_Pasha._ Oh, be off--old fools are the worst of fools! Come here, Gulnare--the cause of this explain: _Zuli._ [_R., Mincingly._] It was my face. _Gul._ [L.] You see the cause is plain-- She boasted that she was your wife to be, When you remember, sire, you promised me. _Pasha._ [_Aside._] I know, to both of them I’ve pledged my word-- It’s very awkward, for I love a third. _Zuli._ Great Pasha, say, shall I not be your bride? _Gul._ I’ll leave it to your taste, sire, to decide. _Song._--PASHA.--“_Beggar’s Opera._” How happy could I be with neither; Now t’other dear charmer’s away, I don’t care a button for either; And so what the deuce can I say, Except tol de rol, oh, my Medora-- Tol de rol, rol de rol lay-- You’ve deserted your ardent adorer, And left him to misery a prey. [_A loud single knock._ _Enter SYNG SMAUL, L. 1 E._ _Pasha._ How now, slave? _Syng._ Sire, a man is at the door, He’s got a slave to sell. _Pasha._ I’ll buy no more. [_Exit SYNG SMAUL._ I’m plagued to death as ’tis, with those I’ve got. _Re-enter SYNG SMAUL, L. 1 E._ What now? _Syng._ He says you have bought this one. _Pasha._ What? _Syng._ And though to you such message may sound funny; He said he would’nt leave without the money. _Pasha._ Insolent caitiff! show him in--and stay-- Request our headsman, too, to step this way. [_Exit SYNG SMAUL._ _Gul._ [_Aside._] Who is this madman, rushing on to slaughter? _Enter YUSSUF with MEDORA, veiled, L. 1 E._ _Yussuf._ How are you, Pasha? Here’s the gal; I caught her. _Pasha._ What girl, dog? _Yussuf._ [_Raising her veil._] See! _Pasha._ Medora! _Medora._ Sire, have pity! _Zuli._ [_Looking at MEDORA._] Young, but uncultivated! _Gul._ [_Looking at MEDORA._] Plump, but pretty! _Medora._ Save me, sir, from this man? _Pasha._ Nay, sweet--you see---- _Medora._ You won’t? Enough! Thus, then, myself I free. [_Draws dagger; is about to stab herself._ _Yussuf._ Hold on, until I’m paid--at least. Ho! seize her. _Medora._ Villain, for you, then. [_Runs at him with dagger._