1839] Specimen of the Burmese Drama. 539 



Scene 2nd. — The grove on the borders of the country of Pyentsa. 



SONG. 



Oh, bright are the flowers that carpet this vale, 



And yield their sweet breath to the murmuring gale ; 



Bright flowers ! — fragrant zephyrs ! — how sweet, 'tis to rove, 

 In this Eden of pleasure — this garden of love. 



The Princesses having taken off their enchanted zones, bathe them- 

 selves in the lake. 



{Enter Huntsman. 



Hunts. Now, skilful ranger, enter thou the dense forest, and try 

 to discover where the beasts of the chase are most numerous. Let me 

 go quickly, but cautiously.— Ah ! what abundance of hares, elks, 

 elephants, leopards, tigers, wild cows, bisons, and bears ; there are 

 harpies too, and unicorns, swans, huoungs, peacocks, and monkeys 

 frisking about from place to place. Well ; this is indeed a wonderful 

 place. — {He discovers the Princesses bathing.] Ah ! what creatures 

 are these? Mortals, or celestials? — I must instantly entrap one of 

 them with my magic noose, and ascertain what they really are. — {He 

 casts the noose, and snares Mananhurree, the youngest.'] 



Manan. Oh, my royal sisters ! save me, save me. 



Hunts. Tell me, maiden, art thou a mortal, or a being of a supe- 

 rior order? Speak quickly, I pray you, and relieve me from my doubts. 



Manan. I am the daughter of the king whose palace is in the 

 city of the silver mountain, and came hither with my companions to 

 play. Release me, for I am afraid. 



Hunts. If so, I shall have my fortune made, for I will carry you 

 this moment to the court of Pyentsa, sweet maiden, and present you 

 to the young prince. 



{Music. 

 Scene 3rd. — Pyentsa. The palace. 



Enter Huntsman leading in the young Mananhurree to the Prince. 



Hunts. Oh, prince, the lord of life and wealth ; having but just 

 now snared a palace-fostered maiden of a delicate and gentle form, 

 I have brought her without delay to the golden, foot. 



Prince. {To Manan."] Be not concerned, sweet palace-born child, 

 I could exist with you for ever. Wait ; I will hasten to my royal sire 

 and petition him to let me make you my chief queen. 



Manan. Do with me, my lord, as you say. 



