Part 23 (1/2)

Ion. Saved! saved! The morning sun that was to s.h.i.+ne upon his grave, will smile upon him far, far from foemen's power. And Mohammed, thinking to look upon a dying slave, shall waken to the sound of his victorious war-trump. Ion, thy mission is accomplished. Thou hast given a saviour to thy fatherland, and mayst fall thyself without a murmur [_looks up thankfully; a loud noise without_].

[_Enter_ Abdallah _and_ Murad.

Abd. Where is the prisoner? Come forth!

Ion. I am here [_comes forward_].

Abd. Ha!--here is treason! Without there!--the prisoner hath escaped!

Murad. Who flieth yonder, past the camp?

Abd. 'Tis he! Forth, call for aid! Search without delay! Here is foul work abroad. First, seize yon boy; fetter the base spy; bear him before the king. Speed hence!

Murad [_to_ Ion]. Infidel dog, thou shalt learn what it is to brave Mohammed's ire!

[_They seize_ Ion, _and drag him away_.]

CURTAIN.

BIANCA.

OPERATIC TRAGEDY.

NOTE TO BIANCA.

The peculiarity of this opera was that while the words were committed to memory, the music was _composed_ and _sung_ as the scene proceeded.

In spite of its absurdity, this play was a great favorite; for Jo was truly superb as the hapless Bianca, while her trills and tragic agonies were considered worthy of the famous Grisi herself.

CHARACTERS.

Adelbert . . . . . . _Betrothed to Bianca._

Huon . . . . . . . _His Rival._

Juan . . . . . . . _A Page._

Bianca . . . . . . . _A Spanish Lady._

Hilda . . . . . . . _A Witch._

BIANCA.

OPERATIC TRAGEDY.

SCENE FIRST.

[_A wood._ _Enter_ Huon.]