PLACE, AN Islet of the Southern Sporades, colonised by Druses of Lebanon, and garrisoned by the Knights-Hospitallers of Rhodes. SCENE, A Hall in the Prefect's Palace. ACT I. Enter stealthily KARSHOOK, RAGHIB, AYOOB, and other initiated Druses, each as he enters casting off a robe that conceals his distinctive black vest and white turban; then, as giving a loose to exultation, Kar. The moon is carried off in purple fire : Day breaks at last! Break glory, with the day, On Djabal's dread incarnate mystery Now ready to resume its pristine shape Ragh. -Death Sweep to the Christian Prefect that enslaved So long us sad Druse exiles o'er the sea! Ay. Most joy be thine, O Mother-mount! Thy brood Returns to thee, no outcasts as we left, But thus-but thus! Behind, our Prefect's corse; Before, a presence like the morning-thine, Absolute Djabal late,-God Hakeem now That day breaks! Kar. Off then, with disguise at last! As from our forms this hateful garb we strip, Ay. Ragh. Who shout.. Who seize, a first-fruits, ha— Spoil of the spoiler! Brave! [They begin to tear down, and to dispute for, the decorations of the Hall. Kar. Hold! -Mine, I say ; Ay. And mine shall it continue ! Kar. Just this fringe! Take anything beside! Lo, spire on spire, Floats wide, then falls again (as if its slave, Ay. Ha, wouldst thou, dog-fox? Help! -Three hand breadths of gold fringe, my son was set To twist, the night he died! Kar. Nay, hear the knave! And I could witness my one daughter borne, A week since, to the Prefect's couch, yet fold These arms, be mute, lest word of mine should mar A day, prevent his sailing hence for Rhodes— |