ACT 11
Twenty years later.
An Oriental Palace in a city near
84
ferum/em; theHat!ofAua’iente. [n thethrone is LAYLAI-I
nei/ea’.
Aroundher are waiting-women another ald nurse
FATMA. At the door on eunuch on guard with drawn
mimi/ar.
LEDMIYA [a younggirl with a stringed instrument],
As the flower waits for the rain,
As the lover waits for the moon,
We wait, we wait, an hungry pain,
For tidings from the battle plain-—
If those we love are hurt or slain,
Or if the Lord hath smitten again
The legions of the Cross, and hewn
A path of blood where glory flares.
The sabre strikes, the trumpet blares,
The warhorse neighs,—Oh let us see
The Crescent borne to victory]
LAYLAH. Is there no news?
FATMA. It is rumoured that the battle has begun.
LEDMIYA. Under the very walls of Jerusalem
!
ABDUL KHAN. Within the southern gate.
FATMA. Many, many will fall.
- Alas, alas!