PERSONS. The Grand-Master's Prefect. The Patriarch's Nuncio. The Republic's Admiral. LOYS DE DREUX, Knight-Novice. Initiated Druses-DJABAL, KHALIL, ANAEL, MAANI, KAR- Uninitiated Druses. Prefect's Guard. Nuncio's Attendants. Admiral's Force. TIME, 14 PLACE.-An Islet of the Southern Sporades, colonized by Druses of Lebanon, and garrisoned by the Knights-Hospitallers of Rhodes. SCENE. A Hall in the Prefect's Palace. THE RETURN OF THE DRUSES. 1843. ACT I. Enter stealthily KARSHOOK, RAGHIB, AYOOB and other initiated Druses, each as he enters casting off a robe that conceals his distinctive black vest and white turban; then, as giving a loose to exultation, Karshook. The moon is carried off in purple fire: Day breaks at last! Break glory, with the day, On Djabal's dread incarnate mystery Now ready to resume its pristine shape Of Hakeem, as the Khalif vanished erst In what seemed death to uninstructed eyes, On red Mokattam's verge-our Founder's flesh, -Death Raghib. So long us sad Druse exiles o'er the sea! Ayoob. Most joy be thine, O Mother-mount! Thy brood Returns to thee, no outcasts as we left, But thus-but thus! Behind, our Prefect's corse; Absolute Djabal late,—God Hakeem now Karshook. Off then, with disguise at last! As from our forms this hateful garb we strip, Ayoob. Raghib. Who shout Who seize, a first-fruits, ha— Spoil of the spoiler ! Brave! [They begin to tear down, and to dispute for, the Take anything beside! Lo, spire on spire, |