Part 22

Sub. Why not?

Serena. I mean the sea’s your proper berth. So ask who’d dream of seeing you on earth?

Sub. I’ve come to seek you.

Serena. What for, may I ask?

Sub. To know how you’re progressing with your task. Have you cured Conrad yet?

Serena. Well, very nearly.

Sub. Your month expires to-morrow.

Serena. Does it, really? To-night then must decide--but see--he’s here! Let us retire.

Music.--Enter CONRAD, supporting MEDORA, L.

Conrad. Come, come, Medora dear; Rest here, I’ll call for help.

Medora. ’Twould be no good, To holloa, till we’re quite out of the wood.

Conrad. Could I but find the path, we’d soon get home; The way to Greece, should be our way to roam. Had I a compass, we’d know how to steer.

Medora. Without the needle, we’re sewed up, that’s clear; But still, I always thought you roving tars, To find your way, oft had to thank your stars.

Conrad. In this thick wood, my science is at fault, I cannot see them! Come, let’s on, though.

Enter BIRBANTO, with CORSAIRS, R.

Birb. Halt! So, then, we’ve met; at last my turn arrives.

Medora. [Kneeling.] Mercy! Take all we have, but spare our lives.

Conrad. Medora, rise! Speak, friends--why this hostility?

Birb. You are accused----

Medora. Of what?

Birb. Respectability!

Conrad. You’ve heard of it, then?

Birb. Yes, and they have picked out Another leader, vice Conrad, kicked out.

Conrad. And may I ask, who my late post now fills?

Birb. His name’s Birbanto, on the Grampian Hills----

Conrad. Indeed! I wish you joy.--Come. [Taking MEDORA’S arm

Birb. Not so fast! Secure them.

Conrad. How?