Part 26 (2/2)

(_Aloud._)

Stranger Prince, good-night!

(_Exit._)

CALAF.

Oh, will this night of horrors never end?

And this fight of the soul that is consumed In burning love? By Fortune cast away-- Cast into perils, by her hate pursued, I tarry for the dawn and traitorous knives.

(_The scene grows light._)

See, the sun rises. Now the hour is come For her to feed her pleasure on my blood, The hour has come that sees my torment end!

SCENE XIV

BRIGELLA, GUARDS, CALAF.

BRIGELLA.

Time's up, your Highness. Fun begins in a minute.

CALAF.

Oh, is it you? Well, carry out your orders!

Be quick! It doesn't matter. Get it over.

BRIGELLA (_astonished_).

What orders? Eh? I haven't got any orders.

The only order I've got is to escort you to the Divan. Double quick! The Emperor has already combed his beard and may appear in the Divan any minute.

CALAF (_in a tragedy tone_).

Up, then, to the Divan! What though I do not Reach it alive? What matters it? See here, Am I the man to be afraid of death?

(_Casts his sword away._)

I need no weapon. Let the Princess know That I have offered of my own free will To her a.s.sa.s.sins my defenceless breast

(_Exit._)

BRIGELLA.

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