Part 19

Enter GULNARE, ZULIEMA, and LADIES, R.

Gul. What means this dreadful clatter?

Pasha. [Aside.] Gulnare, the deuce! There’ll be a scene--no matter. [Aloud.] Release the Corsair!

SYNG SMAUL opens door, R. 2 E.; CONRAD appears.

Quick--his chains unbind! Conrad, you’re free!

Conrad. You’re really very kind.

Pasha. There, there, be off--for thanks you needn’t tarry.

Conrad. But that young person I’m about to marry-- She goes with me, of course!

Medora. Nay, Conrad!

Conrad. What? You, too, desert me!

Gul. [Aside to him.] Recollect my plot.

Medora. Hear me!

Conrad. Away! you’re false--you can’t deny it!

Medora. [Aside to him.] I’m but pretending.

Conrad. [Aside to her.] So am I--be quiet! Oh, misery! worse than prison, bonds and fetters!

Pasha. Enough, young man--she is to wed your betters. Ladies, behold your future queen!

Zuli. What, she? What’s to become of me?

Gul. And me?

Conrad. And me?

Pasha. Can’t say, I’m sure.

Zuli. This fills with grief my cup; Support me! Oh, woe--woe! [Faints and is borne off, R.

Conrad. Gee wo--pull up! False maid! [Aside to her.] All right. [Aloud.] Can you desert me thus?

Pasha. Of course the girl can’t marry both of us!

Medora. And since my love cannot divided be, You, Conrad, must give up your chere amie (share o’me.)

Conrad. Enough! I from the unequal contest cease; My heart is broken, but I’ll keep the peace; And, since yours is the victory, I’ll be calm. Thus I give up her hand, and yield the palm.

Medora. Say we part friends.

Conrad. We do, though grief oppressing. [Weeping and joining their hands.

Take her, be happy--take a Corsair’s blessing.