PANT. (_aside to_ TART.) What makes his Majesty indulge in high rant? ALT. (_as above_.) Prince Kalaf, heir to Tartary's high throne, Is called to fill the Bey's, besides his own. This scroll informs me Kalaf is the stranger Who overthrew the Sphinx and 'scaped her danger. I'm glad to find the Prince is no bad catch,-- My daughter's will be quite a splendid match. PANT. (_to_ TART.) What is he muttering all to himself, Just like a miser counting o'er his pelf? I do believe he's talking in blank verse, Or reasoning in rhyme, which would be worse. He's deaf; if he were blind, 't would suit us better, For then he couldn't read his private letter. TART. (_to_ PANT.) A s-sp-special Es-taf-fette! _Ci cova gatto!_ S-such m-my-mystery! _Capisco niente affatto._ (ALT. _places the scroll in his breast, and signs to_ PANT. _and_ TART. _to withdraw, which they do with reluctance_.) ALT. My child, the night is far advanced; yet still Thy restless steps pace through thy hareem chill. Quite hopeless is thy task; not all the College Of Doctors could impart the wished-for knowledge. Thou canst not guess thy 'pponent's name, tho' we Have fully learned his family history. He's worthy of thy hand; my wish obey, Avoid to-morrow's public _exposée_. Thou'rt sure to fail. For my sake save thy fame, My soul recoils from witnessing thy shame. TUR. I shall not put my father to the blush; My adversary's arrogance I'll crush. ALT. Ah, flatter not thyself. Let one defeat Suffice; do not the painful scene repeat. TUR. The high divan shall judge. Firm as a rock Is my strong will. His easy task I mock. ALT. Has thy keen wit discovered--tell me truth-- The secret of this overtrusting youth? If so, be gen'rous; let him go in peace; From further strife and public struggle cease. Deal gently with this boy of noble race, Nor wantonly expose him to disgrace. Thus shalt thou earn all Chang's high admiration. Thy harsh decree has much estranged the nation. They tell strange tales about the Chinese Sphinx, Men's skulls she gnaws--hot human blood she drinks. Oh, show thyself as modest, tender, duteous,-- More homage this commands than being beauteous. TUR. Your mercy, Sire, beseems your hoary age; Your words might well convert a Grecian sage, But cannot change my purpose. I'll not bow My neck to any man: so runs my vow. In public this pert boy my power defeated,-- In public shall my vengeance be completed. ALT. Dear child, paternal love shall condescend To humbly beg obedience. Do but bend To my desire, and thou shalt from me learn The whole of what this stranger may concern. In public thou shalt triumph--name aloud Thy foe, in face of an applauding crowd. But swear, if thus I'm traitor for thy sake Thou wilt this suitor for thy husband take. Thy deed will bless thine aged father's days-- Reward a loving heart--win all men's praise. TUR. (_who has listened with increasing emotion_)--