the future?-Come, give me your hand; and you may imagine I have forgot all you have said to me.

Rox. So much the worse for you. I told you a great many good things;-I see my frankness is disagreeable; but you must grow used to it. Don't you think yourself very happy to find a friend in a slave? one that will teach you how to love too; for 'tis in my country love is in its element. It is there all life and tenderness because it is free; and yet even there, a husband beloved is next to a prodigy.-If it be then so difficult to love a husband, what must it be to love a master? I am your friend; I tell you truth:-and do you know why you dislike to hear it?-Because it is a language your ears are unaccustomed to-But I don't mind that; I shall make you well acquainted with it-Happy would it be for every prince, had they a friend near them to tell them the truth.

Sul. But you must treat me with respect.

Rox. I treat you with respect?—that would be worse still.

Sul. Indeed!

Rox. Oh, your notions are horrid-I shall correct you.

Sul. Correct me?-In what, pray?

Rox. In what concerns you.

Sul. She is the strangest mortal, sure!—But let's have no more of this.

Rox. Nay, though you don't take my lessons as patiently as I could wish, I hope you are not displeased with me. I should be sorry to offend you.

Sul. You may easily avoid it then.

Rox. It will be nothing in time.

Sul. Why, won't you consider who I am, and who you are?

Rox. Who I am, and who you are! Yes, sir, I do consider very well that you are the grand sultan; I am your slave; but I am also a free born woman, prouder of that than all the pomp and splendour eastern monarchs can bestow.

Sul. As far as I can perceive then, you would be very glad to get away from me.

Rox. You never were more right in your life.

Sul. Well, but if I endeavour to render the seraglio agreeable to you-if I study to make you happy, might you not in your turn try to deserve my favour? Rox. No.

Sul. Do you speak that sincerely?

Rox. As I think it.

Sul. And yet there is something that whispers me-
Rox. Don't believe it-I tell you it deceives you.
Sul. And must I never expect-

Rox. Never-caprice and fancy decide all.

Sul. In caprice and fancy then I rest my hopes; and in the mean time you shall sup with me.

Rox. No-I beg to be excus'd—I'd rather not.
Sul. Why so? 'tis an honour that you ought-

Rox. An honour that I ought!-Sir, you ought to lay aside those humiliating phrases; for while they teach us your superior greatness, they rob you of the pleasure of being agreeable-But to be in good humour, sir, I ought not to accept your proposals; for I know that suppers here tend to certain-things that I can't-indeed, sir.

Sul. Well, as you please.

Rox. That is very well said; you are my pupil, you know, and should give up every point to me; and since that is the case, instead of my supping with you, you shall dine with me.

Sul. With all my heart-be it so-Osmyn!

Osmyn

Enter OSMYN.

Rox. Osmyn, I say, hear my directions-You know I am to speak-Go to the clerk of the kitchen, and desire him to provide a handsome entertainment in my apartment, as the sultan dines with me.

Osmyn. Did your highness order

Sul. What do you stand for? Do as she bids you. [Exit Osmyn, bowing. Rox. Are there not some females here that would enliven the conversation; for example, the beautiful sultana Elmira, that accomplished favourite you love so

well; her company must be agreeable; and the Persian slave Ismena, who, I am told, sings enchantingly-and whom you love a little.

Sul. Yes-but

Rox. I understand you-you will have her too.
Sul. It is not necessary-we will be alone.

Rox. Alone-a tête-à-tête would be a great pleasure, to be sure!-oh no.

Sul. I promise you, I expect it.

Enter OSMYN.

Osmyn. Madam, your orders are obey'd.

Sul. Go to Elmira's apartment, and tell her, I sha!! see her this evening. This evening, do you hear? Rox. I don't like that whispering there-What's that you say?-you know, I bave often told you of that ugly trick.

Sul. Nothing-I'll come to her-go.

Rox. Stay, I say; I have some business with you. Sul. Stay! Certainly there never was any thing half so pleasant as this creature. [Exit. Rox. Go, Osmyn, to the apartments of the sultana Elmira, and to the chamber of the slave Ismena, and tell them to come and dine with the sultan-If you neglect obeying my orders, your head shall answer for it ---And, do you hear? don't let them know you came from me with this invitation.-Take care of your head. [Exit.

SCENE. A Royal Apartment, Banquet, &c.
Enter ROXALANA.

Rox. Ay, let me alone, now I bave got the reins in my own hands, there shall soon be a reformation in this place, I warrant. Hey-day! what have we got here?-Cushions! what, do they think we are going to prayers? Let me die but I believe it is their dinner. What, do they mean to make me sit squat like a baboon, and tear my meat with my fingers?-Take away all this trumpery, and let us have tables and chairs, knives and forks, and dishes and plates, like Christians.-And, d'ye hear, lest the best part, of the entertainment should be wanting, get us some wine. [Mutes lift up their Hands] Mercy on us, what a wonder! I tell you, wine must be had. If there is none here, go to the mufti, he is a good fellow, and has some good wine, I warrant him; let the church alone to take care of themselves; they are too good judges of more solid things, not to be provided with them. [Things are removed, and Table, &c. brought on] Oh, here come some of my guests-I'll [Goes aside.

hide.

Enter ELMIRA and OSMYN.

Elm. It is impossible-A pretty thing, truly, she is to dispute the sultan's heart with me!

Osmyn. I tell you, her ascendancy over him is such that it requires the greatest art and caution to counter act it.

Elm. Well, Osmyn, be my friend; and here take. this locket, Osmyn; and be sure speak ill of all my. rivals, and all the good you possibly can of me.

Enter ROXALANA.

Osmyn. Death and hell! we are deceived. [Aside, and exit. Ror. Take this locket, Osmyn, and be sure you speak ill of all my rivals. Ha, ha, ha!

Elm. Insipid pleasantry! Know this, however, madam, I was the first possessor of the sultan's heart; and as such, will maintain my rights, and employ my power to keep it.

Rox. By a locket.-Holloa! who waits there?
Enter OSMYN.

Go tell the grand signior to come here.

Osmyn. I will, madam-I'll be your friend, you may depend on me.

Rox. Go. [Exit Osmyn] Elmira, I don't intend to dispute the sultan's heart with you; and, to prove it, you must know that it was I invited you to dine with him here; therefore make the best use you can of the opportunity.

Elm. Is it possible?

Enter SULTAN on one Side; ISMENA and OSMYN on the other.

Rox. Slaves, bring the dinner.

Sul. What do I see? Ismena and Elmira too!

Rox. What is the matter, sir?

Sul. I thought you would have been alone.

Rox. Not when good company is to be had.-Come, salute the ladies [He bows] A little lower, [She stoops his Head] There now, ladies, my guest is a little awkward; but he'll improve.

B