sent-The patrole will be going their rounds, and they must not surprise us. [Exeunt into GRIPE's house, and shuts the door. The Grand March is played. Enter AL1, at the head of the Janizaries, marching in files. Halts in the middle of the square. Ali. Don't you observe, lads, the nocturnal stillness of this city, ever since our corps has mounted guard here? Osman. True, Captain-every body allows it. Ali. [Strutting importantly. Let's keep it up then.-Hearken to your orders-hem! hem! --To you, Osman-for this night, I consign half the coros, and half the city; west ward Yon, Mustapha! with the remainder, follow me this square shall be our place of rendez orderly and silent.-One thing more-I have intelligence of a tavern here about; where in mockery of our holy law-wine is privily sold to the true believers-Those quarters I shall beat up; and, if the wine be good, maraude it-for our -secret service-Whisker of mahomet, there's nothing like maintaining strict order and discipline-make ready-march. AIR-A TURKISH MARCH. ACT II. SCENE I.-The Square. Enter GRIPE alone, walking circumspectly about the Square, peeping and listening on all sides. RECITATIVE accompanied. Gripe. If it were done, when'tis done―Then 'twere well, It were done quickly. Lively. Escape? ay, sure, nothing to stop us --there's a ship sails in the morning-her capTh' attempt and not the deed, confounds us-tain is my acquaintance, and has engaged to strictly. take us on board. Har. Lucky tho'-that my uncle stays abroad we shall both be Crasus's- -if vic- | all night. the rope into the pulley.]-O gad! how gaily we shall live in Ireland, upon the funds of this well-leaps down and hands the rope's end to JENNY.] Ireland! my Harriet, that's your true female paradise. There you'll all be queens, empresses, sultanas—eh, Jenny ? Jenny. [Hanging the bucket over the well.] Ay, ay-well, this is secur'd-All's ready. Lively Come, then-down I go. Har. But harkye-are you sure there's no danger. Jenny. Danger? why, the well is quite dryI tell you. upon [LIVELY sits the wall, and puts his feet in the bucket, while they take hold of the rope. AIR-TRIO. Har. [To JENNY.] Hold the rope fast-hold faster. [To LIVE.] For you I'm in pain,my Lively. Why shou'd you dread disaster ? Har. [TO JENNY.] Lively. To both.] Jenny. To HAR.] Har. Lively. Jenny. Lively. Har. Lively. Jenny. Har. - I wou'd it were past, La! I'm in a terrible fright. -And the motion's slow, - Have a care below. You've nothing to do but hold tight, We all shall be made by this night, Ah! now he's quite out of sight. [Is at the bottom. Jenny. [To LIVE.] The basket-Pray save it, Lively. -I have it. Har. I'm glad he's got no hurt, Jenny. [To LIVE.] The casket-don't leave it. Lively. I've pick'd 'em both out of the dirt, Jenny. [To LIVELY.] Next find the cloth. Har. Lively. Jenny. Har. [TO JEN. and LIVE.] Deuce take ye both, I'm fretted. All's safe, and now let us retreat, Now let us retreat. [To both.]-Don't loiter thus, For I'm in fuss For fear we be caught in the street. [JENNY turning about, sees GRIPE and Hunks at a distance. Jenny: [To HAR.] Who are these two coming The Women escape into GRIPE's house, and shut the door. Enter on the left IIUNKS carrying a lantern, followed by GRIPE carrying a ladder and an Iron crow; as they advance, LIVELY, in the well, continues calling to HARRIET and JENNY. Lively. Hawl, hawl away, hawl. Hunks. [Hearing the voice turns short.] Eh? saying Gossip? Gripe. Nothing I-Wasn't it you that spoke? Hunks. No! [Lays down the sledge near the well, GRIPE throwns down the crow.] Gripe. [Groaning.] Oh! pise on it! this damn'd ladder has broke my back. [Goes to set it up beneath the deep window of the distant house. Hunks. What's the matter man?-"No gains without pains," i'fecks-[Takes the lantern to examine the pyramid.] Now, how to set about this job. Gripe. [Examines it likewise.] Why, this whole front is but one single stone. Hunks. Just hit it with your sledge. [Claps his ears to it. Gripe. [Striking gently in different parts.] Well, how does it sound? Hunks. Hollow, hollow-This must be the entrance, i'fecks, gossip, and that same stone yonder? Har. -coming yonder? Good lack! our uncles, Gripe. Stick to the point. -What brings 'em home so soon I wonder Hunks. [Below.] Find ?-i'fecks, I find nothing;-but this-Turk's cloak. Gripe. [Impatiently.] Pise on it! what has the booby flung up here?-[Examines it.] a pretty rag, wot. [Going nearer to the vault.] The gold-the diamond's man!-That's all you need mind. Hunks. [Throwing out a turban.] There, there's a Gripe. [Growing angry.] Mufti yourself, sirrah. [Stamps on the turban, leans into the vault and bawls.] What the devil are you about? -The gold, I say,-The jewels-are you mad? Hunks. No such geer, i'fecas-not a jot else unless you'll ha' the corpse. Gripe. It totters, Hunks. It totters, To full it begins. Gripe. Look to your shins. Hunks. Look to your shins. Gripe.Look! look to your shins. Hunks. Zooks! look to your shins. [The stone tumbling with noise shews the entrance of the vault, defended by an iron portcullis. They, mean while, throw-you?-These your tricks?—ay, I suspected as ing aside their tools, advance to the front of the stage, and embrace exultingly. Gripe. Soh!-that task's finish'd; and the treasure's our own. Hunks. [Turning to the pyramid.] Finish'd! yes to be sure-rarely finish'd!-why, there's a huge iron grate still.-Stay [Takes his lantern to examine. Gripe. [To himself,] No trifling hoard for certain-so firmly barricaded. Hunks. Oh! we may compass it yet-Here's a groove you see-Shews 'tis a slider.-Hold this [the lantern] I'll try to lift it.-[Exerting himsellf.] No, i'fecks, I a'n't strong enough-lend me a band. Gripe. [Sets down the lantern and goes to assist him.] Now, lay to o' your side.That's it -let's raise it quite up. Hunks. There it goes-high enough-if we had something to clap under it. Gripe. Bear it up, while I run for the crow[having fir'd it.] let go now-it can't fall. Hunks. That's clever, i'fecks! Stay; is the vault deep? why, [takes the lantern and looks down.] our ladder was needless-here's a little stair case. Gripe. All the better-Now then, down wi' ye; you have the lantern. Hunks. Here, gossip, take it you-and go down yourself. Gripe. A tomb-I— troth, gossip, I'm afraid -I shou'd never get alive to the bottom. Gripe. O ho! -you want to keep all, do much. Hunks. Why, step down yourself, and seeI give you my oath Gripe. Your oath!—you cropt hang dog. Hunks. Hey! This to me?-you cent per cent rascal. Gripe. Yes, you may well talk-you shabby pawn-broker !-but, sirrah you shall Hunks. [Thoroughly exasperated.] Stay, scoundrel! stay 'till I come up, and break your bones. The light of the candle begins to re-appear, and with it HUNKS in a rage. GRIPE suddenly whips out the crow that supported the grate, which falls at once, and shuts in HUNKS. Gripe. [Insulting.] My bones-ha! ha! ha! -you will-jail bird. Hunks. [Vainly labouring to raise the grate.] The treacherous villain! why, sirrah! you don't mean Gripe. [To himself.] Cull'd !-defrauded !— nay, exposed to the gallows!-and-[kicking the turban and robe.] and all for—for this trumpery. [Flings them into the well, muttering curses. Ali. [Behind the Scenes, in a low imperious tone.] Who's there? Stand ho! Hunks. [In terror.] Mercy on us! 'tis the patrole !-harkye, Gripe, if I be caught, I'll impeach you————I will, i'fecks. Gripe. [Alarmed.] Pise on it, so he may, him.]|[Aside,] then to HUNKS in a low voice wheedling.] Hush! hush! dear gossip!-Po, man, I was but in jest.-Do, run down again, quickly and hide your lantern. When they are pass'd, I'll come and release you. Hunks. [Snatching the lantern from Psha! poltroon;-give it me--I'll go down myself-[Going to the pyramid, turns to GRIPE.]— but take notice, I'll ha' the larger share. Gripe. Go down, go down, man-we'll settle that afterwards. Hunks. [Entering the pyramid.] I'fecks I'm all in a flutter too -but then the treasure-aythat keeps me up. [Goes down. Har. [Softly opening her window.] Still there! -alas! poor Lively! [Shuts it instantly. Gripe. [At the mouth of the cault to HUNKS below. Well, are you at the bottom? Is there much-throw up whatever you fund. Hunks. [Retiring.] At your own peril, cut throat!-be assured I'll not swing single. [HUNKS retires into the vault, GRIPE hurries to his own door, where searching in all his pockets, he misses his keys, the Janizaries are heard approaching tumul tuously. Gripe. My keys! undone! robb'd! beggar'd! -In consternation.] Oh! they're coming and ALI's men lay aside their bottles and cups, Ali. [His hand upon his breast, as in pain.] And Must. And mine boiling oil, by Omar! but see! here's a well! Let's draw some water[hiccups.] 'twill quench us. Ali, Right-and the rope's in the pully too[They lay hold on the cord, and begin to pull. The other three drunk, fall fast asleep and snore] Now, both together. Must. [Looking towards the Pyramid.] Eh! bless me !-don't I see light from yonder monument?-and a hole broke in the front I think. Ali. [Lugging the cord.] Damn'd heavy.Must. [His eyes still on the pyramid.] Nay, but look !—if I have eyes— Ail. Poh!-blast your eyes!-pull away. Visionary!-'Cause the Mufti was buried there, you're afraid he'll rise and eat you. Eh? [looking towards the pyramid, and pulling with all his might.] See?-Were I to see the devil, I'd no more matter. [LIVELY, drawn up in the bucket, while their heads are turned aside, appears in the Mufti's turban and robe, with the basket on his arm: he lays hold on one of the posts with his left hand, and springs upon the wall, giving at the same iustant with his right hand, an hearty box on the year to the sleeping Janizary next to him, who in a fright, tumbles upon his comrade; they, struggling, to rise, obstruct each other. Mean while ALI and MUSTAPHA, pulling hard and not beinglonger resisted by LIVLEY'S weight, suddenly fall; letting go the rope, the bucket falls. Lively. [Standing on the breast wall, bellows out] Boo! miscreants! boo! All the Jan. Oh! oh!-the Mufti! the devil! Ali. [Coming up in terror.] Accurs'd wine! -A judgment !—our prophet's vengeance! Runs off. [MUSTAPA and OSMAN with his party, rise, in a fright,and running away throw down the ladder. Janizaries at once. The devil! the Mufti himself at our heels-run, run. [Exeunt. [HUNKS, alarm'd come's up to the grate, GRIPE trembling in the window. Lively [Upon the wall.] Ha! ha! I think I have scar'd the rascals. [Leaps down. Gripe. [Quaking for fear.] Save us !—a spectre! I shall tumble headlong. Lively. [Aloud at GRIPE's door.] Jenny! Jenny! come down, 'tis I. [Stands gazing with joy at his basket. Jenny. Within.] Mr. Lively's voice, I vow, Quick, quick, miss. Gripe. [Astonished.] Benedicite ?-pise on it, I'll make off-Distraction! my ladder thrown down and the Cadi-posting hither. my Har. [Running out eagerly. Is it you, dear sir? [She and JENNY frighted at the Mufti's habit, run back screaming.] Aah!— Aah! Lively. [Overtaking them.]Stop, stop-don't squall!-What ails ye? [Throwing off the turban and robe.] 'tis I-Lively. [They stare. Gripe. [Amaz'd.] How? Lively! Hunks. [Surprized, but pleased.] My nephew, -he'll help me out, i'feck. Har. [Coming to herself.] [To LIVELY.] Lud! how you frighted me- -that strange disguise. Jenny. [Springs at the basket on his arm.] This is safe, however-and now, my pets, for Europe ho! Lively. Ay, ay,-- -now or never.[All hurrying off. Hunks. [From the grates calls piteously] Lively! THe starts and looks back. Gripe. [At the same time from the window.] Harriet! [She starts. Har. [Just fainting.] Our uncles! —good heavens ! Jenny and Lively. [Supporting her.] Away! away! away! Going. Hunks. Ah! Lively! can you forsake me thus? Gripe. My dear Harriet!won't you stay and help me? [HARRIET and LIVELY stand amaz'd, JENNY bursts into a fit of laughter.] Jenny. Ha! ha! ha! was ever sight so ridiculous? ha! ha! -Look at 'em-this owl in his cage, -and that antique in his niche -ha! ha! ha!- [Holding her sides. AIR QUARTET. GRIPE-HARRIET-LIVELY-HUNKS. Gripe. [To HAR.] Deur niece, come and take Live. [To GRIPE.] How got you there. Har. Haste, my dear Lively, to relieve them. Jenny. What, set them free without conditions? No, no-make terms first-bind them nowyou'll never have 'em at such another hold. Gripe. Niece, my dear niece, do but persuade your favourite gallant there to help me down, and I'll restore every shilling of your fortune. Jenny. And give your consent to her marriage with him? Gripe. Ay, with any body. Jenny. So much for the gentleman above stairs-now, what says this in the cellar. Hunks. Any thing-any thing-I'l render up my trust. Jenny. Make your nephew your whole and sole heir. Jenny. Or we deliver you over to the Cadi for perjury. Gripe. And his Janizaries shall carboHunks. S nado us. Lively. Enough-Jenny, there's a ladderI'll raise it, and do you relieve one, while I attend the other. Gripe. Pise on't girls, don't be in such a hurry. [HARRIET and JENNY rear up the ladder to GRIPE, LIVELY goes to assist HUNKS. Gripe. [Scrambling down.] Pise on it! girls, make haste-I'm in such a tremor-The CadiHunks. [To LIVELY.] Quick-quick-dear lad-up with it! I'll help [The grate is rais'd and HUNKS stepping forth claps it down again, he embraces LIVELY in transport. Gripe. [Pushing down the ladder, and coming forward.] Lord be prais'd-I'm once more on Terra Firma. Hunks. [Advances capering for joy.] Huzza, -I'm disentomb'd. [Shaking his head at GRIPE.] Ah! gossip!-we, who thought to ha' been so rich. Hunks. Hunks. Gripe. S Gripe. Hunks. To my { at once. Nephew I Neice I now } restore. give My love } and {gne } my ore. -Her own -My mind's at rest. While they are blest, Gripe. We never can be poor. |