Part 23

Medora. Help! help!

Enter SYNG SMAUL and GUARDS, L.

Syng. So caught at last. Yield, all of you.

Birb. Come, my lads, ho! strike for freedom! You won’t?

Conrad. [Laughing.] Not they, they’ve not got me to lead ’em.

1st Cors. Resume your post, and save us, we implore.

2d Cors. Do, sir; we’ll never disobey you more.

Birb. Cowards!

Conrad. Resume my post--’tis a temptation.

Medora. Oh, no! think of your vows of reformation, For my sake!

SERENA appears, watching him with anxiety.

Conrad. True! I’ll keep them, love, with pleasure, Sirs, my reform must be a final measure.

Serena. He’s saved!

Syng. No more discussion. March--yet stay-- What’s that? Another prisoner comes this way

Enter YUSSUF chained--two GUARDS following, L.

Yussuf. [Sings.] Why did Medora sell me? Through her these woes befel me. Why did Medora sell me, And bolt on her wedding day?

Medora. My uncle, and in chains!

Yussuf. False critter, see These fixins. You ’twas forged these bonds for me.

Medora. I am no forger, sir.

Conrad. Cease this debate-- We’ve heard too much of forging bonds of late.

Syng. Now, guards, conduct your prisoners to their gaol.

Serena. [Advances.] Hold! for this couple, sir, I put in bail.

Conrad. Halloa! my friend, the fairy.

Serena. Yes, the friend Of all who, like you, strive their ways to mend. You’ve kept your word--with freedom I requite you. And to the Peri’s home to sup, invite you.

Medora. Oh, joy. [CONRAD and MEDORA embrace.

Serena. The rest must undergo their sentence.

Birb. Hold on! I see there’s nothing like repentance-- So I’ll turn steady, too.

Serena. You settle down?