The Equinox (Volume I, Number V)

ACT 11 Twenty years later. An Oriental Palace in a city near 84 ferum/em; theHat!ofAua’iente. [n thethrone is LAYLAI-I nei/ea’. Aroundher are waiting-women another ald nurse FATMA. At the door on eunuch on guard with drawn mimi/ar. LEDMIYA [a younggirl with a stringed instrument], As the flower waits for the rain, As the lover waits for the moon, We wait, we wait, an hungry pain, For tidings from the battle plain-— If those we love are hurt or slain, Or if the Lord hath smitten again The legions of the Cross, and hewn A path of blood where glory flares. The sabre strikes, the trumpet blares, The warhorse neighs,—Oh let us see The Crescent borne to victory] LAYLAH. Is there no news? FATMA. It is rumoured that the battle has begun. LEDMIYA. Under the very walls of Jerusalem ! ABDUL KHAN. Within the southern gate. FATMA. Many, many will fall. - Alas, alas!