Chef Ragozzi, a Military Commander.
Zapolya, Queen of Illyria.
Scene I
Front of the Palace with a magnificent Colonnade. On one side a military Guard-house. Sentries pacing backward and forward before the Palace. Chef Ragozzi, at the door of the Guard-house, as looking forwards at some object in the distance.
Chef Ragozzi. My eyes deceive me not, it must be he.
Who but our chief, my more than father, who
But Raab Kiuprili moves with such a gait?
Lo! e'en this eager and unwonted haste
But agitates, not quells, its majesty. 5
My patron! my commander! yes, 'tis he!
Call out the guards. The Lord Kiuprili comes.
[Drums beat, &c., the Guard turns out.
Enter Raab Kiuprili.
Raab Kiuprili (making a signal to stop the drums, &c.). Silence! enough! This is no time, young friend,
For ceremonious dues. The summoning drum,
Th' air-shattering trumpet, and the horseman's clatter, 10
Are insults to a dying sovereign's ear.
Soldiers, 'tis well! Retire! your General greets you,
His loyal fellow-warriors. [Guards retire.
Chef Ragozzi. Pardon my surprise.
Thus sudden from the camp, and unattended!
What may these wonders prophesy?
Raab Kiuprili. Tell me first, 15
How fares the king? His majesty still lives?
Chef Ragozzi. We know no otherwise; but Emerick's friends
(And none but they approach him) scoff at hope.