PLACE, An Islet of the Southern Sporades, colonized 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 In what seemed death to uninstructed eyes, Ragh. Sweep to the Christian Prefect that enslaved So long us sad Druse exiles o'er the sea! - Death 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; Absolute Djabal late,-God Hakeem now Kar. Off then, with disguise at last! 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 Kar. of the Hall. Hold ! Ay. And mine shall it continue! Kar. -Mine, I say,; Just this fringe! Take anything beside! Lo, spire on spire, Ay. Ha, wouldst thou, dog-fox? Help! -Three handbreadths 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 A day, prevent his sailing hence for Rhodes- |