BARB AROSSA : A TRAGEDY , IN FIVE ACTS. B Y DR. BROWN* As performed at the THEATRE ROYAL, COVENT GARDEN, (first published in London, 1754 .) NEW-YORK: PUBLISHED BY D. LONG WORTH, At the Dramatic Repository, Shakspeare- Gallery. 1805 ? PROLOGUE. Written by david garrick, esq. and spoken by him in the character of a country boy. Measter! measter! Is not my measter here among you, pray ? Nay, speak-—my measter wrote this fine new play ——— The actor folks are making such a clatter ! They want the pro-log—I know nought o’ th* matter! He must be there among you—took about — A weezen, pale fac’d man, do—find him out - Pray, measter, come—or all will fall to sheame ; Call mister — hold—I must not tell his name. Law ! what a crowd is'here ! what noise and pother l Fine lads and lasses! one o' top o' tother f 1 could for ever here with wonder geaze ! I ne'er saw church so full in all my days ! Your servant, surs !—what do you laugh for ? eh l You donna take me sure for one o' the' play ? You should not flout an honest country lad— You think me fool, and I think you half mad: You’re all as strange as 1, and stranger too, And, if you laugh at me, I'll laugh at you . [laughing I donna like your London tricks, not I, And, since you, rais'd my blood, I’ll tell you why ? And, if you wull, since now I am before ye. For want of pro log, I'll relate my story , 4 PROLOGUE I came from country here to try myfeate, And get a place among the rich and great; But troth Tm sick o' th'journey l had ta'en, 1 like it not—would I were whoam agaen l First, in the city 1 took up my station. And got a place with one o' th corporation, A round big man—he eat a plaguy deal, Zooks, he’d have beat five ploomen at meal! But long with him l could not make abode, For could you think it ?—he eat a great sea-toad l It came from Indies— twas as big as me, He call'd it bell y-patch, and capapee : Law ! how 1 star'd—1 thought—who knows, but I, For want of monsters, may be madeapye ! Bather than tarry here for bribe or gain, TU back to whoame, and country fare again, I left toad eater ; then / serv'd a lord, And there they promis'd !—but ne'er kept their word, While mong the great , thisgeaming work the trade is, They mind no more poor servants, than their ladies. A lady next , who lik'd a smart young lad, Hir'd me forthwith — but, troth I thought her mad r She turn'd the world top down as I may say. She chang'd the day to neet, the neet to day ! 1 stood one day with coach, and did but stoop To put the footboard down, and with her hoop She cover’d me all over —Where are you, lout ? Here, maam, says l, for heav'n's sake let me out! I was so sheam'd with all her freakish ways, She wore her gear so short, so low her stays —* Fine folks show all for nothing now*a days! Now I'm the poet's man—1 find with wits There's nothing sartaini—nay , zve eat by fits. PROLOGUE S Our meals, indeed, are slender,—what of that ? Xhere are but three on’s — measter, /, and cat. Did you but see us all, as I’m a sinner, You'd scarcely say, which of three is thinner. My wages all depend on this night's piece, But should you find that all our swans are geese ! E' feck I'll trust no more to measter's brain, But pack up all, and whistle whoame again,. A 2 DRAMATIS PERSON^. Nexv-York Selim, * Master Payne Barbarossa, - Mr. Rutherford Othman, . Mr. Robertson Sadi, - - Mr. Tyler Aladin, - - Mr. Parley Officer, » Mr. Doyle Slave, r * Mr. Lindslcy Zaphira, V , . Mrs. Tioaits Irene, - Mrs. Parley. Slave, - Miss White Officers, attendants, and slaves. scene, the royal palace of Algiers. time, a few hours about midnight. The passages marked (“) are omitted in ref ire. ■sentqtion. BARBAROSSA, A C T I. SCENE I. enter OTHMANanc? slave. Oth. A stranger say’st thou; that inquires of Othtnan ? Slave. He does : and waits admittance. Oth. Did he tell His name and quality ? Slave. That he declin’d : But call’d himself thy friend. “ Oth. Where didst thou see him ? Slave. Ev’n now while twilight clos’d the day, I spied him Musing amid the ruins of yon tow’r That overhangs the flood. On my approach, With aspect stern, and words of import dark, He question’d me of Othman. Then the tear Stole from his eye. But when I talk’d of power And courtly honors here conferr’d on thee, His frown grew darker: all I wish, he cried, Xs to confer with him, and then to die.” Oth. What may this mean ?—-conduct the stran* ger to roe, \exit slave BARBAROSSA [BrOW* Perhaps some worthy citizen, return’d From voluntary exile to Algiers, Once known in happier days. enter sadi. Ah, Sadi here! My honor’d friend! Sadi. Stand oft-—pollute me not. . These honest arms, though worn with want, disdain Thy gorgeous trappings earn'd by foul dishonor. Oth. Forbear thy rash reproaches : for beneath This habit, which to thy mistaken eye Confirms my guilt, I wear a heart as true As Sadi’s to my king. Sadi. Why then beneath This cursed roof, this black usurper’s palace, Durst thou to draw infected air and live The slave of insolence ! « why lick the dust Beneath his feet, who laid Algiers in ruin ? But age, which should have taught thee honest caution, lias taught thee treachery ! Oth. Mistaken man ! Could passion prompt me to licentious speech Like thine- Sadi. Peace, false one ! peacethe slave to power, / Still wears a pliant tongue.” O, shame to dwell With murder, lust, and rapine ! did he not Come from the depths of Barca’s solitude, With fair pretence of faith and firm alliance ? Did not our grateful king, with open arms, Receive him as his guest ? o, fatal hour! Did he not then, with hot, adult’rous, eye, Gaze on the queen Zaphira ? yes, twas lust,. Lust gave th’ infernal whisper to his soul V| I Jet i] BARBAROSSA 9 And bade him murder, if he would enjoy ! « O, complicated horrors ! hell-born treach’ry! Then fell our country, when good Selim died l’’ Yet thou, pernicious traitor, unabash’d Can’st wear the murd’rer’s badge. Oth. Mistaken man! « Yet hear me, Sadi- Sadi. What can dishonor plead ? Oth. Yet blame not prudence. Sadi. Prudence! the stale pretence of ev’ry knave ! The traitor’s ready mask!” Oth. Yet still I love thee : Still unprovok’d by thy intemperate zeal, Could passion prompt me to licentious speech ? Bethink thee !—Height I not reproach thy flight With the foul names of fear and perfidy, Didst thou not fly when Barbarossa’s sword Reek’d with the blood of thy brave countrymen* What then did I ?—beneath this hated roof, In pity to my widow’d queen-- Sadi. In pity ? Oth. Yes, Sadi: heaven is witness, pity sway’d me. “ Sadi. Words, words ! dissimulation all, and guilt! Oth.’* With honest guile I did enrol my name In the black list of Barbarossa’s friends : In hope, that some propitious hour might rise When heav’n would dash the murd’rer from his throne And give young Selim to his orphan’d people. Sadi. Indeed! can’st thou be true ? Oth By heav’n, I am. Sadi . Why then dissemble thus ? BARBAROSSA \Bronm 10 Oth. Have I not told thee ? I held it vain to stem the tyrant's power By the weak efforts of an ill-tim’d rage. Sadi. “ Enough I find thee honest: and with pride Will join thy counsels. “ This, my faithful arm, Wasted with misery, shall gain new nerves For brave resolves.” Can aught,my friend,be done? Can aught be dar’d i Oth. We groan beneath the scourge^ This very morn, on false pretence of vengeance For the foul murder of our honor’d king, Five guiltless wretches perish’d on the rack. “ Our long-lov’d friends, and bravest citizens, Self-baoish’d to the desert, mourn in exile : While the fell tyrant lords it o'er a crew Of abject sycophants, the needy tools Of power usurp’d, and a degenerate train Of slaves in arms.” Sadi. O, my devoted country t But say, the widow’d queen—my heart bleeds for her. Oth. If pain be life, she lives : “ but in such woe, As want and slavery might view with pity, And bless their happier lot !’• hemm’d round by terrors, Within this cruel palace, once the seat Of e'v’ry joy, through sev’n long tedious years, She mourns her murder’d lord, her exil’d son, Her people fall’n : the murd’rer of her lord, Returning now from conquest o’er the moors, Te opts her ,to marriage : « spunAl at ©nee by lust. And black ambition.” But with noble firmness^ Surpassing female, she rejects his vows. BARBAROSSA a jkt i] I Scorning the horrid union. Meantime he, With ceaseless hate, pursues her exil’d son ; I “ And—-o, detested monster 1 (weeps) Sadi. Yet more deeds Of cruelty 1 just heav’n ! Oth. His rage pursues’* The virtuous youth, ev’n into foreign climes. Ere this, perhaps, he bleeds. A murd’ring ruffian Is sent to watch his steps, and plunge the dagger Into his guiltless breast. Sadi. Is this thy faith! j Tamely to witness to such deeds of horror! ! Give me thy poignard ; lead me to the tyrant. What though surrounding guards— Oth. Repress thy rage. Thou wilt alarm the palace, wilt involve Thyself, thy friend, in ruin. Haste thee hence ; ; Haste to the remnant of our loyal friends, And letmaturer councils rule thy zeal. Sadi. Yet let us ne’er forget our prince’s wrongs. f Remember, Othman, and let vengeance rise, How in the pangs of death and in his gore, Welt’ring, we found qur prince ! “ The deadly dag¬ ger \ Deep in his heart was fix’d !” His royal blood, The life-blood of his people, o’er the bath Ran purple ! oh, remember ! and revenge ! Oth. Doubt not my zeal. But haste, and seek our friends; Near to the western port Almanzor dwells, a Yet unseduc’d by Barbarossa’s power, s' He will disclose to thee if aught be heard Of Selim’s safety or, what more I dread, Of Selim’s death, Thence best may our resolves 12 barbarossa Be drawn hereafter. But let caution guide thee, 1 had ne’er been born ! (weeps) Selim. Thou virtuous maid ! My heart bleeds for thee ! Irene/ Quit, o quit these walls ! BARBAROSSA 3D Act III] Heaven will ordain some gentler, happier, means To heal thy woes ! thy dark attempt is big With horror and destruction ! generous prince 1 Resign thy dreadful purpose, and depart! Selim. May not I see Zaphira, ere I go ? Thy gentle pity will not, sure, deny us The mournful pleasure of a parting tear? Irene. Go, then, and give her peace. But fly these walls, As soon as morning shines :—else, though despair Drives me to madnessyet—to save a father ! O, Selim, spare my tongue the horrid sentence! Fly • ere destruction seize thee ! [exit Irene Selim . Death and ruin ! Must I then fly ?—what'—coward-like betray My father, mother, friends! vain terrors, hence! Danger looks big to fear’s deluded eye : But courage on the heights and steeps of fate, Dares snatch her glorious purpose from the edge Of peril: and while sick’ning caution shrinks, Or self-betray'd, falls headlong down the steep ; Calm resolution, unpall’d, can walk The giddy brink secure.—Now to the queen.— How shall I dare to meet her thus unknown 1 How stifle the warm transports of my heart, That pants at her approach !—who waits the queen? Who waits Zaphira ? enter a female slave. Slave. Whence this intrusion, stranger, at an hour Destin’d to rest ? Selim. I come, to seek the queen, 40 BARBAROSSA [Brown On matter of such import, as may claim Her speedy audience. Slave Thy request is vain ; Ev’n now the queen hath heard the mournful tale Of her son’s death, and drown’d in grief she lies. Thou canst not see her. Selim. Tell the queen, I come On message from her dear departed son ; And bring his last request. Slave I’ll haste to tell her. “ With all a mother’s tend’rest love she’ll fly, To meet that name.” [exit slave Selin. O, ill-dissembling heart!—my ev’ry limb Trembles with grateful terror i—“ would to heaven I had not come 1” some look, or starting tear, Will sure betray me.—Honest guile assist My fait’ring tongue ! enter zaphira. "Zafili. Where is this pious stranger ? Say, generous youth, whose pity leads thee thus To seek the weeping mansions of distress! Didst thou behold in death my hapless son ? “Did’st thou receive my Selim’s parting breath?” Did he remember me r 1 Selim. Most honor’d queen ! Thy son—forgive these gushing tears that flow T o see distress like thine ! Zafih. I thank thy pity ! Tis generous thus to feel for other’s woe. What of my son ? say, didst thou see him die ? Selim. By Barbarossa’s dread command I come tfce ni\ EAHBAROSSA 41 To tell thee, that these eyes alone beheld Thy son expire. “ Zafih. O heaven !—my child ! my child ! Selim. That ev’n in death, the pious youth re¬ member’d His royal mother’s wees.” Zafih. “ Where, where was I !” Relentless fate ! that I should be denied The mournful privilege to see him die ? To clasp him in the agony of death, And catch his parting soul! oh, tell me all, All he said and look’d ? deep in my heart That I may treasure ev’ry parting word, Each dying whisper of my dear, dear son ! Selim. Let not my words offend—What if he said, Go, tell my hapless- mother, that her tears Have stream’d too long : then bid her weep no more: l Bid her forget the husband and the son, In Bar'oarossa’s arms ! Z afih. O, basely false ! Thou art some creeping slave to Barbarossa, Bent to surprize my unsuspecting heart! Vile slave, begone !—my son betray me thus I Could he have e’er conceiv’d so base a purpose, My griefs for him should end in great disdain ! But he was brave, and scorn’d a thought so vile 1 Wretched Zaphira, how art thou become The sport of slaves !—“ o, griefs incurable !” Selim. Yet hope for peace, unhappy queen L thy woes May yet have end. Zaph. Why weep’st thou, crocodile ? D 2 42 BAR.BAROSSA [ Brown Thy treacherous tears are vain. Selim. My tears are honest. I am not what thou thi,nk’st. Zaph. Who art thou then ? Selim. Oh, my full heart—I am—thy friend, and Selim’s I come not to insult, but heal thy woes- Now check thy heart’s wild tumult, while I tell thee— Perhaps—thy son yet lives. Zaph. Lives ! o, gracious heaven ! Do I not dream t say, stranger, didst thou tell me, Perhaps my Selim lives (—what do I ask ? Wild, wild, and fruitless hope!—whatmortal power Can e’er re-animate his mangled corse, Shoot life into the cold and silent tomb, Or bid the ruthless grave give up its dead ! Selim. O, powerful nature, thou wilt sure be¬ tray me ! (aside) Thy Selim lives ; for since his rumor’d death, I saw him at Oran. “ Zaph. Ye heavenly powers !— Didst thou not say, thou saw’st my son expire ? Didst not ev’n now relate his dying words ? Selim , It was an honest falsehood, meant to prove Zaphira’s unstain’d virtue. Zaph. Why—but bthman-—— Othman affirm’d that my poor son was dead : And I have heard the murderer is come, In triumph o’er his dear and innocent blood. belim. I am that murderer.—Beneath this guige I spread the abortive tale of Selim’s death, And haply won the tyrant’s confidence. Act iii 3 BARBAROSSA 43 Hence gain’d access ; and from thy Selim tell thee, Selim yet lives, and honors all thy virtues. Zafih. O, generous youth, who art thou ! from what clime Comes such exalted virtue, as dares give A pause to griefs like mine !—as dares approach And prop the ruin tott’ring on its base, Which selfish caution shuns h—oh, say—who art thou ? Selim, A friendless youth, self-banished with thy son ; Long his companion in distress and danger : One who rever’d thy worth in prosp’rous days : And more reveres thy virtue in distress. ' Zafih. O, gentle stranger, mock not my woes, But tell me truly—does my Selim live ? Selim. He does, by heaven. Zafih. O, generous heaven ! thou at length o’et> pay’st My bitterest pangs, if my dear Selim lives. And does he still remember His father’s wrongs, and mine ! Selim. He bade me tell thee, That in his heart indelibly are stamp’d Hh father’s wrongs and thine : that he but waits Till awful justice may unsheath her sword, “ And lust and murder tremble at her frown I” That till the arrival of that happy hour, Deep in his soul the hidden fire shall glow', And his breast labor with the great revenge ! “ Zafih. Eternal blessings crown my virtuous son ! I feel my heart revive ! here, peace once mom Begins to dawn. 8 * 44 BARBAROSSA [Brown Selim. Much honor’d queen, farewell. Zafih. Not yet, not yet; indulge a mother’s^ love ! In thee, the kind companion of his griefs, Methinks I see my Selim stand before me. Depart not yet. A thousand fond requests Crowd on my mind. Wishes, and prayers, and' r tears, Are all I have to give. O bear him these ! * Selim . Take comfort then ; for know thy son,, o’erjoy’d To rescue thee, would bleed at ev’ry vein !■- Bid her, he said, yet hope we may be blest 1 Bid her remember that the ways of heaven, Though dark, are just: that oft some guardian power Attends unseen to save the innocent! But if high heaven decrees our fall!—oh, bid her Firmly to wait the stroke prepar’d alike To live or die ! “ and then he wept as I do.” Zajih. Eternal blessings crown my virtuous son t 1 O, righteous heaven 1 “ thou hast at length o’er- pay’d My bitt’rest pangs, if my dear Selim lives And lives for me !—hear my departing prayer: ( kneels) O, spare my son l”—protect his tender years ! Be thou his guide through dangers and distress ! Soften the rigors of his cruel exile, And lead him to his throne !—“ when I am gone, Bless thou his peaceful reign ! oh, early bless him With the sweet, pledges of connubial love ; That he may win his virtue’s just reward, And taste the raptures which a parent’s heart Reaps from a child like him ! not for myself, Act III] BARBAROSSA 4Sr But my dear son—accept my parting tears ! [exit Zaphira Seli m . Now, swelling heart, Indulge the luxury of grief! flow tears ! And rain down transport in the shape of sorrow I Yes, I have sooth’d her woes ; have found her noble : And to have given this respite to her pangs, O’erpays all pain and peril!—powerful virtue ! How infinite thy joys, when ev’n thy griefs Are pleasing !—thou, superior to the frowns “ Of fate, canst pour thy sunshine o’er the soul And brighten woe to rapture 1” enter othman and sadi. Honor’d friends! How goes the night ? Sadi. Tis well nigh midnight. Oth. What—in tears, my prince ? Selim. But tears of joy : for I have seen Zaphira, And pour’d the balm of peace into her breast: Think not these tears unnerve me, valiant friends; They have but harmoniz’d my soul; and wak’d All that is man within me to disdain Peril or death.—What tidings from the city ? Sadi. All, all is ready. Our confederate friends Burn with impatience till the hour arrive. Selim. What is the signal of th’ appointed hour ? Sctdi. The midnight watch gives signal of our meeting : And when the second watch of night is rung, The work of death begins. Selim. Speed, speed ye minutes J 46 BARBAROSSA [ Brown Now let the rising whirlwind shake Algiei’s, And justice guide the storm ! “ scarce two hours hence- Sadi. Scarce more than one. Selim." Oh as you love my life, Let your zeal hasten on the great event: The tyrant’s daughter found, and knew me here : And half suspects the cause. Oth Too daring prince, Retire with us ! her fears will sure betray thee I Selim. What ! leave my helpless mother here a prey To cruelty and lust—I’ll perish first: This very night the tyrant threatens violence : I’ll watch his steps : I’ll haunt him through the palace: And should he meditate a deed so vile. I’ll hover over him like an unseen pestilence And blast him in his guilt I Sadi. Intrepid prince ! Worthy of empire : yet accept my life, My worthless life: do thou retire with Othman ; I will protect Zaphira. Selim. Think’st thou, Sadi, That when the trying hour of peril comes, Selim will shrink into a common man I Worthless were he to rule who dares not claim Pre-eminence in danger. Urge no more, Here shall my station be ; and if I fall, O friends let me have vengeance I—tell me now, Where is the tyrant ? Oth. Revelling at the banquet. Selim. Tis good. Now tell me how our powers are destin’d ? Act III] BARBAROSSA 47 Sadi. Near every port a secret band is posted ; By these the watchful centinels must perish : The rest is easy : for the glutted troops Lie drown’d in sleep ; the dagger’s cheapest prey. Almanzor, with his friends, will circle round The avenues of the palace. Othman and I i Will join our brave confederates, all sworn To conquer or to die, and burst the gates Of this fold den. Then tremble, Barbarossa! “ Selim. Oh, how the approach of this great hour ■ Fires all my soul! but, valiant friends, I charge you, j Reserve the murderer to my just revenge; [ My poignard claims his blood.” Oth. Forgive me, prince! Forgive my doubts !—think—should the fair Irene— Selim. Thy doubts are vain. I would not spare the tyrant, Though the sweet maid lay weeping at my feet; “ Nay, should he fall by any hand but mine By heaven ! I’d think my honor’d father’s blood Scarce half reveng’d 1” my love indeed is strong 4 But love shall yield to justice ! Sadi v Gallant prince ! Bravely resolved ! ' Selim. But is the city quiet ? Sadi. All, all is hush’d. Throughout the emp¬ ty streets, Nor voice, nor sound. As if th’inhabitants, Like the presaging herds that seek the covert Ere the loud thunder rolls, had inly felt And shunn’d the impending uproar. Oth. There is a solemn horror in the night too. 4S BARBAR05SA £Browh That pleases me: a general pause through nature : The wi ids are hush’d- Sadi. And as I pass’d the beach, The lazy billows scarce could lash the shore : No star peeps through the firmament of heav» en-- f Selim. And lo—where eastward, o’er the sullen wave, The waning moon, depriv’d of half her orb, Rises in blood : her beam well-nigh extinct, Faintly contends with darkness- (bell tolls) Hark !-what meant that tolling bell ? Oth , It rings the midnight watch. Sadi. This was the signal—— Come, O hman, we are call’d: the passing minutes Chide our delay : brave Othman, let us hence. Selim. One last embrace!—nor doubt, but crown’d with glory, We soon shall meet again. But, oh, remem¬ ber— Amid the tumult’s rage, remember mercy ! ‘ Stain not a righteous cause with guiltless blood !’* Warn our brave friends that we unsheath the sword Not to destroy, but save ! nor let blind zeal, Or wanton cruelty e’er turn its edge On age or innocence ! or bid us strike Where the most pitying angel in the skies* That now looks on us from his blest abode, Would wish that we should spare. Oth. So may we prosper, As mercy shall direct us ! Sdim. Farewell, friends ! Act Ilf] BARBAROSSA 49 Sadi. Intrepid prince, farewell ! \_exeunt Othman and Sadi Selim. Now sleep and silence Brood o’er the city.—The devoted centinel Now takes his lonely stand ; and idly dreams Of that to-morrow, he shall never see. In this dread interval o busy thought, “ From outward things” descend into thyself! Search deep my heart! bring with thee awful con¬ science, And firm resolve ! that in the approaching hour Of blood and horror, I may stand unmov’d ; Nor fear to strike where justice Galls', nor dare To strike where she forbids Why bear I then This dark, insidious dagger!—tis the badge Of vile assassins ; of the coward hand That dares not meet its foe.—Detested thought ! Yet—.as foul lust and murder, though on thrones Triumphant, still retain their hell-born quality ; So justice, groaning beneath countless wrongs, Quits not her spotless and celestial nature : But in the unhallow’d murderer’s disguise, Can sanctify this steel! Then be it so —witness, ye powers of heaven, That not from you but from the murderer’s eye I wrap myself in night!—to you I stand Reveal’d in noon-tide day !—oh, could I arm My hand with power ! then, like to you array’d In storm and fire, my swift-avenging thunder Should blast this tyrant. But since fate denies That privilege, I’ll seize on what it gives : like the deep-,cavern’d earthquake burst beneath him, E 50 BARBAROSSA ['Brown And whelm his throne, his empire, and himself, In one prodigious ruin I [exit END OP THE THIRD ACT. ACT IV. SCENE r. enter irene and aladin. Irene. But didst thou tell him, Aladin, my fears. Brook no delay. Ala , I did. Irene . Why comes he not ! Oh, what a dreadful dream '•—twas surely more Than troubled fancy : never was my soul Shook with such hideous phantoms !—still he lin¬ gers ! Return, return ; and tell him that his daughter Dies, till she warns him of his threat’ning ruin. Alla. Behold, he comes. [exit Aladin enter barbarossa and guards. Bar. Thou bane of all my joys ! 8ome gloomy planet surely rul’d thy birth l Ev’n now thy ill-tim.’d fear suspends the banquet, And damps the festal hour. Irene. Forgive my fear | Act F] BAHBAROSSA 51 Bar. What fear, what phantom hath possess’d thy brain ? Irene. Oh, guard thee from the terrors of this night ; For terrors lurk unseen ! Bar. What terrors ? speak ! tl Would’st thou unman me into female weakness Say what thou dread’st, and why ! I have a soul To meet the blackest dangers undismay’d. Irene. Let not my father check with stern rebuke The warning voice of nature. For ev’n now, Retir’d to rest, “ soon as I clos’d mine eyes,” A horrid vision rose—methought I saw Young Selim rising from the silent tomb : “ Mangled and bloody was his corse : his hair Clotted with gore ; his glaring eyes on fire !” Dreadful he shook a dagger in his hand. By some mysterious power he rose in air. When lo—at his command this yawning roof Was cleft in twain, and gave the phantom entrance » Swift he descended with terrific brow, Rush’d on my guardless father at the banquet, And plung’d his furious dagger in thy breast. Bar. Would’st thou appal me by a brain-sick vision ? Get thee to rest.-“ Sleep but as sound till morn, As Selim in his grave shall sleep for ever. And then no haggard dreams shall ride thy fancy J” Irene. Yet hear me, dearest father ! “ Bar. To the couch l” Provoke me not.- “ Irene. What shall I say to move him ?” Merciful heaven, instruct me what to do l 52 BARBAROSSA [Brown enter aladin . Bar. What mean thy looks ?—why dost thou gaze so wildly ? Ala. I hasted to inform thee, that ev’n now, Rounding the watch, I met the brave Abdalla, Breathless with tidings of a rumor dark, “ Which runs throughout the city,” that young Se¬ lim Is yet alive- Bar. May plagues consume the tongue That broach’d the falsehood !—tis not possible— What did he tell thee farther ? Ala. More he said not: Save only that the spreading rumor wak’d A spirit of revolt. Irene. O, gracious father ! Bar. The rumor’s false—and yet your coward fears Infest me '•—what! —shall I be terrified By midnight visions ?—“ can the troubled brain Of sleep out. stretch the reason’s waking eye ?” I’ll not believe it. Ala. But this gath’ring rumor—— Think but on that, my lord ! Bar. Infernal darkness Swallow the slave that rais’d it!—“ yet, I’ll do What caution dictates.’’—Hark thee, Aladin- “ Slave, hear my will.”—See that the watch be doubled ; Find out this stranger, Achmet; and forthwith Let him be brought before me. Irene. O my father ' I do conjure thee as thou lov’st thy life, Jet JF] BARBAROSSA 53 Retire, and trust thee to thy faithful guards- See not this Achmet! ‘ £ Bar. Not see him ?—death and torment!- Think’st thou, I fear a single arm that’s mortal ?” Not see him ?—forthwith bring the slave before me— If he prove false—if hated Selim live, I’ll heap such vengeance on him- Irene. Mercy ! mercy ! Bar. Mercy.-To whom ! Irene. To me and to thyself : To him—to all,-Thou think’st I rave ; yet true My visions are as ever prophet utter'd, When heaven inspires his tongue! Bar. Ne’er did the moon-struck madman rave with dreams More wild than thine!—get thee to rest; e’er yet Thy folly wakes my rage.—Call Achmet hither. Irene. Thus prostrate on my knees :—o see him not. Selim is dead :—indeed the rumor’s false, There is no danger near:—or if there be, Achmet is innocent! Bar. Off, frantic wretch ! This ideot dream hath turn’d her brain to madness! Hence to thy chamber, till returning reason Hath calm’d this tempest—on thy duty hence ! Irene. Yet hear the voice of caution !—cruel fate ! What have I done—heaven shield my dearest fa¬ ther ! Heaven shield the innocent—undone Irene ! Whate’erthe event, thy doom is misery, [exfir Irene Bar . Her words are wrapt in darkless.—-Aladia, E 2 54 BARBAROSSA [Brown Forthwith send Achmet hither.— u Mark him well.— His countenance and gesture”—then with speed, Double the centinels. [ exit Aladin Infernal guilt! How dost thou rise in ev’ry hideous shape, Of rage and doubt, suspicion, and despair, To rend my soul! u more wretched far than they Made wretched by my crimes!’’—why did I not Repent, while yet my crimes were delible ! Ere they had struck their colors through my soul, As black as night or hell ■—tis now too late '-* “ Hence, then, ye vain repinings !”—take me all, Unfeeling guilt 1 o banish, if thou canst, This fell remorse, and ev’ry fruitless fear ! “ Be this my glory-to be great in evil ! To combat my own heart, and, scorning conscience, Rise to exalted crimes !” enter selim . Come hither, slave: Hear me, and tremble: art thou what thou seem’st ? Selim. Ha! Bar. 'Dost thou pause !-by hell, the slave’s confounded ! Selim. That Barbarossa should suspect my truth! Bar. Take heed ! for by the hov’ring powers of vengeance, If I do find thee treach’rous, I will doom thee To death and torment, such as human thought Ne’er yet conceiv’d I thou com’st beneath the guise Of Selim’s rrfhrderer.-Now tell me :-is not That Selim yet alive ! Act if\ BARBAROSSA 55 Selim. Selim alive! Bar. Perdition on thee ! dost thou echo me ! Answer me quick, or die ! (draws his dagger) Selim. Yes, freely strike-- Already hast thou given the fatal wound, And pierc’d my heart with thy unkind suspicion ! Oh, could my dagger find a tongue to tell How deep it drank his blood -—but since thy doubt Thus wrongs my zeal—behold my breast—strike here— For bold is innocence Bar. I scorn the task. (puts up his dagger) Time shall decide thy doom :—guards, mark me well. See that ye watch the motions of this slave : And if he meditates t’ escape your eye, Let your good sabres cleave him to the chine. Selim. I yield me to thy will, and when thou know’st That Selim lives, or seest his hated face, Then wreak thy vengeance on me. Bar. Bear him hence,- Yet, on your lives, await me within call.-- 1 will have deeper inquisition made ; “ Haply some witness may confront the slave, And drag to light his falsehood. * [exeunt Selim and guards Call Zaphira. [exit a slave If Selim lives—then what is Barbarossa ? My throne’s a bubble, that but floats in air, Till marriage-rites declare Zaphira mine. “ Fool that I am! to wait the weak effects Of slow persuasion, when unbounded power Can give me all I wish!—slave, hear my will- 56 BARB A. ROSS A [Brown Fly—bid the priest prepare the marriage-rites : Let incense rise to heaven ; and choral songs Attend Zaphira to the nuptial bed.” [exit slave I will not brook delay.—By love and vengeance, This hour decides her fate ! enter zaphira. Well, haughty fair— Hath reason yet subdu’d thee ? wilt thou hear The voice of love ? Zafih. Why dost tjhou vainly urge me ! Thou know’st my fix’d resolve. Bar Can ought but frenzy Rush on perdition ? Zafih. Therefore shall no power E’er make me thine. Bar. Nay, sport not with my rage ; “ Though yon suspected slave affirms him dead ; Yet rumor whispers that young Selim lives. “ Zafih. Could I but think him so I my earnest prayer Should rise to heaven, to keep him far from thee “ Bar. Therefore, lest treachery undermine my power/’ Know, that thy final hour of choice is come! Zafih. I have no choice.—Think’st thou I e’er will wed The murderer of my lord ? Bar. Take heed, rash queen ! Tell me thy last resolve. Zafih. Then hear me, heaven ! Hear all ye powers that watch o’er innocence ! Angels of light! and thou dear honor’d shade Act JFj BARBAROSSA 57 Of my departed lord attend, while here I ratify with vows my last resolve ' ** If e’er 1 wed this tyrant murderer,’’ If I pollute me with this horrid union, “ Black as adultery or damn’d incest,” May ye, the ministers of heaven, depart, Nor shed your influence on the guilty scene ;- May horror blacken all our days and nights ! May discard light the nuptial torch ' and rising “ From hell, may swarming" fiends in triumph howl Around th’ accursed bed ' Bar, Begone, remorse !- Guards do your office : drag her to the altar Heed not her tears or cries.—“ What'—dare ye doubt ? Instant obey my bidding ;—or, by hell, Torment and death shall overtake you all. (guards go to seize Zaphira) Zafih. O, spare me '.—heaven protect me !—o my son, Wert thou but here to save thy helpless mother!— What shall 1 do !—undone, undone Zaphira 1 enter selim. Selim: Who call’d on Achmet ?—did not Bar- barossa Require me here ? Bar. Officious slave, retire ! I call’d thee not. Zafih. 0 kind and gefi’rous stranger, lend thy aid i O rescue me from these impending horrors j 58 barbarossa [ Brown Heaven will reward thy pity 1 “ Bar. Drag her hence !’* Selim. Pity her woes, o mighty Barbarossa Bar. Rouze not my vengeance, slave ! Selim. O, hear me, hear me I (kneels) Bar. Curse on thy forward zeal! Selim. Yet, yet have mercy. (lays hold o/’Barbarossa’s garment ) Bar. Presuming slave begone J (strikes Selim) Selim. Nay, then,-die, tyrant. (rises, and aims to stab Barbarossa, who wrests his daggerfrom him) Bar. Ah, traitor, have I caught thee,—-Hold- forbear,— (to guards who offer to kill Selim) Kill him not yet.—I will have greater vengeance— Perfidious wretch, who art thou ?—bring the rack : Let that extort the secrets of his heart. Selim. Thy impious threats are lost! I know that death And torments are my doom.—Yet, ere I die, IM1 strike thy soul with horror.—Off, vile habit 1— “ Let me emerge from this dark cloud that hides me, And make my setting glorious !’’—if thoti dar’st, Now view me 1 —hear me, tyrant!—while with voice More terrible than thunder, I proclaim That he who aim’d the dagger at thy heart Is Selim J Zaph. O heaven ! my son, my son ! (she faints ) Selim. Unhappy mother ! (runs to embrace her) Bar. Tear them asunder, (guards separate them ) Selim. Barb’rous ruffians ! Jet If\ BARBAROSSA 59 Bar. Slaves, seize the traitor. (they offer to seize him) Selim. Off, ye vile slaves t I am your king—re¬ tire, And tremble at my frowns ! that is the traitor ; That is the murderer, “ tyrant ravisher seize him, And do four country right. Bar. Ah, coward dogs 1 Start ye at words—or seize him, or by hell, This dagger ends you all. (they seize him) « Selim. Tis done.”—Dost thou revive, unhap¬ py queen I Now arm! my soul with patience 1 'Lafih. My dear son t Do I then live, once more to see my Selim? But oh—-.to see thee thus ?-- (weefiing) Selim. Canst thou behold Her speechless agonies, and not relent. “ Bar. At length revenge is mine 1—-slaves, force lier hence. This hour shall crown my love. u Zafihi. O mercy, mercy !’* Selim. Do, Barbarossa 1 thou at length hast con¬ quer’d ! Behold a hapless prince, o’erwhelm’d with woes, (kneels ) Prostrate before thy feet—not for myself I plead!—yes, plunge the dagger in my breast ! Tear, tear me piece-meal! but, o spare Zaphira l Yet, yet relent! force not her matron honor i ** Reproach not heaven.” Bar. Have I then bent thy pride ? Why, thi:} is conquest even beyond my hope !- 69 BARBAROSSA [Brown Lie there, thou slave ! lie till Zaphira’s cries Arouse thee from the posture. Seli?n. Dost thou insult my griefs ?-unmanly wretch ! — - Curse on the feat that could betray my limbs, ( risingJ My coward limbs, to this dishonest posture ; Long have I scorn’d, I now defy thy power. Bar. I’ll put thy boasted virtue to the trial- Slaves, bear him to the rack. Zafih. O, spare my son 1 Sure filial virtue never was a crime, Save but my son!—I yield me to thy wish !- What do I say—the marriage vow—o, horror i This hour shall make me thine- Selim. What, doom thyself The guilty partner of a murderer’s bed ? Whose hands yet reek with thy dear husband’s blood ! “ To be the mother of destructive tyrants, The curses of mankind.”—By heaven, I swear, The guilty hour that gives thee to the arms Of that detested murderer, shall end This hated life--- Bar. Or yield thee, or he dies !- Zafih. The conflict’s past.—I will resume my greatness; We’ll bravely die, as we have liv’d, with honor. ( embracing ) Selim. Now, tyrant, pour thy fiercest fury ost us :— Now see, despairing guilt, that virtue still Shall conquer though in ruin. Act ir\ BARBAROSSA 61 Bar. Drag them hence : Her to the altar : Selim to his fate. “ Zafih. O, Selim ! o, my son !—thy doom is death I Would it were mine ! Selim. Would I could give it thee! Is there no means to save her ! lend, ye guards, Ye ministers of death, in pity lend Your swords or some kind weapon of destruction ! Sure the most mournful boon that ever son Ask’d for the best of mothers ! “ Zafih. Dearest Selim !” Bar. I’ll hear no more.—Guards, bear them t® their fate. (guards seize them) Selim. One last embrace! Farewell, farewell for ever ! (guards struggle with them) Zafih. One moment yet!—-pity a mother’s pangs! O, Selim ! Selim. O, my mother ! [ exeunt Selim and Zaphira “ Bar. My dearest hopes are blasted I—what is power ; If Stubborn virtue thus out-soar its flight! Yet he shall die—and she- enter aladin. Ala. Heaven, guard my lord ! Bar. What mean’st thou, Aladin ? Ala. A slave arriv’d, Says that young Selim lives: nay, somewhere lurks 62 BARBAROS5A [Brown Within these walls. Bar. The lurking traitor’s found, Convicted, and disarm’d.—Ev’n now he aim’d This dagger at my heart. Ala. Audacious traitor I The slave says farther, that he brings the tidings Of dark conspiracy now hov’ring o’er us ; And claims thy private ear. Bar. Of dark conspiracy ? Where ?—among whom ? Ala. The secret friends of Selim, Who nightly haunt the city. Bar. Curse the traitors ! Now speed thee, Aladin.-Send forth our spies t Explore their haunts for, by th’ infernal powers, I will let loose my rage.—The furious lion Now foams indignant, scorning tears and cries. Let Selim forthwith die—Come, mighty ven» geance ! Stir me, cruelty ! the rack shall groan With new born horrors ! I will issue forth, Like midnight pestilence : my breath shall strew The streets with dead ; and havoc stalk in gore. Hence, pity ! feed the milky thought of babes ; Mine is of bloodier hue.” [exeunt END OF THE FOURTH ACT*.' jet n BARBAROSSA 63 ACT V. SCENE I. enter barbarossa, aladin and guards. Bar. Is the watch doubled ? are the gates secur’d Against surprize ? Ala, They are, and mock th* attempt Of force or treachery. Bar . This whisper’d rumor Of dark conspiracy, “ on further inquest,” Seems but a false alarm. Our spies, sent out, “ And now return from search,” affirm that sleep Has wrap’d the city. Ala. But while Selim lives, Destruction lurks within the palace walls ; “Norbars, nor centinels can give us safety.” Bar. Right, Aladin. His hour of fate approaches. How goes the night ? Ala. The second watch is near. Bar. Tis well !—whene’er it rings, the traitor dies. So hath my will ordain’d—I’ll seize the occasion, While I may fakly plead my life’s defence. “ Ala. True : for he aim’d his dagger at thy heart. Bar. He did. Hence justice, unconr pell’d, shall seem 64 BARBAROSSA [Brc To lend her sword and do ambition’s work. Ala. His bold resolves have steel’d Zaphira’s breast Against thy love: thence he deserves to die. Bar. And death’s his doom.”—Yet first the rack shall rend Each secret from his heart; « unless he give Zaphira to my arms, by marriage-vows, With full consent; ere yet the second watch Toll for his death.—Curse on the woman’s weak¬ ness I I yet would win her love !” haste, seek out Othman: Go, tell him that destruction, and the sword, Hang o’er young Selim’s head, if swift compliance Plead not his pardon. [exit Aladin Stubborn fortitude ! Had he not interposed, success had crown’d My love, now hopeless—-Then let vengeance seize him. enter irene. Irene. O, night of horrors!—hear me, honor’d father ! If e’er Irene’s peace was dear to thee* Now hear me ! Bar. Impious ! dar’st thou disobey ? Did not my sacred will ordain thee hence? Get thee to rest; for death is stirring here. Irene. O, fatal words ! by ev’ry sacred tie* Recal the dire decree.— Bar. What would’stthou say ? Whom plead for ? BARBAROSSA 65 Jct'V] Irene. Kor a brave Unhappy prince. Sentenc’d to die. Bar. And justly '.—but this hour The traitor half fulfill’d thy dream, and aim’d His dagger at my heart. “ Irene. Might pity plead ! Bar. What, plead for treachery ?” Irene. “ Yet pity might bestow a milder name. Would’st thou not love the child, whose fortitude Should hazard life for thee ?—oh, think on that The noble mind hates not a virtuous foe: His gen’rous purpose was to save a mother 1 Bar. Damn’d was his purpose : and accurst art thou, Whose perfidy would save the dark assassin, Who sought thy father’s life —hence, from my sight, Irene. Oh, never, till thy mercy spare my Selim J Bar. Thy Selim ? thine ? Irene. Thou know’st—by gratitude He’s mine—Had not his generous hand redeem’d me, What then had been Irene ? oh J “ Bar. Faithless wretch ! Unhappy father '. whose perfidious child Leagues with his deadliest foe : and guides the dagger Ev’n to his heart '.—perdition catch thy falsehood ! And is it thus, a thankless child repays me For all the guilt in which I plung’d my soul To raise her to a throne 1 Irene . O, spare these words More keen than daggers to my bleeding heart! 66 BARBAR0S3A [Broim Let me not live suspected !—dearest father!- Behold my breast! write thy suspicion here : Write them in blood but spare the gen’rous youth Who sav’d me from dishonor l Bar. By the powers Of great revenge, thy fond entreaties seal His instant death. In him, I’ll punish thee.'- Away ! Irene. Yet hear me ! ere my tortur’d soul Rush on some deed of horror ? Bar. “ Seize her,, guards,”— Convey the frantic ideot from my presence : See that she do no violence on herself. Irene. O, Selim ! generous youth l how have my fears Betray’d thee to destruction ! slaves, unhand me l. Think ye* I’ll live to bear these pauga of giief, These horrors that oppress my tortur'd soul ?•— Inhuman father !—generous, injur’d prince I— Methinks I see thee stretch’d upon the rack, Hear thy expiring groans :—o, horror, horror ! What shall I do to save him !—vain, alas ! Vain are my tears.and prayers—at least I’ll die. Death shall unite us yet. [ear it Irene and guards Bar. O torment, torment ! Ev’n in the midst of power !—the vilest slave More happy far than I!—the very child, Whom my love cherish’d from her infant years, Conspires to blast my peace !—o, false ambition, “ Thou lying phantom I” whither hast thou lur’d me ! Ev’n to this giddy height; where now I stand, Forsaken, comfortless, with net a friend Act r\ BARBAROSSA 67 In whom my soul can trust ! enter aladin. u Now, Aladin ?” Hast thou seen Othman ? He will not, sure, conspire against my peace ? Ala He’s fled, my lord. I dread some lurking ruin. The centind on watch says, that he pass’d The gates since midnight with an unknown friend: And as they pass’d Othman, in whispers, said Now farewell bloody tyrant. Bar. Slave, thou liest. He did not dare to say it; or, if he did, “ Pernicious slave,” why dost thou wound my ear By the foul repetition ?—“ gracious powers, Let me be calm 1—o, my distracted soul J How'am I rent in pieces'.—Othman fled.I Why then may all hell’s curses follow him !” What's to be done ? some mischief lurks unseen. Ala . Prevent it then— Bar. By Selim’s instant death— “ Ala. Ay> doubtless. Bar.” Is the rack prepar'd ? Ala. Tis ready. Along the ground he lies o’erwhelm’d with chains. The ministers of death stand round, and wait Thy last command. Bar. Once more I’ll try to bend His stubborn soul.—Conduct me forthwith to him : And if he now refuse my proffer’d kindness, Destruction swallows him 1 [exeunt 68 BARBAROSSA [Bream SELIM discovered, in chains , executioners , officer, &c, and rack. Selim. I pray you, friends, When I am dead, let not indignity Insult these poor remains ; see them interr’d Close by my father’s tomb 1 I ask no more. Officer. They shall. Selim. How goes the night ? Officer. Thy hour of fate, the second watch, is near. Selim. Let it come on ; I am prepar’d. enter barbarossa and guards. Bar. So—raise him from the ground. (they raise him J Perfidious boy ! behold the just rewards Of guilt and treachery l didst thou not give Thy forfeit life, whene’er I should behold Selim’s detested face ? Selim. Then take it, tyrant. Bar. Did’st thou not aim a dagger at my heart? Selim. I did. Bar. Yet heaven defeated thy intent) And sav’d me from the dagger. Selim. Tis not our’s Jet V] BBRBAROSSA 69 To question heaven. Th’ intent and not the deed Is in our power ; and therefore who dares greatly, Does greatly. Bar. Yet bethink thee, stubborn boy, What horrors now surround thee. Selim. Think’st thou, tyrant, I came so ill prepared ?—“ thy rage is weak, Thy torments powerless o’er the steady mind He who can bravely dare, can bravely suffer. Bar. Yet lo I come, by pity led, to spare thee. Relent, and save Zaphira !—for the bell Ev’n now expects thecentinel to toll The signal of thy death. Selim. Let guilt like thine Tremble at death : I scorn his darkest frown. Hence, tyrant, nor profane my dying hour I Bar . Then take thy wish. (bell tolls J There goes the fatal knell, “ Thy fate is seal’d.” Nor all thy mother’s tears, Nor prayers, nor eloquence of grief, shall save thee From instant death. Yet ere the assassin die, Let torment ring each secret from his heart. The traitor Qthman’s fled ; conspiracy Lurks in the womb of night, and threatens ruin. Spare not the rack, nor cease, till it extort The lurking treason ; “ and this murd’rer call On death, to end his woes.” [exit Barbarossa Selim. Come on then, (they bind him) Begin the work of death—‘‘what! bound with cords, Like a vile criminal—o, valiant friends, When will ye give me vengeance ! 70 BARBAHOSSA [Brown enter irene. Irene. Stop—o, stop •' Hold your accursed hands!—on me, on me, Pour all your torments;—how shall I approach thee. Selim. These are thy father’s gifts!—yet thou art guiltless; Then let me take thee to my heart, thou best Most amiable of women ! Irene. Rather curse me, As the betrayer of thy virtue. Selim , Ah ' Irene. Twas I,—my fears, my frantic fears be¬ tray’d thee! Thus falling at thy feet, may I but hope por pardon ere I die ! Selim. Hence to thy father ■' Irene. Never, o never '—crawling in the dust, I’ll clasp thy feet, and bathe them with my tears! Tread me to earth ! I never will complain ; But my last breath shall bless thee ! Selim. Lov’d Irene, What hath my fury done l “ Irene. Indeed, twas hard ! But I was born to sorrow. Selim. Melt me not. I cannot bear thy tears ;—they quite unman me f Forgive the transports of my rage. Irene. Alas, The guilt is mine: canst thou forgive those fears That first awak’d suspicion in my father ! Those fears that have undone thee!—heaven is witness, Act V] BARBAROSSA 71 They meant not ill to tnee. Selim. None, none, Irene ! No ; twas the generous voice of filial love : - That, only, prompted thee to save a father. Yes ; from my inmost I do approve That virtue which destroys me.” Irene, Canst thou, then, ' Forgive and pity me ? Selim . I do,-—I do. Irene. On my knees, Thus let me thank thee, generous, injur’d prince 1 O earth and heaven, that such unequall’d worth Should meet so hard a fate !—that I—that I, "Whom his love rescu’d from the depth of woe, Should be th’ accurst destroyer !—strike, in pity, And end this hated life. Selim. Cease, dear Irene. Submit to heaven’s high will. I charge thee live; And to thy utmost power, protect from wrong My helpless friendless mother ! Irene. With my life I’ll shield her from each w T rong. That hope alone Can tempt me to prolong a life of woe. Selim. O my ungovern’d rage !—to frown on thee ! Thus let me expiate the cruel wrong, Qembracing) And mingle rapture with the pains of death. Officer. No more. Prepare the rack. Irene. Stand off, ye fiends ! Here will I cling. No power on earth shall part US, Till I have sav’d my Selim 1 (a shout) Officer . Hark, what noise Strikes mine ear ? BARBA R0SSA \_Brovm 72 Selim. Again. (a shout) Ala. Arm, arm ! treachery and murder ! ( without) (executioners go to seize Selim) Selim. Off, slaves !—or I will turn my chains to arms, And dash you piete-meal“ for I have heard a sound > Which lifts my tow’ring soul to Atlas* height, That I could prop the skies !’* . 'Ala. Where is the king ? The foe pours in; “ The palace gates are burst: The centinels are murder’d save the king ! They seek him through the palace.” Officer. Death and ruin ! Follow me, slaves, and save him. [exit officer and executioner Selim. Now, bloody tyrant! now, thy hour is come ! “ Irene. What means yon madd’ning tumult. my fears ! Selim.'' Vengeance at length hath pierc’d these guilty walls, And walks her deadly round. Irene. Whom dost thou mean ! my father? , Selim. “ Yes thy father, who murder’d mine I Irene. Is there no room for mercy ? O, Selim, by our love !— Selim. Thy tears are vain ! Vain were thy eloquence, though thou didst plead With an archangel’s tongue ! Irene. Spare but his life ! 4tt r\ BARBAROSSA 73 Selim. Heaven knows I pity thee. But he must bleed; Though my own life-blood, nay, though thine, more dear, • Should issue at the wound 1 Irene. Must he then die ? Let me but see my father, ere he perish J Let me but pay my parting duty to him ! (clash of swords) Hark! twas the clash of swords ! heaven save my father ! O cruel, cruel Selim ! [exit Irene Selim. Curse on this servile chain, that binds me fast In powerless ignominy ; while my sword Should haunt its prey, and cleave the tyrant down. Oth. Where is the prince ! (without) Selim. Here, Othman, “ bound to earth ! Set me but free !”—o cursed, cursed chain l enter othman and frarty, who free Selim. Oth. O, my brave prince 1 heaven favors our de¬ sign. (embraces him) Take that:—I need not bid thee use it nobl^. (giving him a sword) Selim. Now, Barbarossa, let my arm meet thine: Tis all I ask of heaven. [exit Selim Oth. Guard ye the prince— (part go off) Pursue his steps. Now this way let us turn And seek the tyrant. [exeunt Othman, &c. G 74 BARBAROSSA ^Brown scene hi— changes to the ofien fialace. enter barbarossa. Bar. Empire is lost, and life : yet brave revenge Shall close my life in glory. enter othman. Have I found thee, Dissembling traitor ?—die !— “ Oth. Long hath my wish, Pent in my struggling breast, been robb’d of utter¬ ance. Now valor scorns the mask. I dare thee, tyrant ! And arm’d with justice thus would meet thy rage, Though thy right hand grasp’d the pointed thun¬ der 1 Now, heaven decide between us ! (they fight) Bar. Coward ! Oth. Tyrant! Bar. Traitor! Oth. Infernal fiend, thy words are fraught with falsehood : To combat crimes like thine by force or wiles, 3s equal glory (Barbarossa falls) Bar. I faint, I die !—o horror !” enter seljm andsAm. BARBAROSSA 75 Jet F] Where is the tyger fled 1-—what do I see ! Sadi. Algiers is free ! Oth. This sabre did the deed. Selim. I envy thee the blow yef ’ valor scorn To wound the fallen—But if life remain, I will speak daggers to his guilty soul! Hoa, Barbarossa 1 tyrant, murderer ! Tis Selim, Selim calls thee I Bar. Off, ye fiends Torment me not!—o, Selim, art thou there !—- Swallow me earth ! “ bury me deep, ye mountains 1 Accursed be the day that gave me birth 1” Oh, that I ne’er had wrong’d thee! Selim. Dost thou then Repent thee of thy crimes ?—He does ; he does l He grasps my hand I see the repentant tear Starts from his eye—dost thou indeed repent ?— Why then I do forgive thee: “ from my soul I freely do forgive thee l” -and if crimes Abhorr’d as thine, dare plead to heaven for mercy— May heaven have mercy on thee. Bar. Generous Selim ! Too good—I have a daughter \ oh, protect her t Det not my crimes— (dies) Oth. There fled the guilty soul 1 Selim. Haste to the city—stop the rage of slaugh¬ ter. Tell my brave people, that Algiers is free ; Arid tyranny no more. [exeunt slaves “ Sadi. And, to confirm The glorious tidings, soon as morning shines, Be his dead carcase dragg’d throughout the city, A spectacle of horror. Selim. Curb thy zeal. BARBAROSSA [Brown 76 Let us be brave, not cruel: nor disgrace Valor by barb’rous and inhuman deeds. Black was his guilt: and he hath paid his life, The forfeit of his crimes. Then sheath the sword : Let vengeance die.—Justice is satisfied !** enter zaphira. Zafih. What mean these horrors !—wheresoe’er I turn My trembling steps, I find some dying wretch, WeltYmg in gore !—and dost thou live, my Selim ? Selim. Lo there he lies ! Zafih. The bloody tyrant slain ! O, righteous heaven ! Selim. Behold thy valiant friends, Whose faith and courage have o’erwhelm’d the power Of Barbarossa. Here, once more, thy virtues Shall dignify the throne and bless thy people. 'Ziap.h. Just are thy ways, o heaven I—vain ter¬ rors hence; Once more Zaphira’s bfest!—my virtuous son, How shall I e’er repay thy boundless love! Thus let me snatch thee to my longing arms, And on thy bosom weep my griefs away. Selim. O, happy hour 1—happy, beyond “the flight” Ev’n “ of any ardent” hope !—look down, blest shade, From the bright realms of bliss ’.—behold thy queen. Unspotted, unseduced, unmoved in virtue. Behold the tyrant prostrate at my feet! And to the mem’ry of thy bleeding wrongs^ Accept this sacrifice! jfet H BARBAROSSA Zafih. My generous Selim. Selim. Where is Irene ? Sadl - With looks of wildness, and distracted mien She sought her father where the tumult raged ; She pass'd me, while the coward Aladin Fled from my sword ; and, as I cleft him down, She fainted at the sight. Oth. But soon recover’d ; Zamor,^our trusty friend, at my command, Convey’d the weeping fair one to her chamber. Seltm. Thanks to thy generous care come let us seek The afflicted maid. Zafih. Her virtues might atone For all her father's guilt t—thy throne be her’s : ' She merits all thy love. Selim. Then haste, and find her.—O’er her fa¬ ther’s crimes Pity shall dra w her veil; « nay, half absolve them," When she beholds the virtues of his child !_ Now let us thank th' eternal power ; convinced, 1 hat heaven but tries our virtue by affliction : 1 bat o the cloud which wraps the present hour, Serves but to brighten all our future days ! [exeunt BND OF BARBAROSSA. epilogue!. Written by david garrick, esq Spoken by mr. woodward, in the character of a fine gentleman. enter—speaking to the people without. Pshaw !—damn your epilogue—and hold your tongue — Shall we of rank be told what s right or wrong ? Had you ten epilogues you should not speak 'em, Though he had writ em oil in linguam grtecam. I’ll do'i by all the gods!—(you must excuse me) Though author , actors, audience , all abuse me / Behold a gentleman !—and that's enough ! Laugh if you please — I'll iake a pinch of snuff l I come to tedyou—{let it not surprise you) That I'm a wit—and worthy to advise you.— How could you suffer that same country booby, That prologue speaking savage,—that great looby, To talk hisjponsense ?—give me leave to say Twus low—damn d low!—but save the fellow'splay— Let the poor devil eat,—allow him that, 4nd give a meal to m Banish your gloomy scenes to foreign dimes. Reserve alone, to bless these golden times, A farce or two—and Woodward’s pantomimes I