THE SULTAN.

ACT I.

SCENE I.-An Apartment in the Seraglio; a Throne in manner of a Couch, with a Canopy, on the front of which is an Escutcheon fixed, with the Ottoman Arms crowned with Feathers; in the back Scenes the Sultan's Door covered with a Curtain.

Enter OSMYN and ELMIRA.

Osm. Tell me what right have you to be discon tented?

Elm. When first I came within these walls, I found myself a slave; and the thought of being shut up for ever here, terrified me to death: my tears flowed incessantly: Solyman was moved with them, and solemnly promised to restore me to my liberty, my parents, and my country.

Osm. And yet when the Sultan agreed to send you back to Georgia, you did not avail yourself of his generosity.

Elm. True; but his munificence, and above all

the tenderness and love he expressed to me since, have reconciled me to this place, and I vainly thought my charms could have attached him to me.

Osm. Why then complain? You still possess his heart. Already you have been twice honoured with the imperial handkerchief.

Elm. His heart! does not this place contain a hundred beauties who equally share his love? Tell the Sultan I'm determined, and ready to accept the first opportunity of returning to my friends and country. [Exit.

Osm. I shall procure you an answer this morning. [The Curtain is drawn, and the Sultan enters, preceded by Mutes, &c. A grand March played. Sul. Osmyn.

Osm. The humblest of

your

slaves attends.

[Bows to the Ground. Sul. My friend, quit this style of servitude; I am weary of it.

Osm. And of the seraglio too, sir?

Sul. It is even so—and yet, upon reflection, I cannot tell why, unless that, having been accustomed to the noise of camps and the business of war, I know not how to relish pleasures, which, though varied, appear insipid, through the ease and tranquillity with which they are attained. I have often told you I am not touched with mere caressing machines, who are taught to love or fear by interest.

Osm. And yet your highness must confess, your servant has neglected nothing perfectly to content, particularly in one object he procured you.

Sul. Who is that?

Osm. The Circassian beauty-the Sultana Elmira. Sul. And truly she possesses all the charms that can adorn her sex.

Osm. You thought so once.
Sul. Once! I think so still.

Osm. Indeed!

Sul. Positively-why should you doubt it? Osm. Your word is my law. But, sir, there is matter I must acquaint you with: I cannot manage the seraglio; and, by the beard of Heli, I would rather quit the helm I can no longer guide. That English slave lately brought here is quite ungovernable; she is sure to do every thing she is forbid; she makes a joke of our threats, and answers our most serious admonitions with a laugh: besides, she is at variance with the rest of the women, and shews them such an example, that I cannot longer rule them.

Sul. That is your business-I will have them all agree-How do you call her?

Osm. Since she has been here, we have called her Roxalana.

Sul. Well; you must endeavour to bring her to

reason.

Osm. Shall the Sultana Elmira throw herself at your highness's feet then?

Sul. Let her come-And, do you hear, Osmyn, go to the apartment of that Persian slave you spoke of yesterday, she that sings so well, and send her hither.

Osm. I will, most sublime Sultan. [Exit OSMYN.

Enter ELMIRA. She kneels.

Sul. I know before-hand that you come to upbraid me- -We have not met so often lately as our mutual inclinations would have made agreeable; but don't attribute that to coldness, which has been the unavoidable consequence of affairs-the business of the Divan has taken up so much of my time.

Elm. I don't presume to complain; for your image is so imprinted on my heart, that you are always present to my mind.

Sul. [Impatiently.] Nay, dear Elmira, I have not

the least doubt. Oh, [Yawning.] Elmira, you love music-I have sent for the Persian slave, who I am told sings so well;-if she answers the description, she will afford you entertainment.

Elm. I want none when you are present; your company suffices for every thing.

Sul. Yonder comes our singer.

Enter ISMENA.

Isme. [Kneeling.] Your slave attends your plea

sure.

[The Sultan makes a sign to the Eunuchs, who bring tuo Stools, and beckon ELMIRA to sit.

Elm. This is an honour I did not expect.

ISMENA Sings.

[Taking her seat.

Blest hero, who in peace and war,
Triumph alike, and raise our wonder;
In peace the shafts of love you bear,

In war the bolts of Jove's own thunder.

[While ISMENA Sings, SOLYMAN takes ELMIRA'S Hand.

Sul. Beautiful Ismena, methought that song did not so well express the effects of love-Madam, [To ELMIRA.] we will hear her again-I never heard any thing so charming-her voice is exquisite-What you think of her?

do

Elm. If she hears this, 'twill make her vain—I cannot bear it-I am ready to burst with indignation and anger. [Aside. Exit ELMIRA.

Sul. There is something in this slave that interests me in her favour; she shall be received among the sultana's attendants, and by that means we shall have an opportunity of hearing her often. [Turning, perceives ELMIRA gone.] But where's the Sultana? I