_Birb._ [_With the approved Victoria pronunciation._] Ster-ike! [_Music._--_They strike attitudes for a broad sword combat_--_CONRAD stops suddenly._ _Conrad._ [_Looking at his sword, a light elegant one._] Stop! for stage combats this is not the thing, Just wait while I exchange it at the wing. [_Goes to wing, R., and returns with the orthodox basket hilt._ Now then to meet your fate so well deserved. Come on! _Birb._ Ster-ike, as I before observed. [_Desperate single combat_--_BIRBANTO gets the worst of it._ Help! help! _Conrad._ Take that--in vain for help you call. _Birb._ [_Falls._] That cut was the unkindest cut of all. _Conrad._ Die, villain! [_GUARDS rush in and surround him._ _Birb._ Saved! _Syng._ Ho! guards, to pieces tear him. _Conrad._ I’m dished--I ask no quarter. _Medora._ [_Runs in R., and kneels._] Spare him--spare him. _Tableau_--_scene closes._ SCENE VI.--_A Corridor._--_Practicable door, R., a barred window, L._ _Enter SYNG SMAUL, leading in MEDORA, L._ _Syng._ Fair maid, you’ll be a prisoner here confined, Till in this matter you’ve made up your mind. If you consent to be the Pasha’s wife, Conrad the Corsair saves his forfeit life-- If not, the hangman treats him to a drop! _Medora._ Marry the Pasha, never. _Syng._ [_Going._] Good. _Medora._ Yet stop-- Where is the prisoner? _Syng._ [_Pointing to door, R._] In yon cell. _Medora._ So near me. He shall decide for me! Ho, Conrad, hear me! _Syng._ He can’t. ’Tis vain, so you may save your trouble! Your voice is treble, but the doors are double. I’ll leave you to reflect. [_Exit, L._ _Medora._ Which can I choose-- The matrimonial, or the hangman’s noose? The Pasha’s wife--oh, no; yet, if I falter, ’Tis I that lead my Conrad to the halter. A footstep! who comes here? _Enter GULNARE, R._ _Gul._ Hush! not a word! The Pasha’s proposition I have heard. _Medora._ And you advise me to refuse it flat? _Gul._ No, to accept it. _Medora._ What! wed a thing like that? _Gul._ It is a match most women’s hopes would lean to. _Medora._ Indeed! then marry him yourself! _Gul._ I mean to. _Medora._ Explain! _Gul._ Nay, Conrad too, must present be.