THE SCORPION
LEDMIYA [at window]. Oh, I can see the spears shining
through the dust of the horses!
MESSENGER.
—but——
LAYLAH. Speak, if thou wouldst ever speak again
!
MESSENGER. But the Knights of Malta appeared in great
strength, riding from the valley on their noble chargers, armed
at all points—
LAYLAH. Yes?
Yes?
MESSENGER. So that we judged it best to fall back upon
the reserves.
The Maltese fell upon us—you may see them
fighting now.
LAYLAH. What news of my brave Sliman?
FATMA. And Sidi Omar?
And Othman?
And Akbar?
And Mohammed?
LAYLAH. Peace.
What news?
MESSENGER. Sidi Omar is hurt,
LAYLAH. And Sliman?
MESSENGER.
1 do not know, princess.
LAYLAH. Get forth, back to the fight.
Reward him, ye!
FATMA. Reward for such bad news!
What is the world
coming to?
In my young days—
LAYLAH. Such withered weeds were burnt.
FATMA. Alas, Sidi Omar!
The strong, the brave, the
comely!
He is dead, he is dead.
LAYLAH. Hurt, said the messenger.
LEDMIYA.
Now comes
another from the fight, riding
hard.
He bears a fair—haired child across the saddle.
Oh,
do look!
LAYLAH. Is there no messenger?
LEDMIYA. It is Achmet!
It is good Achmet!
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