y^r\, ■'»,0„^OA, "^Mimwrn ^*fi««. i]!^ «KL-:-C •^: '«3-:-<3tS^<*i :5: ■ <«!::' c/ 'i; ^c; «:<'C^-<3i. ape «<; r c Sailors in the service of the Dey of Algiers. Tarik, a J^egro, j Moresca, rt Moorish slave. Rachael, Wife of the Jew Israel. Rebecca, his Daughter. Priest, Officers, Guards, Executioner, Slaves. Scene : — Sometimes Malta, sometimes Algiers. Time : — First half of the eighteenth century. ^ ABRAH: THE CONSPIRATOR. ACT I. Scene L — A Street in Malta. — Night. Enter Hakak a7id AbraH. Harak. Our chains wear lighter than has been their wont, And if we do endure, not murmuring, Our princely masters will remove them wholly; Then, wherefore should we break these gentle bands, Which are but show of thraldom, to excite Our lords, and bring down their revengeful ire? Hence ! hence away ! my better heart forbids it; I will not hear thy treasonable thoughts. Ahrah. Ha ! treasonable thoughts, forsooth. Is it A villanous crime to think, if we have brains ? Thou, timid idiot! thus may'st deem, but I, Whom thou wouldst spurn as one that is not fashioned Of so pure dust, nor sprung from such a race, Laugh at such foolish fancyings. My blood, Runs like consuming lava in my veins, At every mention of calm sufferance. I thought thou didst possess a prouder soul-*- A spirit of a more heroic cast— 1* 6 ABRAH THE CONSPIRATOR. [Act L And was 't not one that would endure a fetter, Though it were made of gold and light as air. Harak. And dost thou doubt rny native detestation Of slavery ? Look in my face and ponder ; Then say if there be aught might indicate A love of vile subjection and endurance. Abrali. I've read thy countenance ere now, and if My lore and judgment do not much deceive me^ Thou art all I could wish : and yet, even now, I fear they both have widely erred, thy words So greatly do belie thine outward seeming. — The rust which gathers on the clanking iron Will often eat into the noblest heart ! There have been men who have grown so fa- miliar With the low offices of cringing slaves^ That all their natural loathing has become A very love ; and duties once most odious. Have been exalted in their eyes supremely. I fear some such are in the world even now. Harak. Nay, as thou lovest life, insinuate nothing To gall one better than thyself, mean wretch! Abrah. Wretch ! Yes, I am one : I by very chance. But thou by choice. — 1 was not born to be More than a slave, but thou hast been far greater: In my own land I should be but a drudge, Condemned to earn my bread by sweating toil. And yet the breath of heaven would fan my browy Telling me of my freedom, and for this — For that sweet liberty which makes life dear — Base as I am, there are fond longings here ! {Placing Ms^hand on hi> Ireast.) Scene I.] abrah — the conspirator. 7 Harak. But wouldst thou counsel me to make rebellion Even in the face of kindness, and become Traitor and ingrate ? Should I not be grateful ? Ay, do not you and I owe some return For gentle usage ? Abrali. Gratitude ! — Is that A sentiment for slaves to entertain Towards their masters ? towards men who are Inferior to themselves by right of birth ? Did mother Nature make us what we are ? Hear, fellow slave, and answer; what wast thou ? Harak. Ha ! what was I ? Thy question hath sunk deeply : Like a hot dagger it doth burn my blood. Abrah. Then have I hopes that thou mayst yet be saved. Harak. Thy v/ords bring madness : they have made me think. Abrah. Then think ! think how thy freedom may be won, And by a blow which shall raise us to honor : For, by the hell that's harbored in my breast, With resolute hearts and hands to second them, I could now fabricate so vast a mine That its explosion would overwhelm our tyrants. And elevate us to their sovereignty. I must depart and seek more willing hearers. Yet, do thou think and give thy thpughts free range. Anon 1 shall renew communion with thee. {Exit.) Harak. What ! has he left me here to think ? to think And madden with my thoughts ? Had he not said ABRAH THE CONSPIRATOR. [Act I. I was a slave, and laughed at my submission, I could have toiled as meanly as before And brooked all inconveniences of fortune, But now his speech acts on me like a poison ; His taunts have cut me to the very quick And fester at my heart : I feel myself Once more alive to pangs of ignominy, And curse the easiest bonds of slavery. Once more I am a man to dare, to do. (Exit.) Scene II. — Room in the Captive Pa&lia of Rhodes^ palace. — Day. Enter Abrah. Ahrah. Ah, bravely ! bravely ! All things fare full well : That Harak will be mine, ay, and ere long ; I stung him in a tender point — his pride ! Fve won the profligate Persian — that wine-bib- bing. And woman-hunting shallow-pate : he's mine ^ His store of wit is trifling, yet he may Render substantial aid by other means. I have that miserly Akabar : the hope Of gloating with his avaricious eyes O'er heaps of glittering wealth hath tempted him. Whom nothing else could move, to brave this danger : Ah, gold ! thou art a Syren unto some. But one — one more is wanting : he will be Scene II.] abeah — the conspirator. S Most difficult to influence : Hark! what's this? Enter Moresca. How fares Moresca now ? As is her wont She wears all smiles, and such, they tell us, are True evidences of nmuch happiness. Moresca. And wrinkled brows betoken much dis- quietude ; But do not now upbraid me for my humor ; I am inclined to merriment, and thou To sombre thinking, — there the difference lies; But such things shall not ever come between us. Ahrah. Nay, Nay! I hold thee much too dear for that, And, since thou art all sunshine, do prefer The sunshine to the shadow. By my faith ! Thou look'st more fair than usual. Moresca. And thou More as if lightened of an irksome burden. But I am decked out for an interview. The Pasha learning of my qualities, H!alh sent for me to sing before him, Ahrah, Ah? Moresca. 'Tis so ; but be not jealous, I conjure thee ; I hate a jealous lover above all things ! Abrah. Nay, this is well; but sing him some wild song That will inflame his Moslem blood, and not The soft words of an amorous lay. Moresca. Why thus ? Ahrah. Ask not. He was a soldier : then proclaim The glories of red war — the rush of armies. And the commingled sounds of conflict — these, These best should suit a Moslem temperament 30 ABRAH — THE CONSPIRATOR. [Act 1. And stir the lofty spirit he possesses. Moresca. Thou knovv'st I can but tamely sing such themes, Yet will I do thy bidding. {Exit.) Ahrah. Thanks, sweet, thanks. {Pauses — then resumes.) She's gone : here shall I bide to learn the issue. If he be what he was, her fiery songs Will move him strangely. I have known the day He could be governed by the melody Of singing girls — made quiet or inflamed Unto the highest pitch of fury, but — (O, thou obstruive word! thou timorous doubter!) But now it may be otherwise indeed. Numidian lions were they fed with milk. And fattened with effeminate luxuries, Would become docile, ay, as meek as kittens ! I know not whether 't is so with the Pasha ; My hopes forbid me crediting the tale ; — But here he comes ; I shall withdraw myself He seems so deeply frenzied. — Ha, good imp I I bless thee much. {Exit.) Pasha entering at an opposite door. Pasha. That song has awakened up My half-extinguished feelings, and renewed Desires — which never can be more substantial — To be what once I was — to be again At liberty and powerful. I have been — Let others speak of that ; let Rhodes declare For there 't is known full well ; but what I am ' Let none say in too loud a breath. Poor self ! Scene II.] abrah — the conspikator. 11 Thou art a slave in silk whose gracious masters Nurse thee but to exemplify their mercy. Curses upon thee, emblem of my slavery ! {Throivs down his turhan.) Who trembles at the frov/ning brow that bears thee ? None but my brotherhood of serfs ; not one : The merest Christian dog can make me quake ; The shadow of a sword unnerves my heart ! And I Avho am thus, once feared not the boldest. Enter Abrah. What ! thou here wretch? thou who couldstbasel y aid In bringing me to this : art here to laugh And triumph o'er my fall } I tell thee hence Ere passion overleap the bounds of prudence. I have not learned to love a traitor yet ! Abrah. Nay, rave not thus : I've done the grievous wrong Pasha. That hell can witness : but no more ! no more ! Thy words provoke the demon in my nature And if it be loosed, though I am but a slave, 'T will bear hard on thee for thine insolence, Abrah. I grant this anger is deserved, but now, Having repented of my former crime, I offer an atonement equally matched. — ' Dost dare to think of freedom } Pasha. Curse the tongue Which would provoke me thus. I am a slave To whom such thoughts are things forbidden : away ! 12 ABRAII THE CONSPIRATOR. [Act I. Ahrah. I will not though thou threaten life : nay, nay; For I have come resolved to rescue thee And build a loftier empire for thy government. Pasha. What — who art thou to rave so wondrously ? Ahrali. In sooth, a very wretch who has undone But will make thee again. I am no dreamer, Or, if so, my dreams are realities Based upon solid grounds not speculation. Listen ! for I have that now to reveal May startle thee with wonder, yet believe. Pasha. Out with thy story ! Ahrah. Thou lovest liberty : Caged eagles fed upon the daintiest fare Will pine for their far mountains, and exult At chance of freedom ; why shouldst thou not too ? A thousand of thy fellow-captives feel Keenly as thou ; for, though their bonds be light. There is a bitter degradation with them Which makes the wearers chafe. I did perceive This fostering sph-it of discontent, and with Some of the boldest murmui'ei's discoursed How we might break from every link that binds us : 'Tis half resolved, and we but wait thy favor To perfect all things. Pasha. What can I avail ? Ahrah. More than thou dreamest. Let us reckon thee One of our number, and thereby we add Importance to our strength which will persuade The wavering multitude to aid our project. Scene III.] abrah — the conspikator. IS Pasha. Then let me be a leader in thy plot. Abrah. For such we purposed thee, and when success Has crowned the darUng demon we are nursing A throne is thine by universal sufFrage. Pasha. I'll enter whole-souled in this enterprize ; But first — who are thy fellow plotters ? — I Can vouch for all the devil that's in thee, But, as for them, I am in ignorance. Ahrah. They're men of note and influence with us : The vizier's son — Harak — is ours. The chief Who sailed thy galley, and the bravest captain That ever led the Janizars — Akabar — Are named as principals who will direct Our vast machinery. But short time hence We shall, being finally convoked, decide All measures. I will lead thee tliither, signer. If 't be thy pleasure. Pasha. Then I stand prepared. (Exeunt.) Scene Sd. — Garden near the F ash a's palace. Abrah, solus. Ha ! I have touched the spring which has unclosed The entrance to his secret disposition : If he thus countenance this first intrusion What will he not do when his thoughts and pas- sions Are trained to follow as I have directed ? Anticipation grows of tenfold import! My mind o'erleaps the moments to be spent In pondering and resolving all this project, 14 ABRAH — THE CONSPIRATOR. [Act I. And bears me to the end which is success. But these hopes should be nursed in secresy Till they have reached the age of full completion. Enter Moresca. Moresca. Since thou art thus alone I venture here ; Perchance I am unwelcome at the moment. Ahrali. Why harbor such a foolish fancy, girl ? Am I not always jealous of thy favor ? Moresca. Yea, on my faith ! there thou art over proper ; But when we are wedded I shall bring that pas- sion To a just state of moderation, sir ! Abrah. Now, by thine eyes! 'twas spoken cavalierly ; Thou 'dst stand well for a soldier of the guard. Moresca. Ay, I can be the soldier when I will And look as barbarously. Abrah. Well done, good sooth ! But couldst thou be the warrior more in deed ? Couldst aim a shot, or drive a dagger home On good occasion ? Moresca. Yea ! for once I did Good battle in my earlier days — 'twas when My father fell. I had been nursed amid The sounds of war and all its pageantry, And taught to laugh even in the face of danger ; What wonder then, that I stood by my sire When perils were most imminent, to aid him ? It made him proud to know his only child Inherited his valor as his virtues, The all — but that no sordid heritage — He had to leave her. But I wander much. Scene III.] AfiRAH~THE conspirator. 15 I said my father fell. I saw the knave Who pressed hhn to his death : as he cxuhed Above the bleeding corse my hand directed A shot that hurled him shrieking to thd earth. Ere I could flee from the unequal conflict His comrades captured me and bore me hither. Alrah. I see thou 'rt moulded for stern purposes^ And will confide to thee, what never women Other than thou might v/ell be trusted with. List! there's a plot which hastes to consummation, Moresca. {Seizing him hy the arm) A plot? Abrah. Ay, call it what thou wilt, — a plot Which shall of slaves make freemen. Moresca. Who be they Dare meditate it ? Abrah. Many, many, girl ! Myself; the captain of the guard — Moresca. What, Mirzah? Abrah. The same, and others of as fair condition, Fitted for such a noble enterprize. The Pasha knows of this : he might through fear Disclose our secret, therefore have I purposed To set thee as a guard upon his motions. Moresca. What, I ? Abrah. Ay, thou ; and if he should betray The show of such design, be it thy duty To give me knowledge of 't. Moresca. Light office, I do confess. Abrah. Well, wilt perform it then? Moresca. Yea, well and faithfully; and this I swear By all our mutual love ! 16 ABEAH — THE CONSPIRATOR. [Act H. Abrah. Fair oath enough ! Thy heart should not be bound with one too rough. Now do I put thy prudence to the proof. [Exeunt.) ACT II. Scene I. — Algiers. — Roo)n in the fortress. — Stoi'my without, ilnter Abdal, Tarik, and Kader, staggering^ hearing loine bottle and cuj)S. Abdal. Ah! good wine — Christian wine — ItaHan wine, Is a good thing — it fits one for all service. Now you and I can stand up to our duty — Most nobly. Well ; here are some chairs ; well done : Take seats! Tarik. Ay ; 'tis most comfortable here : Without 'tis foul ; a doubtful kind of day. Abdal. By Allah ! 'tis even blacker than thy hide : Wherefore, it is not day, I say. Kader. Nay, comrade, Pray jest about some matter else, for skins Are but indifferent things unless they be Abdal. All calf-skins like thine own. Kader. Nay^ nay, sir ; rather Goat-skins like thine to carry liquor in, Thou veteran swiller! Tarik Bravo for thy wit ! Did Abdal run upon such rocks too frequently. He would forswear the sea and be a donkey. Ahdal. Marry ! and thou wouldst be my brother ass, Because thy natural love of silliness, Scene I.] abrah — the conspirator. 17 Would metamorphose thee most speedily. {Signal gtm heard.) Hoa! hark! (Exit.) Tarik. Some vessel running into port. Kader. With a rough wind astern : heaven grant no losses ! Tarik. So say I, comrade ! fill and drink to that ! Re-enter Abdal. Ahdal. 'Tis a polacca, but she bears no flag To indicate her quality or nation. She is already at the mole — snug in — And giving out a portion of her contents. Kader. What be their shape ? round like a proper cask, For instance, or of doubtful form like thee ? Ahdal. To save thee chuckling at the expectation Of soaking thine old flesh in wine, I say They are constructed thus — even as thou art; Lame carcasses set upon legs as lame. But hand a cup of thy resuscitator ; I feel a special want of it just now. Kader, Ay, ay; we'll drink a round to fairer weather. Ahdal. Marry, and so we will. As thou 'rt a friend Of precious value and of good example, I shall be thy disciple. Tarik. So shall I, If all thy lessons be thus easily learned. Kader. Ye are most excellent pupils, on my word ! To understand instructions at a hint ; In faith ye've been more apt than I, good sirs, And learned my store of knowledge ere I taught it. {A knock at the door.) 2* 18 ABRAH — THE CONSPIRATOR. [Act II. What ! how now ! Who would disturb three hon- est gentlemen ? Voice without. Up, worthy friends ; admit us we be- seech you. Kader. Well, since ye are such rogues — nay, proper men. We grant your asking ; — Tarik ! to the door. (Tarik opens the door: enter tioo Strangers.) \st Stranger. Ye are most jovial gentlemen. — Good sirs. We crave your kindly offices a moment, . Being strangers in the town, and do desire Conducting to your captain. Kader. Who's our captain ? \st Stranger. Then, by thy grace ! good man, we do request You will direct us to the commandant. Kader. Nay ; I am ill at ease to day; I have, A racking of the limbs in such cursed weather, Which makes my step comport not with my dignity. Stranger ( to Tarik.) Then this good fellow will per- chance conduct us ; Come, I shall give thee something for thy ser- vice, Beside thou standest in more proper fashion, And art not subject to uneasy rockings Like thy more indiscreet associates ; - But haste ; delay like this may ruin states. (^Exit Stranger and Tarik.) Kader. As I'm an honest man I fear some danger ! Ahdal. Well, what is danger ? is 't a thing that walks, Or talks, or has a calf's head ? Scene IL] abrah — the conspirator. 19 Kader. Nay ; not thus, But dahger 's perilous ; now dost comprehend ? Ahdal. Come ! drink man, drink ! such noblemen as we Should not disturb our wits in solving p^-oblems, Of metaphysics : we'll leave them to fools More learned than ourselves. — Up ! drink again, And let us seek some other neighborhood. {Exeunt) Scene II. — Street in Algiers. Enter the Stranger and Hussein, the commandant. \st Stranger. Now, as thou hast full knowledge of our projects, I crave thy kind attention on the moment, To lead me to the presence of the Dey, This being matter of great urgency. Hussein. Thou shalt be shoAvn to him at once, and there Unfold this business to his private ear, And I do promise thee, well in advance, Thy suit will meet his favor, for he hath A nursed hate towards those knightly pirates, Who do molest our commerce on the seas. 1st Stranger. Thanks for thy fair encouragement, and now I shall despatch my comi'ade to our bark, That lie may make all ready for return, Upon the instant. Hussein. As ye best may think : I warrant a quick answer from the Dey. 1st Stranger {addressing his comrade.) Then, Hassan, to the port and follow out Our well advised intentions ; have things trim, 20 ABRAH THE CONSPIRATOR. [Act 11- That we may perfect our commission swiftly. (Exit Hassan.) Now, with thy favor, we'll proceed. Hussein,. Then follow : The palace is not distant, and thou shalt Gain due adiTiission to the royal presence. (Exeujit.) Scene III. — Roominihe Dey of Algiers'' j^cilace. — Detf seated. — Officer standing near. Bey. What ! news sayest 1hou ? Officer. Ay, signor : news I wish I knew not, or had other choice Than to inform you of. Dey. Ha, sir ; ill tidings : 'Tis thus thy heshation I interpret. But of what nature is the loss ? did't chance On land or sea ^ Officer. At sea. Our noblest galley Was run down by a christian armament, And though our seamen stood courageously. Superior numbers overcame their strength. But not their spirit, and did seize the bark With loss of many knights. Bey. Whence came this tale ? Officer. 'Twas from the lips of an expiring man, A sharer in the fight, who, being wounded Beyond all hope of remedy, was launched Upon the waters in a little boat. That waves and wind combined might drive him homeward To bear us informatiom of disaster. Bey. By Allah ! I shall be revenged for this-— Scene III.] abrah — the conspirator. 21 This outrage on my power : — my noblest ship Attacked at vantage, captured and drawn off To form the vaunted matter of a spectacle For Maltese thieves ! Ay, I shall have full vengeance. Prepare a fleet at once, sir ; see 'tis manned With choicest crews, and filled with veteran troops Who can be trusted to the last of life. Do this with utmost haste and diligence, And further orders thou shalt have anon. {Exit Officer.) Enter Slave. Dey. What now ? Slave. There's one without — a stranger — Who, with the commandant, Hussein, desires Admittance to an audience. Dey. Let them enter. {Exit Slave — re-enter with Hussein and the Stranger.) Dey. What craves a hearing for this morning, Hussein ? Hussein. Your highness shall be straight informed of it ; As 'tis a business of no usual import, We feared a moment of delay at present Might cause more ruin than an hour hereafter. Dey. But who may be this foreigner ? Hussein. 'Tis he Who has so large an interest in this visit. Dey. Explain ! Whence comes he ? Stranger. From the Maltese isle 1 come on special embassy to thee. But some days back I left Valetta's port. Disguised, in a polacca : I have been 2 32 ABRAH THE CONSPIEATOR. [Act 11. The sport of every wind and wave since then Till driven into this harbor, Allah's blessing Rested upon my enterprize, else had The waters merged me in their tm-gid bosom, And drowned thereby the hopes of toiling thou- sands. Dey. 'Twas rough adventure : the reward should be Most great in contrast to the perils braved. Strangir. 'Tis in thy power to aid in recompensing And filling up the measure of return. Dey. Then tell us further that I may decide. Stranger. Know then there's a conspiracy devised Will hurl the empire of thine enemies, The luxurious knights of Malta, from its base : The mine is dug — the train is laid — the brand That will enkindle the volcanic elements is blazing, till the signal shall be made To touch this agent of black desolation. Dey. What ! has such monstrous progeny seen light, ■ Nor given a foe alarm at its existence } Stranger. None meditate its being saving those Whose hands are ready to accumulate ruin. Trust me, all whom 'twill swallow in destruction Are lulled into the deep security Of apathetic slumber. Dey Tell us then What aid ye could expect or ask from me. Since standing thus assured of victory .? Stranger. That will I, for 'tis upon that commission 1 have been ordered thus into your presence. Our council have desired a fleet should be In awaiting, to assist us, both to hold Scene III.] abrah — the conspirator. 23 And garrison the fortresses when taken ; This our small force could do indifferently Against a people mad and up in arms, Wherefore our chief, the captive lord of Rhodes, Advised with despatch to seek thy court And there lay openly this cause before thee. Dey. Since that the promise of success is such, And these ennobled bondsmen maybe rescued, Ye shall receive the best of my support. And, aiding you, I shall revenge myself. Go bear this answer to thy friends, and say My fleet shall not be lacking on that day. {Exeu7it.) ACT III. Scene I. — Malta, — Night. — Room in the Jeio^s house. Abrah, solus. Abrah. That hour is hastening on which shall decide My after destiny. I have been tossed, A very nothing, on the sea of fortune, Grasping at moderate hopes which were but straws To buoy me. Ambition made of me A villanous traitor, proffering such wages As treachery never gained to blind my eyes ; This is my only boon — to be a slave ! A mark for every finger of contempt ! Yet am I not one to be bowed and crushed. Suffering submissively the scorn of knaves ; Their many churlish sneerings have begotten 111 spirits in my soul, ay, and full soon The unnatural offspring will forsake their hell 24 ABRAH THE CONSPIEATOR. [Act III. To punish terribly these cursed oppressors. They, who should have rewarded me but did not, Shall blot the charge against them with their > blood : I've sworn it ; I have toiled with this sole aim, And hoarded up my wrongs, and counted them. Like a starved miser would his gold, and shall Exact a fearful interest on the sum. {Enter Hauak and Mirzah.) Harak. How now ! alone good sir ? Ahrah. Nay, not alone. For hopeful devils keep my company And sport about this idle dagger's point, Chiding its uselessness. Mirzah. They are rash imps As I can vouch for thee. In sooth, although My sword has done small service for a season, I let none say it has too long repose : If it be ready to perfoi'm good duty In a fit crisis, let it e'en rust now. Harak. Yea, let your swords hang useless for a time ; It will not harm their temper. 'Tis the hand On which depends their virtue ; if it be Unnerved like a coward's, then your blades, Though of an edge invisibly keen, would be But as mere straws. — But let's to business now, Nor in such aimless speech consume the night. Ahrah. So should we, yet we are but half in council : The Pasha cannot join us here to night. Mirzah. All else are not far distant. Ibrahim, And Akabar will quickly give attendance ; Indeed they enter on my word. Scene I.] , abrah — the conspirator. 25 Enter Ibrahim and Akabar. Ibrahim. Good friends, Success attend upon our purposings ! — I met with brief delay, and now would hasten The matter of our meeting. Abrah. Welcome both ! And now we shall proceed to make report Of what each severally has done. Ibrahim. So be it ! And first — if 't be your pleasure — FU unfold The result of my embassy in brief. The Dey has given full promise of support And in such manner as ye had requested ; His fleet is now upon the seas, awaiting To stretch its sails into our port ^vheneYer The signal of success shall be exalted. Fidl twenty barks compose the armament, These, with the veteran thousands they will bear us, And captains of high note, will much avail To make the conquest of our isle secure. Harak. He makes no claims then for this gracious aid ? Ibrahim. He did present none on our interview, But proffered all with little questioning. Mirzah. Thus far our hopes are fair. Harak. Ay, as we wish ! — Now have we ready in this city's walls A triple thousand, armed and schooled for ac- tion. Watching in expectation of the mandate Which shall require the service of their swords. Six hundred veterans obey my word ; 26 ABRAH THE CONSPIRATOR. [Act III. Mirzah has even more, and Akabar Has an awaiting legion. Akabar. Then to-night Let us decide the order of our action, Day, hour, and sign, and points for the attack. Ahrali. These has the Pasha, aided by the counsel Of Plarak and myself, determined on ■ After all due deliberation. — Thus Is our arrangement, which, with just consent Of those who bear chief interest in the matter, Will be the rule of guidance. Ye must know That 't is the wont of Maltese citizens To leave Valetta at St. Peter's feast, Seeking the Ciie Notable. At noon. When 't will be thus deserted, 't is proposed To rise in arms and seize upon the town. Mirzah. What signal shall inform us of the moment ? Abrah. Soklan will show thee that ! He has instruction To stab that gray-beard Pinto and display His head upon the palace-balcony : Then let each dagger be well-aimed and drink A sea of knightly blood ! Hear and obey ! {Addressing Mirzah.) Thou, with thy band, wilt seize upon the gates ; Ibrahim will take and hold the cavaliers ; Thou, Akabar, wilt seize the arsenal ; liarak and I will rush upon St. Elmo ; With these in fast possession we shall stand Against all efforts, till the promised fleet Bear in to our support. This is the plan We have devised, and, with your joint assent, It shall become the strict law of our enterprise. [Scene 11. abrah — the conspikatou. 27 Akahar. \i seems well fitted for successful issues. Harak. Then do ye all approve it ? All Ay. Harak. If all, Then stands it for our government : let each Be perfect in his part, so shall success All our endurance and exertions bless ! (Exeunt.) Scene II. — Room in the Jeio'^s house. — Abrah and MiRZAH seated. Abrah. Here bide awhile, and we will set apart This night for feasting, and that full enjoyment Our expectations for the future warrant. Mirzah. Well, as thou wilt : I am a gentle fellow, Pliant, — if rightly plied, — and will do aught To favor a firm friend, even to the death, If I am lightly fingered. Abrah. Thou art honest In this revealing of thyself, in faith ! If roughly used thou wouldst be on the instant A nettle to the touch ; — is't so ? Mirzah. Ay, marry ! Abrah. I know thee then, an't please thee call the Jew : I'll order things meet for our entertainment. Mirzah. (Stejjping to a side door.) Ho ! Jew ; walk thyself hither for our service. Israel. (Without.) I come, good gentlemen ! (Enters.) Abrah. Now Israel, Bring up thy best of wine ; quick, and stint not, And thou shalt drink to our success with us. Now get thee gone ! (Jew leaves the room, 28 AERAH THE CONSPIRATOR. [Act III. Lowing ; rc-eniers hearing bottle and glasses^ which lie deposites on the table. Ahrah. Now let us drink " to a successful issue Of our grand enterprise." Mirzah. Well done ! — Well drank ! Nay, Israel, cast not such penurious glances Upon the board ; good wine was made to drink. Abrah. Tremble not for thy profits : they '11 be paid To the minutest fraction, thou sly knave. Mirzah. We will remember thee. Israel. • Then heaven grant Your memories fail not ere it be too late : I've known as honest gentlemen as ye. Who had that curious fault, forgetfulness, In unbecoming quantity, And, when I humbly craved a just attention To their given promises, they judged more proper To pay their trifling scores in damns than duc- ats. I hope ye are not such, good gentlemen ! Abrah. Go! thou ai't foolish, Jew : Begone! Hast thou so soon forgotten we will be Of power to command thy present masters ? Israel. Thou sayest so ; yet I have certain fears Thou wast not formed for other than thou art. Ahrah. Away, thou miserly scoundrel ! thou dry-bones ! Or, by my life, I'll break this sword about thee. {Strikes ivith his sioord at the Jeio, %oho jlies from the roo)n.) Accursed dog ! 'tis well he fled so quickly, Else had he suffered for his insolence. Scene IL] abrah — the conspirator. 29 Mirzah. Nay, be more calm : sheatlie thy steel and sit down. Abrah. Fill up ! I am calm. Let us drink again. Mirzah. Thy pleasure's my command, which thus I do. Abrah. This wine grows vile, and yet it hath the hue Of the most famous. Captain, canst explain this? Mirzah. Marry ! I can illuminate this question To so intense degree it shall be evident To one as dull as thou. First, ansv.er me : Cannot all women seem true, yet play false ? Virtue is but, at best, vice well invested With fair-trimmed garments which do trick the eye iBy their most modest whiteness : tlicrefore, I suv Women look angels when they act like devils. Speak I not truth ? Abrah. A curse on thy philosophy ! 'Tis falsity ! did I believe one woman Acted as thou hast said all will, by heaven, This dagger should conclude her tricking life ! Mirzah. What ! art thou, too, become a woman's play- thing, The bauble she may sport with for day, And cast aside when it gives no more pleasure ? I had conceived thee wiser. Abrah. How ! m^ wiser ! Thou sayest I am but a woman's toy : 1 read thy speech : — thou entertainest spite Because some amorous suit of thine was scorned 5 This has given thy philosophy so sour A sentiment that it derides all virtues. Mirzah. I have been too successful in my suits -, 3* 30 ABRAH THE CONSPIRATOR. [Act IV, } could say that which would inflame thy hea/t Against her whom thou thinkest most honora- ble. Ahrah. Against whom ? name ! {grasping his poig- nard.) Mirzah. If thou wilt press me 'tis Abrah. 'Tis who ? Mirzah. The Moorish girl, Abrah. Curse on thy tongue. Thou lying dog ! I '11 pierce thy coward's heart, And drink my fill of revenge ere we part. {Attemps to stab Mirzah who files from the room. Abrah pursues, scene closes.) ACT IV. Scene I. — Roovi in the Jew''s house. — Morning. — Is- rae£.-^Rachael, his tcife — Rebecca his daughter^ Rachael. I toll thee, Israel, reveal this all ! Thou shalt not have aught more connexion with Such dangerous miscreants. There is thy wine Wasted and drunk, and that without due par- ment, Thy house become a very den of riof, Therefore I tell thee for thine own salvation Unfold this plot to the Grand-Master Pinto. Israel. Hush thy vile prattle, wench ! I cannot think : Thou art a chattering wittol. Cease, I say, Thy clatter troubles me. Rebecca. Nay, father, listen ! Hear, for thy daughter's sake, and do at once Disclose this matter, as 't were best, ert nun Fall on us. Scene IL] abrah — the conspirator. 31 Israel. Ruin, child ? How can we be More wretched, ruined than we are already ? Nay, think again and weigh thy speeches more. Rebecca. Alas ! we are not wretched as we nnight be ! Should all this secret project be discovered, Thyself wouldst be the first to suffer death : O, would not then our ruin be far surer ? Israel. What ! child, would not my grey hairs rescue me From the insatiable executioner's axe ? Rebecca. Nay, nay, 'tis fearful to be thought on ; nay I Not all our tears, nor all thy silvery hairs. Not all our supplications then could save thee. Rachael. Fly, old man, fly, with all the little strength Thy limbs possess, — fly to the castle now ; To Pinto's self, or whom thou wilt, declare This nursing treason. Fly ere 'tis too late : Thy life and ours arc hanging upon this. Resolve, and save us : — save thy wife, — thy daughter ! Rebecca. Fly ! father, save thyself, I do beseech thee ! Israel. Yea, as thou wilt, my daughter, shall I do. (Exeunt.) Scene II. — Day. — The front of the Grand Master's palace. Mirzah, solus. Here let me ponder whilst I am alone, And give my mind free leave to think. Last night We had determined all things ; named the time,-'— The manner of the cursed revolt which should Hurl down the fabric of this governmeijt. Ii2 ABRAH THE CONSPIRATOK. [Act IV. Some ill-advising spirit did persuade me, Blinded with folly, to work my undoing. And thus long hath been near me to encourage The suicidal purpose. It did bring My feet unto the very verge of ruin — Even to the edges of the precipice, Yet ere I tottered into the abyss Which gaped an utter hell beneath, some sound — A starting admonition — did arouse ^me. And placed my judgment on the watch for dan- ger ; And thus am I delivered — saved. I would Have rushed into the bosom of destruction. Had not the demon of that hasty Moor Prompted him to attack my life. By heaven ! I thank him for the deed ; for what did menace A present ill will prove a future good. I shi.U no longer band with such a villain, But by a revelation will discharge My soul of foul intentions, and escape The penalty reserved for such a treason. {Enter Israel.) Israel. Alone upon thy watch, good Captain ? Mirzah. How ! Who questions me ? What ! Israel, the Jew ! What brings the hither ? Thou art in a tremor, As though some ill adventure had befallbn. Israel. Nay, naught of that. Mirzah. Then what may bring thee hither.' Perchance thou hast met that villanous Moor : Is't so ? Israel. How villanous.^ Ye were before so gracious, So amiably inclined unto each other : Scene II.] abrah — the conspirator. 33 That quarrel o'er my wine has changed thy na« lure. Mirzah, Ay, changed beyond all further chance of change. I have so undergone all these mutations, That the result is fixedness immovable : I will not harbor with such dogs again ; — Nay, I would rather live a slave than be A prince among such wretches ! Israel. Then, good Sir, I do agree with thee, and have abjured Such damned company, and will no more Assist them in their murderous machinations. I have resolved to unfold this bloody secret Unto thy Master, Pinto de Fonseca, And, if thou wilt, we'll visit him together. Thus shall we save ourselves from that perdition Which surely waits on all detected traitors. Mirzah. Thy thoughts and resolutions are my own : But in this matter how shall we proceed ? 'Twere best to point out that conspirator Who hath done both of us chief injury ; Let him declare, in his own implication, Whom he may please. Thus we'll redeem ourselves. Nor openly accuse our gentler comrades. Israel. Such being thy advice, as't seems most proper,, I will obey ; and now with thy sure guidance, We shall obtain admission to the Palace. {Exeunt.) 34 ABRAH — THE CONSPIRATOR. [Act IV. Scene III. Grand Master'' s clianiber. — Grand Master Pinto pacing the floor alone. Pinto. I have a feverish sense of danger imminent And hanging on a breath, which keeps my heart Unsettled and my brain upon the rack Of anxious doubting. These ill fears have made A torture of repose, and driven away Calm slumber from my pillow. They may be The fancies of a soldier in his dotage, And yet I do belie my resolution To think 'tis so : ay, there must be some truth In these suspicions that do come upon me, And press me to attention unadvisedly. Fancies that do spring up without the fore- thought, Cannot be merely nothings. There's a fleet Now hovering in our seas which augurs evil : This morn I shall despatch my well-armed gal- leys To rid the waters of this gathering mischief: Yet this is no just cause of my disquiet : I have no dread of slaves who are but sons Of sires ourselves have vanquished, times un- numbered. My fears spring not from this ; I have an awe Of an indefinite something — what I know not. Slave enters. Slave. The Captain of thy guard is here without, Asking a hearing for himself and comrade. Pinto. Admit them then, and stand thou within com- pass Of any signal for attendance. Ha ! (Slave exit.) Scene III.] abrah — the conspirator. 35 What may this mean ? — it doth look more than singular. (Enter Mirzah and Jew.) What prompts thee to an interview, good cap- tain ? Knowest thou aught more of this armament, That would well justify our vigorous action In scattering it ? Mirzah. Nay, 'tis for other purpose That I have made intrusion on thy quiet. Pinto. What portion hath this Israelite in the affair ? Mirzah. Signer, he is a principal and witness In what we shall inform thee of. Pinto. 'Tis well. Now hasten in thy business : what's its bear- ing ? Israel. 'Tis hideous, Sir, beyond comparison. Pinto. What ? how .'' Speak in plain phrases, not dark hints. That I may comprehend this mystery. Mirzah. Then shall we : 'tis of monstrous treachery That works in darkness. Grant thy pardon, And guarantee our safety, we'll unveil The hell that gapes to swallow up the State. Treason is in thy walls : poignards are whetted To massacre thy knights, ay, and thyself. Swear, on thy faith, we shall be safe in speak- ing. Pinto. By heavens ! 'tis strange. Those sudden au- guries That whispered ill were faithful monitors. I warrant you your lives, upon my honor ! Mirzah. Then listen : — there are banded now together 36 ABRAH — ^THE CONSPIRATOR. [Act IV. The chief slaves of thine order. They have met In this Jew's house, and held deliberate counsel How they might best subvert the government, And take it to themselves. Abrali, the Moor — Pinto. What ! he who aided in his Pasha's capture ? Mirzah. The same. Pinto. O, double traitor ! He is full Of villany as hell itself, — as fiendish As the chief devil in foul Pandemonium Mirzah. All thou hast said he is, and even more : He is unfaithful to his very allies. Last night he drew his poignard upon me, And had I not fled quickly from his presence, Would e'en have stabbed me to the heart ; — all this Because, being o'er excited with his wines, I let my tongue lie lightly of his mistress, Who, as 1 can avow, is fair and virtuous : The Jew can bear me witness this is truth. Israel. What he has said is true in the report ; — This Moor is a rash ruffian, Signer ; wherefore I do advise that he should be arrested, And, being secured, the mainspring of this plot Thereby is taken away. Pinto. It shall be done. Captain, send guards to seize him on the instant, And bear him to the council hall ; meanwhile The Jew shall make me further revelations On which thou shalt receive thy future orders. {Exit Mirzah.) What hast thou more to make report of, Jew ? Scene IV.] abkaji — the conspirator. 37 Jit'acL This; — Harak's cliief promoter of this scheme; He, with the Moor, had purposed to attack St. Elmo on the feast of Paul ; Ihrahim ^Vould storm the cavaliers ; and Akabar The arsenal. Soldan, thy slave, 'twas planned Should murder thee, and show thy bleeding head On the front balcony : — this was declared Tlic sign for general revolt, whereon Each knight would meet assassins at his door ; The town, once in possession, they would hold Until the Barbary fleet bore in to aid them : This I o'erheard last night, whilst in my house Tiiey were assembled for a last advisement. Vinlo. This is enough of treachery I O God ! That all my leniency to such base slaves Should only prove a curse unto myself, And bring a deep damnation upon them ! It were enough to make mo quite forswear All gentleness of heart, ay, all humanity, (Since kindness meets such black ingratitude,) And be a tyrannous ruler hence forever. — Come ! I shall bring the law upon these traitors. [Exexint.) Scene IV. — Judgmntf. chcanher. — Grand Master, Pin- to. — XiMiNEs, Rohan, and other Knights, seated heside him. Pinto. Brothers, 'tis for a fearful counselling Ye are thus called together. I have learned Of lurking treachery on the eve of bursting From its concealment. Traitors are in our streets ; Yea, in our very halls. Our slaves have plighted Strange oaths to massacre us all, — not one 38 ABRAH THE CONSPIRATOR. [Act IV. VVMio has been less indulgent than another, But all are objects of the infernal plot. The chief conspirators I have ta'en means To bring before you. ^ Ximines. Let us, then, behold them ! Pinto. Guard, bring them hither with the witnesses I (Office)' bows and departs.) (Enter Abhaii, Harak, Ibrahim, Akaear and Soi.dan ■in cJiains.) These, brothers, are main actors in the scheme ; That slave (pointing to Soldan.) was pledged to take my life ; the others Were leaders, having each some special point Which to attack ; the occasion our next feast day : No head was to be exempt from general doom ; Knight, citizen, man, woman, child, were all In merciless slaughter to be o'orvvhelmed. These men, (pointing to Mikzah and tJie Jew,) arc evidence, and will avouch The truth of my narration. Mirzah. Tis even so. De Rohan. Are none else chiefly implicated ? Pinto. ' None, Ahrah. I swear 'tis false ! Pinto. How, villain ? — speak ! Ahrah. - I shall; Since 'tis disclosed, none shall escape thy ven. gcance. Know the Pasha 's as culpable as we. De Rohan. The Pasha ? Ahrah. Ay, sir, though thou seem'st to doubt it ? Scene IV.] abkah^— the conspikator. 39 These are my witnesses ; appeal to them, {turu' ing to his felloiv prisoners.) Ximines. In faith ! the knave speaks strangely. Is this trits ? [Addressing the prisoners.) AU. Yea. Pinto, Then, brother knights proceed to judgment in- stantj Since ye are of this treason well assured. The fate of these is first at your disposal ; Another time we shall deliberate on The proper punishment for the nobler traitor. The just award to all of them were death, But for the manner use your own discretion, And be not influenced by partial passion. {The knights consult together.) De Rohan. Then thus do we prescribe their deaths at once. To terrify their fellows one shall be Consumed upon the walls; another shall Be broken on the wheel ; one torn apart By adverse-rowing galleys ; some be bound And hurled into the sea : but as they all Are equally criminal, let each by the dice Decide which of these deaths shall be his own. Ximines. These sentences are awful, yet proportioned - To the vile crimes, which they would have com- mitted. We do agree in this. Pinto. Then as ye will .' I dare not ask the slightest mitigation, Since all my former favors to these wretches Hath met unkindliest return. Old Jew, Thou, and my captain, Mirzah, stand ac(juiited, 40 ABRAH THE CONSPlRATOK. [Act V. As I have pledged my honor on your safet\^ Now, guards, conduct the prisoners to their cells, And see them well secured. Upon the morrow Their execution shall take place as ordered. {Exeunt guard and prisoners.) Alas ! that in my age such cares should come To fret my heart and sink me to the tomb ! {Exeu7ii.) ACT V. Scene I. — Slreei in Malta. — Morning : — Enter tieo citizens., 7neeting. \st Citizen. A good morn to thee, signor ! 'Zd Citizen. And to thee ! But whither hieing at so fair a pace ? It must be business of a vast importance Which sends thee forth, in such unwonted hastei At this hour of the day. \st Citizen. Ay ; 'tis a matter Of most unusual occurrence here, Which hath led me into the thoroughfares Of trade and travel, at this present time ; And yet 'tis no affair in which I have A more particular, private interest Than thou and all the noble citizens Of this good town. 2d Citizen. To what dost thou make reference f If it relate to my gain equally With yours I shall accept my share in it ; But I have just arrived and learnt of naught Which so affects us : pray, what may it ber Scene I.] abrah — the conspirator. 41 Is^ Ciliten. Then, sir, tliou hast not the intelligence ? 2d Citizen. Nay ; on my word, I have heard nothing good, Bad, nor indifferent since the capture of The Algerine galley. Speak out, signer, speak ! Thou dost delight too much in tantalizing The ears of an inquirer : tell this briefly. IsL Citizen. Well, briefly, tlien. — To day some scores of slaves. Who 've been discovered in conspiracy Against our lives and tliose of our brave knights. Will executed be, as was prescribed By the Grand Master and consistory. "Zd Citizen. Ha, this is news indeed ; most unexpected I must avow. Jesu ' how fortunate Were you in the unmasking and destroying Of their designs: but how were their intentions Given to publicity ? 1st Citizen. The common story ! Two of their number did make information Upon the eve of the revolt, whereby The danger was crushed in its infancy; The words of these two daamed their fellows fully. 2d Citizen. And who were they ? \st Citizen, An old Jew and the captain Of Pinto's body-guard : these have been par- doned : The others — slaves — will expiate their crime By death alone. But come thou to the plaza ; There we'll behold the chief decapitated. *4 42 ABRAH — THE CONSPIRATOR. [Act V, 2d Citizen. Beheaded ! Heavens, it makes my blood run chill ! Nay, I cannot look on men dying thus. 1st Citizen. What, does a Maltese talk so ? 2d Citizen. Ay ; a Maltese Who has borne arms into the perilous battle, For his state's service, and returned with then^ Dented and red with blood ; yet those I slew Were in confused conflict, whilst my mind Was worked into a frenzy. I ne'er saw A soul wrenched solemnly from life ; not I. 1st Citizen. Ha ! ha ! Thank God, I entertain no qualms Upon this subject. I could gaze at felons, Condemned by laws of justice, suffering death. Though their heads fell by hundreds on the scaffold, As calmly as if ihey were ravening dogs. Let the law have its way, say I. Si Citizen. And I Say let me have my way ; so fare thee well. ( Turns to depart.) \st Citizen. Nay, tarry yet ; I see the priest approach- ing, Who has been ministering to a criminal — The Moor : stay, signor, I shall question him Touching the culprit. Be obsequious now ; Put on thee due solemnity, and give Thy countenance a sanctimonious cast : Thou 'It see how 't will induce him to converse Familiarly. 2^^ ^^ ;^^n^ l^^ ?>■"'■>>>: i>.X?a >^. ;->V«..vv;3^TS,,> . ;•^S^»'^'''?l^»?WY ^^ 3> ■c»^i7ii:^ > . -'>Tw> >.->, >i;i» A .-iyriwft "^SB*- : ?. ^ ,?»^?JS»> jj:^>>'> .jz»->l>eJ. , f>.> ir> -ji-^issefc- VaI UMWAU.UUrViJ LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 015 973 498 5 • mm0^mf^: W^M ^^^M■>^^