Chapter 25

BRIGELLA, GUARDS, CALAF.

BRIGELLA.

Time's up, your Highness. Fun begins in a minute.

CALAF.

Oh, is it you? Well, carry out your orders! Be quick! It doesn't matter. Get it over.

BRIGELLA (_astonished_).

What orders? Eh? I haven't got any orders. The only order I've got is to escort you to the Divan. Double quick! The Emperor has already combed his beard and may appear in the Divan any minute.

CALAF (_in a tragedy tone_).

Up, then, to the Divan! What though I do not Reach it alive? What matters it? See here, Am I the man to be afraid of death?

(_Casts his sword away._)

I need no weapon. Let the Princess know That I have offered of my own free will To her assassins my defenceless breast

(_Exit._)

BRIGELLA.

What the devil _is_ the fellow raving about? Women, those damned women! They've been at him the whole night, not half, and his brain's collapsed! Hello, you! Present arms! Dress your ranks! March!

(_Exeunt._ _Music of drums and other instruments of war._)

END OF THE SECOND ACT.

THE THIRD ACT