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ZENOBI A. 



[The annexed scenes, from an unpublished drama, require but a few brief words of 

 explanation. It will be obvious that they are not intended to be acted. There 

 would, indeed, be some difficulty in making the leading; Dramatis Personce converse 

 on horseback. But there is high and classical authority for a scene so conducted, 

 namely, in Goethe's "Faust," where Mephistopheles and the hero enter the stage at 

 full gallop, and converse on the fatal subject of their rapid journey and the fatai 

 objects within their ken. It has, moreover, been acted in Germany. There are two 

 historical theories respecting the fate of Zenobia. The author has employed in his 

 simple plot that which is most honourable to the heroine. Zenobia is supposed, on 

 good authority, to have been a Jewess, which, as Palmyra was founded by Solomon, 

 is not improbable. She also claimed to be paternally descended from Cleopatra.] 



Scene I. — Portico of the Palace at Palmyra, near the Damascus gale. Arcade* 

 and Colonnades of the Temple of the Sun in the distance. Sunset. 



Zenobia. Tamara, her sister. 



Zenob. The cup's last dregs are drain'd ; the parting pang 



That tears the heart-strings borne. What more ? Arsaces 

 Comes not, oh sister, though her patron god 

 Already darts his slant and farewell beam 

 Through haughty Tadmor's gorgeous colonnades. 

 Tama, (listeniny) Hush, 'tis a step ! Alas ! I'm still deceived. 



Throughout this day's long watch I've seera'd to hear 

 The long-drawn sighs of some unearthly horn. 

 As though from far, far distant depths of space. 

 Dismally wailing through these gilded vaults. 

 Again — a step! 



Zenob. No ; 'tis a better sign — 



The joyous neigh of Phlegethon. Brave barb ! 

 lie calls his mistress. And, oh joy ! he comes — 

 Arsaces comes. I hear the rustling scales 

 Of his steel hawberk and the clanging sound 

 Of mail-clothed heels. Hark ! clattering hoofs announce 

 The instant presence of our Parthian friends. 

 He comes ! There's faith in man and princes yet. 

 He's true. 



Tama. They come — they're here — and we are saved. 



Zenob. Haste! Let us join them ere the prying eyes 

 Of doubtful citizens or watchful guards 

 Detect our purpose or prevent our flight. [Exeunt. 



Scene H. — The street of Tombs and desert [beyondthe Damascus gate at Palmyra. 

 Zenobia, armed, on a vjhite charger. On one side Tamara, on 

 the other Arsaces, the Parthian satrap, both on horseback. Her 

 women, Solyma and Tiiiza, with black slaves seated on the ground, 

 waiting her orders. Dejoces and Datis, Palmyrene officers, on 

 the opposite side. Dromedaries, litters, and Parthian cavalry orca- 

 siovully seen in the back-ground through scattered palms and ruins. 



Tumu. The gate is pass'd, and now our flight is free. 

 Zenob. The prince ! Is he at hand .> 

 Arsaces. lie is, dear empress, 



M. M. — No. 6. '2 V 



