Part 3

Serena. Not only that, but one for a new trial.

Sub. Nay--his guilt’s plain.

Serena. Too plain for my denial. But ’stead of punishing, could we reclaim him--

Sub. Can you reclaim a tiger?

Serena. You can tame him! Let me attempt the task.

Cor. Nay, have a care, We don’t want Conrad made a tame affair.

Sub. Say by what potent magic will you try?

Serena. One which the rudest breast can purify-- Lifting the soul all meaner thoughts above-- The magic influence of woman’s love.

Cor. Ho! ho! I see--the Corsair’s handsome face And figure, eh?

Azurina. A most decided case.

Cor. You’re smitten, miss.

Serena. I scorn the imputation; I am a fairy, and I know my station!

Sub. No quarreling--I own your plan seems strange; Think you that love can work this mighty change?

Serena. Madam, I’ve heard of fast young men on town, Desperate dogs, by marriage settled down-- Men, who for years would not go home till morning, Found the domestic tea-table adorning; Smokers, I’ve heard, have put their pipes out--nay I’ve even heard of latch-keys thrown away. Can love do this, and yet be unavailing, To cure a paltry pirate’s little failing? Let Conrad only get a loving wife, And, on my word, he’ll lead another life.

Sub. Enough--we’ll try your plan.

Serena. I ask no more, Than leave of absence for a month on shore-- If, ere that time be passed, I don’t succeed, Then wreck him, or whate’er you please--

Sub. Agreed!

SCENE II.--Market Place in Stamboul, and Oriental Slave Bazaar.

Cheering outside.--Enter CORSAIRS, L.

1st Cors. Come lads, our Captain’s given us a holiday On shore to-day, and so let’s have a jolly day-- We’ve been of late so close to business sticking, We want some change.

2d Cors. Let’s try some pocket-picking--

1st Cors. You’d find small change in that--

2d Cors. Yes, ’twould be strange, In people’s pockets not to find small change.

3d Cors. But see, our noble Captain comes this way--

1st Cors. Three cheers for Conrad--Hip, hip, hip, hurray!

Enter CONRAD, L.

Conrad. There, that’ll do--Hip, hip, indeed--what stuff-- As if I’m not already hipped enough. [Crosses R.

1st Cors. Cheer up, my hearty--