THE VETERAN
J.L. Wallack
LIBRARY
DAVIS
&ir See List of Plays on 2d, 3d and 4th pages of Cover.
No. CCXX.
FRENCH'S STANDARD DRAMA.
THE VETERAN;
OR,
FRANCE AND ALGERIA.
^ grama, hi $i
BY J. LESTER WALLACE.
WITH CAST OF CHARACTERS, STAGE BUSINESS, COSTUMES,
RELATIVE POSITIONS, &c., &c.
AS PERFORMED AT WALLACK'S THEATER
NEW YORK:
SAMUEL FRENCH,
122 NASSAU STREET, (Up STAIRS.)
t, Printers, It* Ann Street
FRENCH'S STANDARD DRAMA
Price 12)4 Cents each. Bound Volumes $1.
... A
VOL. I.
VOL. II.
VOL. III.
VOL. IV.
I. Ion,
9. The Stranger,
1 7. The Poor Gentleman
25. Virginias,
2- r'azio,
10. Grandfather White-
18. Hamlet,
26. Ki:
3. Thi. j,ady of Lyons,
11. Richard III. I head
19. Charles II.
27. London Assnrano^
4. Richelieu,
12. Love's Sacrifice,
M. Venice Preserved,
28. The Rent !
5. The Wife,
13. The Gamester, [ache
21. Pizarro,
29. Two Gentlemen of
6. The Honeymoon,
14. A Cure for the Heart-
22. The Love Chase,
Verona,
7. The School for Scandal
15. The Hunchback,
23. Othello, flings
SO. The Jealous Wife,
8. Money,
16. Don Caesar de Bazan,
24. Lend me Five Shil-
31. The Rirals,
With a Portrait and Me
With a Portrait and Me
With a Portrait and Me
32. Perfection,"
moir of Mrs. A. C.
moir of Mr. CHARLES
moir of Mr. W. E. BUR
With a Portrait an.} M
j MOWATT.
KEAN.
TON.
moir of J. Jl. H
VOL. V.
VOL. VI.
VOL. VII.
VOL. VIII
33. A New Way to Pay
41. Speed the Plough,
49. Road to Ruin,
57. The Aposjfe S;
Old Debts,
42. Romeo and Juliet,
50. Macbeth,
58. Twelfth H^BB
34. Look Before You Leap
35. King John,
43. Feudal Times,
44. Charles the Twelfth,
51. Temper,
52. Evadne,
59 Brutu.s,
60. Simpson *
36. Nervous Man,
45. The Bridal,
53. Bertram,
61. Merchant of
37. Damon and Pythias,
46. The Follies of a Night
54. The Duenna,
62. OM Heads and You)
38. Clandestine Marriage
47. The Iron Chest,
55. Much Ado About No
Hearts,
39. William Tell,
48. Faint Heart Never
thing,
63. Mountaineers.
40. Day after the Wedding
Won Fair Lady,
56. The Critic,
64. Three U'euks Aft
Marriage.
With a Portrait and Me
"With a Portrait and Me
With a Portrait and Me
With a Portrait and 11
moir of G. COLMAN,
moir of E. BULWfiR
moir of R. B. SHERI
moir of Mr. <
the Elder.
LYTTON.
DAN.
H. BARRETT.
VOL. IX.
VOL. X.
VOL. XI.
VOL. XII.
65. Love,
73. Henry VIII.
81. Julius Csesar,
89. Ingomar,
i 66. As You Like It,
74. Married and Single,
S2. Vicar of Wakefield,
90. Sketches in In.lia,
67. The Klder Brother,
7i>. Henrv IV.
ap Year,
91. Two K
6*. Werner,
76. Paul Pry.
84. The Catspaw,
92. Jane S
69. Gisippus,
70. Town and Country.
7T. Guy Mannering,
78. Sweethearts and
... The Passing Cloud,
86. Drunkard,
93. Cor-
94. Mind Your Own B
71. King Lear,
Wives,
87. Rob Rov,
iness,
72. Blue Devils,
79. Serious Family.
88. George Barnwell,
95. Writing 01,
80. She Stoop? to Con
96. Heir at Law,
With a Portrait and Me
quer,
With a Portrait and Me
moir of Mrs. SHAW.
With a Portrait _ad Me
moir of Mrs. JOHN
With aPortra;
moir of Miss C. CUSH
SEFTON.
moir of Mi-
MAN.
HAMBLIN.
VOL. XIII.
VOL. XIV.
VOL. XV. VOL. XVI. ;
'< 97. Soldier's Daughter,
105. Game of Love,
113. Ireland As It Is,
121. The T
93. Douglas,
106. Midsummer Night's
114. Sea of Ice.
122. The PilJrP
99. Marco Spada,
Dream,
115. Seven Clerks,
123. Carpenter
100. Nature's Nobleman,
107. Ernestine,
116. Game of Life,
124. Kin' -
101. Sardanapalus,
X)8. Rag Picker of Paris,
117. Forty Thi
125. Little Trea
102. Civilization,
109. Firing Dutchman,
118. Brvan Boroihme,
126. Dombev HL.; -on,
103. The Robbers,
104. Katharine and Pe-
110. Hvpocrke,
111. Therese,
119. Romance & Reality.
120. Ugolino,
127. Purente i.
128. J. *
truchio.
112. La Tour de Nesle,
With Pertrait and Me
With a Portrait and Me
With a Portrait and Me
moir of Mr. EDWIN
moir of Mr. JOHN
moir of Mr. BARNEY
FOREST.
BROUGHAM.
WILLIAMS.
VOL. XVII.
VOL. XVIII.
VOL. XIX.
VOL. XX
129. Camille,
137. Jfipht and Morning,
145. Dred. or the Dismal
153. French Spv,
130. Married Life,
138. ^ihiop,
Swamp,
154. Wept of
131. Wenlock of Wenlock
139. Three Guardsmen,
146. Last Davs of Pom-
Wish,
132. Rose of Ettrickvale,
140. Tom Cringle, (ken.
147. Esmeral.'la^ [peii,
1,55. Evil G
133. David Copperfield,
141. Henriette, the Forsa-
148. Peter Wilkins,
156. Ben Bolt,
134. Aline, or the Rose of
]42. EustacheRaudiu,
149. Ben the Boatswain,
157. Sailor of 1
135. Pauline, [Killarnev,
143. Ernest Maltravers,
150. Jonathan Bradford,
158. Red Mask,
136. Jane Eyre.
144. Bold Dragoons.
15S. Retribution,
159. Life of an
152. Mineral!.
160. Wedding Day.
VOL. XXI.
VOL. XXII.
VOL. XXIII.
VOL. XXIV.
161. All's Fair in Lore,
169. Son of the Night,
177. Actress of Padua,
185. Young New Yoi
162. Hofer,
170. RorvO'More,
178. Floating Beacon,
186. The Victims.
163. Self,
171. Golden Eagle,
179. Bride of Lammer-
187 Romance a
164. Cinderella,
165, Phantom,
172. Rienzi.
173. Broken Sword,
moor, [ges,
180. Cataract of the Gan-
188 Brigand, fri*
189 Poor of HewTM
166. Franklin,
174. Rip Van Winkle,
181. Robber of the Rhine
190 Ambrose Gwinetjl
167. The Gunmaker of
175. Isabelle.
182. School of Reform,
191 Raymond and AJm
Moscow,
176, Heart of Midlothian.
183. Wandering Boys,
192 Guiubkr'sV^H
18. The Love of a Prince
184. Mazeppa.
[ Catalogue continued on third page of cover.']
FRENCH'S STANDARD DRAMA.
No. CCXX.
THE VETERAN ;
OR,
FRANCE AND ALGERIA.
^ grama,
IN SIX TABLEAUX,
BT
J. LESTER WALLACE,
AS PERFORMED AT WALLACK'S THEATER, JANUARY 17, 18
NEW YORK:
SAMUEL FRENCH,
122 NASSAU STREET. (Up STAIRS.)
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
iDAVIS
CAST Of THE CHARACTER'S. [ THE
As performed at Wallack's Theater, New York, January,
Colonel Del-mar .................... ..... Mr Wallack.
Leon Delmar f bis {5on . , ............ ..... " Lester Wallack
Eugene, the Colonel's Protege. ..... . ...... t: Wheatleigh.
Captain Bclmont ............ ....... .... " Levere.
Lieutenant Morticr. .-.,...., .............. " Lascelles.
Lieutenant Lorielle ........... ......... . . :t Tree.
The Emir Mohammed, an Arab Chief. ..... " Dyott.
Ofl-an-agan, Grand Vizier ............... " Brongham,
The Sultan of Mijra .... ........... ...... " Bangs.
Oglou .................... ..... , ____ ... ' Chippendale*/
Hassan Noitreddin. . ...... . ....... ...... " Young.
Mustapha Moulrad ....... ........ ..... . " Jeffries.
Seyd ......... , ........................ '' Parsloe*
Osman .... ........ . , .................. ' : Oliver.
Sergeant Sampson ...... . ....... . ........ " Bernard.
Sergeant Beaucour ......... ............. : Hodges.
Mrs. MacShake ., ..... , ......... . ....... Mrs. Yernon,
Blanche Delmar ................... ..... Miss Gannon.
Amineh, Sister to the Emir. ..... ......... Mrs. Hoe}'.
Gulnare, Chief Sultana ........ ...... .... Mrs. Sloan,
Zaida ............ .................. ... Miss Orton.
Aura, an Almeh .. ....... f! Ernestine
STAGE DIRECTIONS.
L. means First Entrance, Left. R. First Entrance, Right. S. E. L.
Second Entrance, Left. S. E. R. Second Entrance, Right. U. E. L.
Upper Entrance, Left. U. E. R. Upper Entrance, Right. C. Center,
L. C. Left Center. R. C. Right of Centre. T. E. L. Third Entrance,
Left. T. E. R. Third Entrance' Right. C. D. Center Doer. D. R.
Door Right. D. L, Door Left. ' It D. L. Uppei' Door, Left. U. D. R.
Upper Door, Right.
%* The reader is supposed to be on the Stage, feeing the Audience.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the rear 1S59. by J. LESTF.R WALr-ACK, in the Clerk**
Office of the District Ceftrt of tUe United States for the Sw.hern District of Xsw Yoyu.
THE VETERAN
ACT I.
t
l.-^-France An elegant apartment in the villa of COLONEL
DELMAR.
EUGENE discovered standing in a traveling costume tvith his cap in his hand
Louis just finishing lighting the canddabras The COLONEL'S swordi
cap and sash are on the sofa Two SEUTAXTS discovered drafting cur~
tains.
Eugene. The Colonel has dined, you say?
Louis. Just finished, sir; told me to bring lights and to say he would
be with you directly.
Eug. Are not those his sword and sash ?
Louis. Yes, sir 5 he has been sitting for his portrait in uniform to
day, for Miss Blanche.
Eug. You gave him the dispatch I brought 1
Louis. Yes, sir.
Colonel. [ Without.'] Yery well ; when he returns tell him to come
to me.
Louie. Thnt is the Colonel's voice, sir;
Enter COLOSKI, DELMAR Etit Lotus.
Colonel. Ah, Eugene ! my boy ! glad to see you* Hate you dined 1
Eug. Thank you, yes, sir ; on the road.
Co/, On the road sorry for ye frog soup, hard bread, bad butter j
never mind, we'll have supper by and by. How sit ye down.
Eug. I trust the ladies are well, and Leon 1
Col. Oh. yes, thank ye, all well ; and the regiment my children,
my lambs) eh 1
Eug. All well, sir, only longing to see the Colonel back again.
Col. What ! the villains ! do they grudge me a month's leave of ab
sence now and then. Well, well, all that's over now, and as you've
been a good boy lately, Eugene, you shall know the contents of the
dispatch you brought me. What think you of marching orders, my
hid 1
Euy. For the regiment, bir 1
1'HE VETERAN.
CoL " For the regiment," of course. You don't suppose they'd
Bend me without the regiment, do you ?
Bug. Noj sir { but
Col. -'But," but what?
Eug. Might I ask tvhers we are going 1
Cot. To be sure, that's the best of the tidings. To Algiers! Algiers,
my boy ! think of that! Aha! there's your other epaulette in per
spective for ye.
Eug. [Akide.] Ob, Blanche, how s-hall I te!l you this !
Col. Eh, what's that about Blanche?
Eug. Oh, I was merely remarking that the parting from you will bo
a sad day for Miss Blanche.
Col. Why, yes. I do Hatter myself that my little niece is fond of me,
and will feel my absence but I've a plan with regard to her 5 and,
as I always consider every one's convenience, 1 think you'll say when
you hear it, that I've chalked out a very l;appy existence for her.
Eug. [Aside.] A plan with regard to Blanche, This will be worth
hear; n gi
Cut. By the by, Eugene, what do you think of my English connee*
tiun, Mrs. MacShake?
Eug. A dignified sort of person, sir.
Col. Yes, she is that) certainly.
Eug. And uncommonly fund of you, sir*
Col. D'ye think so 1 [Aside.] He sees it, I knew I was right. I say
Eugene, she's a widow, you kno\v.
Eug. Yes, sir so I've understood.
Col. Yes and when a widow invites herself to stay a week or two,
and then makes it a month or two installing herself as one of the
family in the meanwhile, and sticking to you lilte a leech why then,
Eugene, then
Eug. What, sir?
Col. Oh, nothing only I'm devilsh glad we're going to Algicrs-*-
that's all. Where's Leon ?
Eug. Louis informed me that he has been out with his gun two
hours ago, sir.
Col. Glad of it. The more he sticks to rural sports, and the less
he thinks of the army, the better I like it. Somebody must stay at
home and take care of the estate. Every French family should have
at least one soldier in it, and as I always study everybody's conveni
ence, why I'll go to Algiers and reap glory, and he shall stay at homo
and reap corn.
Eug. And Miss Blanche, sir ?
Col Aha 1 that's it. I mean to but Mrs. MacShake will be ia
presently, and I've a little family arrangement to disclose to her
which you may stay and hear if you like.
Eug. [Aside.] It may concern Blanche. [Aloud.] Anything affect
ing your family, my dear sir, must always interest me.
Col. Thankye, my boy, thankye, I believe you are sincere, toobut
harkye, Eugene.
Eug. Well, sir?
THE VETERAN. 5
Col. I want you to hand Mrs. MacShake to a chair, when eho comes
in.
Eug. Mrs. MacShake is very punctilious sir, and she'll surely ex
pect you to extend that courtesy.
Col. Yes, exactly but I'd rather not extend it to-day.
Eug. Why, sir, you always do.
Col. Yes I know but the fact is I you hang it, boy, I don't
like my hand squeezed by a widow.
Eug. Oh ! that's it. Why, sir she may squeeze mine.
Col. No, she won't. You're a Lieutenant she's too old a soldier
to squeeze for anything under a Major.
Eug. Why, sir you surely don't suspect
Col. Yes I do. I more than suspect. I'm an old campaigner
you're a young one ; and as I always study every one's convenience,
I'll give you both my experience and advice. Experience. When
they sigh, they're plotting mischief when they ogle, they're at it
when they squeeze your hand, they've nearly done it. Advice.
When they sigh, suspect when they ogle, observe when they
squeeze, run.
Eug. Odd advice for a soldier, sir.
Col. Can't help that it's your only chance. I'm a Frenchman, 'tis
true, but I don't think I've much of our national gallantry I don't
know why soldier's life, perhaps. I hope the widow won't try it on
too far for though not gallant, I trust I'm polite, and as I always
study everyone's convenience, I don't want to tell her to go to the
devil !
Eug. That much of gallantry I certainly do give you credit for,
Colonel.
Col. Here she comes oh ! one thing more promise me you won't
leave the room while she's in if?
Eug. My dear sir
Col. You must, I tell you 1 sought this interview, but I don't
want to be left alone with her any more.
Enter MRS. MicSriAKE, R. 2 E.
Mrs. M. Good morning, cousin I received your message, and on
the wings of affection and family feeling, I come punctually to the
hour.
Col. [Aside to EUGENE.] D'ye hear that she's beginning .?. M. There may be some truth in that, too.
Cut. Well, madam, to prove that in this case, at least, I truly do
myself justice, I will without further preface, inform you that I have
received orders for foreign service, and as there's no knowing what may
be the result as regards my own fate, I have determined to consum
mate a design I have long set my heart upon I mean the marrying
rny niece Blanche to my son Leon. [EUGENE starts up, COLONEL s'ops
him.'] What are you about 1 Sit down. I have left them this estate
and farm, so that whatever happens to me, my dear boy will have a
home and domestic lies to prevent him from becoming a wild roaming
old good for nothing, like his father I shall see them comfortably
married before I start, and
Eug. [Aside.'] lean bear this no longer. [Going.
Col. Hallo! here stop! Eugene, where the deuce are you going?
Eug. Excuse me, sir I 1 I'm not very well a sudden faintness,
I wan't air pray pardon me. [Exit, 2 E. R. H.
Col. Want air why, damn it, all the windows are open. What is
the matter with the boy 1 Here, Eugene !
Mrs. M. Colonel, permit me to suggest that you had better allow
the young gentleman to recover himself he was evidently very indis
posed, he seemed almost choking.
Col. Choking! what! a subaltern when his Colonel required his
attention to dare to choke ! Pretty dicipline, upon my word !
Mrs. M. Pray let me intercede for hi"m
Col. Well, as I always study every one's convenience, he may choke
this time, but don't let him try it again, that's all.
Enter BLANCHE, L. 2. E.
Well, to resume ; as I said, I intend ah, here is Blanche.
Blanche. What's the matter, my dear Colonel ? I thought I heard
your voice in anger.
Mrs. M. Good evening, Blanche dear. The Colonel and myself were
discussing a matter that it would be as well perhaps for you to be
consulted on.
Col. What consulted 1 Not at all ; there is no consultation in the
case. Decision decision's the word, madam. However as I don't
like to bo abrubpt [crosses] my dear, you're going to be married on
Thursday.
Blanche. Sir!
Col. To my son, Leon.
Blanche. Sir, I
Col. All settled, my dear duly discussed in a council of three,
called for the occasion.
Blanche. My dear sir, you're surely not in earnest?
Col. The devil I'm not ! Wait till Thursday, that's all. Council
of three, I tell ye Mrs. MacShake Eugene, and myself. Mrs.
MacShake is here to congratulate you ; Pmhere to congratulate you ;
THE VSTEKAX. i
and Eugene oh no.; by the by. he's gone out to choke; but be'll
>e here presently, 1 suppose.
Jflirjiche. But, sir, does does Leon know of this 1
Col. Lord ble.ss ye, no. Plenty of time for that. He's a fiue lad
keen brought up with proper notions of
got the confounded sword and musket madness on him '1
Enter LEON, C. at lack.
On one thing I'm determined however he's in his own room, and he
phan't leave it until I've given this new fancy it's death-blow. At
any rale, he ^hall never, with my consent go to
Leon. [WIio has seated himself R* and taken a book begins to read aloud.]
%i War, its causes and consequences by Henri Dupeltier.' ?
Col. By all that's impudent, he's left his room without permission.
Stay, what ia he reading? [Conceals himself.]
Leon. [Reading.] " But it is not always that victories, however bril*
liant, will ensure satisfactory success, or prevent the victors them
selves from becoming ultimately severe sufferers ; and wellhasmoney
been called the sinews of war ; for if the poorer party be the victor,
the expenses he may have undergone, however trifling, may still leave
him the greater sufferer, inasmuch as he could Itss afford a small sac
rifice than his antagonist a large one." Hum !
Col. Well, sir ! and what do you think of that 1
Leon. Why, sir ! I'm just thinking what I think of it.
Col. And pray, what what should / think of an undutiful young
scamp who has dared to leave his room in direct opposition to my
express desire 1
Leon. I could'nt presume to dictate thoughts to my parents.
Col. How came you to leave your room, I say ]
Leon. I left my room, father, because I found the door open.
Col Why, sir, I locked you in, and here's the key. So when did
you find the door open 1
Leon. When I had taken off the lock.
Col. Well, of all Abe insolent Oh ! you took the lock off, did you?
[Makes mem. in note-book.} Very well !
Leon. Yes, sir! very well! for I did not injure the door in the
least.
Col. None of your small wit, sir. Sit clown here and answer me
truly, what do you mean by this sudden assumption of military
ardoi 1
Leon. Assumption, sir! there's no assumption in the case and
now let us have no further concealment from each other.
Col. Concealment ! What d'ye mean 1
Leon. My dear father ! the long cherished wish of your secret
heart shall be gratified.
Col. Long cherished wish of the devil ! What are you talking
about 1
THE VKTRRAX. 13
Leon. Yes! yes! together \vc will mount the ramparts of
Col. [Rising.} If you begin that foolery again, I'll break your
head. Listen to me.' [Sits aside .] I'll try and give him a sick
ener of war in oi:e respect however. I believe your quarterly allow
ance is due to-day ?
Leon. I believe it is, sir.
Col. Well, you won't have to wait. I am pretty exact in my pay
ments of it.
Leon. Punctuality in that respect, I have always remarked, is one
of the most estimable of your many virtues.
Col. I don't want any compliments, sir ! There's your money.
Leon. [Rises.] [About to pocket it.] Thank you. sir.
CoL Stay ! You'd better count it.
Leon. My dear sir !
Col. I'd rather you did.
Leon. Oh, well/ [Counts it.
Col Well all right 1
Leon. Why ! to say the truth ~
Col What ! not right 1
Leon. Not quite.
Col Why, what's your allowance 1
Leon. 8,000 francs a year, sir.
Col Making 2000 a quarter ?
Leon. Precisely, sir but 1 have here only 990 francs.
Col Ah ! you have not looked at the paper the money was wrapped
in?
Leon. No.
Col. Well, do.
Leon. [Heads.'] '-Leon Delmar, Jr , to Leon Delmar, Jr., Dr. To sund
ry articles of furniture destroyed in battle, 1000 francs To patent
lock to dressing-room door, 10 francs Total, 1010 francs. Received
payment." Signed "Leon Delmar."
Col [ Who has taken up the book reads.] " For if the poorer party
be the victor, the expenses he may have undergone, however trifling,
may still leave him the greater sufferer, inasmuch as he could less
afford a small sacrifice than his antagonist a large one." What do
you think of that, now ?
Leon. I have experienced its truth, at any rate.
Col. Heyday ! here's another passage marked down why you're
quite a student! Let me see. Perhaps we may find a way of illus
trating this too. " Trophies of war are, for the most part, but bitter
remembrances, the retention and exhibition of them fostering and re
viving hostile sentiments. It would be as well, therefore, that, on
the conclusion of a war, all trophies of victory should be returned to
their original owners." Certainly.
Leon. Certainly. There's your lock, sir, and I'll trouble you for 10
francs.
Col Eh ! well, come the retort is a fair one you don't get much
by it though. [Giving 10 francs Crosses to L.
Leon. No ; but it carries out the principle.
Col. And now. my dear boy. let ua have a little serious and rational
THK VfiTKRAN.
chat. What the deuce caused this sudden revolution in all yonr
ideas 1
Leon. It was sudden, was'nt it?
Col. You never displayed any military enthusiasm before,
Lton. Never,
Cut. You were always contented with things as they were 1
Leon. Quite.
Col. I've just proved to you that war may sometimes turn out a
losing game.
Lean. You have.
Col. Then what should induce you to persevere in this nonsense ?
Lcc-n. Love for my father, and a due regard to the longcherit-hed-
Col. Stuff and hmbug, &ir ? I wish you'd cherub, a little common
Reuse.
Leon. A natural longing hand in hand with you to mount the
rampart
Col. I tell you what if you mount the rampart again, I'll knock
you oft' of it as flat as a flounder. You'll drive me mad ! Who the
devil put such an idea into your head ?
Leon. Do you mean to tell me, on your honor, sir, that it is not
the real desire of your heart that I should become a soldier ?
Col. On my honor it is not.
Leon. [Partly aside.'] He is mistaken then.
Col. He is, most confoundedly, whoever he may be.
Leon. Well, my dear sir, my first wish is to gratify you.
Col. Thank you, thank you, my dear boy and you'll remain on
the farm 1
Leon. To be sure, sir, if you desire it.
Col. [Rising.] Well said ; and after all, what nobler employment
can there be for a gentleman than the culture of the land.
Leon. None, sir.
Col. Improving our breeds of cattle, sheep and above all, of horses.
Leon. True sir, true.
Col. Imagine my delight on my return from campaigning, to find
my son with an improved farm to show me, and a wife
Leon. Oh, I'm to be married, then ?
Col. To be sure, my boy you won't object to that ?
Leon. Not at all.
Col. And as I always study every one's convenience I've fixed on
the lady.
Leon. Oh ! you have !
Col. Yes. you'll be delighted just the person for you no giddiness,
steady, sensible, eh? can't you guess 7 She's in the house now.
Leon. Mrs. MacShake 1
Col. Mrs. MacDevil ! no sir ; my ward my darling Blanche !
Leon. Ah ! that's another affair !
Col. I should think so indeed, so now my heart's at rest and everything
will go smoothly. Come Leon, let us look at the stables and and the
farm. I've a great deal to say to you on the subject before I depart,
and we may as well begin at once. Come along, my boy, away with
all soldiering leave that to methink of grain, cattle
THE VKTERAS. 15
Leon. Horses.
Col. Sheep.
Leon. Dogs.
Col. A bouse.
Leon. Stables.
Col. A wife.
Leon. Poultry.
Col. Children.
Leon. Chickens ! [Exeunt COLONEL and LEON, 2 E. n. n.
Enter MRS. M^cSuAKE and BLANCHE, 2 E. L. u.
Blanche. Oh, my dear madame, how good you are j but are you sure
you understood the Colonel rightly.
Mrs. M There was no possibility of '/^^understanding ; why he met
all my propositions half-way, absolutely half-way, my dear.
BlancJie. Now that is really delightful ! though I am very sorry for
poor Leon. Isn't it charming to have one's choice of two such hand
some fellows ?
Mrs. M. My dear ! my dear ! decorum.
Blanche. Oh yes, of course. Decorum's very nice and very proper
and all that, but I do pity poor Leon.
Mrs. M. Not the slightest occasion for any pity in the matter, my
love. His heart is set on a soldier's life ; and that being the case, he
very wisely repudiated all idea of marriage and he is in the right.
A pretty reflection, truly, for a poor wretch of a man, that while he is
daily risking his precious life in the field, and nightly counting the
dreary hours of the bivouac, his wife is flirting and gadding, and
dancing and ogling the time away in Paris whilst, how ladies can
find anything either useful or ornamental in husbands eternally a
thousand miles off, I am at a loss to conceive. However, you have
eet your foolish little heart on a soldier, and I sha'u't say a word
more on that point.
Blanche. Ah ! but Leon's new freak is a very sudden one; and when
the first flush is over, I know he'll think of me, aud then he'll
begin to find what a fool he was. But it can't be helped now, can it 1
Mrs. M. My dear, how very childish you are! You have made your
choice ; your sympathies are now due, not to Leon, but to Eugene.
Blanche. Of course besides Eugene asked me first.
Mrs. M. There, let's change the subject. I've a little bit of intel
ligence about myself that will interest you, perhaps. I have already
told you that my married life \vas never a very happy one, and
that when my husband was lost at sea in that unfortunate ship, the
Hereford, unworthy as lie was, I regretted his untimely fate. This, it
appears, came to the ears of an elder brother of mine in India a
bachelor. I received from him a copy of his will, leaving me the
bulk of his large fortune, and a letter requesting me, if I did not fear
the climate, to come to him to India, and cheer his last days, which.
as he is in feeble health, he feared were fast approaching, so I deter
mined to go.
JH'inche. Good gracious ! to India 7
Mrs. M. Yes, dear, and hut for the circumstances which have
Ifi THE VETERAN.
lately transpired, I should have proposed taking you with me as an
ado) tied daughter.
Blanche. Dear Madam !
Mrs. M. Bui perhaps all is for the best, and
Enter EUGENE, R. 2 E.
Eug. My dear madam, pray pardon me; but I fear all our plans
are being rnpidly rendered useless.
Blanche. Oh /Eugene!
Mrs. M. Bless us all ! What's the matter now 1
Eug. Why, the matter is that I've just met the Colonel and Leon,
arm-in-arm, on a tour of inspection through the farm ; the Colonel
talking away, explaining this, praising that, and advising the other,
and Leon evidently agreeing with everything he said.
Mrs. M. Well, and you infer from that
Eug. That the Colonel has been working a counter-revolution. Oh !
there's no doubt of it. Here, you can see them now through this
windo'v. Look at Leon, obviously entering heart and soul into the
whole argument becoming every moment more agricultural. He's
got a spade in one hand
Blanche. And a little pig in the other. Oh ! there's no hope for us.
Eug. The Colonel has gone towards the stables. Leon is coming
this way. Leave him to me. I must make a last desperate effort.
Mrs. M. Well, what I could do to assist ye, I have done. What I
can do now, I will. Ah, Blanche, you had better have been my com
panion to India well there, there, I wont tease ye let us leave
Eugene to revive, if he can, the warlike fire which seems to be at
the very last flicker.
Blanche. Now Eugene, remember, everything depends on you.
Be eloquent, there's a dear, and delicate. You hear he's flickering,
a very little will put him out.
Eug. Never fear.
Blanche. I don't believe you were half impressive enough before,
or he could not have changed so soon did you saything about his
country's flag?
Eug. Of course, I did. There, leave us together.
Blanche. Well you must try the flag again oh, and Eugene
Eug. Well, well.
Blanche. Talk about the " Sons of glory.' 1 To be sure, glory has
got an immense family of them, but there's room for a few more
and Eugene
Eug. What!
Blanche. Mention Bombshells I don't know what they are, but
the Colonel says there's nothing so effective. [Exit 2 E. L. H.
Eug. Yes, yes, of course. Now for trial number two not that I
have the slightest hope of a second success. Let me see ! What on
earth can I bcuin with 1 Blanche has driven all sober sense out of
my head with her confounded stuff' about " Sons of Glory" and
Bombshells." I don't know how it is. but she certainly does ap-
THE VETERAN. 17
pear to me very silly sometimes, and yet what a loveable little crea
ture she is !
Enter LEON, 2 E. R. n.
Ah ! Leon, my dear fellow well here you are meditating on sabers
and saddles indulging in
Leon. Eugene, sit down a minute, I have a few words to say to
you. [They sit.] Eugene, I am very much obliged to you.
Eitg. To me ! What for 7
Leon. For your kindness in revealing to me what you conceived
the real state of my father's inclinations.
Eug. [Aside.] My" hopes revive. [Aloud.] Oh ! don't say a word
about it, it was my duty to a friend.
Leon. And well did you perform that duty.
Eug. My dear Leon !
Leon. Brilliantly did you open out to my dazzled vision the glories
of a soldier's life.
Eug. [Aside.] It's all right, by Jupiter !
Leon. And as I said before, most warmly do I thank 5ou [they
shake hands,] and am veally sorry you labored so hard
Eug. Oh, don't mention it.
Leon. Under a mistake.
Eug. A mistake !
Leon. Yes, a great one. My father has no such desire.
Eug. [Aside.] Down we go again.
Leon. Never mind I'm equally obliged to you.
Eug. But do you mean to say. that even admitting your father does
oppose your becoming a soldier, you can so suddenly have descended
from the sphere of magnificent aspirations in which you were wrapped.
From -
Leon. Now my dear fellow, don't waste any valuable eloquence
upon me because everything is settled. You've had one pretty hard
bout already, and I should be really sorry if you were to go through
any more exertion for nothing. My father wishes me to stay at home
and take possession of the farm and little Blanche.
Eug. But does she love you 1
Leon. I suppose so he says she's to marry me and he always
studies every one's convenience.
Eug. On my life, this is too terrible ! I'm almost ashamed to live
in these degenerate days. A gentleman a French gentleman to
Leon. Oh, come ! I'll tell you what, Eugene, if you're going to be
rhapsodical, I don't know, after all, whether cutting hay is not quite
as gentlemanly as cutting throats. Not, mind you, that I have the
least desire to detract from a soldier's merit but, hang it ! a farmer
is somebody in the social scale, after all.
Eug. He is, I admit it. But think what you give up. You'll re
ceive no medal for thinning the number of the foes.
Leon. But I shall get one for fattening numbers of sheep.
Re-enter BLANCHE, 2 E. L. 11.
Eug. Oh ! think of mounting the breaches.
18
THR VETERAN'.
Leon. So I do leather ones.
Eiig. The shot plow up the enemy's ranks!
Leon. F plow up the family acres.
Eug. They yield
Leon. So do the acres.
Eug. To the sons of glory.
Leon. To the sun of July.
Eug. [Seeing BLANCHE.] Think of bursting bombshells.
Leon. Think of productive egg-shells.
Blanch*. [Coming down, c.] Oh, Leon ! Leon!
Leon. What, have you been listening'?
Blanche. I have, and I confess tlat I'm astonished, to think of one
of your name surrendering fame and glory for selfish indolence.
Leon. Well, this is a good joke. Why, do you want me to turn
soldier, when we're to be married to
Jilanche. Never !
Leon. Never 1 ?
Blanche. No, never will I wed the man who could give up fighting
for his country to breed chickens who could forsake the eagle for
the Shanghae !
Leon. Oh, very good ; then I'll go and tell my father that you won't
marry me unless 1 turn soldier.
.Blanche. No, no, no ; I don't mean that.
Eug. \ Aside.] Oil Lord ! the truth must out. [Aloud.] Leon !
[LEOX crosses, c,
Blanche. Leon !
Rug. Dear Leon !
Blanche. Dear Leon !
Eup. Pity us!
L<>on. Why?
Blanche. Forgive us!
Leon. What?
Eng. We. [Taking 7m hand.
Blanche. We. [Taking hif other lumd.
Eug. Have loved each other !
Blanche. For a long while.
Leon. What do I hear ? You have
Blanche. Loved each other oh, pity us !
Leon. For
Eug. A long while oh, forgive us!
Leon. Then why
Eug. and Blanche. Well
Leon. The devil
Eiig. and Blanche. Oh what ?
LHon. Didn't you say so at first
.Blanche. Oh, joy !
Eug. Can I believe my ears?
Leon. You ought, for ihey must be pretty long one's, or you'd have
confided in me before. What, did my old friend think I would make
THE VETERAN. 19
him unhappy? and did my little Blanche imagine I could see her
miserable 1 no ; then take her Eugene, and with her my benediction.
As fie gives her to EUGENE, enter the COLONEL, c. and MRS. MAC-
SHAKE, 2 E. L. H.
Col What's that I see ?
Leon. [Snicking her from EUGENE.] Nothing; that was a mistake.
Col. No, no, the whole truth flashes upon me deceived, thwarted
on all sides Eugene. I don't blame you but you, madam. I do
blame. Pretty propriety this, forsooth, to poke your nose into a
family and turn its affairs topsy-turvy.
Mrs. M. " Poke my nose !" I'll not bear such language ! Family
pride points out to me the road I should go. Colonel Delmar, my
nose shall offend you no more. [Exit 2 E. L. H.
Blanche. [Aside.] Yes, yes I will accept her offer, and so put an
end to these unhappy quarrels. [Aloud.] Farewell, Eugene. [To the
COLONEL.] I thank gratitude and duty for pointing to me the road /
should go. [Exit 2 E. L. H.
Eug. I'll to my duty. I thank despair and my country for indicat
ing the road /shall go. [Exit 2 E. R. H.
Col. I thank rage, disappointment, desperation, and the confound
ed Arabs for pointing out the road /shall go. [Exit c.
Leon. [Sitting down.] And I will thank anybody who will point
out where the devil I'm to go 1
END OF ACT II.
ACT III.
SCENE I. Algiers The quarters of COLONEL DELMAR.
EUGENE discovered Captain BELMONT Lieutenants MORTIER and
LORIELLE also discovered.
Eug. By heavens, it is unbearable this is the fifth of our poor fel
lows murdered within the last two weeks. This mu?t appear a pleas
ant state of things to you, Lorielle, who have only just arrived from
Paris.
Lorielle. I certainly hardly expected to find these Arabs committing
their atrocities at our very doors.
Col. [To EUGENE.] Now, perhaps, you'll admit that I was right in
keeping Leon at home in France. With his hot head, he'd have been
murdered by this time. [Muric.
20 THE VETERAN.
Belmont. Ah , here is Yusseff, the coffee merchant, and his brother.
What will he say to this, I wonder.
Enter YUSSEP and AMINEH as a boy through opening L.
Mor. Oh, friend Yusseff, you are here. Well, here is another mur
der ; your precious countrymen are determined to keep up their repu
tation as the most accomplished assassins alive.
Yusseff. The Arab fights to regain the land his fathers bequeathed
to him, and does not assassinate. He kills your sentinels with their
arms in their hands, therefore it is not murder.
Col. Oh, you're the fellow who has been selling coffee in the town,
and buying powder in exchange, for some day's past 1
Yns. I am Yusseff, the merchant.
Etig. And a great admirer* of that most noted chieftain, Emir Ma-
hommed.
Lor. What the deuce is an Emir 1
Col. It's Arabic for a blood-thirsty scoundrel !
Yus. Blood-thirsty? he is not !
Bel. Slicing men's heads off in the dark, and hanging them alive
in the desert, to be eaten by the vultures and hyenas, 1 should call
decidedly blood-thirsty.
Col. Oh, bless you. not at all. That's a mere bagatelle. Why, sir,
I have known them to crucify a poor devil of a commissariat clerk,
who fell into their hands.
Yus. That was done by certain Jews of Myra, to whom he owed
money.
Mor. Will you swear that it was not done by theArabs ?
Yus. I will not swear to please you. I have said it.
Ami. The Arab does not lie. That is a French accomplishment he
has yet to learn.
Col. Well, you're devilish civil, whoever you are.
Yus. The Chief of the Frankish soldiers should not be angry be
cause we fight to defend our tents. This land has belonged to the
Arab for ages. It is theirs, and everything thereon, even to the dates
that fall and wither in the desert. If the Franks can keep it by the
sword, let them keep it. But if the Arab caa retake, let him do so.
They are both brave then let them fight, but not with words, like
angry women !
Col. Oh, I'll do them the justice to say that they like fighting bet
ter than talking. But why fight at all ? Why the devil don't they be
quiet 1 ? When first the French arrived here there were in this place
about five hundred poor devils half starved, and clad with anything
but decency, and now the mo?tof them have food, work and cloth
ing.
Ami. Work 1 yes. in making fortifications against their own coun
trymen, and teaching them to eat forbidden food and to drink wine, to
become slaves, and bring disgrace upon the blood of Ishmael ! This
is the civilization you enforce at the bayonet's point!
Col. I'll tell you what, my dogmatic young friend, as I always
study everyone's Convenience. I'll give you a little advice. If you
dotvt bridle your tongue a little when you address your superiors
Tttfl
1^/3. Superiors!
Ami. [Aside to YtssEP.] Be cautious.
Yiis. It is needless to mock and taunt, I tell thee, proud Chief,
that Mohammed has swofn, by every oath in Islam, to have thy head.
Col. Has he 1 Eugene give me my snuff box.
[EUQEXK gets it from table it.
Tits. Ay, has heand he'll keep his word for from the deserts he
will bring against you as many horsemen and spears as there are
drops in a shower of rain.
Col. Well, just tell him his shower will have to make its way
through a pretty thick forest of these little playthings.
[Holding out Sergeant's bayonets.
Yus> Nevertheless, as thou valuest thy head, remember the words
of Yitppef.
Col. I certainly will for I do value my head, which, though not
Very ornamental perhaps, is highly indispensable.
Enter 2d SERGEANT through opening L.
2d. Scr. [Saluting.] A letter, sir marked "immediate and import
ant." The officer waits.
Col. Ah, ha ! What's in the wind now let me see. [Reads.] "Whew 1
Well, upon my soul why Eugene, there's [Seeing YUSSEF.] Eh! Oh,
to be sure : friend Yussef, if you have nothing more important, or
more pleasant to say to me, why
Yus. The words I have uttered suffice. Truth, with the Arab, is
soon spoken. It is his habit.
Col. No doubt-^-very well, then. I have particular business with
this gentlemen, and as I always study every one's convenience, per
haps you'll be good enough to depart.
Ami. Such is Turkish hospitality.
Bel. You are an impudent cub.
Yus. How now. [Half draiOs a daggef.
Ami. [Restraining him.] Have a care. [Jlside.
Col. Nay, Belmont you are too hasty.
Lor. Come, gentlemen let us go the sentry rounds, it is time.
( Officers rise and buckle on their swords.
Col. You will report to me here in an hour. Au revotr, gentlemen,
[Exeunt BELMOXT, LORIELLE, and MORTIER, L. opening.
Tell the officer my answers will be ready in half an hour. In the mean
time see to him and his escort. [Exit 2d SERGEANT through opening
AmL [Advancing to COL.] When the Prankish chieftain knows our peo
ple better, he will see that respect for our elders is a lesson taught
even in very infancy. I had forgotten this. We are too proud to fear
confession of a fault. I ask your forgiveness.
Col. Not a bit of it, my fine fellow: I was abrupt, and perhaps de
served the rebuke* Give me your hand.
Eng. What sir, to a savage ?
Col. To any man, sir, who has the courage to judge and condemn
himself.
Yus. Chief before we depart, let me counsel caution in the fight,
22 frt
Avoid the Emir Mohammed. He never yet failed in redemption df
his word to friend or foe,
Col. then I shall hare particular pleasure in seeking for his higfc-
ness in the very first melee.
Yust Enough^ you arc warned Allah will decide.
[Rtit. COLoXEL sits at (able u. to wnlet
Eug. [To AMIXEIL] Youth, if i have offended you
Ami. Peace, anc mark my words. Have you forgotten being sur
prised, one night, beyond your outposts, by a party of Arabs 1
Eu
vanced post on the borders of Myra. Farewell, my boy my son. If
any harm come to you, I I hem. If you get into any mischief,
sir, don't dare to show your face here again. Your companion
Eug. His companion, sir, is ready to start on the instant, providirf^
you will give your permission that I should be selected.
Col. Good ! the very man I would have chosen.
E&g. A thousand thanks, dear sir ; I go at once to make my pro*
parations. In fifteen minutes, Leon. I shall be ready.
[Exit EUGENE through opening L.
Cot. Just time enough for me to hear &11 about the affair of the
10th. [Distant music.'] There's the bani playing on the parade ground
Sit down, my boy ; sergeant, a bottle of wine and glasses now for it*
[ As SERGEANT brings on wine, they sit down together Scene closes in.
SCENE II. Part of a ruined Mosque on the outskirts of the French post
bordering on (lie Desert Distant music continues as YUSSEF enters
L. 1 E.
Yw. What can keep the girl 1 Stays ehe to listen to the
music of the Gaiour ? Does her heart throb at strains to which he
has marched in triumph over the bodies of her slaugtered kindred?
Aye play on let the native melodies of the Frank float over the
desert, which, if Allah permits, shall soon bear upon its scorching
breeze a sound far sweeter and more musical to Mohammed's ear, tha
death groan of the oppressors !
Snter OGLOU, R,
Who goes there 1
Oglou. Oglou!
Yus. Oglou 1 Good! Is all prepared 1
Oglou. All. Where is the maiden ?
Ytas* She will be here on the instant. But remember, no violence*
[Six ARABS appears R. 1 E., music pizzicato.
Oglou. Fear not, noble Emir. Is she not your sister? The pro
mised bride of their own Chief?
Yus. Remember the signal. If I wave my shawl, you bear her
away. If not, and you see us depart together, then they may back
to their Chief, and say that she consents. Where are his men 1
Oglou. Behold them ! [Afusic ceases.
Yus. Should she give the alarm ?
Oglott. She will not. A vail thrown over her will prevent any cry
until we are beyond hearing.
Yus. A footstep! away! [ARABS vanish E.J This wayward passion
THE VETERAN. 25
for the Frank is but a passing cloud. The full sunlight of her hap
piness as the brave Omar's bride, will be the brighter for it.
Enter AMIXEII. L Music ceases.
Ami. And so -'tis over. I shall see him no more ; he will never
know how deeply how truly the Arab girl can love ! Since I have
seen him spoken with him a dread almost a loathing of my des
ert life has fallen upon me. My very countrymen seem changed.
Ytis. Aye, Amineh, is it so?
Ami. My brother !
Yus. Hear me. 'Tis now some months since this mad passion mas
tered your better reason. I have not dealt sternly with you, for
with the noble candor born in the daughters of the desert, you made
a frank and free confession of the truth. But be warned ! Even my
patience and affection may at last be exhausted.
Ami. My brother why do you reproach me 1 Have I belied my
given word 1 I told you freely that I loved the Frankish soldier
and told you, too, that if you would grant me to see him once again
never from that time would I seek to behold him. You consented
Amineh will not betray your trust
Yus. So far it is well, but you know this is not all. You. know
that of all the Chiefs who roam and reign in the Deserts, one of the
most illustrious in descent, and power equal even with myself is
Omar Kahn.
Ami. Again 7
Yus. Aye. again, and wherefore not ? Young, handsome, brave as
the Lion of his native plains a Chief who heads five hundred horse
men could the most haughty and exacting of our maidens desire
more ? Yet thou forsooth
Ami. Brother, your commands have swayed my will, shall do so
always, but they can never control my heart ! Be satisfied you are
obeyed. Let it suffice.
Yus. And you reject refuse my friend ? Amineh.
Ami. My own dear brother ! Do not. Ob, in pity, do not try me
thus. Since my childhood, when our father died, have I not given
you all a sister's love with the obedience of a daughter 1 In defer
ence to the lessons of truth and candor which you early planted -in
my heart and memory I told you all. It was something more
/ban the sister's duty to the brother it was the maiden's confidence
in the truth and gallantry of the man. I implore I conjure you.
Sec. dearest, your poor Amineh kneels to you to let this question
die between us. Enough, my heart's great hope is crushed let
not more misery be added.
Yus. Misery ! Foolish girl ! Do you not know that the doom of
every Frenchman at this post, is as irrevocably sealed as if Azrael
overshadowed them with his deadly wings ! To what, think you,
have tended all my vists to this place my disguises? Thanks to
the Prophet who gave me ears to hear, and eyes so see, there is not a
soldier in their ranks, or a bullet in their pouches, but I know their
number, and by the holy Kaaba, they shall soon feel the dread re
sults of my knowledge. Be happy, girl, that your fate is severed
26
THE VETERAN.
from theirs. Belie not thy name and race act even according to
thy words spoken but now to their Chiefs. Seek not destruction of
soul and body !
Ami. I have but one reply Hove !
Yus. I'll hear no more. Leave me, and await my coming yonder.
I see a friend with whom I must have some converse, when that is
done I will rejoin you. [He waves his scarf or shawl.'] Away !
Ami. I will await you beneath yonder arch.
Music of band at distance AMIXEH goes to YUSSEF, he embraces her
exit AMIXEH, n. 1 E.
Yus. [Looking after her.] For the best? Yes yes it is \isha1l be
for the best. From his very boyhood 1 have known Omcrr Kahn and
there is no quality we of the races of Islam venerate that he does
not possess. With him she must be happy and were it otherwise
did he abuse my trust, by Allah my arm should reach him even though
she approaches the arch. Poor child, I .had almost feared if the
fright should kill her I'll call : too late too late like tigers they
crouch awaiting the unconscious girl! They creep towards her sieze
her the vail is round her form no struggle not a movement :'
Great prophet: have I done aright in this 7 No moment now for
boyish indecision she is gone : let mind, heart, soul concentrate up
on one only thought : destruction to the Frank death to to the Chris
tian foe ! . [Exit, L. Music forte.
SCENE III. Handsome Apartment in the Palace of HASX-AL-DAHR
MUSTAPHA, HASSAN and several of the native populace discovered L. talk
ing noisily. Enter OGLOU, (Chief Eunuch.)
Oglou. Now, what seek ye in the hall of justice 1
Mus. Most noble sir, we seek audience and judgment of bis high
ness, the Grand Vizier.
Oglou. Do you not know, ye owls, that the noble Ofl-an-agan, Grand
Vizier and Chief Adviser of our lord the Sultan, has hardly finished
the morning prayers : do you forget that though once a Christian and
Kaffir from a savage island in the western world, he is now by the
grace of the Prophet the truest believer in the Islam, and cannot be
hurried from his devotions for such scrapings of the earth as thou.
Has. Noble sir We are too happy to await the pleasure of. the
great Ofl-an-agan. My case, in particular, is a hard one. Mustapha
Moulrad, here had sold me
Mas. No, not sold.
Has. Yes Yes yes I say
Mus. No no
Uproar of natives, during which OGLOU shouts, " The GUAXD VIZIER :"
all cease, and two attendants enter preceding, carrying carpets and cushion,
and two following OFL-AN-AGAX, u. E. R.
Ofl-an-agan. How now, you scum and outpourings of the filth of
the world 1 Know ye where ye are 1 Dare you exercise your unhal
THE VETERAX. 27
lowed throats on the threshold of the favored palace, which the most
mighty of earth's kings condescends to honor by dwelling in it?
Whose dogs are you, to to even to breathe within these sacred pre-
cintsl [MUSTAPHA whispers OGLOU. J What says the slave ? hah !
Oglou. Mighty sir, he says he would humbly urge that without breath
there cannot be life !
Oft. Humph ! then let him not breathe above his breath ; and now
proceed. I have but little time to waste upon ye. Between whom is
the first quefition 1
Oglou. So please you, between these two men.
Ofl. Good ; let all the rest be cleared out of the palace.
Has. But, great sir, there are among them who are witnesses, and
know
Ofl. What 7 Is our word disputed ? By the bones of the holy Der
vish Saiut Patrick, we will have obedience. If ye object to this, get
ye back to your dens. For what saith the sage 1 " In the delibera
tions of the Jew lieth wisdom ; but in the clamor of the many is
nought but shindy."
Mm. [2o OGLOU.] What does he mean by " shindy !"
Oglou. Away, father of fools ! Is it for such as thou to question the
terms oft.be wisest and most learned man, and the strictest Mussul
man in Myra ?
[All the citizens, except MUSTAPHA and HASSAN, exeunt, L. n.
Ofl. My tablets ! [ATTENDANT hands them on salver with a salaam.'}
If I only knew how to write, it would be a great advantage ; but
these ignorant ragamuffins won't know the difference, so I'll go through
the motions. Now, who makes the complaint 7
lias. [Crosses, c.] Great Vizier, it is I, even I, Hassan Noureddin, a
poor dealer in figs.
Ofl. Umph! A dealer in [Writes.
Has. And, moreover
Ofl. Silence! [Writes.] Poor figs well?
Has. And, moreover, the same who honors himself by sending week
ly to the palace of your mightiness, ten pounds of that delicious fruit
as an humble offering
Ofl. Ajiha! Now I remember that Hassan Noureddin is noted in
the city for his fair and honest dealings. [To MUSTAPHA.] And thou,
thou son of an unclean father, what hast thou to advance against so
worthy a creature ? Beware, for, as the good book hath it. " The
fair-dealing man shall carry his head exalted, but his traducer shall
bow down his with shame ; yea, and it shall be blackened with many
punches."
Oglou. Bismillah.
Ofl. Son of Ham, silence ! let the hand of prudence be applied to
the jaw of darkness and hold it. Proceed. [To HASSAN.
Has. Know then, oh, mirror of wisdom, that this man, Mustap'ha
Moulrad, did agree for the sum of twenty golden pieces to sell me a
cow.
0/7. Stop! [Writes.] " Cow." go on.
lias. Ten of the twenty to be paid on delivery of the animal, the
other ten in two moons from that date. He now refuses to deliver
-& THE VETERAIf.
me the cow for that I do not at once disburse the whole sum of
twenty.
Of I. And now, thou guilty looking wretch, what hast thou to an
swer to this most serious charge 1 hah !
Mas. [Crosses c.] Most worthy and impartial judge, Great Vizier, I
trust my word may be regarded in some measure as that of a true
man ; nor are my dealings all unknown in Myra a weekly offer of
coffee, it is my great good fortune that you are always pleased to
accept and
Oil, Stay! what did you say your name was?
Mus. Mustapha Moulrad may it be fortunate in your august ear.
Ofl. Mustapha, why truly, to be sure, I remember a man of strict
and honorable dealing. How much coffee, friend, do I receive.
Mus. Some twenty pounds, an humble offering to
Ofl. [ Writes.] Twenty pounds. And you deny that you promised
credit to this man 1
Mus. I do.
Ofl. Have a care, friend Hassan. Thy case looks shadowy, I prom
ise thee. Did'st thou crave this cow ?
Has. I did much desire her, Great Vizier.
Ofl. And thou, Mustapha, did'st thou desire to sell her ?
Mus. No ; nor would I have agreed save upon great persuasion.
Ofl. Is the cow a dry cow 1
Mus. A creature rich in milk.
Ofl. Now listen with the ears of your hearts, open the blind eyes
of your seven senses and see how the finger of wisdom will pinch only
the small grains of wheat in this murdherin' bushel of straw ; is it
likely, oh Hassan ! that craving for the cow thou would'st have bar
gained for delay of payment, or that Mustapha, who parted with
her unwillingly, would do so at all but for momys presently forthcom
ing 1 Nay, friend, the chances are against thee even as twenty unto
ten and so you see how the mighty and incorruptible truth like unto
a turkey pullet on a hen's egg, will break through the shell of cir
cumstance and with the sword of fortune. in his mouth, fly like an un
fledged eagle to the protection of the innocent.
Has. But, generous Vizier, there was a queston as to due allowance
of rich dates, of which I have the finest in the market, as' shall be
proved to thee when thou shall taste some fifty pounds of them
which presently I shall lay at your honored feet.
Ofl. The matter grows intricate. Where is the cow in question 7
Oglou. By mutual consent of these men, she awaits in jour own
stables, the award of the most just.
Ofl. It is a case of curious complicity, and must not be treated
lightly. I will consider it maturely, and in two years I will give my
decision. Till then, the cow had better remain where she is. The
case will stand postponed.
Has. and Mus. But my lord great Vizier 7
Ofl. What, do you grumble ? Unthankful curs ! Away ! lest the
howl of ingratitude should uplift the boot of vengeance, and I have
ye sent sent forth into the street with many kicks ! [Exeunt HASSAX
and MUSTAPHA, L., with many salaams. Thou seest, oh ! Oglou ! the cares
THE VETERAN. 29
that hang on greatness. Thus must the ministerial mind be agitated
and time wasted for a miserable cow !
Og/ou. So please your highness, there are others without waiting to
be heard.
Ofl. I'll bear no more to-day, my brain has borne enough. Dis
perse the scum ! [Exit OGLOU. L.] I never felt so weary when I was a
little man in Ireland, as I do now I am a great man in Africa. I
remember once reading that some Englishman observed that " a little
learning was a dangerous thing." Faith! if he'd been in my case,
he'd have found that a little learning in the way of gunpowder and
the use of artillery was a mighty fine thing for didn't it change a
poor half-starved shipwrecked divil into the Grand Vizier of Myra !
Still, in spite of that same, I sometimes do long for the green fields
and pure whiskey of my native land. " There's no place like home"
as the divil said when he got into the Court of Law !
Enter OGLOU, L.
What now 1
Oglou. Two chieftans with a message" from the Commander of the
Feringhees, desire your Highness's good audience of the Light of
the World, our Lord, the .Sultan.
Ofl. [Aside.] What's in the wind now, I wonder 1 [Aloud.] Admit
them ; I will myself proceed and find out if the corner-stone of en
lightenment, and grand monarch of all the kingdoms will be pleased
to shed upon these unbelievers, the benign ray of his refulgent
countenance ! [Exit OGLOU L J In other words, I will see if the lazy
ould Billy-goat will take the trouble to walk this way.
[Exit OFL-AN-AGAN, u. E. K.
Music Enter OGLOU, with LEON and EUGENE.
Oglou. You will here await the coming of Keystone of wisdom, his
highness the Grand Vizier, who will himself inform you if it is the
pleasure of the supreme dispenser of joy to the Moslem, his majesty
the Sultan, to see and hold converse with th.e benighted Kaffir.
Leon. Eugene, you are more skilled in politics than I ; would it be
diplomatic to hit this black fellow a thump on the head, just to teach
him manners ?
Eugene. My dear Leon, we cannot use too much caution here, you
must l)e on your guard. [Exit OGLOU.
Leon. Caution ; well, that's good irom you, who could not come
this short journey, but you must play the Knight-errant, dash sword in
hand among half-a-dozen of these African gentry rescue a young
boy, whose position could be no possible affair of yours, (and who
afterwards turned out to be a girl,) thus attacking the Arab upon his
most tender point, and
Eug. And pray, could I have rescued her without assistance ?
Lean. Oh, my worthy father insisted upon my following your ad
vice and example in all things, and really it was good fun to see
those fellows scour off.
Eug. They evidently thought us the advanced guard of a squadron
of Chasseurs, or we might not have found our task so easy.
80 THE VETERAN,
Leon. But what's become of the girl 1
Eug. She left me at the gates of the city to seek her brother, who,
she says is an Emir of rank.
Leon. By the lord, here comes somebody of importanca. Now, Eu
gene, let's stand upon our good behavior. - 9
Enter OFL-AN-AGAN, u. E. n. attended.
Oft. Chieftains from the Camp of the Feringhee commanded I am
deputed by his majesty the Sultan, supreme lord of all the earth and
controller of the seas, to say that he permits you to bask in the
itfe-giving warmth of his royal presence ; prepare thyselves oh, stran
gers. He is here even now. Music.
Enter the SULTAN of Myra. numerously attended in great state. He seats
himself on Nusmud. All prostate themselves save LEON and EUGENE
who merely bow. (YussEF a/so,) in his dress as the Emir MOHAMMED
enters, and stands L. of the throne OQLOU enters.
Sul. Arise 0, Viziers, and the rest. What unsainted dogs are these
whose knees bend not in our presence ?
Leon. [Aside to EUGENE ] That's polite !
Oft. [To LEON.] Be quiet. Great Lord of the world, they are
poor benighted Kaffirs who are unlearned in the customs of the most
cultivated Court in the East.
Sid: Do they know at least that our throne is not approached un
til their unhallowed feet are divested of shoes?
Ofl. So please your Majesty, the poor unbeliever's can't obey be
cause their shoes are boots.
Sul. Well, let it pass. What are these Kaffirs ?
Ofl. So please your Greatness, they are Christians from
Sul. May the Prophet deliver us from the Devil! What would
they with us 1
JEug. We are the bearers of a missive to your Majesty, from our
Lord the august Emperor of the French.
Sul. Who holds his Crown by our permission. We remember.
Leon Ha! ha!
Sul. Who laughed 1 By Allah !
Ofl. No one, Light of the Universe, no one. This poor Kaffir
is struggling with whooping-cough a disease unknown to those
whose health must thrive under the shadow of your Majesty's pro
tecting sceptre.
Sul. Well, proceed. Let me see the missive. [An ATTENDANT re
ceives the dispatch on a velvet cushion, and hands it to MOHAMMED, who,
kneeling, presents it to the SULTAN.] Enough. Read, Emir ! What is
its purport ?
Mohammed. (Yussef.) Great Sultan, the Feringhee chief desires al
liance and friendship with you against those very tribes who, next to
your own faithful soldiers, are the chief defenders of your throne.
Sul. Is that the purport of the missive 1
Moh. That is its sole intention.
Sul. Good. We will consider it in proper time.
KUQ. May it please your majesty, we are charged with some words
THE VETERAN. 8]
regarding certain prisoners, now in your possession, said to be Eu
ropeans.
Sid. [Aside to MOHAMMED.] Ah ! can they know
Moh. A mere suspicion. \Tlt-cy converse.
Leon. What the devil are they whispering about 1
Eu!(!, it can't be and yet
Leon. What's the matter 1
i(ff. Nothing ; I'll tell you by and by.
StiL A word with thee, O Vizier. [OFL-AN-AGAN goes to SULTAX.
Moh. [To OGLOU. j Those two Christian women who were saved
from the wreck of the English steamer .what of them ?
Oglou. They were on their way to India from France.
Moh. Perchance they may be known to these chieftains.
Oglou. Is it- possible, great Emir.
Moh. Away, and see that they be kept closely imprisoned in the
Seraglio until these men depart. His majesty means strictly to deny
that he has such prisoners! Stay ! you saw Amineh carried off?
Oglou. I did ; and watched the men who captured her till they be
came specks in the desert.
Moh. Enough ! look Co the others.
Oglou I'm going. [Exit L.
Leon. Look at these fellows, Eugene, whispering and plotting in
venting some fables to amuse us, I'll warrant.
Eug. Don't judge them too hastily. That Yizier eeems inclined
to be friendly towards us. Besides they can have no motive for de
ceiving us on such a point.
Sul. We have consulted with our principal advisers, Chief of the
Feringbees, and. by their information, we find that you have been de
ceived. We have no European prisoners now within our walls.
Eug. Yet we can assure your majesty, our information was most
precise.
Ofl. Ob. most wretched and cloud-enveloped barbarians ! Do you
not know that truth ever falls from the lips like the sweet drop's that
revive the sun-dried earth, but that falsehood blisters the tongue that
utters it even like unto whiskey that has been tried by proof and found
wanting! Doth not the profound sage, Doctor O'Toole, say, in the
original Sanscrit Go bragh ga snua girth padrouskeen. gothether sloivtha
yra galmachrce. which, being interpreted, means, it's prudent some
times to hould a candle to the divil, and a nod's as good as a wink to
a couple of blind horses.
Eug. Enough. We would not insult his majesty by doubting his
princely word, even in thought.
Re-enter OGLOU L.
Oglou. My Lord ! my Lord !
Moh. Oglou speak what has happened 7
32 THE VETERAN.
Oglou. She has escaped.
Moh. One of the prisoners ?
Oglou. Worse, your sister!
Moh. Have her seized and taken to nay palace ! Quick ! Be
gone ! [Exit OGLOU. L. 1 E.
Sul. Thou hast said well, Christian ! A monarch's word should
be like the Prophet's, once pronounced, immutable ! [AMINEH en
ters,] and if the Sultan tells thee he has no prisoners
Ami. He would speak falsely ! [ General sensation.
Eug. [To LEON.] By heavens! 'tis she !
Mah. Amineh dearest ! thou
Ami. My brother ! The Arab does not lie !
Tableau.
EXD OP ACT m.
ACT I V .
SCENE I. A room in the Palace LEON and EUGENE discovered
Eug. And now, my dear fellow, you know the whole truth.
Leon. Yes. /know it, but what will Blanche sav when she knows
if?
Eug. Believe me, we hardly knew our own minds. An attachment,
such as it was, grew more from the habit of our being so much to-
together, than any other cause mixed, perhaps, with a little of that
perverseness indigenous to humanity, when we find or.r wills and our
persons disposed of without onr own consent.
Leon. Yes, yes, my friend, that's your side of the argument.
Eug. Aye. and hers, too ; believe me, were it otherwise, spite of
my devoted love for this Arab girl, my honor would compel the ful
filment of my vows to Blanche.
'* Leon. Of that, I am well assured, or I do not know my friend as I
h.ad thought. But of the fact, we'll be soon convinced, if, as I con
jecture, these lady prisoners should turn out to be Mrs. MacShake
and our little Blanche.
Eug. Our little Blanche why don't you say your little Blanche
which would end the whole difficulty for I will not conceal from
you, Leon, that I have long known your secret attachment to her.
Leon.- My what 1
THE VETERAN. 3S
Eug. Your attachment to her, which you concealed from friend
ship lor me .
Leon. Did I though 1
Eug. Ah, Leon, Leon ! I see deeper into the well of my friend's
i desires, than he does himself.
Leon. Yes you proved that when you undertook to explain my
.father's.
. Eug. No matter. I told you right at any rate I told you you were
.formed for a soldier, and I've turned out a prophet there, you'll
.admit. So now do I tell you you always loved Blanche.
. Leon. How amiable of you to take her from me. thenl
. Eug. I was under a delusion you must pardon it, dear Leon. But
.1 remember things now that then I hardly noticed.
< Leon. So it appears.
t Eug. Yes ; for instance, when you found us alone together, you
stop! come hither ! See'st thou yonder fountain?
Osman. I do, my lord.
Ofl. Take me and put me under it.
Seyd. My lord.
Oft. D'ye hear me, dogs ! Obey me get buckets souse me
sink me !
Osman. Is my lord in earnest 1
Of-. Earnest ! Ye sons of unnumbered hogs ! Obey me or I'll
have ye flayed alive ! I tell ye the lives of men to whom ye are even
as the offal of the gutters is to the shining gems of India, may de
pend on your quickness !
Seyd. The spirit of prophecy is upon him.
Ofl. The spirit of poteen is upon me, ye blackguards ! Place
me under water, and if ye move me until I'm half-drowned, I'll
make ye walk skinless in the burning sun, with no covering but
your bones ! Away ! away !
Osman and Seyd. Bismillah ! Mashallah! [They bear him off.
SCENE II. GULNARE'S Zenana in the Palace.
BLANCHE discovered. She is in ARAB Costume.
Blanche. Well, dear Mrs. McShake may say what she pleases,
there are some things in Algerine life that are pleasant enough, and
considering that we are prisoners, we are treated with a great deal
of civility, but Oh ! France dear, dear France! Would I not give
all these servants fine dresses jewels aye, and this little right
hand into the bargain, to find myself at home again ! The dear old
Colonel who, no doubt, wonders why he has not heard of our safe
arrival in India. Poor Eugene and Leon Leon there, now, I do
believe I'm going to cry again ! It's very odd when I think of the
Colonel and Eugene, I'm sad enough, bnt when I think of Leon, I
always begin to cry ! Now, why should that be 1 Why don't I cry
for Eugene 1 Mrs. McShake says he's the proper person to cry for,
and I suppose she's right, but -
THE VETERAN. 99
[Enter MRS. MACSHAKE, u. E. R., in a peculiar Costume, with a flat
tened paper-box in her hand.
Mrs. M. Well, Blanche, my dear, I hope you'll give me some
credit for penetration in future.
Blanche. Well, my dear Madame, what new discovery have you
made 1
Mrs. M. Prepare yourself, my dear. You know perfectly well how
often I have remarked that it was not for nothing that we were
treated so civilly by these barbarians that this Madame Gulnare, or
whatever she calls herself, had her motives, as well as the rest of them.
'Well, by diligently pumping Amineh
- Blanche. Pumping Amineh'?
Mrs. M. Not iu an aquatic point of view, my dear ; pumping, in its
'inquisitive sense. I have discovered that Mrs. Gulnare is no more or
"less than a well, she's no lawfully-married woman.
Blanche. Well, but you know that, according to their laws here
for which, poor thing, she is not to blame
Mrs. M. Don't talk stuff, my darling. Laws here, indeed ! No wo-
man of intuititive delicacy would submit to such laws. But what are
you to expect from people who eat with their fingers, and can't even
sit down properly? Not a chair in the whole place lopping and
lolling about in such a lazy and disgusting manner!
Blanche. But, dear, they are taught from infancy
Mrs. M. There you are again ! Taught from infancy ! She's no m-
fant now, heaven knows. She's quite old enough to be aware that it's
neither pretty nor proper to tuck one's heels under one, and twist
one's self into knots. And as to you, Blanche, you really astonish me
sometimes ; you are absolutely falling into some of their fashions.
Look at youv dress. Very pretty for an opera-dancer, perhaps ; but
do you call that skirt a proper length for a young French lady of good
birth ?
Blanche. But, dear madam, you know we lost nearly all our clothes
with the wreck, and I'm sure I wore those I had tiil they were in tat
ters ; then I was obliged to take what the Sultan sent me. Why, you
yourself have adopted their costume.
Mrs M. In its material, miss, but not in its shortness. If one wasn't
long enough, couldn't you have another sewn on to it, as I did? But
/ have the last remnant of my dear country's costume, carefully pre
served ; and, should we happily be rescued from this barbarous den,
I at least shall present a civilized appearance. [Producing a bonnet.
Blanche. But to the point to the point, dear madam.
Mrs. M. Oh yes. Well, then, know that that villainous old Sultan
intends to confer on you the honor of marriage
Blanche. What!
Mrs M. Marriage, my dear, according to their beautiful laws here,
" taught them from infancy "
Blanche. No, no ; you have been deceived, depend upon it.
Mrs. M. Deceived no indeed my information is sure enough.
Amineh herself told me not an hour ago.
Blanche. Fear not dearest friend for me. Amineh has sworn to
40 T/1IS VETERAN.
protect me. I am no heroine, but rather than submit to such a fate
I would implore her by every womanly feeling, to take my life.
Mrs. M. That's my noble girl. [Embracing her. Music.] Hark:
what noise ?
Blanche. It comes from the wall approaches nearer : great heaven !
for what are we reserved 1
A panel gradually opens LEON appears.
Leon. So, so all's right and this, I suppose, is the lady Gulnare's
Zenana, or, as we should call it, boudoir.
Blanche. 'Tis Leon !
Mrs. M. Impossible !
Blanche. It is it is Oh, thank heaven !
Mrs. M. Stay let us observe.
Leon. [Closing panel.] So far, so good and now to determine
what course I shall pursue with her imperious ladvship.
Blanche. Leon !
Leon. Blanche! [They embrace.
Mrs. M. Leon, my dear Leon.
Leon. As I suspected, by heavens !
Blanche. But you how came you here, in Myra. Oh, my poor
heart, I shall go wild with joy Leon dear, dear Leon !
Leon. She does'rit ask after Eugene. [Aside.
Mrs. M. My dear my dear discretion.
Blanche. Oh, my dear ; don't bother, I've no time for discretion
for anything but Leon. Leon, you've come to save us.
Leon Yes dear Blanche ; but you must be calm. Everything de
pends on prudence. All explanations must be deferred to a future
period
Blanche. I don't wan't any explanations. You are here, and that
is all I care for.
Leon. Where is Gulnare 1
Blanche. Ah, true she will be here, no doubt, immediately, and
after all
Mrs. M. Will she 1 Then I shall retire. You may make what ex
cuses you please for her very questionable position in life, but / don't
associate even in Arabia, with any such trash! stay Leon do you
give Blanche all the news of home, while I watch her approach.
Blanche. Will you, my dear, dear madame, how good you are.
Mrs. M. But remember to say all you've got to say quickly, for we
are never left long alone. I'll give you due warning ot her approach.
[Exit L. 2 E.
Blanche. Now dear Leon, come sit by me and let rne know in the
first place, how you found your way here ?
Leon. All that, I must reserve for a future time. [Aside.] No Eu
gene yet.
Blanche. And and Eugene
Leon. [Aside.] There he is at last ; she does love him ! Eugene,
too, is well. Blanche dear.
Blanche. Yes, Leon.
THE VKTERAN. 41
Leon. I made Eugene a promise.
Blanche. Did you ?
Leon. Yes, that I would reveal to you a fact. Prepare yourself.
Blanche. Go on, go on.
Leon. Well, you know, that you and he
Blanche. Yes, I know we did, well 1
Leon. This agitation this impatience, makes m,e fearful of saying
what I promised.
Blanche. Don't ; don't torture me, Leon.
Leon. [Aside.] Poor little thing it must be told.
Blanche. Well then make haste about it.
Leon. Blanche, Eugene does not love you !
Blanche. Ah ! [A scream of joy.
Leon. There, I knew it, and not an ounce of smelling salts in this
d d barbarous country ! Look up, look up, Blanche! he was infatu
ated [Kisses he]-} lost [Kisses her.] Dear darling Blanche [Kisses
her] forgive me. I don't know what I'm saying !
Blanche. Do you know what you're doing ?
Leon. Yes, no, I thought you'd think it was Eugene. Listen.
Blanche, he loves another.
Blanche. So do I.
Leon. What why you don't mean, eh ? what, vie' 1 . Here-s a dis
covery ! but when, how ?
Blanche. [Imitating LEON'S former manner.] All that must I reserve
for a future time.
Leon. Then Eugene was right, and he knew your heart as*well as he
did mine
Blanche. Did he ?
Leon. Yes, he told me I loved you, and didn't know it.
Blanche. Did he 1
Leon. Yes and that you had something nasty, gnawing at your
heart, and you didn't know it. I begin to agree with the favorite
Arabian Philosophy.
Blanche. What's that dear 1
Leon. [Embracing her.] That everything happens for the best in
world.
Enter MRS. MACSHAKE, L. 2 E.
Mrs^JM. There they are, both tucked up in that horrible eastern at
titude. Leon, you had better retire at once, the creature is coming.
Leon. Nay, my year madame, it is by her own invitation I am here.
Mrs. M. Her own invitation and why 1 Wherefore I should like
to know you a young man a perfect stranger. Blanche, say fare
well to Leon, for a time, and follow me. There's no telling who this
polygamic fever may attack next. I don't know that I'm safe my
self. [Exit R. u. E.
Blanche. Oh, Leon ! how came she to invite you here 1 I'm not
disposed to be jealous a bit but you have been here as long as I have,
and you've no idea how unscrupulous-they are when they take a fancy.
Leon. Listen, dearest. The Vizier, who, for some reason I cannot
fathom, appears to be our sincere friend, instructed me to come here
42 THE VETERAN.
and in order tc, secure Gulnare's aid for our escape, to pretend to re
ciprocate her passion.
Blanche. Her passion! good gracious, then it is as I feared, and
you are the handsome Feringhee, she was raving about to me all yes
terday.
Leon. But, my darling, only io pretend.
Blanche. Yes, but 1 don't think she'll be contented with pretending.
Leon. I must try*at ar?y rate, for your sake, for mine, for all. If
lonly knew their confounded Arabic well enough to make love in it.
Blanche. Oh, its very easy Amineh taught me a great deal for
instance the stronger phrases you employ the better. Paradise must
be used frequently.
Leon. Paradise 1
Blanche. Yes, and Bul-bul, which is Arabic for Nightingale; but
avoid lehanum whatever you do, avoid lehanum.
Leon. Ah ! that's not Arabic for Paradise, I suppose 1
Blanche. Not at all. [Pointing down.} Just the contrary.
Leon. Ah ! I see.
Blanche. Then you must be particularly careful to [Music.] She's
coming.
Leon. And her female attendants. I'm sorry for that.
Blanche. Well, I'm not. Now, dear Leon, I must not be found
with you. Oh, how happy this meeting has made your little
Blanche ! Farewell and, I say, I dearest
Leon. Well.
Blanch6. You must pretend, I suppose 1
Leon. I fear so, love.
Blanche. Well, don't pretend too much.
Leon. Never fear me.
(i Blanche. Because, you know, strong pretensions sometimes pre-
re content with what remains.
Col Eh! what! It is'nt
Blanche. Yes, sir, it ts !
Leon. And has been for some time.
THE VETEHAW. 63
Col. [To himself .] Jackass again !
Enter SERGEANT, c.
Serj. A dispatch, sir, from the Marshall. Followed us here fror^
Head-quarters.
Col. Very well. [Opens dispatch.] Whew ! here's news with a ven
geance. Exchange of regiments orders to return to France !
Enter OFL-AN-AGAN, 2 E. R.
Oft. France ! oh, Colonel dear, will you find a seat for me ?
Col. Ecod, I should think so. Sergeant, see that a horse is placed
at the disposal of hallo ! we haven't got your name yet. Ofl-an-
agan, esquire, sounds rather queer.
Ofl. You may say that. So, if you plase, we'll go back to the ould
original ; and instead of Ofl-an-agan, we'll say O'Flannigan : the
transition is aisy.
Eug. And so, sir, we're off for France again? Well, as those who
love you will be glad of that for it is high time you had some repose
at your years
Col. Years! what do you mean, sir! Oh, come, come, master
Eugene ; I've every respect for Young France, Young England,
Young America, and all other youths on this or the other side of the
deep sea, but there's something in the old soldiers yet. Do you know
how old Frederick the Great was when he won his great battle 1
Eug. No, sir.
Col. I'll tell ye, 65. Do you know how old Pelissier was when he
took the Malakoff?
Eug. I forget exactly.
Col. I'll tell ye, 61. Do you know how old Scott was when he
walked into Mexico ?
Eug. No, sir.
Col. I'll tell ye, 63. Oh, hang it, we musn't give up the old
soldiers ! Leon, my boy, do you think I ought to retire ?
Leon. Retire, sir what for 1
Col. Why, for you to take my place, I suppose.
Leon. I think the arrangement much better as it stands.
Col. [To Audience.] Well, then, if you think the arrangement a
good one as it stands, I worit retire, except back to France, and at
the head of the regiment.
[Curtains of tent are drawn apart discovering the ZOUAVES, with
their Band, Colors, Officers, $c. y in marching order. ARABS [men
and women,] forming a Tableau as the Curtain descends.
THE END.
StriiiB Jack,
Qureu,
\\ II.K-.SS.
if Ahbeville
[ Catalogue continued from second pa je of cover. J
VOL. XXVI. VOL. XXVII. VOL, XXVTII.
201 Adriennethe Actress 209 Americans in Paris, '217
202 Un line, 210 Victorinc,
203 Jessie Brown, 211 Wizard uf the Wave. 219 Guide to the Stage,
204 Asmodeus, V -Specter, 220 Veteran,
20o Mormons, (wine. 213 Horse-shoe Robinson, ,221
20fi Blanche of Brandy- 214 Armaud. Mrs Mowatt. 222 -
207 Vi'.la. " 215 Fashion, do. do. 223
j 208 Dcseret Deserted. 216 224
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List of the Provincial Theaters, Names of the Managers, and Particulars as to
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White Horse ot the Peppers; A
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Love and Jealousy: A Tragedy.
The Irish Tutor; A Farce.
Bombastes Furloso: A Hurlesque Opera
Sylvester Daggerwood ; Comic Inter
School for Orators; An Original Comedy
And Eighteen Selected Pieces.
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