eliza
Miſs WHEATLEY.
Alminah
Mrs. CHAPMAN.
Zelma
Miſs WATERS.
Margaret
Mrs. MILLS.
Agra
Miſs SIMMS.
Orſana
Mrs. ILIFF.
Women of the Zenana
Meſd. WALCUP, &c. &c.

[] RAMAH DROOG.

ACT I.

SCENE I.— A Court-yard adjoining to the RAJAH's Palace, into which there are ſeveral entrances from a Priſon: On one ſide is a Tower forming a part of the Priſon: In the Tower is a window, and alſo a door which communicates with the Court-yard.

Several Indian Guards and Britiſh Soldiers (priſoners) come on and ſing a
CHORUS.
INDIANS.
Now loudly raiſe victorious ſtrains,
Fallen the vanquiſh'd foe remains,
Never to break his galling chains.
BRITONS.
Tho' from each hope, each comfort torn,
Britons, the ſons of freedom born,
Ever your taunts, your threats ſhall ſcorn.
Enter CHELLINGOE.
CHELLINGOE.

WHAT a ſet of diſcontented rogues ye are! What is it you want? Have you not had the honor of being taken captive by the moſt valiant troops in all India; the ſoldiers of the great prince, [2] the Mahah Rajah Surooj Seing? Have you not the further honor of being impriſoned within the very walls of his Highneſs's palace, in the famed fortreſs of Ramah Droog? Have you not a ſumptuous allowance of rice and water once in four-and-twenty hours? Are you not allowed half an hour every day to leave your dungeon, and take the freſh air? What wou'd ye have?

1ſt PRISONER.

Is our worthy commander well treated,—the gallant Captain Sidney?

CHELLINGOE.

Well treated! How dare ye aſk the queſtion? Is he not my priſoner? Do ye doubt my humanity? I'll have ye rack'd, flead alive, and dipp'd in boiling oil, if ye dare doubt my humanity.

2d PRISONER.

At leaſt, good worthy Chellingoe, grant us one boon.

CHELLINGOE.

Ay; that is ever the cry. Grant us this favor, and grant us that. And what acknowledgment do you make for my kindneſs?

(To the INDIAN GUARDS.)

You may retire.

(To the PRISONERS.)

I know ſome of you have watches, and rings, and ſnuff boxes, and ſilver ſleeve buttons.

1ſt PRISONER.

Indeed, good Chellingoe, we have already given them all up to you.

CHELLINGOE.

'Tis falſe—You conceal your riches, ungrateful wretches as ye are, after my kindneſs to you. You [3] would all have been ſtrangled yeſterday, if I had not ſuſpected you had concealed wealth about you.

1ſt PRISONER.

We acknowledge your goodneſs in getting us a reſpite.

CHELLINGOE.

Oh, ye do, do ye? Yes; I intereſted the clemency of his highneſs the Rajah—He has graciouſly permitted you to live, to make a full diſcloſure of your property. But what will all your wealth avail ye to-morrow, when you go to execution? Why not commit it to the care of me, your beſt friend? Go, go—I am aſhamed of your avarice.

2d PRISONER.

Grant us but this favor—let us have one laſt look of our valiant commander, our brother, our friend, and—

CHELLINGOE.

And what—What have you to grant in return?

2d PRISONER.

Here is a ſilver-hafted knife, the gift of my poor father.

CHELLINGOE.

O heavens! a ſilver-hafted knife!—A dangerous weapon for a priſoner. Fie! fie! I wonder that was not taken from you before.

1ſt PRISONER.

Here is a lucky ſixpence which my poor Kate gave me as a keep ſake, when we parted; and I promiſed, ſhould I ever return—

CHELLINGOE.
[4]

But you know you never will return, and ſo can't keep your promiſe. Give it to me.

2d PRISONER.

Here are a gold mohur, two pagodas, and ſome rupees, which I found in my cell, among the ſtraw.

CHELLINGOE.

A good fellow! a good fellow! Go look among the ſtraw again—I dare ſay you'll find more.

(Aſide.)

A tolerable morning's work.

(To them.)

Come, I like to ſee theſe generous ſentiments revive in ye: and as your reward, you ſhall ſee your commander preſently.—

(Makes a ſign to the GUARDS at a diſtance, then unlocks one of the priſon doors, from whence enter SIDNEY, who comes forward.)
SONG.— SIDNEY.
Oft wealth or ambition will tempt us to dare
All the toils, all the perils that mortals can bear,
But the ſigh of remembrance wherever we roam
Will fancy waft back to our dear native home.
Tho' rude be the clime, and tho' humble the cot,
The early idea is never forgot;
And the ſigh, &c.
CHELLINGOE.

This is the hour when the Princeſs Alminah uſually walks this way.

(SIDNEY goes back into his priſon.)
(Locks the door.)

She has had interviews with my priſoner, the young Engliſh officer, and is certainly in love with him. If ſo, I muſt ſhew him favour. [5] Now, how to turn this to my own advantage.

(To an ATTENDANT.)

Send hither that female priſoner, in male attire, whom they call Margaret,—that virago, who is confined apart from the reſt. She may give me the information I want.

MARGARET
(without.)

Where is Chellingoe? Shew the way, ſirrah! Ordinary time—march!

Enter MARGARET dreſt as a Soldier, preceded by a SLAVE.
CHELLINGOE.

There is no taming that vixen.

MARGARET
(to the SLAVE.)

To the left—Countermarch—quick! march!

[Exit SLAVE.
CHELLINGOE.

I'll have no riots here.

MARGARET.

Attention! Hark ye, Sir! What do you mean by keeping me in cloſe captivity after I have demanded my parole? Am not I a priſoner of war? Was I not honorably fighting the battles of my country? How dare you treat a female Britiſh volunteer in this manner, taken fighting by the ſide of her huſband?

CHELLINGOE.

And is there really any poor fellow in exiſtence ſo unfortunate as to be your huſband?

MARGARET.
[6]

Sir, I have the honor to be a ſerjeant's lady—Nay, more, he is a ſerjeant of grenadiers, and an Iriſhman—Need I add, that he is a man of courage?

CHELLINGOE.

No you need not—his courage cannot be doubted if he has been bold enough to venture on you.

MARGARET.

I followed the example of my dear miſtreſs, the wife of your priſoner, Captain Sidney. In contempt of every danger ſhe accompanied him on this expedition. For convenience we aſſumed male attire. My miſtreſs, indeed, choſe to be habited like an Indian ſervant; but for my part I always had a partiality for wearing the breeches.

CHELLINGOE.

Retire—the Princeſs is here.

(CHELLINGOE and MARGARET retire ſeverally, at a ſign made to CHELLINGOE by ORSANA, who enters with ALMINAH.)
ALMINAH.

Orſana, are we obſerved?

ORSANA.

No madam—Chellingoe underſtands how to take a hint. There is Sidney's window.

ALMINAH.

How provoking that he does not appear!

ORSANA.

Madam, here is Chellingoe who guards the captives.

ALMINAH.
[7]

Bid him approach.—

(CHELLINGOE comes forward from a cell.)

The Engliſh captives are ſtill in your care?

CHELLINGOE.

Yes, madam.

ALMINAH.

I hope you treat the brave men with humanity?

CHELLINGOE.

With the utmoſt tenderneſs.

ALMINAH.

The honor of our nation requires that we ſhou'd reſpect the virtues of an enemy.

CHELLINGOE.

Very true, madam; ſo I have ſaid.

ALMINAH.

Eſpecially when unfortunate—poor wretches, how I pity them! At a diſtance from their native country—ſeparated from all they hold dear in friendſhip, in love.

CHELLINGOE.

Alas, madam! theſe conſiderations have but too painfully touch'd my heart.

ALMINAH.

I hope ſo; for remember, your life muſt anſwer for their ill treatment. Mark me, Chellingoe!—if any one ſhould die while in your keeping, a moſt ſtrict account of the cauſe will be required.

CHELLINGOE.
[8]

I live but to obey your illuſtrious family.

ORSANA.

Her Highneſs is curious to converſe with their commander.

CHELLINGOE.

I will prepare him for the honor.

ALMINAH.

I will ſtill conceal my rank from this captive, that awe may not reſtrain him from gratifying my inquiries: let him attend me on the terrace.

[Exit CHELLINGOE into a cell.

How my heart beats! Govinda, your friendſhip muſt aſſiſt me in this interview.

GOVINDA.

Illuſtrious princeſs?

ALMINAH.

Oh Govinda! this illuſtrious princeſs, as you call her, the favorite daughter of a powerful monarch; ſurrounded by her guards, in a palace where her word is fate—this mighty princeſs is in love; and no more than a poor, timid woman, trembling with apprehenſion at an interview with a captive ſtranger.

[Exit ALMINAH and ORSANA.
GOVINDA
(alone.)

Yes, Alminah! I will fulfil your commands at the riſk of my life. You have claims on my gratitude which muſt be obeyed.

[9]
SONG.— GOVINDA.
How loſt the mind, which cold and dark,
From Gratitude's celeſtial fire
In vain receives the hallowed ſpark,
Falling, alas! but to expire!
Oft be my fervent vows renew'd
At the ſhrine of Gratitude!
Honor abhors the darkſome cell
Unbleſs'd by Gratitude's bright flame;
There pale diſtruſt and treachery dwell,
There fraud aſſerts her wily claim
Oft be my fervent vows renew'd
At the ſhrine of Gratitude.
[Exit.
Enter CHELLINGOE and SIDNEY from the cell.
CHELLINGOE.

You are permitted to walk on this terrace—I have no orders to this effect; but the indulgence is mine; entirely my grace and favour, and I hope you will be grateful.

SIDNEY.

Behold the angels of pity, who have ſo kindly ſought to ſoothe my grief.

Enter ALMINAH and ORSANA.
GOVINDA
(coming forward.)

Gallant ſtranger! the hour approaches when your chains ſhall be removed.

SIDNEY.

Aſtoniſhment! my chains removed! by whom?

ALMINAH.
[10]

By me:—oft have I liſtened to the melancholy ſounds which gave vent to your ſorrows, till my heart vibrated in uniſon

(raiſing her veil).
SIDNEY.

Charming creature! But how is it poſſible—

ALMINAH.

Be content to know the extent of my power, without queſtioning the means: enquire no further. At midnight Govinda ſhall come to you in your priſon—he can remove every obſtacle to your releaſe—follow him in ſilence—he will conduct you to me, and we will fly together.

QUARTETTE.— ALMINAH, ORSANA, GOVINDA, and SIDNEY.
SIDNEY.
Grateful, thus humbly bending,
My thanks deign to receive,
ALMINAH.
Me, in return defending,
My freedom you achieve.
ORSANA.
Then, at the ſilent midnight hour,
When the tiger prowls for prey,
GOVINDA.
Fearleſs of all but ſlavery's power,
The moon ſhall light us on our way.
[Exeunt ALMINAH, ORSANA, and GOVINDA.
[11] (SIDNEY re-enters his priſon, CHELLINGOE locks the door after him, and comes forward.)
CHELLINGOE.

This flirtation of the princeſs may be turned to good account. 'Tis fortunate to be in office when our ſuperiors fall in love—a wiſe man may always profit by it.

(To MARGARET who comes forward.)

Why don't you retire? Go back to your priſon.

MARGARET.

Be calm—be contented—I will not go back to my priſon till I think proper.

CHELLINGOE.

What! am I to be braved thus? Retire inſtantly, or—

MARGARET.

You had better not—I may poſſibly be hurt in the ſcuffle, perhaps mortally hurt—and if I ſhou'd die—

CHELLINGOE.

Well?

MARGARET.

Why then you know, as the Princeſs told you, your life muſt anſwer for it.

CHELLINGOE.

How unfortunate that ſhe ſhould overhear the converſation.

MARGARET.

Don't provoke me, or I will certainly attempt ſomething dangerous.—How do you know that a mine is not now ready to ſpring under you?

CHELLINGOE.
[12]

Will you pleaſe to retire?

MARGARET.

For aught you know you may have taken poiſon at your laſt meal.

CHELLINGOE.

I wiſh ſhe was out of the priſon with all my ſoul.

MARGARET.

Or ſhould that fail, I might poiſon myſelf and ſwear you did it.

CHELLINGOE.
(Aſide)

I ſhall not think myſelf ſafe till this vixen is diſpoſed of. A thought ſtrikes me—

(to her)

I tell you what—you are a brave wench, and ought not to remain in confinement.

MARGARET.

I agree with you for the firſt time.

CHELLINGOE.

Have you a mind to eſcape?

MARGARET.

You wiſh to get rid of me?

CHELLINGOE.

I ſhould have no objection.

MARGARET.

And ſuppoſe I ſhould be inclined to indulge you ſo far, what do you offer me?

CHELLINGOE.

Why, I offer you your freedom. What more would you have?

MARGARET.
[13]

I would have the rupees you ſtole—my property.

CHELLINGOE.

How unconſcionable! When I give you liberty.

MARGARET.

True; but liberty and property ſhould not be ſeparated;—ſo, if you refuſe

(talking loud)

CHELLINGOE.

Huſh! the Princeſs may overhear us.

MARGARET.

I mean it. I will proclaim your villanies and demand juſtice.

CHELLINGOE.

Don't talk ſo loud. You ſhall eſcape on your own terms, if you will but go quietly. Zemaun!

Enter ZEMAUN.

I commit this priſoner to your care.

(Whiſpers ZEMAUN.)
MARGARET.
(Aſide)

That Zemaun is a proud ferocious fellow, the terror of all the priſoners, and famed for his implacable hatred to Europeans. Yet ſurely Chellingoe dares not play me a trick.

CHELLINGOE.
(Aſide to ZEMAUN.)

If deſtroyed beyond the bounds of the priſon, you know it is no fault of mine.—

(To MARGARET)

Adieu, my friend! Zemaun will take care of you. Early in the morning follow him in ſilence.

MARGARET.
[14]
(To ZEMAUN.)

Lead on—I'll follow you.

[Exit ZEMAUN.

But, firſt, my friend Chellingoe, I muſt have my money.

DUET.— CHELLINGOE and MARGARET.
MARGARET.
What! do you think I'll be robb'd of my money?
CHELLINGOE.
Your liberty—
MARGARET.
Without my caſh I value not a ruſh.
CHELLINGOE.
Truſt to my honor.
MARGARET.
In vain you give your honey.
I'll tell aloud your villany!—
CHELLINGOE.
Huſh! Huſh! Huſh!
CHELLINGOE.
Here, take your money, and now let's ſay, good b'ye.
MARGARET.
Not yet awhile, my purſe is low, and yours in caſh is fluſh!
Now, as they ſay, all have their price;
CHELLINGOE.
Faith! your's is much too high!
And I'll not bribe a vile informer—
MARGARET.
Huſh! Huſh! Huſh!
[15]
CHELLINGOE.
Zounds! I'll give no more, and ſo your courſe purſue,
MARGARET.
Shake hands—a quarrel now your hopes as well as mine would cruſh.
CHELLINGOE.
To priſon you would go again!
MARGARET.
And what becomes of you?
CHELLINGOE (aſide).
The devil take ye!
MARGARET.
What do you ſay?
CHELLINGOE.
Huſh! Huſh! Huſh!
MARGARET (aſide).
The devil take ye!
CHELLINGOE.
What do you ſay?
MARGARET.
Huſh! Huſh! Huſh!
[Exeunt.

SCENE II.— A Plain, with a diſtant View of the RAJAH's Hill-Fort.

[16]
Enter LIFFEY from a Wood.
LIFFEY.

Oh Liffey! Barney Liffey! What an unhappy ſerjeant of grenadiers art thou? An Iriſhman by birth, and a ſoldier by choice! I, who never turned my back upon an enemy—no, nor a friend, whether man or woman—that it ſhou'd be my fate to play at bo-peep in a thicket, like a hunted tyger! But how can I help it? With ſuch a charge committed to my care, ſuch an innocent ſweet creature, whom I have pledged my honor to protect—And then, to leave my wife, my dear Margaret behind me—there is another misfortunate! for though we conſtantly quarrel when we meet, I always find a violent affection for her when ſhe is abſent. Indeed I think we agree beſt at a diſtance. The moment the parſon made us one we became two, and, indeed, we have not been much together ſince we were united.

ELIZA
(without.)

Liffey! Where are you?

LIFFEY.

Here, my good Lady. This way, Madam, you may venture to peep out of your hidingplace.

[17] Enter ELIZA (in male attire).
ELIZA.

After paſſing two tedious days in that gloomy foreſt, how delightful is the open air! This change of proſpect—Oh, Liffey! can that be the priſon of my huſband?

LIFFEY.

It is; that is Ramah Droog Fortreſs; that is my maſter Captain Sidney's priſon. Oh! I ſhall never forget this valley. Here our detachment was ſurrounded—here ſome brave fellows fell, and all the reſt were taken priſoners—except myſelf—No, no—I was not amongſt the ſlain; nor was I taken priſoner. Oh! I ſhall never forget how the black raſcals came pouring down upon us on every ſide, when my maſter turned to me ſuddenly: ‘"Liffey,"’ ſaid he, ‘"all is loſt—Make your eſcape as faſt as poſſible—Run away with my wife, I entreat you."’ And then you know, ma'am—

ELIZA.

I know not what paſſed! At the ſight of my Sidney's danger, my boaſted courage forſook me.

LIFFEY.

‘"Run away, Sir!"’ cried I. ‘"Alas! poor Liffey never diſobeyed your orders before; but it is impoſſible to run away—Upon my ſoul, I can't turn my back upon an enemy—I can't muſter up courage to do it."’

ELIZA.

But you could not diſobey your maſter—?

LIFFEY.
[18]

That is my only conſolation for behaving like a coward. ‘"Leave me, my good fellow, if you have any friendſhip for me,"’ ſaid he. By my honor, thought I, that ſeems to be an odd way of ſhewing friendſhip, (though not unuſual,) to deſert a friend when he ſtands moſt in need of aſſiſtance.

ELIZA.

Who are thoſe men armed with ſpears and javelins?

LIFFEY.

Tiger hunters, madam, beating among the jungle in ſearch of the game—A thought ſtrikes me; and yet—

ELIZA.

Your fidelity entitles you to my attention. What would you propoſe?

LIFFEY.

Why, look ye, madam! We are two hundred miles from the Britiſh ſettlement; and our whole ſtock of proviſions is one poor little ſolitary potatoe, in the corner of my knapſack.

ELIZA.

Good heavens! Liffey, did you not tell me that you had rice enough for a week?

LIFFEY.

So I thought till I looked into the bag juſt now; and i'faith, I find, inſtead of a bag of rice, I had in my hurry carried off a full ſuit of clothes belonging to old Sampan, our commiſſary's clerk.

ELIZA.
[19]

Well, proceed.

LIFFEY.

That is what I cannot do. I cannot proceed, and therefore I think the wiſeſt way is to ſtay where we are, and yield ourſelves priſoners to theſe tiger hunters.

ELIZA.

If you are known to be a ſoldier, you will be either impriſoned or obliged to enliſt in their ſervice. What is to be done? Can you paſs for a muſician?

LIFFEY.

Madam!—to be ſure I can ſing a little; but I could never turn a tune in my life, even on the jew's harp.

ELIZA.

Is there no ſituation in which you could be uſeful to an Indian Prince?

LIFFEY.

Why, yes; I think I cou'd take care of his wives; but I'm afraid they won't truſt me to do that.

ELIZA.

I have heard that the character moſt reſpected throughout the Eaſt, is that of an European phyſician.

LIFFEY.

And would you have me pretend to be a doctor?

ELIZA.
[20]

We can think of no better ſcheme; and I ſhall be ſecure in paſſing for your ſervant. You may eaſily conceal your ignorance. I dare ſay they never had an European phyſician among them.

LIFFEY.

Moſt likely not; for they ſeem to be a hale, hearty ſet of people.

ELIZA.

But then theſe regimentals—

LIFFEY.

Suppoſe, madam, I change them for old Sampan's ſuit of clothes?

ELIZA.

A lucky thought!

LIFFEY.

And by my ſoul I ſhall then be a curioſity worth your ſeeing.

[Exit.
ELIZA.

Yes, my beloved Sidney! I ſhall once more rejoin thee, and ſhare thy fate—perhaps effect thy reſcue.

SONG.— ELIZA.
With trembling ſteps and ſinking heart
I urge my weary way;
At every whiſpering breeze I ſtart,
All terror and diſmay.
Still Hope, with magic mirror tries
My ſinking heart to cheer,
And points where ſmiling proſpects riſe
Of many a circling year.
[21]
Or when the ſandy deſart bright
Reflects the burning noon,
Or when the chilling damps of night
Ariſe and dim the moon.
Still Hope, &c.
Re-enter LIFFEY, dreſt in the clothes he has mentioned.
LIFFEY.

Here I am, madam!—What d'ye think of me?

[A bugle horn ſounds.
ELIZA.

Hark! the hunters approach. Now remember, I am to paſs for your ſervant.

LIFFEY.

Then, in token of ſervitude, carry the knapſack—you'll not find it very heavy. There is nothing in it but the poor little potatoe that has travelled with us ſo far.

ELIZA.

Now be very careful how you anſwer their queſtions. They are here. Why do you loiter thus, Liffey?

LIFFEY.

I was only admiring myſelf, madam. How lucky it is that I blundered upon this ſuit of clothes!—I could not have made a more fortunate miſtake, had it even been on purpoſe.

[Exeunt.

SCENE IV.— A View in the Fort, the ſame as the firſt Scene.

[22]
Enter CHELLINGOE.
CHELLINGOE.

His Highneſs the great Rajah taken ill, ſuddenly ill—violently ill—and a ſuſpicion of poiſon! His doctors diſagree as uſual; ſo between the malady and the medicine he'll give us the ſlip. What a blow to my hopes! what a check to my riſing ambition! My former diſgrace forgot—worming myſelf into favour further and further every day! and now to loſe the fruits of my toils!

Enter an ATTENDANT.
ATTENDANT.

Some more European priſoners are brought in. Will you pleaſe to examine them?

CHELLINGOE.

No.—I'm not in a humour to examine priſoners.—The Rajah will certainly die. What with the doctors and the diſeaſe, his conſtitution will be knock'd about like a ſhuttlecock between battledores, till the parties grow tired of the contention, and he falls to the ground.

ATTENDANT.

Will you pleaſe to have the Europeans cloſely confined in the dungeon, or in the caſtle?

CHELLINGOE.

Are they rich?

ATTENDANT.

I don't know—we have not examined them.

CHELLINGOE.
[23]

Right. Always leave that to me.

ATTENDANT.

One of them ſays he is a phyſician.

CHELLINGOE.

A phyſician, and from Europe! I'll ſend him to the Rajah.—Bring him in directly.

[Exit ATTENDANT.

If his Highneſs ſhould be cured by a doctor of my recommendation, what a brilliant career of honors and dignities will open to me!—Then, if the European ſhou'd kill him!—But I'll make it his intereſt not to kill him. Aye, but if he ſhould give too ſtrong a doſe by miſtake. No matter; I dare ſay the doctor knows enough of his profeſſion to keep that a ſecret from everybody.

(Re-enter ATTENDANT; and converſes aſide with CHELLINGOE.)
Enter LIFFEY and ELIZA, as priſoners.
ELIZA.

My huſband yet living, and a priſoner in the tower! Oh! Liffey, my heart beats high with expectation.

LIFFEY.

Oh! madam, and my heart ſinks low with diſappointment. No intelligence to be gained of poor Margaret, whether living or dead. It wou'd be a comfort to be aſcertained of the fact either way. But ſhe is certainly no more: were ſhe alive, her tongue wou'd proclaim the circumſtance to the whole priſon.

CHELLINGOE
[24]
(coming forward.)

This muſt be the doctor. Looſen his chains, never fetter the hands of genius.—You are luckily arrived and in good time.

LIFFEY.

I hope it will prove ſo, your Honor.

CHELLINGOE.

I am told you are a phyſician.

LIFFEY.

I am glad you are told ſo, for I am not fond of ſpeaking of myſelf.

CHELLINGOE.

How did it happen that you came into the territories of the great Rajah?

LIFFEY.

I have always been partial to travelling—travelling for improvement. Hearing you had a battle in the neighbourhood, I came to offer my aſſiſtance.

CHELLINGOE.

Well and diſcreetly anſwered. May I aſk if you are eminent in your profeſſion?

LIFFEY.

You may aſk it; but my modeſty won't let me give you an anſwer.

CHELLINGOE.

You ſeem to enjoy ſtrong health yourſelf; a hopeful object for a ſick perſon to look on.

LIFFEY.
[25]

Enjoy my health—no wonder—I never taſted a drop of phyſic in my life.

CHELLINGOE.

Give me your hand—now I know you are a true doctor—they are never ſo ſelfiſh as to deprive their patients of medicines by taking it themſelves.—

(To the Attendant)

Remember that all poſſible reſpect muſt be ſhewn to this learned man and his follower. May I crave your name?

LIFFEY.

My name is Liffey—Doctor O'Liffey.—

(Apart to ELIZA)

I ſhall tack the O to it now—it will give me more conſequence.

CHELLINGOE.

Doctor O'Liffey, your fortune is made. I will patronize you—I have wonderful influence at the court of the illuſtrious Rajah. He is a great prince. Did you ever hear his titles?

LIFFEY.

No, your Honor—I ſhou'd like to remember them.

CHELLINGOE.

He is the mighty Monarch, the Mahah Rajah, Surooj Seing; that is, the ſon of the lion, brother to the ſun and moon, and couſin to all the ſtars in the firmament.

LIFFEY.

Then what bleſſed weather you muſt have in this country, if he and his relations are on good terms together. I ſuppoſe a foggy day, or a dark night, is a ſure ſign of a quarrel in the family.

CHELLINGOE.
[26]

He is the immortal and all-powerful Rajah, who, when he has dined, gives leave to all the princes of the earth to go to dinner.

LIFFEY.

How gracious and condeſcending! If they are as hungry as I am, they muſt feel it to be a ſingular favor.

CHELLINGOE.

Now, as I told you, I am a favorite at court—I can introduce you to be one of the ſtate phyſicians.

LIFFEY.

Is his Highneſs indiſpoſed?

CHELLINGOE.

Yes; the immortal Rajah—

LIFFEY.

Is going to die, I ſuppoſe?

CHELLINGOE.

I hope not. But this all-powerful potentate—

LIFFEY.

Is in a very weak condition?

CHELLINGOE.

You ſhall attend his Highneſs, and judge of his malady by the ſymptoms.

ELIZA.

That is totally unneceſſary, Sir. My maſter can preſcribe juſt as well without ſeeing the patient. He has one ſovereign remedy upon which he depends.

CHELLINGOE.
[27]

A noſtrum. He is a deſperate fellow—kill or cure, I perceive.

GOVINDA enters, and ſpeaks to CHELLINGOE apart.
LIFFEY
(apart.)

I ſay, madam—Who the devil do you mean? What have I to preſcribe?

ELIZA.

Anything will anſwer the purpoſe.

LIFFEY.

Will it?

ELIZA.

Yes; provided the remedy is not known here.

LIFFEY.

Then what ſay you to the little potatoe in my knapſack? 'Tis a ſovereign remedy that ſaves the lives of thouſands every day in my country.

ELIZA.

An excellent idea, Liffey!

CHELLINGOE
(coming forward.)

The princeſs Alminah is gone to offer her devotions at the moſque for the recovery of his Highneſs—ſhe will return this way, and muſt not find us here. Let us be alert, and ſhew our zeal—Doctor, we have no time to loſe.

LIFFEY.

I am with you—I'll prepare this famous medicine.

CHELLINGOE.
[28]

Employ your beſt ſkill, Doctor. Alla forbid that we ſhould fail in the amiable duties of humanity! Come, Doctor.

[Exit.
(As LIFFEY is about to follow, he is prevented by the Guards who bow very low to him.)
LIFFEY.

What do you mean, my friend? Are you going to take me in cuſtody.

ATTENDANT.

It is our duty—I preſume you know the terms upon which you undertake this cure?

LIFFEY.

Oh! don't talk about it. I am not mercenary—a few diamonds and a dozen bags of your pagodas, as you call them.

ATTENDANT.

If you ſucceed, you may name your reward; but I don't mean that.

LIFFEY.

No;—why then, what does your Honor mean?

ATTENDANT.

I mean—if you ſhould fail.

LIFFEY.

Fail! ha! ha! ha! my dear, the thing is impoſſible.

ATTENDANT.

I am glad to ſee you ſo confident.

LIFFEY.

Oh! you'll never have reaſon to complain of my want of confidence. Beſides, the worſt come to the worſt, I ſuppoſe it is, ‘"No cure no pay."’

ATTENDANT.
[29]

No—that is not the worſt; for if his Highneſs ſhould unfortunately die under your care, his deceaſe will be imputed to the medicine, and you will be trampled to death by elephants, agreeably to the cuſtom in theſe caſes.

LIFFEY.

Oh, miſerable ſoul that I am!

ELIZA.

But ſee, my dear Sidney appears.

Enter GOVINDA and SIDNEY from the Priſon.
GOVINDA.

Yes; your deliverer is the Princeſs Alminah.

SIDNEY.

Diſtraction! a fearful light breaks in upon me.

GOVINDA.

She will no longer conceal her rank from you; and I ſhall have the felicity of giving liberty to a brave ſoldier.

[Exit.
(LIFFEY goes to SIDNEY, makes himſelf known to him, then points to ELIZA.
SIDNEY
(exclaims.)

Oh, my Eliza!

(LIFFEY prevents him from diſcovering to the ATTENDANTS that he recognizes her).
FINALE. DUET— SIDNEY—ELIZA.
Oh! joy unexpected—fortune conſenting,
Gives us the bliſs to meet again.
Ah, fickle Deity! ſtill more relenting!
When wilt thou break the captive's chain.
[30] Enter CHELLINGOE.
CHELLINGOE.
Come, Doctor, what can make you ſtay?
Make haſte, my friend; we muſt away.
LIFFEY.
Ah! why the devil did I hither roam,
Where plagues and dangers are ſo many?
Oh, Barney Liffey! had you ſtaid at home,
Content in little dear Kilkenny!
CHELLINGOE.
The ſtate phyſicians all are met.
Come, Doctor, ſurely you forget!
LIFFEY. CHELL.
Your honor I'll not detain.
We muſt not them detain.
CHELLINGOE.
For riches, for power you may hope.
LIFFEY.
And ſhould I not perform a cure, my fee's a rope.
ELIZA and SIDNEY.
Fixt by valour's potent ſpell,
Fortune ſhall its power own;
Boldly venture, all will be well,
Succeſs is marr'd by fear alone.
LIFFEY.
My courage is loſt in this curſt fluſteration;
Wherever I turn me 'tis all botheration.
CHELLINGOE.
If fair words won't do,
Then, other means I muſt purſue.
LIFFEY.
Stay but a minute! Ah! what ſhall I do?
ELIZA and SIDNEY.
Fixt by valor's, &c.
CHELLINGOE and LIFFEY.
Botheration! I'm ruin'd—I know it too well.
[Exeunt CHELLINGOE and LIFFEY.
[31] Enter ALMINAH and Attendants on a Terrace within the Wall.
CHORUS.
Hither from thy roſy bower,
Where zephyrs cull the ſweets of ſpring,
Jocund health—thy matchleſs power
In comfort to a monarch bring.
Rifle the poppy's ſcarlet pride,
For ſpoils to deck thy balmy wing;
Or ſteal a breath from Ocean's tide,
And comfort to a monarch bring.
[Exeunt Attendants.
SIDNEY.
Ah! ſee the Princeſs! bane to my ſight!
Is then Alminah the partner of my flight?
ELIZA.
What means my love? this myſtery explain.
(Attendant enters).
SIDNEY.
Alas, the pain!
That wounds my heart!
SIDNEY. ELIZA.
I dare not yet explain.
In pity now explain?
Attendant.
This inſtant you muſt part.
No longer here remain.
Till morn you now muſt part!
TRIO.
SIDNEY, ELIZA, and Attendant.
Each throbbing heart a thouſand doubts affrighting,
Nameleſs fears, all of fancy born:
The eventful hour, deſpair inviting;
We trembling wait the approach of morn.
[Exeunt.
THE END OF THE FIRST ACT.

ACT II.

[32]

SCENE I.— The Battlements near SIDNEY's Priſon.

Enter ZEMAUN armed with his Spear, followed by MARGARET.
MARGARET.

Zemaun, what means this myſterious ſilence? Whither would you lead me? Surely we muſt have aſcended very high on the rock; ſo high that the ſounds from the plain below are almoſt loſt ere they reach us. Speak, Zemaun! your eyes roll as if you revolved ſome fatal purpoſe. Speak, Zemaun!

(ZEMAUN raiſes his ſpear in a menacing attitude.)

Oh! I am loſt! Chellingoe has deceived me. Yet, has he forgotten Alminah's commands? Does he not remember that a priſoner found dead within theſe walls—

ZEMAUN.
But if beyond theſe walls—You mark their height.
Hurl'd from the craggy ſteep, you'll ſeek a grave below.
MARGARET.

Alas! for pity!

ZEMAUN.
Thou ſee'ſt thy life is in my power—
Take it, and in return be grateful.
MARGARET.
[33]

Generous Zemaun! I ſhall ever remember my life is your gift; and I will hold it in truſt for your ſervice.

ZEMAUN.
You think I am the fierce Zemaun,
The barbarous ſlave of vile Chellingoe's cruelty;
But you ſhall know me better.
MARGARET.

Then you are not Chellingoe's ſlave?

ZEMAUN.
No: Heir to a diſtant throne, as high in dignity
As any that proud Hindoſtan can boaſt.
MARGARET.

A prince!

ZEMAUN.
Three years the climes of Aſia had I travers'd,
To ſeek inſtruction from the varied volume,
Where princes ſtill will find their firſt, beſt ſtudy—
The heart of man.
MARGARET.

There is a companion to that volume which, I ſuppoſe, you did not forget—the heart of woman.

ZEMAUN.
Jeſter, you gueſs aright. Hither I wander'd,
Attracted by the charms which fame ſo laviſh'd
Upon the princeſs Zelma.
MARGARET.

Zelma! I have heard the guards ſing ditties in her praiſe. She was the daughter of the late Rajah. Alas! I know the fatal ſtory—The unfortunate monarch was deſtroyed, and not one of his family ſurvived to claim the throne.

ZEMAUN.
[34]

Yes, one remains—The lovely Zelma.

MARGARET.

The princeſs living!

ZEMAUN.
Starting from ſleep—awak'd by piercing cries,
Scaring ſtill night with horror and deſpair,
I graſp'd my ſword—I found the palace throng'd—
Through the aſſaſſin troops I forc'd my way—
Moment of terror! On my aching ſight
Flaſh'd the dread picture of my Zelma's doom.
A haughty Moor, chief of the rebel hoſt,
High o'er her beauteous boſom aim'd the ſteel.
MARGARET.

Go on.

ZEMAUN.

Heaven nerv'd my arm—inſtant he fell before me.

MARGARET.

And you ſaved her.

ZEMAUN.
Unknown, unheeded, through the buſy throng
I brought my lovely prize; in ſafety plac'd her;
And ſtill my watchful care preſerves her life.
MARGARET.

Then Zelma lives in concealment.

ZEMAUN.
A female ſlave,
Who fell a victim in that night of horrors,
I caus'd to be entomb'd, attired like Zelma,
And boaſted that my dagger bore her blood.
This won me credit in the uſurper's favor;
And, as my meed, I gain'd the poſt of guarding
This priſon, where my life, my ſoul reſides.
AGRA
[35]
(without.)

Zemaun!

MARGARET.

I hear a voice.

ZEMAUN.

It is Zelma's faithful ſervant.

AGRA
(coming forward.)

Zemaun!

ZEMAUN.
Approach! fear not, my gentle Agra. Until the evening
This friendly ſtranger muſt remain thy gueſt.
[Diſtant muſic is heard.
MARGARET.

What ſounds are theſe?

ZEMAUN.
For ſixteen years, the hallow'd grove beneath
Has on this eve, which gave my Zelma birth,
Reſounded with her praiſe.
ZELMA comes forward.—MARGARET retires.
ZELMA.
My Zemaun, did'ſt thou liſten to the ſtrains
Of artleſs love? Did'ſt thou hear the voice of pity
Lament thy Zelma number'd with the dead?
Ah! would it were ſo!
ZEMAUN.
[36]
No, princeſs! brighter proſpects court your view.
The ſtrains of loyalty from yonder grove,
Inſpir'd by heaven, are omens of ſucceſs.
ZELMA.
They ſoothe my ſoul with their ſweet, mournful ſound,
As evening breezes cloſe a happy day,
Mingling regret with pleaſure.
ZEMAUN.
The people, ever faithful, ever loyal,
In ſecret mourn their monarch and their father.
Let but the moment come when we may ſhew them
Zelma, that monarch's darling and their idol;
Then ſhall the awful energy of virtue
Hurl the uſurper from his tottering throne.
[Exit.
SONG.— ZELMA.
Happy were the days, from infancy advancing,
When by a parent's foſtering power,
My youthful mind its energies enhancing,
Wak'd to new bliſs, expanding every hour.
To the Eaſt when the ſun life and light was bringing,
Or when the Weſtern world his riſing glories ſaw,
To the lute's dulcet ſound was Zelma ſinging
The ſong of joy, Dilkuſha.
Thus the opening roſe bud the nightingale was wooing,
The cruel ſtorm aroſe, the bolt his boſom tore,
Ah, hapleſs flower! the ſame fate are we rueing,
Thy guardian's loſt, my father is no more!
To the Eaſt, tho' the ſun light and life be bringing,
Alas! the day that e'er his light I ſaw,
To the lute's dulcet ſound when ſhall Zelma ſinging
Again the ſong of joy—ſing Dilkuſha?
[Exit.

SCENE II.— The Entrance of the Priſon.

[37]
Enter LIFFEY (guarded).
LIFFEY.

A pretty ſpot of work I have made of it. Come here to get another man out of priſon, and have got into it myſelf.—

(To one of the GUARDS.)

Pray, my lad, how long am I be kept here in jail?

GUARD.

Till his Highneſs the great Rajah ſhall either die or recover.

LIFFEY.

Miſerable ſoul that I am! O that I was in little Kilkenny again, digging my own potatoes and feaſting on buttermilk.

GUARD.

You have but a bad chance. The ſtate phyſicians have examined the medicine you preſcribed for the great Rajah, and declare it to be a deadly poiſon.

LIFFEY.

A deadly poiſon! A potatoe a deadly poiſon! Why, I have lived on it myſelf for a week together.

Enter GOVINDA.
GOVINDA.

News of the Rajah.

(The GUARD ſpeaks to him aſide.)
LIFFEY.

Now, what is the news I wonder, and what the deuce are they preparing thoſe chains for?

[Exit GOVINDA into the priſon.
GUARD.
[38]

I have orders to confine you more cloſely. You muſt be chained in the next apartment. The Rajah is much worſe; the ſtate phyſicians have declared it.

LIFFEY.

The devil relieve 'em! they'll kill the poor old gentleman in order to deſtroy me. Ah! two of a trade can never agree. The cowardly dogs! if they would but let him alone, and attack me in my own proper perſon!—I have a fine conſtitution. Let 'em preſcribe what they will, I dare ſay I ſhould ſurvive all their remedies. I am ſtrong enough to baffle all the powers of the healing art.

They chain LIFFEY and take him into an adjoining apartment.
Re-enter GOVINDA from the priſon, with SIDNEY.
GOVINDA.

Is it poſſible! do I underſtand you? Does not your heart own Alminah as its ſovereign?

SIDNEY.

Am I indeed the unworthy object of Alminah's love?

GOVINDA.

Yes; of a paſſion ſo unbounded, that for you ſhe quits the pleaſures, the ſovereignty of a court.

SIDNEY.

Unhappy Sidney! I cannot impoſe on the generoſity of your miſtreſs.

GOVINDA.

Then you muſt reſume your chains.

[Exit.
[39]
SONG.— SIDNEY.
With two-fold fate is wing'd the dart
That ſhall my vital courſe arreſt,
The pang that breaks my conſtant heart
Muſt rend my dear ELIZA'S breaſt.
No ray of hope can there be found!
Alas! deſtruction gathers round!
And the ſole light that breaks the gloom,
Flaſhes the ſignal of my doom.
[Exit into the priſon.
Enter CHELLINGOE.
CHELLINGOE.

Bring him forward.

Enter LIFFEY (guarded).

Bring the Doctor this way—take off his chains.

LIFFEY.

By my ſoul I had rather keep them. This looks too much like an execution.

CHELLINGOE.

My dear friend, give me your hand.

LIFFEY.

Oh, botheration! to call yourſelf my friend, and get me into ſuch a hobble! and this is the way you take me by the hand, juſt as I am going to be hang'd.

CHELLINGOE.

What does the man mean? Did not I promiſe to place you in an exalted ſituation?

LIFFEY.
[40]

Yes; and I am afraid you will now keep your word.

CHELLINGOE.

Why, my dear Doctor, are you beſide yourſelf? I have brought you a Khelaut, a dreſs of ceremony.

LIFFEY.

And does it ſignify in what dreſs a man goes through the ceremony I muſt perform.—

(To the ATTENDANTS who prepare to put the Khelaut on him)

Oh, curſe your bowing and cringing! Is the old black gentleman dead?

CHELLINGOE.

His Highneſs the Rajah is not dead—he has commanded you to be brought before him.

LIFFEY.

I ſuppoſe he never ſaw an European hanged, and I am to gratify his curioſity?

CHELLINGOE.

All the court are aſtoniſhed at your ſkill.

LIFFEY.

I don't wonder at it.

CHELLINGOE.

The ſtate phyſicians are all diſgrac'd and order'd to priſon.

LIFFEY.

Oh! bleſſed St. Patrick! and is this true? Now are you humbugging me?

CHELLINGOE.
[41]

Dr. O'Liffey, what do you mean by humbugging? You ſhall certainly witneſs the truth yourſelf. The Rajah is riſen, and now going to give audience. You are to be introduced, and to receive his thanks. Oh, my friend! how you are to be envied! Honors, riches, pleaſures await you.

LIFFEY.

By my ſoul they ſhan't wait long—let us begone.

CHELLINGOE.

You won't forget your poor friend Chellingoe when you are a great man.

LIFFEY.

What do you take me for? Forget a friend when I'm in proſperity! why that is the very time to remember him.

CHELLINGOE.

To ſay the truth, gratitude is a plant ſo often blighted by the air of a court—

LIFFEY.

Why, Mr. Chellingoe, that may eaſily happen when the plant is ſickly; but, rooted in an honeſt Iriſhman's heart, gratitude will flouriſh under any climate in the globe.

CHELLINGOE.

The firſt employments in the ſtate are open to you. You have nothing to do but to take the turban.

LIFFEY.
[42]

Take what?

CHELLINGOE.

The turban.

LIFFEY.

I'll take anything you pleaſe. My maxim always was, to take whatever I can get; and I believe that is no bad maxim to go to court with.

CHELLINGOE.

Keep to that, my good Doctor, and you'll certainly ſucceed.

[Exit LIFFEY with ATTENDANTS.

This fellow will moſt likely be appointed to ſome great office of truſt and emolument. He will know nothing of the buſineſs, and apply to me for advice. If his meaſures ſucceed, I claim the credit of them—if they fail, the fault ſhall be all his own. But in either caſe my pockets muſt be filled.

AIR— CHELLINGOE.
Why let the ſons of war go brag
Of the cannon's dreadful thunders,
The clinking of my money bag
Does more victorious wonders.
When a new Vizier looks ſulky,
And frowns a hint for fees;
From my money-bags ſo bulky
March armies of rupees:
Such conquerors who can withſtand?
Such friends! all glad to catch 'em,
Ever ſtorm court-favour caſh in hand,
By my ſoul no troops can match 'em.
Then let the ſons, &c.
[Exit.

SCENE III.— An Apartment in the Palace.

[43]
The RAJAH diſcovered ſeated on his throne, ſmoking his hookah; the WOMEN of the ZENANA are around him, ſome dancing, others playing on muſical inſtruments and ſinging.
CHORUS of WOMEN.
Let the ſong and the dance
Tell love's gentle ſtory,
Let pleaſure prevail
To our fam'd Maha Rajah all hail!
See to battle advance,
Refulgent in glory
The lion of war,
Bright victory's ſtar,
Let the ſong, &c.
From glory's career,
Turn, conqueror, here,
New victories prove,
The triumphs of love.
Let the ſong, &c.
RAJAH.

Enough—enough—I ſhall now give a private audience to my preſerver. to this moſt ſkilful European phyſician. Bid him hither.

[Exeunt WOMEN on different ſides.
Enter CHELLINGOE, leading in LIFFEY ſumptuouſly dreſs'd.
CHELLINGOE.

Moſt mighty and renowned prince, may we preſume—?

RAJAH.

Ay, you may preſume—ſo ſpeak out.

CHELLINGOE.
[44]

This foreigner, the humbleſt of your ſlaves—

LIFFEY.

A ſlave!—what d'ye mean by that, Mr. Chellingoe?

RAJAH.

Ha, ha, ha! You ſpeak like a bold fellow, you look like one.—I am pleaſed with your countenance; it is open and honeſt, and I was never yet miſtaken in my judgment of phyſiognomy.

CHELLINGOE
(aſide.)

What a favorite will Doctor O'Liffey be!

RAJAH.

And although an unknown ſtranger, you have conferr'd upon me the greateſt of obligations in ſaving my life.

LIFFEY.

I tell you what, your Honor; I am a ſad dog at a ſet ſpeech; but upon my conſcience I am heartily glad to ſee you ſo well again.

RAJAH.

It is time you ſhould be rewarded for the ſervice you have render'd me. In the firſt place I appoint you my chief phyſician.

LIFFEY.

I humbly thank your Honor.

RAJAH.

Man, don't thank me for that—'tis for my own advantage. Your ſkill is aſtoniſhing—your ſucceſs ſurpriſes me.

LIFFEY
[45]
(aſide.)

I'faith, it ſurpriſes me too.

RAJAH.

I alſo appoint you commander of my armies—grand judge in my civil and criminal courts—chief of my elephants—purveyor of buffaloes, and principal hunter of tigers.

LIFFEY.

Sir!

RAJAH.

All theſe offices you may perform by deputy.

CHELLINGOE
(aſide to LIFFEY.)

Now, my dear friend, appoint me your deputy; I'll take ſpecial care of the fees.

RAJAH.

I alſo nominate you admiral of my fleet.

LIFFEY.

Your fleet!—why, your Honor, I'm told you have no ſhips.

CHELLINGOE.

But his Highneſs intends to build ſome, and there's nothing like fixing on an eſtabliſhment in time.—

(Aſide to LIFFEY)

We can draw the pay and allowances in the meanwhile.

RAJAH.

And to ſhew you the extent of my gratitude, I mean to inveſt you with the office of vizier.

CHELLINGOE
[46]
(aſide.)

Then my fortune is made. Doctor, I'll go and get the commiſſion ready to ſign, while he is in the humour.

[Exit.
RAJAH.

Well, my friend, have you anything more to aſk?

LIFFEY.

Nothing for myſelf, your Honor; but if I might ſay ſomething for my friends—

RAJAH.

Speak boldly.

LIFFEY.

I aſk the liberty of my dear countrymen.

RAJAH.

You mean our Engliſh priſoners?—You are an Engliſhman, I think?

LIFFEY.

I am an Iriſhman, which is the ſame thing.

RAJAH.

The ſame thing! How is that?

LIFFEY.

An Iriſhman is an Engliſhman with another name. Why now, for inſtance, there is my brother Tady; his name is Tady, and I am Barney; my name is Barney; but then our intereſts are the ſame; and we are like my two arms, when one needs defence, the other naturally comes to his aſſiſtance.

RAJAH.
[47]

Hold! there is one thing I had forgot. Where are thoſe articles which were found among the ſtores of the Engliſh officers? Bring in one of the caſes containing the bottles of liquor.

LIFFEY.

Liquor!

RAJAH.

Yes; a ſort of red liquor, which no one here had ever ſeen before—I want your opinion of it.

Two ATTENDANTS enter with a hamper of wine, and give LIFFEY a bottle.
LIFFEY
(aſide.)

Red wine! excellent claret! and a whole hamper of it!

RAJAH.

Well, what is your report of it?

LIFFEY.

Why ſurely, is it poſſible your highneſs does not know what this is?

RAJAH.

Neither myſelf, nor any of my attendants.

LIFFEY
(aſide.)

That is lucky!

(aloud)

Oh, this liquor! this fatal liquor!

RAJAH.

What's the matter? You alarm me.

LIFFEY.

This is the moſt deadly of all European poiſons. Let no man preſume to taſte it.

RAJAH.
[48]

But I have taſted it; aye, and drank ſome of it.

LIFFEY.

I knew that—I could tell at once you had been poiſoned by it. I'll convince you. I'll deſcribe your ſymptoms. You found the flavour ſo agreeable, you were tempted to taſte it again.

RAJAH.

So I was.

LIFFEY.

It raiſed your ſpirits?

RAJAH.

Wonderfully.

LIFFEY.

Your eyes were ſoon affected—You ſaw double?

RAJAH.

Double! aye, and treble too.

LIFFEY.

Everything went round?

RAJAH.

It did—in a general dance.

LIFFEY.

You ſoon fell aſleep?

RAJAH.

So I did.

LIFFEY.

Awaked rather thirſty?

RAJAH.

I did.

LIFFEY.
[49]

And rather qualmiſh?

RAJAH.

Exactly ſo; but your wonderful medicine cured me. Learned and extraordinary man, let me embrace you! But what ſhall we do with this horrible liquor?

LIFFEY.

Let it be carefully taken to my apartment; for it is uſeful in medicine—and I ſhould like to try ſome experiments with it in this climate.

CHELLINGOE
(aſide.)

I'll ſecure a bottle, it may be uſeful to us. A good mode of removing a private enemy—And as we are favorites at court, we ſhall have enemies enough. Will your Highneſs pleaſe to affix your ſeal?

RAJAH.

Yes: his requeſts ſhall be granted, his wiſhes anticipated. Let a Zenana be provided for him.

LIFFEY.

A Zenana! what is that?

RAJAH.

Yes, a Zenana—You ſhall have a dozen wives.

[Goes up, and exit through, followed by CHELLINGOE.
LIFFEY.

A dozen wives! heaven bleſs his Honor! a dozen wives! what an eſtabliſhment for an Iriſh vizier! If my dear wife Margery were here, I'd place [50] her at the head of them all: I wiſh ſhe were here, if it were only to ſee me in my new ſuit of regimentals. I ſhall never forget the firſt day I ſaw her.

SONG— LIFFEY.
When I was a mighty ſmart boy,
Young Margery came to our town, Sir;
Oh! how I was bother'd with joy!
Like a kitten I friſk'd up and down, Sir;
Calling her my ſweet pearl, and following after behind her,
For her black eyes no girl could match my ſweet Margery Grinder.
My mother in vain bade me work,
Nor work, eat, or ſleep, could poor Barney,
So ſhe went to old Father O'Rourke,
Told her ſtory, and after ſome blarney—
"Give me advice," ſays ſhe; "No friend than you can be kinder."
Father O'Rourke a ſheep's eye had himſelf caſt on Margery Grinder.
What devil has got in the place,
The folks are all mad, cries my mother;
For there's Captain Dermot M'Shean,
And that deaf lawyer Patrick his brother,
Thedy the purblind beau, and old O'Donovan blinder,
They're dancing or hobbling all, after pert little Margery Grinder.
This Father O'Rourke gravely heard,
For grave was the Father though friſky—
Mrs. Liffey, ſays he, take my word,
(But he firſt took a noggin of whiſkey,)
"Barney will have the girl, catch her where'er he can find her;"
So, by his advice I was married next day to ſweet Margery Grinder.
[Exit.

SCENE.— The Top of the Battlements.

[51]
Enter ZEMAUN and MARGARET.
MARGARET.

Well, Zemaun! any news of our ſecond detachment?

ZEMAUN.

Yes—I have this moment received intelligence of their approach—On their ſucceſs depends my hope—but, without my counſel, they will inevitably fall a ſacrifice. You ſhall bear my meſſage to your countrymen.

MARGARET.

Delightful! What an enterprize!

ZEMAUN.

Oh! that it may be reſerved for the protectors of freedom, the Britiſh arms, to reſcue our nation from their tyrants; and ſeat a beloved ſovereign on the throne.

Enter AGRA.
MARGARET.

Well, Agra; my dear Agra!

AGRA.

Horſes are provided in yonder wood. There you'll find a bow and quiver. On your return come to the foot of the rock, where you will now deſcend; and let an arrow bring us a note to ſignify your arrival. I will watch the fall of the welcome ſhaft on this terrace.

MARGARET.
[52]

Adieu, kind Agra! The public attention is ſo engroſſed by the Rajah's return from his favorite tyger hunt, that full ſafety is allowed to all our wiſh'd deſigns.

AGRA.

Oh, that her ſucceſs may obtain Zelma's liberty!

SONG.
Oh! that the ſtrains of heartfelt joy
I could with graceful art employ;
But all my wild effuſions ſtart,
Untutor'd, from a ſimple heart.
Could I but wake the trembling ſtring,
Whence ſympathies of magic ſpring.
But all, &c.
Yet Zelma kind, will not deſpiſe
Strains, which from pureſt love ariſe;
Although the wild effuſions ſtart,
Untutor'd, from a ſimple heart.

SCENE.— The Entrance of the Palace.

—Enter the RAJAH on an Elephant, returning from hunting the Tiger, preceded by his Hircarrahs or Military Meſſengers, and his State Palanquin—The VIZIER on another Elephant—The PRINCESS in a Gaurie, drawn by Buffaloes—The RAJAH is attended by his Fakeer or Soothſayer, his Officers of State, and by an Ambaſſador from Tippoo Sultaun in a Palanquin; alſo by Nairs or Soldiers from the South of India—Poligars, or Inhabitants of the hilly Diſtricts, with their hunting Dogs—other Indians carrying a dead Tiger, and young Tigers in a Cage—a Number of Sepoys—Muſicians on Camels and on Foot—Dancing Girls, &c. &c.—The Scene concludes with the ZENANA CHORUS at Page 43.
THE END OF THE SECOND ACT.

ACT III.

[53]

SCENE I.— A Room in the Palace.

Enter ALMINAH, GOVINDA, and an ATTENDANT.
ALMINAH.

Ungrateful Sidney! reject my love?

GOVINDA.

Yes; nor will he accept his proffer'd liberty.

ALMINAH
(to the ATTENDANT.)

Haſten to the Engliſh priſoner, the traitor Sidney—Let him be cloſely guarded till further orders. Has that foreigner, the new Vizier, been ordered to attend me?

ATTENDANT.

His ſervant is already here.

[Exit.
Enter ELIZA, and throws herſelf at ALMINAH's feet.
ELIZA.

Oh, pity—pity—ſpare the unhappy Sidney, my deareſt friend, and once honored maſter.

ALMINAH
[54]
(aſide.)

His ſervant and attached friend!—

(To ELIZA)

Preſumptuous youth, doſt thou perceive thy danger in becoming thus the advocate of a traitor?

ELIZA.

I fear no danger when Sidney's life is at ſtake.

ALMINAH.

Wilt thou dare liſten to a fatal ſecret, which if betrayed, thy life becomes the forfeit?

ELIZA.

I dare encounter all you dare propoſe.

ALMINAH.

Know then, I love this Sidney.

ELIZA.

Does he return your love?

ALMINAH.

My pride ſtruggles againſt the anſwer. No; he diſdained my love—I offered to fly with him.

ELIZA.

And he refuſed the offer?

ALMINAH.

He diſgrac'd me by a refuſal. But he ſhall never live to triumph in my diſgrace. Perhaps your perſuaſions—

ELIZA.
[55]

My perſuaſions ſhall be exerted with fervency.

ALMINAH.

If you ſucceed—

ELIZA.

Doubt not my ſucceſs—Sidney regards me—he will liſten to my advice—I will be the companion of your flight.

ALMINAH.

But I have a rival.

ELIZA.

Fear her not—She is at this moment a wretched wanderer, as uncertain of his deſtiny as of her own.

ALMINAH.

Then go to Sidney's priſon. This ring will be your paſſport everywhere. No ſubject in theſe dominions will be hardy enough to queſtion its authority.

ELIZA
(aſide.)

Then I ſhall ſave my beloved.

[Exit.
Enter LIFFEY.
ALMINAH.

You are tardy in obeying my commands—but no matter, I am now fully informed.

LIFFEY.

Then your Highneſs has ſeen my ſervant?

ALMINAH.
[56]

I have; and cannot but admire ſo warm an attachment to an unfortunate friend.

LIFFEY.

You admire the attachment! Oh joy, Oh bleſſed St. Patrick, what a day is this! Oh, your Highneſs, you have done a good action—you have made two lovers happy. Though my ſervant, as you call her, has told you more than you would have heard from me.

ALMINAH.

How?

LIFFEY.

Why, do you think that I would have informed you that her name is Miſs Eliza Ardley, that ſhe is now the wife of Captain Sidney, and that under the diſguiſe of my ſervant ſhe has riſk'd her life to releaſe her huſband?

ALMINAH.

And is all this true?

LIFFEY.

True!—why, can you doubt the dear girl's veracity? But if ſhe had not told you the ſtory herſelf, racks and tortures ſhould never have forced it from me. I was always remarkable for keeping a ſecret.

ALMINAH.

Senſeleſs wretch! But I ought to pardon your ſimplicity, ſince it yields me the pleaſure of revenge.

LIFFEY.
[57]

Revenge!

ALMINAH.

Their hateful paſſion ſhall be extinguiſhed in the grave. Let what has paſſed be ſealed within your lips. Reveal it, and you die!

LIFFEY.

What the devil! condemn'd without a trial?

GOVINDA.

Dare not queſtion the orders of Alminah; her command is our law.

LIFFEY.

The orders of the Princeſs your laws? Ah, Sir, there is the difference. In my country the monarch and the meaneſt ſubject are bound and protected by the ſame laws.

GOVINDA.

Be ſilent, and remember where you are.

LIFFEY.

Faith! I wiſh I were anywhere elſe. It ſeems very odd that we ſhould find the value of the bleſſings of home, by looking for them abroad, where they are not to be found. But it is very true; and well may they ſay in our little kingdoms, that a man ſhould travel to know the worth of his own country and its conſtitution.

[Exit.
ALMINAH
(comes forward.)

Unhappy Alminah!

[58]
SONG— ALMINAH.
Sorrow befriending,
Tears their aid lending;
With anger contending,
Still love rules my breaſt.
Rage my ſoul firing,
Vengeance retiring,
Soon will expiring
Love's triumph atteſt.
Trembling before him,
Doom'd to adore him!
Sorrow befriending, &c.
[Exit with ATTENDANTS.

SCENE II.— An Apartment in the Priſon.

Enter ZEMAUN and SIDNEY.
ZEMAUN.
At length relenting heaven with pity
Looks down on ſuffering virtue!
Yes, gallant Sidney! with prophetic ardor
We hail the approach of Britain's warlike bands
To raiſe my Zelma to the throne ſhe merits.
SIDNEY.

A generous taſk!—Worthy the ſons of freedom!

ELIZA
(without.)

Where is my Sidney?

ZEMAUN.

Hold! ſome unuſual viſit to the priſon excites alarm.

(ELIZA's voice is heard, ſhe ruſhes into the priſon and ſwoons in SIDNEY's arms).
SIDNEY.

My Eliza!—how is this miracle?

ELIZA.
[59]

Oh, my Sidney! I would fain relate the eventful ſtory; but overwhelming joy—let us begone—the night will carry us beyond purſuit. Mark me!

(to ZEMAUN)

You know this ring?

ZEMAUN.

I do; and reſpect whatever command it is to enforce.

ELIZA.

Let the gates be inſtantly unbarred.

ZEMAUN.
Amazement! power moſt abſolute attends this ring—
No matter how obtain'd. Then why ſhou'd Zelma
Await precarious chance for her releaſe,
While inſtant preſervation courts acceptance.
Enter ZELMA, who is preſented by ZEMAUN to ELIZA.
Behold the victim of oppreſſion's hand!
'Tis yours to give a royal captive freedom.
[Trumpets.
(A noiſe is heard: GUARDS with torches appear with ALMINAH; they ſeize SIDNEY and ELIZA. ZEMAUN, alarmed, cauſes ZELMA to retire and follows her; ſhe drops her bracelet.—ALMINAH enters with GOVINDA and ORSANO, followed by ATTENDANTS with torches.
ALMINAH.

Preſumptuous ſlaves!—Drag them to inſtant death.

(ORSANO takes up the bracelet dropped by ZELMA, and preſents it to ALMINAH.)
ALMINAH.
[60]
What's this? A bracelet!—and from no vulgar arm!—
Ha! poiſon to my hopes—It bears the marks
Of royalty! A thouſand dreadful viſions
Affright my fancy.—Zemaun, how is this?
Explain! Zemaun not here! Bring him forth!
The traitor!—ſearch the priſon!
[Exit GOVINDA.
QUARTETTE.
ELIZA.
Trembling before you—ah, let compaſſion
Beam on the wretched, loſt and forlorn!
SIDNEY.
Say, can a captive raiſe indignation,
Sport of misfortune, to miſery born!
ALMINAH.
Treachery merits juſt indignation;
The traitors I puniſh, the treaſon I ſcorn.
ELIZA and SIDNEY.
Trembling before you, &c.
ALL.
Terrors ſurrounding,
Doubts confounding,
Caſt around a dreadful gloom,
And hide in awful miſts our doom.
Enter GOVINDA.
GOVINDA to ALMINAH.
Proud Zemaun is captive—in vain his reſiſtance—
The traitor is ſeiz'd, your command is his fate.
ALMINAH.
Rewards ſhall be yours for this welcome aſſiſtance;
Then vengeance is mine, and ſhall Zemaun await.
[61]
GOVINDA.
Theſe keys on Zemaun found, ſecreted with much care,
Some myſtery declare—
[A ſhort Symphony.
ZEMAUN brought in by GUARDS.
ZEMAUN.
Your power I dare
In deſpite of theſe chains,
Unconquered ſtill my ſoul remains.
ALMINAH.
My vengeance obey.
CHORUS.
Your vengeance we obey.
At a ſign from ALMINAH, ZEMAUN is forced off by the GUARDS.
SIDNEY and ELIZA.
For blood, hark! the fiends of revenge loudly call;
To hope then, adieu! for the victims muſt fall!
ALMINAH and the reſt.
For blood, then, while juſtice and loyalty call,
To mercy adieu! for the victims muſt fall!
ALMINAH.
My vengeance obey!
CHORUS.
Your vengeance we obey.
(ALMINAH commands GOVINDA in dumb ſhew to take the keys and ſearch the priſon; GOVINDA and ſome Guards retire and are ſeen behind, lighting up the priſon wherever they go;—a ſymphony.—Then
[62]
ZELMA (behind).
Ruin, alas! is nigh!
Whither ſhall the wretched Zelma fly?
(After a further ſymphony, ZELMA ruſhes forth and throws herſelf at ALMINAH's feet).
ZELMA.
If love has ever touch'd thy breaſt,
Pity a Lover moſt diſtreſs'd!
SIDNEY.
Nay, then, relentleſs woman, here
A Princeſs claims her ſafety—Fear,
Nor raiſe a ſacrilegious hand,
Thy Sovereign ſee before thee ſtand.
CHORUS.
Terrors in vain ſurrounding,
Doubt no more confounding;
All your tortures ſtrait prepare,
Our only ſhield is now deſpair.
[Exeunt.

SCENE III.— A Gallery.

Enter CHELLINGOE.
CHELLINGOE.

This red poiſon of Doctor O'Liffey's has a moſt delicious ſcent; it tempts one ſo to try the flavor. If the Doctor ſhould ſucceed in his experiments to render it harmleſs, what a bleſſing it will be!

Enter an ATTENDANT.
ATTENDANT.

More treachery, Chellingoe.

CHELLINGOE.
[63]

What have you got there?

ATTENDANT.

Another proof of Zemaun's treaſon. An arrow juſt now ſhot into the fort by an unknown hand—it fell on the terrace before me, near Zemaun's apartment.

CHELLINGOE.

On the terrace near Zemaun's apartment? Let me ſee the arrow.

ATTENDANT.

Here is a note faſtened to it.

CHELLINGOE.

And addreſſed to Zemaun!—

(Reading)

‘"Your faithful friend is punctual to her appointment."’ Her appointment! A female friend. Ha, ha, ha! treaſon indeed! Ah, your poor head! to miſtake an aſſignation for a treaſonable billet.—

(Reads)

‘"She waits at the foot of the rock."’

ATTENDANT.

I know the place.

[Exit.
CHELLINGOE.

So do I—a retired ſituation, fitting for the vows of lovers. There is a ſubterranous paſſage to it, communicating with the priſon, and known only to myſelf.—‘"She waits at the foot of the rock."’ 'Tis a pity ſhe ſhould wait in vain. Suppoſe I go to her myſelf; as her lover is in priſon and cannot keep his appointment, it will be charitable and polite to make his apologies for him—I'll go— [64] upon my ſoul I'll go. I hope ſhe's a young woman—I've been long enough plagued with an old one.

SONG— CHELLINGOE.
An old Maid had a roguiſh eye,
And ſhe was call'd the great Ramchoondra,
She was rich, but poor was I,
Fal lal lal de ral, &c.
When we married, ſhe had fears
She ſoon ſhou'd die—and ſhed ſome tears,
But the tough old laſs liv'd thirty years,
Did my wife old Ramchoondra.
Fal lal lal de ral, &c.
Whene'er a pretty girl was nigh,
Then this plaguy old Ramchoondra
Watch'd me with a jealous eye,
Fal lal lal de ral, &c.
She had but one eye, it is true,
But that was large enough for two,
And it glanc'd upon me all aſkew,
Did the eye of old Ramchoondra;
Fal lal de ral, &c.
At laſt my old Ramchoondra died,
Then I call'd her dear Ramchoondra;
With decent grief I ſobb'd and ſigh'd,
Fal lal lal de ral, &c.
For ſeveral hours I ſobb'd, till chance
Popt in my head a favorite dance,
The jig awak'd me from my trance,
So adieu to old Ramchoondra!
Fal de ral, &c.

SCENE— The Foot of the Rock upon which the Fort is ſituated.

[65]
Enter MARGARET.
MARGARET.

The noiſe is ceaſed—That gloomy light which tinges the high battlements marks Zelma's dungeon! I ſink with fatigue. It is fortunate I ſent my meſſage while I had ſtrength to direct the meſſenger—And the arrow was well aimed—It certainly fell on the terrace. I faint with thirſt and wearineſs—Oh, Liffey! ſhall I ever ſee you again?

Enter CHELLINGOE from a ſecret paſſage in the rock.
CHELLINGOE.

All is huſh'd—not a leaf ſtirring—What an evening for an aſſignation! So delightfully ſilent and dark.

MARGARET.

No ſignal yet.

CHELLINGOE.

She ſpeaks. What an inviting languor in her voice! but query, is it from fatigue or tenderneſs?

MARGARET.

Oh! Zemaun, where are you?

CHELLINGOE.
[66]

In priſon, bright angel of light! But, inſtead of Zemaun, I am here.

MARGARET.

Chellingoe!

CHELLINGOE.

She knows my name.

MARGARET.

Oh! ſupport my fainting ſteps.

CHELLINGOE.

In my arms, moſt lovely and adorable!—

(MARGARET comes forward, draws a piſtol, and takes him by the arm.)

Margaret! is it you? How could you ſurvive your fall?—Are you really alive or not?

MARGARET.

You tremble—Is it with love or fear?

CHELLINGOE.

Bleſs me!—I am ſo aſtoniſhed—I'll ſtep into the fort and procure you aſſiſtance.

MARGARET.

No, Chellingoe, you ſhall not quit me

(ſhews a piſtol).
CHELLINGOE.

The ſame tigreſs as ever.

MARGARET.

I faint with thirſt.

CHELLINGOE
[67]
(aſide.)

The luckieſt thought in the world! Liffey's poiſon will ſettle the buſineſs.—

(To her)

How fortunate that I ſhou'd have a bottle of cordial in my pocket—I'm ſure it can't be better applied

(ſhe ſeizes the bottle of wine and drinks).

That's right—don't be afraid of it.—

(Aſide)

Now I think all is ſafe—How are you now?

MARGARET.

Better

(drinks again).
CHELLINGOE.

Better! How can that be?

MARGARET.

Quite recovered, Chellingoe; you have ſaved my life.

CHELLINGOE.

Saved your life!—What, by a doſe of poiſon?

(Aſide)

Oh, my unlucky tongue!

MARGARET.

Indeed!

CHELLINGOE
(aſide.)

She does not know what it is; that's lucky!

MARGARET.

And pray, honeſt Chellingoe, who gave you this excellent cordial?

CHELLINGOE.

Our new vizier, who is a great Iriſh phyſician—Doctor O'Liffey.

MARGARET.
[68]

Doctor Liffey!

(aſide)

It is my dear, brazen Barney.

CHELLINGOE.

Now the poiſon takes effect.

(To her)

Do you know the vizier?

MARGARET.

Know him! why, he is—but no matter what he is—you muſt ſhew me to him inſtantly.

CHELLINGOE
(aſide.)

Mad! furious mad!

(To her)

I'll ſtep and acquaint him.

MARGARET.

No, Sir:—Halt! Front!

(holds him, and points her piſtol at him).

You muſt return with me into the fort. Come, Sir—I ſhall keep cloſe in the rear—I muſt ſhew you the lock-ſtep.

CHELLINGOE.

You are very good.

(Aſide)

I hope I ſhall in return ſhew you the lock-up ſtep preſently.

[Exeunt.

SCENE I.— The ſame Gallery as before.

Enter CHELLINGOE with MARGARET.
MARGARET.

Where are we now, Chellingoe?

CHELLINGOE.

At the door of the vizier's apartment—I'll take care he ſhall receive you properly.

(Aſide)

A [69] ſilly wench! little does ſhe think that the Doctor will order her for immediate execution.

[Exit.
MARGARET
(alone.)

Oh! If I ſhould have the happineſs of giving poor Liffey his liberty.

LIFFEY
(without.)

Botheration, Mr. Chellingoe! What is it you mean?

MARGARET.

My huſband! then I fear nothing.

Re-enter CHELLINGOE with LIFFEY.
CHELLINGOE.

Here, my lord, is the tigreſs.

LIFFEY.

Eh! What! No—it is not—Yes it is!

MARGARET.

Barney!

LIFFEY.

Margaret!

MARGARET.

The ſame—preſent arms!

LIFFEY.
[70]

That I will—And ſalute my commanding officer. So, come to my embrace, long-loſt ſultana of my heart!

CHELLINGOE.

Well, that is the ſtrangeſt lock-up ſtep I ever ſaw.

[Exit.
LIFFEY.

Oh, Margaret! I am in ſuch a botheration of joy!

MARGARET.

My dear Liffey, let us think of eſcaping.

LIFFEY.

What, run away again?

MARGARET.

Our brave detachment is arrived, and waiting in yonder wood to ſtorm the fort.

LIFFEY.

Waiting to ſtorm the fort! Oh! I'm a lucky dog, to live to ſee this day—No—I'm an unlucky dog—I had forgot the priſoners—my poor maſter!

MARGARET.

And my poor miſtreſs.

LIFFEY.
[71]

I am a lucky dog again. I forgot that I have her priſon under my command, aye, and Zemaun's priſon too—

MARGARET.

Zemaun ſhall head our army, and then huzza for glory.

DUET— LIFFEY and MARGARET.
MARGARET.
High on the rock methinks our troops we form,
Still high above the enemy appears.
LIFFEY.
Now preſſing on—the fort prepar'd to ſtorm,
Ever in front the gallant Grenadiers.
MARGARET.
Though bullets rattle round,
No ſhot from our merry men is heard;
LIFFEY.
With bayonets fix'd advancing,
Their volley waits the word:
Steady our charge—it follows quick our fire;
Now we purſue, their broken ranks retire.
Conqueſt is ours, the ſons of freedom cry;
MARGARET.
Triumph ſhall mark the tabor's ſprightly ſound;
LIFFEY.
See, on their walls the Britiſh colours fly,
MARGARET.
While with the dance we beat the conquer'd ground.
[72]
LIFFEY.
Then drink a toaſt and ſing—
By my ſoul, we'll all ſo merry merry be;
MARGARET.
Here's our Country and our King,
With three times three.
BOTH.
All the delights from victory that ſpring,
Friendſhip, and love, and wine, and mirth ſhall bring.
[Exeunt.

SCENE.— ZELMA's Priſon.

Enter ZELMA and AGRA.
AGRA.

Oh, madam! the garriſon are alarmed. Did you hear their drums beating to arms?

ZELMA.

May heaven watch over my Zemaun, and protect the defenders of a juſt cauſe!

AGRA.

Fear not. The noiſe comes from the diſtant part of the fort, where the Britiſh ſoldiers make a falſe attack—All is ſilent here—See, madam, our gallant friends on this ſide have nearly reach'd the ſummit of the rock undiſcovered.

ZELMA.

Hark! Again!

[73]
SONG— ZELMA.
Hark! the fatal voice of war
From the cannon clamours round:
Trembling echoes from afar
Faintly waft the dreadful ſound.
Mark, how our firm and faithful band
With patient valour, ſilence keep:
My Zemaun's whiſper gives command,
As they climb the awful ſteep.
[Exeunt.

SCENE the laſt.— The outſide of the Fortreſs.

Enter ZEMAUN, leading the BRITISH TROOPS.
ZEMAUN.

Here pauſe awhile—A faithful ſlave to whom I have given liberty, will fire the ſignal when all is ready for our attack.

AIR— ZELMA.
To heav'n my fervent pray'rs ſhall riſe,
That conqueſt prove your valour's prize.
CHORUS OF SOLDIERS.
Our valour an artifice aiding,
Like the tyger his hunters evading,
We wait for the moment to ruſh on our prey.
Mark the ſignal!—we obey.
(The attack commences, and the BRITISH TROOPS ſtorm the Fort.)
[74]
FINALE.
Joy ſhall ſwell the choral ſtrain,
Loyalty and truth to prove;
Gratitude in Freedom's fane
Shall hail the Monarch of a people's love.
Sacred to Freedom's glorious cauſe,
Britain the ſword of juſtice draws;
A leſſon to the admiring world:
Oppreſſion from his ſeat is hurl'd.
SIDNEY.
Beneath the ſhade of blooming laurels
The gallant Victors ſhall recline;
LIFFEY.
And to keep laurels ever blooming
They ſhou'd be water'd well with wine.
CHORUS.
Joy ſhall ſwell the choral, &c.
THE END
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Zitationsvorschlag für dieses Objekt
TextGrid Repository (2020). TEI. 4147 Ramah Droog a comic opera in three acts As performed with universal applause at the Theatre Royal Covent Garden By James Cobb Esq. University of Oxford Text Archive. . https://hdl.handle.net/21.T11991/0000-001A-601D-8