_Medora._ Alas! they’ve locked him in, and ta’en the key. _Gul._ But I’ve a duplicate! [_Shows key._ See, this will pick it. [_Goes to door._ _Medora._ A duplicate! that is, indeed, the ticket. [_GULNARE opens door, R. 2 E., CONRAD comes out, ironed._ _Conrad._ We meet again, my joy who now can tell? _Medora._ [_Looking in._] What a vile dungeon! _Conrad._ ’Tis an awful cell. Thus ironed too! these heavy fetters dangling. _Medora._ That loved form ironed! Well, it’s saved from mangling. _Conrad._ Sweet, ’twas your love that saved me--nothing but it. Their swords were at my throat--you bid them cut it. _Gul._ But come, time flies-- _Conrad._ Hah! true, a just remark. Explain, too long they’ve kept me in the dark. [_Points to cell._ _Gul._ Kept in the dark--come, there you’re wrong, methinks. Surely you’d light--those chains have lots of links. _Medora._ Conrad, the Pasha offers you your freedom. _Conrad._ Hah! on what terms? _Gul._ In her confusion read ’em. Her hand. _Conrad._ And she consents? oh, no. _Medora._ I don’t. I’d see him further first, and then I won’t. _Conrad._ Brave girl, ’twould be, were I of you bereft, A still more awful sell than that I’ve left. _Gul._ But I’ve a plan. _Conrad._ Out with it. _Gul._ ’Tis that she Pretend submission until you are free. _Conrad._ Good! _Medora._ But suppose he makes me sticks to it? And marry him. _Gul._ Nay, trust to woman’s wit, I mean to marry him myself--I told you; As the sole obstacle, I now behold you. You gone, of all my hopes comes the revival, With your _departure_, I’ve no more _a rival_. But some one comes; they must not here perceive me. Get in. [_Pushing CONRAD in._ _Conrad._ [_Struggling._] Get out. _Gul._ Go, go. [_Locks door._ _Medora._ You won’t deceive me? _Gul._ Trust me. [_Exit, R._ _Medora._ I will. _March._--_Enter PASHA, SYNG SMAUL, GUARDS, &c., L._ _Medora._ [_Aside._] And now consent to sham! _Pasha._ Well madam, are you quite resolved? _Medora._ I am. _Pasha._ Pause ere you speak--mind, your refusal crushes The Corsair’s chance. Your answer!