_Pasha._ [_Looking at them one by one._] Too dark! too fair! too red! too short! too tall! Too lean! too fat! pooh! pooh! won’t do at all. Hast thou no others, pig? _Yussuf._ No, sire; you see My wholesale merchant disappointed me; I’ve ordered in some beauties. _Pasha._ Reptile, peace! Who’s this? _Yussuf._ That, sire? Medora, my young niece. _Enter MEDORA, dancing, L._ There, that’ll do--just cut these capers--stop! Must I for ever catch you on the hop? _Medora._ Nay, be not angry, uncle-- _Yussuf._ Then stand still! _Medora._ With pleasure, if it pleases you, I will; But I’m so happy--feel my heart so light; The air’s so balmy, and the sun so bright. The gladness that’s inspired by all around, Finds vent in _jumps_, because it knows no _bound_. _Pasha._ She’ll do! Come hither, dog, a word with you. [_YUSSUF approaches, they whisper, L. C._ _Medora._ [_Uneasy._] What’s that dark stranger, whispering? _Pasha._ Pooh! pooh! _Yussuf._ But, sire, to sell one’s niece, like any nigger! ’Possums and rattlesnakes! Say what’s the figure? _Pasha._ [L.C.] Name your own price. _Yussuf._ [L.] My niece--so good, so true-- So dear to me. Well, she’ll be dear to you, What say you to one thousand chequeens? _Pasha._ Done. _Yussuf._ [_Aside._] I wish I’d ask’d him five, instead of one. _Medora._ What strange presentiment of woe comes o’er me? _Pasha._ Conduct her home. _Syng._ Fair slave, just march before me! _Medora._ Slave! knave! behave! I am no slave--I’m free! You are deceived; _Syng._ Nay, you are sold--not me; _Medora._ I sold! Who’d dare to sell me? _Syng._ Can’t you guess-- _Medora._ Oh, my prophetic soul! my uncle-- _Yussuf._ Yes; I’m very sorry, but-- _Medora._ You sorry--stuff! _Yussuf._ I guess I am. [_Aside._] I didn’t charge enough. _Medora._ [_To PASHA._] I am no slave, good sir, I’m free--then please ye, To calm my fears, and make me free and easy. _Yussuf._ There! don’t orationize the case about. _Medora._ If you’re my uncle, you will let me spout. _Pasha._ No words--you are my slave. [_Seizes her._ _Medora._ Help! help! _Enter CONRAD, R._