L/BRARy OF CONGRESS 016 103 2371''''"'^ THE AN EQUESTRIAN iVlELO-DRAftlA, IN TWO ACTS. As performed at the JVew^York Theatre. BY JOHN SAVILL FAUCIT, Juthor of The 3Iilleb'8 Maid^ Jvstjcs, Sfc. &*f . KEW-'YORK: PRINTED AND PUBLISHED AT THE (iircxdatins, Library and Dramatic Repository, NO. 4 CHAMBER-STREET, 1323, T£'^ r" fi: DRAMATfS PERSONiE. NEW-YORK. Araxa^ Assad, . - - Ismael,.the Governor, Hyder, Abbas, Sali, - Nasrod, - - - Duban, Hindo©, - Soldier, Dimdim, a Chinese,. Zaphyra, Zobeide, Camilla, Guards, Slaves, Mr. Simpson. Foot, woodhull. Blythe. Phillips. Bancker. RiTCHINGSv Wheatly. Rogers. Nexsen. COVVELL. - Mrs. Tatnall. Miss Johnson. - Mrs. Battersby. Ladies, &c. TMPS2-008874 THE SECRET MINE. ACT I.— SCENE I. d mde River with a Triangular Bridge over ity S^c. Zobeide is discovered — she is kissing her hand to somebody on the opposite side, Zob. Good bye ! make haste I there he goes — what can my father have sent him to the Governor so soon this morning for ? [descends. Enter Assad. Why, father, We are up almost before the sun ; and, by my faith, I suspect you hav'n't slept to-night. Assad. Not much, 'tis true, daughter — a dear friend, and a very dear one too, has kept me waking. I wanted to surprise you child ; but 'tis vain to try to keep a secret from a female* Zob. A secret ! pray, pray, tell it. Assad. My pupil, my brave boy, my dear Araxa returns to-day. Zob. Ah, father! do tell me something of your first finding Araxa. I always suspected you knew more about him than you would own. Assad. All I know is, that at twelve years old, Anxa was made prisoner, that he belonged to an innocent tribe of Hindoos, and was pre- served in hopes of extorting from him the Secret of the Mine, 4 SECRET MINE. [FaUClt. Zob. Ah ! then it must have been in that great battle, when I was too young to Assad. Briefly, I'll tell thee child ; Araxa*s tribe dwell near our Persian borders, they pos- sess a valuable Mine of precious rubies ; they posjsess too a spirit to defend their own ; for when our Government determined to explore and leize on their wealth, our Generals met with so little respect that Zob. That you came back without the ru- bies, Father. Assad. We did indeed ; and being reinforced, were ordered to exterminate the Horde. -^ Araxa, (the Rajah's favorite page, as he descri- bed himself) clung to the dying chief, and though my orders were, on pain of death, to spare nor old nor young, 1 lorgot my duty as a soldier, and and Zob. And Allah has blessed you for it ever since. Assad. I saved Araxa, detached him from his bleeding sovereign, (to whose remains I gave a decent tomb,) and brought him to my dwelling. Zob. And did he father, did he ever disclose it ? oh ! I should like to know where the rubies are. Assad. For years he has resisted threats, promises, rewards, and every means we have employed ; inflexible and firm he scorns them all ; will fight for Persia, and her sacred laws, but die with rapture ere he betray his country Zob. But he loves the daughter of our Go- vernor, and she, rejecting Nasrod, they say. ACT I.] SECRET MINE. 5 loves him ; would not a hope of gaining her prevail ? Assad. That also has been tried ; the Go- vernor, to prove his constancy, sent him some twelve morths back, to fight our foes upon the Caspian shore, from whence he new returns a conqueror. (^Shouts) I hear him in - prepare oar humble dwelling. [Zoheide runs into the house. Enter Araxa — he rushes into the arms of Assad. Ara. My second father ! my friend ! my benefactor ! Assad. My glorious boy ! your fame outruns your footsteps ; my aged heart glows with a warmer feeling, and hails with rapture your return triumphant. Ara. Speak not of me— but say, how fares Zaphyra ? (with extacij) she, tor whom alone I live, she, who in battle, still nerved ray arm--- is her afl'ection still the same ? Assad. She and her father are alike un- changed ; Ismael is still determined to obtain your secret, or spite of all your service to the state, to send you forth abandoned to the de- sert. Ara. Why,t)e it so ! cast me to the Jungle, ^nd let the tigers tear me limb from limb, but never let me do a deed that will betray my country, and bring destruction on my native home ! Assad. Prepare for instant trial of your firm- ness ; Ismael, the Governor, comes forth to lead you with all honour to the Citadel ; think what you hazard by abrupt refusal. Ara, [ know my sole alternative is loss of A 2 t» SECRET MINE. [Faucit. fame or love ; but there is hope, my father,! fro^n honourable stratagem ; such stratagem as e'en a soldier might approve ! [Trumpets at a distance, over the Bridge. \ Assad. Hark ! the Governor approaches. Ara. All-gracious powers! and with him comes Zaphyra ! Enter lsma.el, the Governor, and Zaphyra his daughter; attended by Persian Ladies, Oj/icers, Guards^ iS"c. the whole forming a grand procession. Ism. Young warrior, by our Emperor's order I greet your safe return, and am come t<^ offer such reward your services demand. Ara. One only boon 1 ever asked, Ismael, and that gift is thtne. [Looking passionately at Zaphyra, whose eyes are cast down. Ism. What says my child ? Zaphyra remem- ber — Nasrod, an officer of high account still seeks your hand. [Aside. Zap. Dear father ! wrir>g not from a timid maid a secret before the man who least of all should hear it — my father knows my heart [Araxa kneels and takes her hand. Ism. 'Tis well ! then for the last time the touchstone of affection shull be tried — " The Secret of the Mine" [Araxa starts.] Why that sudden start ? Ara, Ungenerous man ! why drive me to despair! when Persia broke her bounds, and po'jred her myriads on my heljiless country- men, she drove them from their happy homes to seek for shelter in the barren njountains ; there, innocent and unoffending they remnin, and >iifie every thought of just revenge ; and would you make me a firebrand to illume llie path of those whose sordid thirst of gain would onc8 more desolate my native land ? ACT I.] SECRET MINE. 7 Ism. Thy treatment, youth, might have de- served language of less reproach. Ara. True, you taught nie to be a soldier, when boyish fancy eagerly imbibed the daz- zling promise of a future fame. Habit has made a soldier's life my pride — how can I then turn traitor to my country, and lift the sword of ho- nourable warfare against the hearts of those who gave me birth ? Isnu iso sacrifice like ibis do we demand — Your frifjndjj are p:-i>ioral, nor want what we so much desire. Yield but the Mine, and Ara. But the Mine ! Think not the glitter- ing dross th;'.t it contains, weighs as a feather with my humble race — willin-:ly would they and 1 transport its every gem to Pering it — Oh how my Dimdim loves me ! and how dearly 1 love Dimdim 1 he's so beautiful ! Love, they say, is blind, but mine is not so ; for Dimdim has a graceful form, sparkling eyes, and every feature lovely as his mind; to be sure he is a slave, and of a nation we Persians hold in no esteem ; but as to his being a Chi- nese, that's his misfortune ; and for his servi- tude, why love himself is a slave as well as Dim- dim. No, 1 can find no good reason against loving my pretty Dimdim. SONG; My father finds many strong reasons, I vow Why I should not marry mj lover, [now,'* -' Too young, and too short, and too poor 1 ani Which are things i could never discover. But I'm sure in the end, Of my youth i shall mend, And if now I'm too low, I'm yet likely to grow ^ And it is not, that's sure. Any sin to be poor. 10 SECRET MINE. [FaUClt. Tho' the great at our poverty rally, And yet I am told, On the Mountain 'tis cold, Tho' we've sunshine below in the valley. My lover, they tell me, has faults I can't see, Tho' I gaze on him all the day long, *' Too old, and too tall, and too poor he's for me," But my friends are most ceitamly wrong ; For his years are not more, Above mine than a score ; Tho' he's tall, he is smart, And I'm high as his heart, And of happiness sure. For love smiles on the poor, Tho' the great at our humble lot rally ; But the Mountains all snow, Look cold from below. While you've sunshine and love in the valley. Zob, Ah, here he comes ! The long walk he has had to the Governor's seems to have tired him ; but still to my mind he is beautiful as ever. Enter Dimdiin, pale and forlorn^ he tcnJks very slowy and peeps about for Assad, ^//e leads him forward. Zob. Take courage, Dimdim, you have no- thing to fear from me. Dim. I don't know that. Zob Am I not always kind to you ? Dim. Very. Zob. Then, why do you fear. Dim. I can't tell — I am your father's slave, and your humble servant. He bastinadoes my feet of a morning, and you put love in my head of an afternoon ; but for all that I'm miserable. Zob. Perhaps 'tis our cold climate that affects ACT I.] SF.CRKT MINE. H j^oii ; your looks convince me of it; your face is pale, your nose is pinched. Dim. Your father did that to-day, because I was so slow ; something had vexed him ; I was vexed to see it, and he beat me for being out of temper. Zob. But, do you love me, Dimdim ? Dim. 1 believe so ; that is, 1 lay down at night with as much love as a Chinese can feel ; but alas ! your father is sure to beat it out of me at my rising ; love is a tender passion, and de- lights not in blows, let them be ever so well laid on. Zob. My father is passionate, I own, dear Dimdim ; but he's always sorry when it's over. Dim. There's the difference---rm glad when it's over, and sorry when it begins. I do wrong, 1 confess, sometimes on purpose, in hope he may let me go, for he says, he'll never keep a slave that isn't clever ;. and he's too good to sell 'em ; but I can't get him to part with me, and lose all my time in bewailing my utility. Zob. If I could persuade him to give you liberty Dim. Why then if I could persuade my fa- ther, Horn Ma Ge, Bom Ma Ge to agree to it, I would marry you directly ; but 1 dare not take you to my own country ; the women are so beautiful ! then, such little eyes sunk in their heads, cheek-bones, rising like pagodas, shins varnished like pantiles, and complexions that, for colour, rival gold. Now, your cheeks are mere natural red and white, your nose is long and strait, and your feet are only lit to walk on, Zob. Wouldn't you. have me walk, Dimdim ? 12 SECRET MINE. [FaUClt. Dim. To be sure not ; a Chinese woman wouli) as soon think of flyini^. Zob. Well, Diradim, Til do all I can to make up for my want of beauty. But, now, give me, another lesson in your language ; for I admire the simplicity of its expressive monosyllables, and long to become mistress of it. Dim. Do you remember what I have already taught you ? ^ Zcb. Oh yes, every word. Dim. Well, now 1 shall hear that. DUET. /)/m. When ladies on a visit meet, And tott'ring trip with cripplM (eet^ Their compliments to me repeat, And what say they 1 Zob. Tong Go Ning Nang Ho Whang Tong Bo He Te Ho Su Shong, ShoShoNan Ring Chu Hi Hi Man Da Rin YJ Fu Lo Hi. Dim. Clever little pupil, that's the way. Both. Ching a Ring, Ting a Ring, Nang, Nang, - Uey ! Dim. When tender lovers fondly woo, Zob. Aye, just as you and I may do, Dim. Soft nonsense passing 'twixt the two. What said they ? Zob. Oh! oh I ah me I he! he! Dim. Stay ! That's what your Persian lovers say. Zob^ Your pupil tliere you mustn't blame. In every tongue true love's the same. Dim, Clever little pupil, then we may Both. Sing Ching a Ring, &ic. ACT I.] SECRET MINE. l3 Zob. Now teach me what kiiul words are said When sweethearts such as we get wed, And wben poor spousy she's gone dead, Wh;>t is't you say ? Dim. Ching a Ring^ Ting a Ring, &e. Both, Ching a Ring, kc. [Exeunt. SCENE III. Interior of l?te country— ^n stupendous Rock perforated in many places^ and thickly int'Tspersed with Mountain shrubbery, nnderwood, and wild trees of Asiatic character. Araxa enters cautiously^ and in agitation; looks fre- quently round in every direction to see whether he is discO' vered ; at length he presses a part of the Rock, it recedes inwardly, furmini; alow recess, which he is obliged to enter on his hands and knees; the stone concealing the opening, is placed as if by him, on the inside of the aperture; he i> afterwards seen through various fissures of the Rock, and at certain openings in the shrubbery, ii.c. as if ascending a dHJicult winding stair-cast ir. the interior ; after he has keen observed near the top, the scene draws off, and dis- covers SCENE IV. The interior of a vast cavtrn, where scattered parfirlps of ore, and veins of brilliant colours are predominant ; in many inequalities of the rock above, and near the front are }irth mikisown, nurtured in Assad's lowly dwelling, the lovely Zaphyra used oft to if)quire alter the poor Hindoo hoy ; soothed by the voice of pity, I raisi^d ray grate- ful eyes and met ray doom — cieep in my heart ACT I.j SECRET MINE. • 15 her image sunk ; for her alone I've lived, prouder far to be her slave, than Monarch of ihe universe. Hyd. Then why not at once resi2:n the go- vernment you so despise, enjoy your foreign charms, and leave us all content with home and liberty ? Ara. Because my people wish me to return ; because Hyder's harsh sway convinces me how few are fit to govern — but chiefly that 1 may bring among you my fair Zaphyra, whose bright example will ornament my throne, and spread an universal blessing on my country ! Dub. For your sake, Prince, we all shall love her. All. We shall we shall bring her I let us see her ! Ara. Kind, generous countrymen ! from you I must obtain her, from you I come to ask Ah. What ? speak, Araxa ! speak — our steeds, our swords are all that we possess ; they are already yours. Ara. Brethren, I ask but some of those bright baubles, which chance has bedded in your lone retreats ; {they start) to you who value not these gewgaw nothings, and prize no gem but what the heart contains, to you it will seem strange the finer world should set a store on glittering trash like this, and for a shining toy to deck a finger, coldly doom a nation to the sword say, do my friends comply ? All. All ! all ! Ab. With all Araxa condescends to ask. Ara. Haste then, my friends, collect such fragments of this mine, as promise most aglit- 16 S^:^KET MINE. [KaucJt. tering harvest, convey to the Palm-tree Cavern, and there deposit all your cumbrons loads deep in the earth ; it is the dowry for my bride, whom nou' with lightning's speed I fly lo claim. [Hyder Ti-ithJwhh assoit, and bij his action seems dissatisfied. Ab. What more can we do for our chief? command tis to the charge, and we will sweep these treacherous Persians from the earth ! .Ura. Their power and discipline raise them above your threats ; yet let some scouts remain at every station in the secret way, that when ray lovely bride shall share my t^ight, you may await my signal, and assist us. Now then, away ! Farewell. [Ahisic n:kilc he takes leave — some on horseback and some on foot disappear above^ belo'Ji\ and in all directions. Hyder by his gesr- fures still shori>ing his displeasure. SCENE V.—^ Hallinlsmaers House. Enter Ismael, vbUIi Zaphyia, in tears. Jsrn, Shame upon this weakness ! this wan- derer, whose cause you dares espouse against your lather, nay against your King Zap. When Kings can sacritice their subjects' henour and force their Ministers to acts of ty- ranny, 'twere better^far to be that outcast wan- derer than agent of Ism. Silence ! 'tis well a father's ear alone absorbs such treason. Zap. Treason ! woe to the Monarch who so designates the voice of truth ! not so our sove- ] eign ; to his feet I'll lly, implore him for Araxa, boldly tell him how much he wrongs the honour of a youlh, who must not-^cannot yield to such disgrace. ACT I.] SECRET MIXE. 17 ism. 'Tis well you may be spared this hope- less errand ! I am just informed by Assad, that Araxa, for your sake, not for mine, will tell the long-sought secret ; nay more, my mesengers are now gone forth to meet and prove the youth's sincerity ; on their return, your fate and his depend. Zap. Araxa sealed our fate, when he betray- ed his country ; can he at once turn traitor"? no, my father, not even in appearance ! the wicked may put virtue's semblance on, but vir- tue scorns the very garb that falsehood wears. Ism. Romantic folly I but mark, behold my -messenger's return. Enter SaH. Now, Sali, the event. Sail. I have ont>!tript my fellows, mipjhty sir, to tell the glorious news — the Mineisour's! behold the speciniens tliat first were found (^pre- scnli?!^ a small box) and while I staid still fresh discovery pio'.ed Arasa had [)erforuied his splendid prouase. Ism. What says Zaphyra now ? let those (Uend nie who accompanied your search, that this may be conratned before I give Zaphyra's hand, or send these tidings to the Emperor. Zr/p. Araxa false to honour ! would this heart couid as tirmiy banish his remembrance, as from this hour 1 reject his love. [2 wo Persian offic'xs enter rs-'ith brilliant specimens of the sup- posed Mine — Zaphyra sknzas sorroni and indig- nation — the Governor eagerli/ examines them. Ism. (£0 Sali.) So near our borders too ? Sali. indeed, 'tis strange a source so rich should hitherto have escaped us ! at first, we F ': ili ihCKLT MINE. [FaUclt. doubted, but the marks were left of recent visits from the Hindoos ; brilhant, veins pervading massy particles of rock presented to our view treasures which biit increase with our re- doubled toil. IsjH. Where is Araxa ? Sail. At hand with Assad, waiting your deci- sion. Ism. Admit him. Enter Araxa and Assad. Now Araxa sliall have proof that Isjjiael can be grateful ; rny child is your's — expect her not so kind as when against my will she loved you; perverseness is a woman's privilege: bear in these treasures ; [exit the two oj/iccrs] and Sali, do you, with all magnilicence an'! mirth, hasten to celebrate the briiial day oj" Ismael's daughter with the brave Araxa. [Exii Sali ; Asaad einbraces ,'h^axa, and goes ojf with the Governor ; Araxa jtarjully approaches Za- phyra — she is going from him — he catches hold of iier robe, and kneels Ara, Will Zaphyra not look at me ? will she urihcard condemn me ? Zo6. What should 1 hear? traitor in every evnse, have you not violated your sacred vow • iiaveyou not betrayed your country ? Ai'ff. Oh, never, never ! at such a price, Zaphyra, even Zaphyra would he too dearly ])urcliased — harbour not a rnomcul such uiiju";' susjVccion. Zap. Unjust I is it unju^it ? i-^ my AuxA'^r lioiiour still uneuliicil .' iiuw tiavo you dec.'.ivei! my father and iii>; people ? J.aclo^e the niysiei-} ia thy Zaphyra. .:]ra,. i'ime uill not nov, ;»c!mil in fwA^n'-r ACT I.] SECRET MINE. l9 honour raust you fully tnisl — confide in that — impede not my ntiptials, for my life, my liberty depend on prompt obedience. Zap. Cold reason's dictates vanish before love's warmer impulse ; tiiere is my hand, my heart has loni; been thine; on thee, and on thine honour, 1 do fully trui^t ; Araxa, traitor, could be but Za][^>hyra's scorn — Araxa, loyal, shall be Zaphyra's lord. [Trumpets. Ara, Hark ! these joyful sounds announce the preparations for our nuplials. Enlcr Sali and an ojpccr. Sail. All hail to our natinjvs bcnefacior! all hail to the Discoverer of " The Secret Mine.*' The nuptial festival awaits your jiresence ; our Persian Amazons attend to greet you with their warlilie dance, and noble Ismael impatient waits to lead you to the radiant Shrine. [Ai-axa and ZapJiyra signifi, their satisfaction and they g-o 0^", as to the Ceremony. SCENE W.—The Shrine, tsmacl, the Iman, Araxa and Zaphyra enter, and fake t/icir seats ; ^-Iniazons enter, and perfuvtn a dance ^ when if is finished, Araxa and Zapsi^ ta are ltd up the Stage, and their hands are joined, Juis. (:viihoui'\ \Vhere, m here is the Gover- nor ? {Wrt.troJ rvshcsforxc(trd, holds vp a dispatch. Kas. Suspend the nijuriage ! [.'liioniahment rxpresstd by all. hni. Whht bold presumptuous slave dare thus intrude upon our hallowed pites ? AVf.r — Your Soldiers' synipalhies ;u'e not so refined as mine. Znb. Then, you have been thir.king of uv.', Dimdim. Dim. I've thought of notliing cl>e since we palled ; my love has so increased willt my ab »ence, that I c(iiihi alnjost eat you uj> uiih the voracity of a MiiUt liew Tartar ! Zuh. Nuk'ici I if 3 our love imjwoves so much upon ao^eul:e, it may have a contr.iry tendency when we live tt. get her ; and before a nionth passes over our heads you may hate n>e. ' Dim. Hate you ? unjust Zobeide 1 oh» do i iook like a woman-hater ? ^^ SECRET ^II^'E. [Faucit. Zob. Now then, give me a proof of your love to the sex ; deceive those friends of yours, [pointing to the Soldiers) devise some phm to get this letter to Araxa ; he is at yonder grated window. Dim. What signify letters to him ? he's to die to-morrow, heigho, poor man ! married yester- day, die tc-morrow ! well his trouble* are soon over. Zoh. Your's hav'n't commenced yet ; and when they do, it sha'n't be my fault, if they don't last longer ; but come, 1 know you're full of ing.*nious tricks, can you compass the delive- ry of this letter ? Dim. Coiiipass ! {afier a pause) Which is the north ? Zob. Nonsense ; wh.it has that to do with it ? Dim. More than yen imagine ; the arrow pol'nts to"^?ards the north ; (folds it upland puts it into the urrooi\) I ar^? a Chinese Cupid, and will (iespatch loves message with my proper at- tribute. ]st. Sol. Never saw such an unaccountable collection. Dim. (^^oinir up to Soldiers) Designed to in- struct, as well as amuse ; electricity and mag- netism, phosphorus, mercury, and inflammable air — we, Ciiinese are the inventors of all ; this ball rises in the air, by being lighter than th^ air it«elf : this paper, shaped like a bird, wi aNo rise, though heavier than the air, and aid ed by this balance at the bottom, will float over your heads, like a genuine member of th* feathered tribe, 1st. Sol. That's a pretty flight of fancy, and as well bounc'd as a Chinese cracker : your'<^ is a nation noted for lyij^e'. Act n.] ^ secret Mi^ti, 2Q Dim. (^bowing) And your's for good manners- But here's something more in your own way, bows of my making, and arrows that will wound a heart at a mile's distance. .Soldiers. Oh ! !: oti ! ! ' Dim. Oh, oh I what» you think I draw a long bovv ; well, as the honour of my country is at stake, ril just show you how it's done^ and per- haps accomplish more than you expect- [He, shoots the arrow with letter lozvards ihe wiiidou.. of Ar ax as prison ; it falls on the terrace; at the instant, Sali enters mith guards. Sali. Hold — what means all this ? Guards, seize tliese traitorous spies — they have been communicating with the prisoner ; seize them, t say , and drag them before the Governor. (T/te// are dragged (ffV) Sali re-enters on the Terrace ncith guards, unlocks the Iron door, and Jlruxa enters from if. Sali. For a few moments only are you per- mitted to behold the retiring sun, 1 am grieved to say for the last time. [Exit Sali and guards. Ara. Few are the hours, indeed, that yet remain. Zaphyra ! Love ! shall I nut say fare- well ? may I not cla?p thee once more to my heart ? What's this ? a letter ! (takes up the letter which Dimdim had fired) All-gracious Allah! what do I behold! 'tis iVom herself! my wife! my dear Zaphyra! [Reach) ^' Fvt; happily escaped, and according to yourdirec- tion have found your countrymen. Abbas and others come to-night to rescue you — look ibr fires on the opposite hills, and then expect a boat under your window. The grating will fly- up, by pressing a stud, projecting on the riirht. One of your countrymen will risque his life for 26 SECRET MINE. [Faucit. }'ou, by engaging the Centinel, while you lenp the platform ; Adieu, be firm. — Zaphyra." — Oh ! generous, kind Zaphyra ! gallant, noble countrymen ! which, which of my friends will sacrifice his life on this forlorn and desperate attempt ? Oh ! that I could prevent you, whoe'er 3'ou be, your Prince would gladly suf- fer ten thousand deaths ere you should spill one drop of blood for him. [Sali and 1st and 2rl Soldier enter on the. Terrace — Araxa having concealed the letter, is reconducted to his prison, the Iron door of which is locked and the key taken away. 1st and 2d Soldier are left as centintls on the Terrace, a particular charge being given them {in action) by Scdi. It gradually becomes darker {during the above) and lights are seen at intervals on the distant hills, sometimes appearing^ and sometimes anszvered. by corresponding illu- minations, on opposite eminences. Aroxa appears at the grated 'windoYi), and during a momentary jiause in the music he says in a suppressed tone — 'Tis sure the i'>romised signal, yes, those tires, and see — the boat approaches — sl)ould 1 lind the secret spring, 'lis here ! "ti* here! (rain.) Arnxa'^s grating flies up on his touching the spring, he cautiously pulls it to aqm'n. and seems to gaze earnestly on the boat which vow ap- proches under the Cheveaux de Frize. The Cen^ tinels mrtrching to and fro in the frtnt of the Ter- race. The person in the boat seizes an opportu- nty when their backs are turned and they are walking the opposte way, to climb vuffer the Che- veaux de Frize, get upon the terrace un' hide in one of the rude niches meant as recesses for the Centinels; the wind which has been gradually ACT II.] SECRET MINE. 27 rising, now blows loufJly, and the boat is distinctly seen drifting away from the fool of the Fortj-ess. 2d. Sol. 'Twere better take shelter, comrade, the rain falls heavy. I'll to my recess. 1st. Sol. Our tire arms may be sooner hurt than we — deposit them in safety, and I've a cordial that will keep the water out, I warrant. [Listening to this, the person (who is Zaphyra in disguise^ comes from the recess, and hides behind a projection of the fortification, from whence she observes the boat now at some distance, she clasps her hands. Ara. (above) Imprudent friends, the boat leaves us and each dawn of hope goes with it. 1st. Sol. What voice was that t [sol. listen. 2d. Sol. The prisoner — he said his hopes were gone — I'll Iodide my musket, while you draw your pocket-pistol, that rare cordial yoa just now talked ot. [Pids his musket in the recess* list. Sol. '1 is read} , there I [puts his musket in the other recess, and produces a flask; zahile they drink, Zapkyra taken the musket out of the recess next to her, and throws it in the water. The Soldiers immediately turning that way she passes guickiy behind them and conceids herself in the further recess. Jlfier a pause, they speuK. \ St. Soldier. Hark! some one splashing in the water ; that couda't be the prisoner — he'* there safe at the window. 2(i. Sol. 'Tis but the wave that breaks against the rock ; you're soon alarmed — take t'other draught, and give the flask to me ; you want courage, and I drink — 'twill cure us both. Zaphyra throws the other muskei over the Para jpet ; soldiers are alarmed. -S SECRET MINE. [Fauck. 1st. Sol. A^ain ? there are some spies near ; let's fire, and alarm the Guard ; [runs to the I'ecess, and misses his piece,) how l our fire arms are removed. 2d. Sol. O brave ! a soldier lose his musket ! Not here, not here, by AH ! You twitted me but now with half- forgotten grievances, and you've concealed my arms, for fear I should exact a soldier's satisfaction ; 'tis an act childish and cowardly ! 1st. Sol. Your's is a speech of mean, unman- ly falsehood ; nay, come on, you'll only get this one way. [They draw their poignards^ and furi- ously seize each other ; during the struggle, Zaphyra beckons Ara.va, who descends ; in the mean time^ one of the Centinels having slain the other in fair combat, stands over him with his dag- ger raised, whom Araxa unexpectedly seizes, and after a momentary contest, precipitates him over the terrace into the water ; Zaphyra puts her finger to her lips, in token of silence ; Araxa takes her hand to thank her , and discovers his Zayhyra. Zap. {with much caution, and in a tone scarcely above a whisper, yet distinct,) hold — for our common safety's sake subdue those transports, and let us only think of your escape ; the boat is driven by the storm far oif, and yet the sig- nals are repeated from hill to hill ; could we ford the moat — it is not deep. [Drums heard in Me/or/r«ss) theguard is roused; Araxa — hus- band, for what are we reserved ! 'Tis thee ! thy blood they seek ; my father v\ill not harm his daughter ; fly ! o'erleap the -parapet, and ^11 is safe. ACT II.] SECRET MINE. 2S Jra. Without thee, Zaphyra ? AbbiiS and Hindoos appeal ou the opposite platform, just as Araxa appears irresolute « hether lo quit Za- phyra, who in action urges him lo go. Ab. Hold, Rajah ! hold ; we come to your assistance. Ara. Then hasten, countrymen, or we are lost. A5. Onward, companions, 'tis to serve our Prince. Ttie Hinc'oos leap into the moat, and form a bridgft with the stem of a tree; Araxa desc« nds at one end, leading Zaphjra, Abba,s ascends from the otiier eAtre- mitj. , to meet and assist tliem. When the three arrive at the centre of the temporary bridge, a band ol Per- sians appear on the termce and the jjuns of the fort are tired ; the Persian sol iiers force Zaplivra from Araxa, who is about lo leap into the moat, and follow her amon^ his enemies, but is restrained by Abbas, anu by his direction forcibjy borne off by nis friends, V..'u all retreat with him. Zaphyra whose drapeiy paii;9^'y covers her face, is carried off by the soldiers of her father into the fo; t. J he scene then cloiCs. SCENE IL—A Hall in the Castle. Enter Ismael, ami Guards. Is7n. Let Assad be secured, and instant bring before us the traitorous spies, whom you sus- pect to have favoured the prisoner's escape.^ — [Guards go off and lefurn "with Zobeide and Dwidim.] Now shive:*, by wiiom set on, and wherefore did ye dare approach the fortress ? Dim. 1 came, potent Sir, to — to — get my hv- ing by the sale of a few toys to to Ism. Knew ye not 'twas death to do so ? Dnn. No, in truth. Sir ; I never knew it was death to get one's living. Ism. Peace ! — And how dare you ! Zob. I came, great Sir, to see how Dimdim would manage to make fiis way in the wf»rld. 30 SECRET MINE. [Faiicit. Ism. Fool ! he shall die. Dim. 7^hen I have managed to make my way out of it ; but Zobeide, sir, I hope has done no harm — she has been very kind to me, and if her good nature should bring her to an un- timely end, I shall disappoint the city of a pub- lic spectacle, by dying of pure grief before my execution. Zob. Oh ! oh ! they shall hang us together, Dimdim ; then I shall take the long, long jour- ney with you ; we shall be united, and accor- ding to your Prophet, your wife will live with you as long as six thousand years. Di7n. Indeed ; now if we could but get out of this place, and jive together till we're three- score, it would suit my limited desires quite as we!l. hri. (^To an Officer^ Obey my orders ! their simplicity may be assumed. Let him be strictly confined, and let a guard keep a constant eye upon her. Dim. Ah, Sir! let me be'! that guard — I'll keep as constant an eye Ism. Silence ! Think not of her, but death — Away ! Dim. and Zob. exeunt guarded — Enter Sali. Sali. Dread sir ! the Hindoo youth, whose daring enterprise gave Araxa liberty, in one of the dungeons of the Castle, is guarded by the Amazon Camilla. Lwi. Bring me to him — I'll wring from him the Secret of the Mine, or torture shall inflict ray speedy vengeance. [Exeunt. SCENE 1 1 1 .—Dungeons of the Fortress. Zaplivra is seen in one of the Pris()ns, and the Ama- zon Camilla guarding her. Tiiey converse througli tlie AJCT II.] " SECRET MINE. 31 gratin;^, and at length Camilla cautiously opens the door and Zaphyia Comes down ; they embrace Zap. Thanks, dear Camilla, friend of mj' earliest youth. Ah ! little do they know who placed thee here, how strict, how sacred is the union friendship forms hetween noble minds — My fleetest courser waits without the walls, with all that's needful for my journey — But can you unbar these doors ? Can you deceive the wary Nasrod, and my father ? Cam. Rely upon Camilla. Zap, Shall I, indeed, be freed ? Then, dear- est husband, 1 shall soon embrace thee. Rut say, Camilla, did he elude his numerous foes ? Was he not pursued, o'ertaken ? Cam. Allah preserve him ! Zap, He was 1 read it in your friirhtened looks ; my husband's slain 1 he's murdered — j>erhaps e'en now, his corse all njan^led by their barbarous hands, unpitied and unnoticed, he calls upon Ziiphyra to staunch his bleeding wounds, to close his languid eyes ! shall I not tly ? 'tis Araxa calls — I come, I come 1 [falls in the arjiis of Camilla . Cam. Quiet these vain alarms. Zap. (^reviving) Dear Camilla bear with my weakness ! these idle womanish fears suit not Araxa's consort, nor Camilla's friend : hence- forth they shall no more disgrace me. [A noise is heard at (he door, Camill », in great agita- tion motions for Zaphya to return int.» her cell. Ha ! my persecutors come ! On thee, Camilla, rest all my hopes of life and hajininess ! [Cam. hurries Zap. into the cell and takes her station at the door. Entjr IsiTiael. Ism. Where is this Hindoo prisoner ? Bring him before us. (Cam, opens the door and Za^. ^2 SECRET MINE. [FaUCit. €omes forward^ her face hid.) A stripling too ! what savage deity of Hindoo worship, inspired thee, youth, to link thy fate with an adventur- er, who leaving thee to expiate his crimes, es- capes ti*iumphant, smiling at thy credulity. Zajj, Has he escaped ? has he indeed escap- ed ? then useless all disguise — my love, my I»ord, my dear Araxa lives ! and if Zaphyra mer- it death for the performance of her duty, let strictest justice point her awful sword, and re- signation to Heaven's will be mine ! Isnu Zaphyra ! unnatural girl, hence, from my sight I begone ! thy deceit and treachery, and the punishment which must follow, fulls not on thee alone, but on thy race. Zap. Nor deceit, or treachery e'er disgraced Zaphyra. A parent's mandate mnde me the consort of Araxa — Love for my husband made me the prisoner of my father. Duty to both has been the genuine impulse of my actions — And if love have tinged them with romantic hues, yet, let the motive [)lead a daughter's pardon, and gain extenuation for a wife. Ism. One way, and one alone remain*, Za- phyra, to regain a parent's love ; and still se- cure the safety of thy husband. Zap. Oh ! name it ! name it ! If death, if even absence from Araxa w II purchase his safety, and your pardon, joyfully will 1 sacrifice all my hopes of earthly bliss. Ism. Then u»e your induence to obtain the Secret of the Mine. Zap. Already known to me ; I know the secret entrance — the hidden paths — and at my word, each barrier Ism. Enough, enough! come to thy Father's irm*« ; you'll guide my troops to where ACT II.] SFCBET MINE. o3 Zap. Hold I Father, hold; Araxa's confidence has taught me that if 'tis wrong a secret to dis- close, entrusted by a friend, how worthless were a wife ^vho could from selfish motives prove un- grateful, and basely sacrifice a husband's trust. Ismael expresses rajje and disappoiotmeot. Enter Nasrod. JVas. My Lord, a chief named Hyder has de- serted from the Hindoos, and offers you the clue to lead us to the Mine ; he ur£:es you with all dispatch to make a desperate effort, and storm the Hindoos in their secret entrance, which now they're fortifying. Is7n. Oh ! joy beyond my hopes ! Call out my whole force for the glorious enterprise. Degenerate girl ! I'll bring this traitor husband to a strict account : and, without his hated aid, obtain the long-sought prize. Confine her in Ihe cell, and yon, Camilla, answer ?ith your life for her security. (^Ca7)i. and Zap. go into the cell) Nasrod, till my return I charge you suffer not Zaphyra to pass these walls. Keep a watch- full eye upon Camilla too ; for well 1 know with warmest friendship she regards my daughter ; but on thee I can rely. Her smile hereafter, may reward your loyalty. JVas. Yes, I will guard her with an ea^le- eye ; no moie endure th€ cruel agony of seeing her Araxa's : were Camilla but removed, then would Zaphyra be wholly in my power ; on Nasrod she would turn her soft, beseeching looks, and bless with smiles her kind protector: it must be so — Camilla shall be dismissed — by Ismael's order too ; he said he doubted her, and will credit easily my charge 'gainst her fi- delity. What ho, Camilla! 34 feECRET MINE. p^aUClt. [Zap. (as Cam.) unlock the grating and slouly comes forth. JVas. By Ismael's orders, I am Z;«phyra's Xjruard ; your services are no longer u anted ; {she refuses to resign her charge) nay then, force shall be entiplnyed to compel obedience ; {he stamps, a Guard enters) Guard ! conduct this traitress, who would connive af the prisoner's escape, without the Castle walls ; that done, resume thy post. During this speech, the Guard approaches to seize the supposed Camilla, she waves for him to proceed, and follows the Guard out of the prison. Now for some converse with my beauteous ^charge ; He unlocks the g^'atifig, and loads forth Camilla — •when he discovers her, he star's witl» terror and amaze- ment. Camilla! perfidious traitress ! where is Za- ph\ ra ? Camilla with a triumphant smile paints to the door «f the prison. Bi^caped ? confusion ! it cannot be ; Guard, Guard ! (luard enters, Nas. goes into the dun.ieon. Cam. in- stantly fastens the door, and as she iwrriS. n^^ets the G" .)rd ; a f'.ombat ensues; she draws a i.stol, '-hoots hit!'., and escapes ; Guards enter, and bear olF tli«ir M'ounded comrade. SCENE IV. ■ The outside of x\ic chief entrance to " The Secret Mine'* — rucJe, scraggy rocks, with thick tangling bush- es, and nnderw od. Zaphyra enff's 07 her Courser^ with her AmazotCs robe. Zap. Safely I've passed the tangled m.ize, guided by Araxa's clue. 'J'his should be the spot, the chiet entrance to the Secret Mine. How can 1 gain a.p|)rise Araxa of his (\ni\z^T 1 [Abbas and Hindoos enter and surround her. ACT II.] SECRET MINE. 36 Ab. Down with this rash intruder! spare not the spy upon our secret haunts. Zap. Oh my Araxa ! save rne, save nie ! 'tis thy Zapbyra. [Shejtings off her Amazon s robe^ and appears as Zaphyra ; the upper part of the entrance opens, and discovers Araxa^ Ara. Hold, comrades ! harm not your Prince's consort. My wife ! my loved Zaphyra l Zap. Araxa, check your joy. Danger, im- me.liate danger threatens. The traitor, Hyder, leads through the secret path, Ismael, with all his power. They must be near at hand. They hope to surprise your force. Ara. Then are their hopes deceived. Our deiences are complete, we are prepared to meet them, and your presence will ensure us victory. Come, my Zajdiyra. Soldiers to 3^our ambush. [Distant Drum without. Zap. Hark ! 'lis their drum 'tis the ene- my. Ab. It is, it is the 6srce, vindictive foe ! See, they have forced the outer barriers, they have gained the secret pass and now, with Hyder at their head, they rush to storm this entrance. Ara. '^apiiyra, 'tis but for thee 1 fear. If not within the Mine, you are for ever lost. Zap One moment still is left, a; d for a cause like lhi>, Zaphyra's spirit rises superior to her sex's weakness. Enter Camilla. good Camilla, what tidings ? is my father and his arm}' near ? Carn. They are, lady. Zap. Quick, quick, Araxa! Ai'a. ow Soldiers form for your Queen an ascent to the Mine. She spurs lur horse, ascends the shields, aud estere 3G SECRET Mi[^E [Faucit. the Mine. Araxa following at the moui^ of the Mine, stops and orders his officer to remain with his men t» surprise tht- enemy, he disappears, the mine closes, and all appears as before. {Drum 7iearei — voice without. — Halt! Halt! — ) Officer in action orders his men to form behind tlieir shields, they all cover themselves;. Hyder enters cautiously, followed by Ismael and In- fantry, and approaches the lower entrance of the mine ; on touching it, it opens, when the officer rushes on Hyder; the soldiers come from behind their shieldr-. and engage Ismael's Infantry, who a.re driven off; sheld men return shouting, and exeunt into the mine; Ismael and Hyder return with cavalry and artillery drawn by horses; they discharge them 'till a breach is made, by which they all enter, when in, a mine is sprung, and the whole sinks, flies, falls, and discovers SCENE V. The Mine as before, with such additions a? miy be supposed to have been constructed for its defe-nce. The two parties are discovered engaged. — After some fi«hting^on the stage they take to the platforms and then again to the stage ; while horse and foot are bat- tling on the flying bridge the cavalry again take to the platform, w1»en the artillery is levelled and di-- charged at those on the bridge, which breaks, and se- veral infantry and some horse fall on the stage. Hy iliis time Ismael's party have placed faggots under the middle bridge, which is seen an fire, while a party of horse are fighting on it — and with a horrid explosion, the bridge sinks with horses, i^c. Zaphyra is ii^een struggling wit!» Hyder, and a part of the mine falls, and brings IJyder to the ground : he recovers from the fall, and again pursues the Princess. Araxa on his horse enters, and seeing her danger, ho dismouiits, climbs up the ruins after Hyder, leaving his horse on the stage. Zaphyra is seen flying from llyder^ and followed by vVraxa. Hyder and Aiaxa meet. — Hyder is overcome, and flies pursued by Araxa. Tlic horse seeing the danger of Zaphyra, who is in the midst of the flames, gallops up the platform, 'till he reaches where she is — she jumps on his back, and he brings her down the platforms. During this Araxa has pursued Hyder up a staircase under which is a general fi^re. — The staircase gives way and both dinging to it, are borne on the stagc^. Araxa kills Hyder, &c, THE ENB.. ^1 ^^'1 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 016 103 237 2