_Syng._ So caught at last. Yield, all of you. _Birb._ Come, my lads, ho! strike for freedom! You won’t? _Conrad._ [_Laughing._] Not they, they’ve not got me to lead ’em. _1st Cors._ Resume your post, and save us, we implore. _2d Cors._ Do, sir; we’ll never disobey you more. _Birb._ Cowards! _Conrad._ Resume my post--’tis a temptation. _Medora._ Oh, no! think of your vows of reformation, For my sake! _SERENA appears, watching him with anxiety._ _Conrad._ True! I’ll keep them, love, with pleasure, Sirs, my reform must be a final measure. _Serena._ He’s saved! _Syng._ No more discussion. March--yet stay-- What’s that? Another prisoner comes this way _Enter YUSSUF chained_--_two GUARDS following, L._ _Yussuf._ [_Sings._] Why did Medora sell me? Through her these woes befel me. Why did Medora sell me, And bolt on her wedding day? _Medora._ My uncle, and in chains! _Yussuf._ False critter, see These fixins. You ’twas forged these bonds for me. _Medora._ I am no forger, sir. _Conrad._ Cease this debate-- We’ve heard too much of _forging bonds_ of late. _Syng._ Now, guards, conduct your prisoners to their gaol. _Serena._ [_Advances._] Hold! for this couple, sir, I put in bail. _Conrad._ Halloa! my friend, the fairy. _Serena._ Yes, the friend Of all who, like you, strive their ways to mend. You’ve kept your word--with freedom I requite you. And to the Peri’s home to sup, invite you. _Medora._ Oh, joy. [_CONRAD and MEDORA embrace._ _Serena._ The rest must undergo their sentence. _Birb._ Hold on! I see there’s nothing like repentance-- So I’ll turn steady, too. _Serena._ You settle down? _Birb._ I’ll start a public company in town; Turn a strict man of business--try stock-jobbery On the Exchange! My cry--exchange no robbery. _Song and Chorus._--_AIR, “One Bumper at Parting._” _Birb._ A company starting, though many Have tried it and found it no go; I’ll endeavor at turning a penny, We won’t say if honest, or no. _Yussuf._ Guess I’m mortal sick of slave driving, Respectable dodges pay best; So if this here company’s thriving. I’m there like a shot, with the rest.