Part 20

Pasha. Thanks! you are free--you now may cut, and when You have cut, mind, you needn’t come again.

Conrad. Fear not.

Gul. [Aside to him.] Return at midnight--you can save her, And also do me a great wedding favor.

Conrad. Farewell! away my lonely course I take. You needn’t trouble to send cards or cake. [Exit, L.

Pasha. Quick, slaves! make preparation, though ’tis late; This evening we’ll the nuptials celebrate. Bright garlands on the walls of every room stick, And bid the priest prepare the wedding broomstick. [Exeunt SYNG SMAUL and GUARDS, L.

Gul. Come, madam, to your room let me conduct you. [Aside.] Then of my plans more fully I’ll instruct you.

Medora. Come, come. [Exeunt MEDORA and GULNARE, R.

Enter SYNG SMAUL and Guards, L.

Pasha. How now, slave?

Syng. Sire, the broomstick’s ready, The priest awaits.

Pasha. Down, throbbing heart--be steady! Oh, happiness! soon I my wife shall call her. She comes.

Enter GULNARE, veiled, followed by WOMEN, R.

Holloa! it strikes me she’s grown taller.

Gul. Sire, can you wonder that I taller stand, Now you’ve made me the highest in the land?

Pasha. Accept this ring; for ever thus united---- Shall we proceed?

Gul. Sire, I shall be delighted. [Wedding March. Exeunt in procession, L.

Enter MEDORA, R.

Medora. Saved! Saved! Gulnare will marry, in my stead. Blessed land, where veils are worn upon the head, Screening the face, secure from all beholders-- Instead of bonnets half way down the shoulders! But for that fashion, all our plans would fail: Nought can succeed, when its without avail. They come! [Exit, R.

March repeated. Re-enter PASHA, GULNARE; LADIES dancing before them, bearing flowers, &c.; SYNG SMAUL, GUARDS, &c., L.

Pasha. ’Tis done, the marriage rites are ended! Go, fellows, and prepare a banquet splendid. Lights, music, wine, provide in our pavilion; Wine for ten thousand--music for the million. [Exeunt SYNG SMAUL and GUARDS, L.

Pasha. And you, dear, go remove your veil.

Gul. I will! Come, girls. [Exeunt GULNARE and LADIES, R.

Pasha. Now, how the weary time to kill? She’ll be at least an hour and a quarter. She comes!

Enter MEDORA, R.

Holloa! it strikes me she’s grown shorter!

Medora. What! wonder if my head less high is carried? Folks always settle down when they get married.

Pasha. Come to my arms. [MEDORA runs towards him and stops, frightened.

You shun them?