THE SULTAN WAS first acted at Drury Lane in 1775, under the title of The Sultana, and reproduced some time afterwards when Mrs. Abington was in the zenith of her theatrical representation. Several of our leading comic actresses have since caused its revival; but no one with so much effect as Mrs. Jordan, in whose talents Roxalana may still be said to live. It is unnecessary to add, that this Farce is almost a literal translation from Marmontel. SCENE.-An Apartment in the Seraglio; Throne in manner of a Couch, with a Canopy, on the front of which is an Escutcheon fixed, with the Ottoman Arms crowned with Feathers; in the back Scenes, the SULTAN'S Door covered with a Curtain. Enter OSMYN and ELMIRA. Osmyn. TELL me, what right have you to be dis contented? Elm. When first I came within these walls, I found myself a slave; and the thoughts of being shut up for ever here, terrified me to death: my tears flowed incessantly; Solyman was moved with them, and solemnly promised to restore me to liberty, my parents, and my country. Osmyn. And yet when the sultan agreed to send you back to Georgia, you did not avail yourself of his generosity. Elm. True; but his munificence, and above all the tenderness and love he expressed to me since, have reconciled me to this place, and I vainly thought my charms could have attached him to me. Osmyn. Why then complain? you still possess his heart. Already, you have been twice honoured with the imperial bandkerchief. Elm. His heart! does not this place contain a hundred beauties who equally share his love? Tell the sultan I'm determined, and ready to accept the first opportunity of returning to my friends and country. Osmyn. I shall procure you an answer this morning -But hark! the sultan approaches. [Exit Elmira. The Curtain is drawn, and the SULTAN enters, preceded by Mutes, &c. A grand March played. Sul. Osmyn. Osmyn. The humblest of your slaves attends. [Bows to the Ground. Sul. My friend, quit this style of servitude; I am weary of it. Osmyn. And of the seraglio too, sir? Sul. It is even so—and yet, upon reflection, I cannot tell why, unless that, having been accustomed to the noise of camps and the business of war, I know not how to relish pleasures; which, though varied, appear insipid, through the ease and tranquillity with which they are attained.-Your voice used to charm me. AIR. OSMYN. Behold yonder zephyr how lightly it blows, Then still let your pleasure variety crown, Osmyn. And yet your highness must confess, your servant has neglected nothing perfectly to content, particularly in one object he procured you. Sul. Who is that? Osmyn. The Circassian beauty-the sultana Elmira. Sul. And truly she possesses all the charms that can adorn her sex. Osmyn. You thought so once. Sul. Once! I think so still. Osmyn. Indeed! Sul. Positively-why should you doubt it? Osmyn. Your word is my law. But, sir, there is matter I must acquaint you with: I cannot manage the seraglio; and by the beard of Heli, I would rather quit the helm I can no longer guide. That English slave lately brought here, is quite ungovernable; she is sure to do every thing she is forbid, she makes a joke of our threats, and answers our most serious admonitions with a laugh: besides, she is at variance with the rest of the women, and shows them such an example, that I cannot longer rule them. Sul. That is your business-I will have them all agree- How do you call her? Osmyn. Since she has been here, we have called her Roxalana. Sul. Well-You must endeavour to bring her to reason. Osmyn. Shall the sultana Elmira throw herself at your highness's feet then? Sul. Let her come-And, do you hear, Osmyn, go to the apartment of that Persian slave you spoke of yesterday, she that sings so well, and send her hither. Osmyn. I will, most sublime sultan. [Exit. Enter ELMIRA. She kneels. Sul. I know beforehand that you come to upbraid me- -We have not met so often lately as our mutual inclinations would have made agreeable; but don't attribute that to coldness, which has been the una |