Part 11

Birb. Let’s give him pepper--he’s not worth his salt.

Corsairs. We will--we will.

Birb. Said like brave men and true! You mean, though, what you say?

Corsairs. We do--we do.

Birb. One blow and we are free--we then can take Another leader--come--

Serena. Wake, Conrad, wake.

Conrad. [Starts up.] Methought I heard a voice cry, sleep no more-- [Sees CORSAIRS.

Halloa! [They slink away.] Here, stop! don’t go. Ho! guard the door. This looks like a rebellion, eh, my men? [CORSAIRS kneel.

1st Cors. [L.] Pardon us, mighty Conrad.

Birb. [Aside, R.] Sold again!

2d Cors. It was Birbanto, here, that drove us to it.

Birb. Pardon, great chief, I didn’t go to do it.

Conrad. Kneel, traitor!

Birb. [Kneeling.] Can you, then, forgive?

Conrad. Ne’er doubt it. [Throws money amongst them.

Go drink my health, and say no more about it.

All. Long live great Conrad. Hip! hip! hip! hurrah! [Exeunt CORSAIRS, L.

Birb. [Aside.] Defeated, foiled--no matter--hah! hah! hah! [Exit BIRBANTO, L.

Serena. [Advances R.] Bravely done, Conrad, this great generosity.

Conrad. Beg pardon! you’ll excuse my curiosity-- But whom have I the honor to address?

Serena. [R.] I am a fairy.

Conrad. You then saved me?

Serena. [C.] Yes.

Conrad. Speak! where’s my love--my Venus--my Medora?

Serena. Your Venus! nay, prepare to meet a floorer! She’s gone!

Conrad. Gone?

Serena. Nay, don’t start; yet p’raps you’d better, And start at once, if back you hope to get her.

Conrad. Tell me, where shall I seek my priceless treasure?