AMANA.

ACT I.

SCENE, A Fountain.

Enter AMANA, with a Goblet in her Hand.

Amana.1 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.

8 Damsel, by heat and thirst impelled, I come

9 To seek refreshment from this hallowed spring.

10 Say, wilt thou lend that goblet?

Amana.

Take it freely.

reaching it to him.

Caled.

11 Heavens! what an arm, a shape, a mien, an air!

12 Such are the Houries promised us above,

13 And why not taste our happiness below?

14 She must unveil.

aside.

14 Withdraw that curtain, maid,

15 To cure my passion, or confirm my wonder.

taking hold of her.

Amana.

Rude stranger, hold —

[Page 4]

Caled.

Nay then, I'll do it for thee.

they struggle, and her veil falls off.

Enter NOURADIN.

Nouradin.

16 Insolent slave, forego thy brutal hold,

17 Or by the soul of my departed father,

strikes him.

18 This moment is thy last. Say, beauteous maid,

19 Can you forgive this ruffian's barbarous outrage,

20 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.

21 My loved Amana! my last grasp of life!

22 What monster viler than the wildest Arab,

23 Could dare insult thy unoffending youth,

24 Or force thee lave thy glowing cheeks with tears?

Nouradin.25 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.31 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.

37 Excellent maid!

38 Thy mind and body sure are of a piece,

39 Bright emanations of the deity!

[Page 5]

Abdallah.40 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.49 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.59 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,
[Page 6]70  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.74 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.

80 Extatic sound! thus prostrate at thy feet,

81 Let my full heart pour forth its grateful rapture;

82 And by a life of love, and friendly care,

83 Repay the happiness I now receive.

Abdallah.

84 Arise, my son, and may our holy prophet

85 With benign aspect smile upon your union:

86 May long and prosperous days attend your lives,

87 And every hour increase your mutual flame.

Nouradin.88 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.

[Page 7]

Manet CALED.

Caled.100 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.124 What art thou, pomp? an airy being sure,
Delusive shade! which fools alone admire,
[Page 8]126  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.

142 Why Fatima, with ill-timed zeal and fondness,

143 Dost thou obtrude upon my private leizure?

Fatima.144 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.

150 These strong professions,

151 Of never-ceasing love, sound like upbraidings

152 To my tired ear — I like them not — nor thee.

Fatima.153 Oh! do not wound me with such harsh expression;
[Page 9]154  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.166 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.171 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.179 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. 

[Page 10]

Fatima.184 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.191 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.198 '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.203 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.208 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! 
[Page 11]211 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.224 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.

236 I have surrounded joy's capricious maze,

237 Yet cannot find the clue — Some demon sure

238 With-holds it — But I'll seek it in the pit

239 Of Acheron, or missing, sink in the pursuit.

240 Nor rapes, nor murders, shall obstruct my course,

[Page 12]

241 Pleasures, like maids, must first be won by force;

242 Of them too, when we taste, we soon are cloyed,

243 And only sigh for those not yet enjoyed.

End of the First Act.

ACT II.

SCENE, NARDIC's Apartment.

NARDIC Solus.

Nardic.1 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 —
[Page 13]18  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.

27 This stranger, mighty lord, earnest desires

28 To come into thy presence. I have now

29 Fulfilled thy wish.

to Caled.

Nardic.

'Tis well — Retire.

exit Attend.

What would'st thou?

Caled.

30 Let Nardic's smiles from out the dust raise up

31 The lowest slave that mingles with his fellows.

32 Here may my faithful service be accepted,

33 And Osmin's arms be blessed with sovereign beauty.

Nardic.

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

Caled.34 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. 

[Page 14]

Nardic.44 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.50 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.

59 The royal mandate quick shall be prepared,

60 And if our holy prophet aids my prayer,

61 She'll answer to thy boast. Come in with me.

exeunt.

SCENE, A Garden.

NOURADIN and AMANA seated in a Bower.

Nouradin.62 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. 

[Page 15]

Amana.70 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.

78 O! were the flaming mines where diamonds grow,

79 With all of wealth and grandeur, in my power,

80 How poorly should I estimate the gift,

81 Compared to that which I receive from thee!

Amana.82 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.

87 Transporting charmer, generous to excess!

88 But words are feeble to express my sense.

89 Here then I make a solemn vow, that tho'

kneeling.

90 Our law admits plurality of wives,

91 Thy Nouradin's sincere and faithful heart

92 Shall never wander from Amana's charms,

93 Nor feel the power of beauty but from her,

94 The pride, the pleasure of his future life,

95 His whole of bliss below. Who dares intrude?

rising.

Enter CALED, and Guards.

Nouradin.

96 Unmannered slave! what insolence to rush

97 Into my presence thus?

[Page 16]

Caled.

Then know my errand.

presenting the mandate.

Nouradin.

With reverence I receive the Caliph's mandate.

reads.

Caled.

98 Can'st thou not read it? Why dost tremble so?

99 Arouse, and be a man — I did not strike thee —

100 Thou first bereaved me of that precious beauty —

101 I but repay thee justice for thy wrongs.

Nouradin.

102 Ten thousand daggers stick within my heart —

103 Monster, Barbarian, Oh!

drops the paper, and Caled takes it up.

Amana.

104 Alas! he faints,

105 Quick let me fly to aid him.

runs to him.

Caled.106 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.

111 Oh! never, never —

112 This world hath no exchange for Nouradin.

Nouradin.

113 Tear out my heart, pluck all my limbs asunder,

114 Wreak thy full vengeance on this wretched body —

115 But spare, Oh! spare Amana.

Amana.

116 Nought but death

117 Shall ever wrest me from my love. My father!

Enter ABDALLAH.

118 Wilt thou not rescue me?

Caled.

Observe this mandate.

to Abdallah.

Abdallah.

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

Nouradin.

119 Since wealth can bribe thee to an act of baseness,

120 Let it, for once, inspire humanity.

121 Take all that I possess — excepting her —

122 Thou can'st not leave me poor —

[Page 17]

Caled.123 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.

129 They shall dismember me to loose this hold —

130 Oh! kill me, sir, and save me from dishonour.

to her father.

Abdallah.

131 Oh! my unhappy child, thy father wishes

132 To see thee dead, but cannot give the blow.

Caled.

133 Come, madam, to delay your bliss were vain;

134 If you consent not, force shall make you happy.

lays hold of her.

Nouradin.

135 Oh! do not hurt her tender limbs, and I

136 Will quit my hold of her, and life together.

137 My loved, my lost Amana!

they force her off. He falls.

Abdallah.138 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,
[Page 18]153  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.170 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.179 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,
[Page 19]183  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.188 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.197 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.

210 O! lose not time in fruitless doubts or fears.

211 But fly this moment, and strong urge your suit;

212 Use every argument that thought can frame,

[Page 20]

213 To bind him to our friendship: if my wealth

214 Can buy his service, let him take it all,

215 And pay me with one sight of my Amana.

Abdallah.216 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.1 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
[Page 21]8  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.

15 Now let thy servant's truth be fully proved.

16 Behold the fair Amana.

Nardic.

17 Her shape and stature vouch in part thy praise,

18 Her face I hope will certify the rest.

takes off her veil.

19 Transcendent charmer, dry those falling tears,

20 And let thy lovely eyes be decked in smiles,

21 To greet thy coming greatness; happiest,

22 As fairest of thy sex, I hail thee queen,

prostrates himself before her.

23 And here devote my future life, and service,

24 To the commands of our bright Sultaness,

25 The fair Amana.

Amana.26 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.35 Alas! bright maid, thy youth and inexperience
Have much deceived thee, and thou know'st not yet
[Page 22]37  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.49 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.

59 There stands the lovely fair, whom I described —

60 Now let thine eyes be judge.

Osmin.

61 Retire a while.

exit Nardic.

62 My beauteous maid, bend not thy eyes thus mournful,

63 Upon the earth, but let them shine on Osmin.

Amana.64 O let the judge of nations hear my prayer! 
throws herself at his feet.
With eyes of pity not desire, behold
[Page 23]66  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.77 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.87 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,
[Page 24]96  And lifted hands, procure my reconveyance. 
Or if thou enviest him this poor possession,
Quick let my death destroy his hopes, with thine. 

Osmin.99 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.111 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.

116 I have already told thee my resolve,

117 Nor am I used to trifle in my speech.

118 My words are firm decrees; and since pronounced,

119 That wretch's fate now rests on thee — Not me.

Amana.120 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
[Page 25]126  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.

130 Beware, and stop thy heedless tongue, lest I

131 Revoke the clemency my grace hath proffered,

132 And doom thy minion to an instant death.

Amana.

133 Oh! I am silent, will not dare to speak,

134 Even to intreat thy pity — O Nouradin!

135 Thou can'st not know what I endure for thee.

aside.

Osmin.136 '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.146 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. 

[Page 26]

Caled.154 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.165 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.170 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.175 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;
[Page 27]184  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.
SakarauponthebankofNile;
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.193 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.

203 Welcome, my antient, and approved friend,

204 Thou comest in proper time to lend me aid

205 And comfort with thy philosophic counsel.

206 Thou art the man on earth I wished to see —

207 Thy friendly tongue hath oft advised beware

[Page 28]

208 The dangerous shoals and rocks which frequent lurk

209 Beneath the tide of royal favour — Now,

210 Behold me stuck aground, shipwrecked indeed!

Abdallah.211 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.

216 Say, what of her? My dear, unhappy friend!

217 Has the destroying angel torn her from thee,

218 And veiled her beauties in the silent tomb?

Abdallah.

219 Had fate demanded her, I were resigned —

220 But oh! she still survives, a sacrifice

221 To brutal force, unless thy generous aid

222 Shall join to rescue her from vile pollution.

Hamet.223 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.

228 Enough —

229 But see the monster Caled nigh approaches —

230 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.231 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,
[Page 29]235  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.249 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.

258 Thou dost not mock me sure, oh! quickly speak,

[Page 30]

259 Say does she live, and free from brutal stain?

260 Have thy blest eyes beheld the unsullied maid?

261 Oh! say may she again be mine! My wife?

Abdallah.262 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.

274 Oh! I am all impatience for the tryal:

275 To live with her were happiness indeed!

276 But if my fate that blessing shall deny,

277 Death is its next best gift. Now speak the means.

Abdallah.278 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.

287 O! may the grasp of death first seize his heart,

288 And cast him forth a prey to ravening vultures!

[Page 31]

Abdallah.289 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.306 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.311 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.

318 Oh! that the hour were come! fear not, Abdallah.

[Page 32]

319 If Nouradin's fond arms once more enfold her,

320 Again behold that face, that form divine,

321 No power on earth shall ever force her from me,

322 And leave me life to plain, as I do now.

Abdallah.323 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.328 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.

335 O! may the blessings of a mutual love,

336 Light on you both: let me but see you safe

337 Beyond the tyrant's lust, or violence,

338 And all the business of my life is o'er.

exeunt.

SCENE, the seraglio.

Enter AMANA and FATIMA.

Amana.339 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. 

[Page 33]

Fatima.347 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.356 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.362 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.370 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. 
[Page 34]377 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.381 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.389 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.394 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.402 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,
[Page 35]407  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.1 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.

11 And what avail her curses, while her charms

12 Shall gratify my sovereign's fond desire,

13 And feast his every sense?

[Page 36]

Osmin.14 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.32 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,
[Page 37]44  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.47 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.62 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.74 Cold and inanimate thou talk'st of wishes,
[Page 38]75  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.87 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.95 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
[Page 39]101  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.105 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.

112 What means Abdallah?

Abdallah.113 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.118 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.123 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
[Page 40]131  Of my Amestris, opening in their prime
In my Amana, may perhaps induce
The curse of disobedience to our law. 

Hamet.134 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.142 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.150 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.

156 Prophetic be thy hope — This silver key,

157 The last remaining badge of Hamet's greatness,

158 None but the mighty Nardic hath another,

159 And he most luckily attends the Sultan,

160 Will open every gate within the palace.

[Page 41]

161 Beneath the garden wall we'll wait for thee —

162 If thou escapest we shall be free, if not,

163 This dagger shall release my bonds — Farewel.

exit.

Nouradin.

164 The servent blessings of a grateful heart,

165 Raised from the depth of sorrow into joy,

166 Dwell ever round thee, and protect thy age.

looking after him.

167 But why that heavy gloom upon thy brow,

168 Ill-boding to our hopes, as low'ring clouds

169 In days of harvest, to the rural swain?

to Abdallah.

Abdallah.170 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.177 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;
[Page 42]191  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.193 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.

199 O! say not so — It is the balm of life,

200 And even its pains delightful — What must then,

201 Its pleasures be! But those, alas! I fear,

202 I ne'er again shall know.

Amana.203 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. 

[Page 43]

Fatima.

217 Thy calm expressions raise my utmost wonder!

218 Thou can'st not surely, mean to die e'er long,

219 Yet talk with such reflection and composure!

Amana.220 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.232 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.237 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. 

[Page 44]

Fatima.

247 Amazing fortitude! Sure angels prompt,

248 And will reward thy virtue. But behold,

249 The setting sun hath warned us to retire —

250 Soft rest, and pleasing visions bless thy slumbers.

Amana.251 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 the Palace.

Enter the SULTAN disguised.

Osmin.1 I Have safely passed thro' all the several gates,
And windings of these spacious courts, and trod
[Page 45]3  In paths I never traced before — This door
Leads into the serrail, and brings me near
The summit of my joy — Why do I not
Anticipate my bliss, feel all o'er rapture? 
No — I despise myself for such mean arts,
To put on this disguise, and counterfeit
A vassal's semblance thus, to gain — a Woman! 
Curse on the vulgar passion that enslaves us,
Which ever is at war with reason's laws,
And so fortuitous, we scarcely find
Two hearts united in one mutual flame,
While adverse loves still jostle one another. 
Oh! 'tis the plague of man — and woman too. 
But what are they? The very sport of nature;
Formed solely for our use, like the fair flower
That blooms but to be cropt, then cast away. 
Now let me haste to rifle its perfume,
Then loath the withering stalk. 
opens the door, out of which Caled. rushes and draws his sword. 
Ha! what art thou! 

Caled.21 Beyond my wish, beyond my utmost hope,
This lucky incident hath intervened —
I thank thee, gracious Alha! thou poor wretch,
As thou hast raised, art bent to fix my fortunes. 
Thy head shall shower down honours upon mine. 
This instant I'll convey it to the Sultan,
Who highly will reward me for the prize. 

Osmin.

28 What means the frantic slave? Avaunt, and know

29 Thy Sultan stands before thee — Quick retire,

30 Or instant death shall quit thy insolence.

Caled.31 Think'st thou thy ravings can affect my brain? 
[Page 46]32 The shades of night are not so far advanced,
But I can spy the heroe Nouradin,
Who for a girl's caprice, so bravely struck
His late dependant, his superior now. 
The conference 'twixt Hamet and Abdallah,
I guessed might be for some such hopeful purpose,
And therefore, quite beyond my line of duty,
I have attended to this pass; and now
Shall make thy bridal robes thy funeral weeds. 
Resistance all is vain, therefore submit. 

Osmin.

Thus then I recompence thy officious duty.

they fight, are both wounded, and fall.

Caled.

42 Thou hast reached my heart, but well I think my sword

43 Hath met with thine — Thou shalt not triumph long,

44 Nor reap the fruits of thy rebellion — Oh!

dies.

Osmin.45 Too sure his weapon has been busy here —
My heart impatient of the least controul,
Full of indignant rage opposed its point,
And now I bleed to death. Oh! the disgrace,
The shame that will attend my memory,
When I am found disguised, and by a slave
O'erpowered, in mean attempt to win a vassal! 
This — this wounds deeper than the fatal steel. 
Curse on the wayward sex — Curse my tame folly —
And oh! Curse —

dies.

SCENE, An Apartment in the Seraglio.

Enter NOURADIN, in the Sultan's Robes.

Nouradin.55 To that blest providence which hitherto
Hath led my unerring steps thro' all the turns
[Page 47]57  And mazes of this palace, I with awe
And reverential gratitude, here bend. 
O! power benign! continue thy protection,
And grant the arduous enterprize success. 
Unless my speech betray me, the deep gloom,
Which now involves the world, will safe conceal
The honest fraud. Hamet desired me strike
Thus on the floor, when I would be attended. 
he stamps, and enter a female attendant.
Go bring Amana to my presence straight,
And upon pain of death, let none else enter. 
exit attendant.
To gain this mighty realm I'd not endure,
But for another day, the strong emotions
Of hope and fear, which agitate my mind. 
But 'tis an higher prize than wealth or power,
That stirs up my ambition — 'Tis Amana,
Whose love rewards my hazard and my pains. 
I had forgot that Hamet bid me enter
The close pavilion at this gallery's end;
Where Osmin still employs his vacant hours,
In amorous dalliance with the alternate fair;
And whither none uncalled, dare come. 'Tis here —
going to the side of the stage.
I cannot calm my spirits — My full heart
Beats at my breast, as if to force a passage
To my beloved, my betrothed Amana —
An universal tremor shakes my frame! 
Sure 'tis the approaching joy of seeing her,
That makes this tumult here. I must, I will
Indulge my flattered soul in the fond triumph
Of seeing her disdainful hate of Osmin,
[Page 48]86  Quick change to tenderest love for Nouradin. 
Would this important hour were past —
I will retire, and wait the wished event. 

enters the pavilion.

SCENE draws, and discovers Amana in a Bower, rising from a Couch. The Attendant waiting.

Amana.89 Why did you wake me from the sweetest sleep
I ever yet enjoyed? My Nouradin
Soft called Amana, bid me rise and walk;
Straight I obeyed, and on he led my steps
To the Elysian fields; or if there be
A place more beautiful, 'twas there — While he
With converse fond, but chaste, engaged my ear,
And sighed out vows of never ceasing love. 
He promised too, that we should part no more,
But smile at tyranny, and death defie. 
Oh! 'twas a dear delusion! 

Attendant.

100 'Twas no more —

101 The Sultan has this moment summoned you

102 To attend his pleasure in the close pavilion;

103 Else I had not disturbed your happy slumber.

Amana.104 The Sultan, said you? What! is he returned! 
Did he not promise me a poor two days,
And is this pittance now curtailed to half? 
But what's a day, a week, a year, to me,
Whose fate's already fixed, and soul resolved! 
Then why should I resent this breach of faith,
Or start at hastening from the griefs I feel,
And speeding to the land of peace and rest? 
Retire a while, I shall obey the Sultan. 
Attendant retires to the back of the scene.
[Page 49]113 Now, now, Amana, summon all thy courage —
What means this chilling damp that clings around me! 
Why do I tremble thus! my tottering limbs
Why should they now refuse their wonted aid! 
A little longer, and I shall not want it;
But pale and cold stretched on my parent earth,
No longer be a burthen to myself. 
Can love of life have power o'er the unhappy! 
Or shall a wretch who languishes in prison,
Refuse to be set free? The instinctive voice
Perhaps of nature, pleads too strongly here,
And silences the stiller pleas of virtue. 
But cannot love inspire my timid sex? 
Shall I be led a willing sacrifice
To gratify a mean and gross desire! 
O never! Death has lost its terrors now. 
This cordial draught shall lead me to his arms,
To peace and Nouradin —
drinks.
'Tis done, and now,
Fear, hope, and every passion of the soul,
Are all extinct, but love — That still remains,
And in my latest moments will prevail
In prayers and blessings on my Nouradin. 
What strengthening power hath braced my sinews thus? 
'Tis love, 'tis hope, 'tis immortality! 
Lavinia come — Attend me to the Sultan. 

exeunt.

SCENE, The Pavilion. The Stage darkened.

NOURADIN alone.

Enter AMANA, and Attendant, the latter retires.

Nouradin.138 Approach, my fair, nor longer now delay
Thy suppliant monarch's bliss, whose fond impatience
[Page 50]140  Hath urged him to infringe his royal word,
And make a sacrifice to love, transcending far
What he requests from thee. Reduce him not
To win by force, what he would owe to favour —
Believe me the rich bounties of thy love,
Shall not be spent on my sole luxury,
But treasured in my heart, to be repaid
With grateful use, to purchase joys for thee. 

Amana.148 Banish those vicious hopes, and know that I
Nor dread thy power, nor supplicate thy pity. 
Thou see'st no more the weeping, trembling maid,
Who late implored thy grace — But one who comes
To dare thy rage, and prove its impotence. 

Nouradin.

Whence comes this boast? What means the frantic fair!

Amana.153 She means to pour out her whole soul before thee,
Its love, its hate, without disguise or fear;
To curse thee tyrant from her wounded heart,
And breathe forth fervent wishes for thy rival. 
May every joy of which thou hast deprived him,
Be doubled tenfold by all gracious heaven;
May long and happy days attend him here,
And may we meet again in that blest place,
Where tyrants ne'er can come, to part us more. 

Nouradin.162 Thy prayers are prophesies, my virtuous bride! 
Behold thy fondest wishes are fulfilled,
And underneath this hated garb thou see'st
The happy Nouradin! O! let me press
Thy constant heart close to his faithful breast. 

Amana.

Oh!

shrieks, and faints.

Nouradin.

167 She faints! the strong surprize hath overpowered

[Page 51]

168 Her delicate and agitated frame —

169 Awake, my love — My soul's immortal joy

170 Revive, and bless me with a look, a word!

Amana.

Oh Nouradin! fly, fly this hated place —

Nouradin.

171 Come let me bear thee in these longing arms,

172 Convey thee quick from out these cursed walls,

173 And give thee back to love and liberty.

Amana.

174 Alas! my bounds are set! I ne'er shall quit

175 This fatal spot, 'till soul and body part.

Nouradin.

176 Dost thou indeed refuse to go with me!

177 Has bondage then such charms, or has thy tongue

178 Belied thy heart in feigning generous love,

179 To enhance thy sacrifice to princely grandeur?

Amana.

180 O! cease to wound me by unkind suspicion!

181 My heart is wholly thine — The last sad drops

182 It e'er shall weep, will be fond tears for thee.

Nouradin.

183 Why then, thou angel maid, wilt thou provoke

184 Our adverse fate, by this ill-timed delay?

Amana.

185 Alas! I fear to tell what must be known,

186 For now ten thousand fires rage in my bosom,

187 Oh Nouradin!

Nouradin.

188 I am on the rack! what mean these strong convulsions!

189 Speak quickly, my heart's love — I am all distraction.

Amana.

190 That pang is past; and if my strength will hold,

191 I'll tell thee the sad tale of woe.

Nouradin.

192 O stay!

193 Whilst thou hast ease let me convey thee hence.

Amana.

194 Alas, my love! it is impossible.

195 Death riots in my veins.

Nouradin.

Death! Said you death!

[Page 52]

Amana.

196 Too sure he has possession of my heart,

197 Thy only rival there! O Nouradin!

198 He grasps me hard, wilt thou not struggle with him!

Nouradin.

199 I would contend with the united world,

200 To save my more than life. But say, O! say,

201 How camest thou thus! I press, yet dread to know.

Amana.202 When torn from thee, and my unhappy father,
And led a captive to the foul serrail,
I firm resolved to die e'er flames impure
Should blast this shrine, hallowed to love, and thee. 
A rival sultaness approved my vow,
And whether moved by jealousy or pity,
Supplied the deadly draught which late I drank,
When summoned to attend the tyrant's will,
In this lewd scene of infamy and vice. 
Now, now, I feel its baneful influence
Too strong for mortal powers —

Nouradin.

213 O holy prophet!

214 Exchange my life for her's!

Amana.215 O Nouradin! 
Forgive this fatal rashness — Had I staid
A few short moments, we had now been blest;
But wresting from the hand of providence
The means of my escape, we both are wretched. 
But love and virtue called, and here resigned,
I fall a sacrifice to heaven, and thee —
Oh! 

dies.

Nouradin.

223 Speak on, tho' every word thy lips may utter,

224 Be daggers here — Yet O! Speak on, and live!

225 And art thou silent then! Shall I ne'er hear

226 Thy tender, tuneful voice once more! Nay then,

[Page 53]

227 No other mournful tale shall ever vex

228 My wounded ear, or grieve my tortured breast.

229 Thus, from all future anguish am I free!

230 My life, my soul shall follow my Amana.

stabs himself, and dies.

Enter NARDIC, and FATIMA, with Lights.

HAMET and ABDALLAH, guarded.

Nardic.

231 The Sultan's slain — Secure those hoary traitors —

232 The rack shall force them to reveal their crimes —

233 What's here! Another Osmin dead! and by him

234 The fair Amana!

Abdallah.

O! my unhappy children!

Hamet.235 Then all is at an end — Now Nardic, know
I plotted not the Caliph's death; but sought
That maid's release; and in those royal robes
I gained admittance for that injured youth —
How heaven hath countermined our honest purpose,
I cannot say; but this I know, that I
Am ready to resign a life, which both
My years, and this world's base ingratitude,
Have now made stale, and absynth to my sense. 

Nardic.

244 Convey him to the dungeon, and the wheel.

245 Dost thou know aught of this sad tragedy?

to Fatima.

Fatima.246 My strong remorse, alas! too plainly shews
I am in part, an actor in this scene;
Tho' wholly guiltless of the Sultan's death. 
How far concerned in this catastrophé,
When the fierce passions which now tear my soul,
Will give me leave, I shall with truth relate. 

Abdallah.

252 O! turn your vengeance on this guilty wretch!

[Page 54]

253 'Tis I am the curst source of all these sorrows —

254 My darling child that now lies dead before you,

255 Was sacrificed by me — Curse on this head,

256 And these grey hairs, which have involved you both,

257 In guilt like mine.

kneeling over the dead bodies.

Nardic.

258 Thy wretchedness, old man,

259 Hath turned thy brain — How could thy feeble arm

260 Have power to bring these dread events to pass?

Abdallah.261 Not mine indeed, but heaven's avenging hand
Hath struck this heavy blow — The Sultan's vice
Hath earned his fate — For tyranny should bleed! 
But these unhappy innocents were doomed
For my foul crimes, my vile apostasy;
For quitting heaven, and native liberty —
Let those who dwell in Albion's happy land,
Grateful acknowledge heaven's most bounteous hand:
Its choicest boon in freedom is bestowed,
And their best praise to its protector owed;
Who not in Britain's cause alone sustains
The toils of council, and of hostile plains:
The world's great champion, born for all mankind,
In whom the oppressed a certain refuge find:
Whose sword, but like the lancet, wounds to heal,
Where moral lenitives can nought avail;
Whose olive bearing laurel peace restores,
And calms the discord of contending powers. 

FINIS.

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About this text

Title (in Source Edition): AMANA.

Author: Elizabeth Griffith

Themes:

Genres: drama

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ACT I. (act)
ACT II . (act)
ACT III . (act)
ACT IV . (act)
ACT V. (act)

Source edition

Griffith, Mrs. (Elizabeth), 1720?-1793. Amana. A dramatic poem. By a lady. London: printed by T. Harrison; for W. Johnston, 1764, pp. 3-54. xii,54p.; 4⁰. (ESTC T21796; OTA K030677.000)

Editorial principles

The text has been typographically modernized, but without any silent modernization of spelling, capitalization, or punctuation. The source of the text is given and all editorial interventions have been recorded in textual notes. Based on the electronic text originally produced by the TCP project, this ECPA text has been edited to conform to the recommendations found in Level 5 of the Best Practices for TEI in Libraries version 4.0.0.

AMANA.

ACT I.

SCENE, A Fountain.

SCENE changes to a palace.

ACT II.

SCENE, NARDIC's Apartment.

SCENE, A Garden.

ACT III.

SCENE, NARDIC's Apartment.

SCENE, NOURADIN's apartment.

SCENE, the seraglio.

ACT IV.

SCENE, A Gothic building, representing the palace of Sakara.

SCENE, NOURADIN's House.

SCENE, the Garden of the Seraglio.

ACT V.

SCENE before the Palace.

SCENE, An Apartment in the Seraglio.

SCENE draws, and discovers Amana in a Bower, rising from a Couch. The Attendant waiting.

SCENE, The Pavilion. The Stage darkened.

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