at do you say?

PANT. (_aside_.)

The loudest bawling's all time thrown away!
He's deaf as any post--a perfect dummy--
It's no use preaching wisdom to a mummy.
I wish I were in Venice back again!
I had to fly her happy shores, on pain
Of being hanged, or losing liberty,
Because the bigwigs thought my tongue too free.
I hoped, as minister, I was secure
To fatten in an easy sinecure;
Instead of which, I've not one moment's leisure;
No carnival, nor any Christian pleasure.
But constant squabbles, tears, and imprecations,
Divans, beheadings, sphinxes,--I've lost patience!
I'll quit this land of pigtails, gongs, and teas;
Return to Italy, and live at ease.

ALT.

I _see_ you're talking; speak a little louder.

PANT. (_aside_.)

He wouldn't hear the bursting of gunpowder.

ALT.

Tartaglia, have you seen this poor young fellow?

TART. (_stammering, until he speaks Italian very glibly_)--

Y-y-your h-hi-high-ness, y-y-es, a-and f-f-found h-hi-him--_molto bello_.

ALT.

What do you say?

TART.

S-so p-p-please y-your M-majesty,
(_aside_) _Non posso piu! che sordo! sapresty!_

ALT.

Then bring this suitor to divan at once. (_Exit guards._)
We'll urge him the hard trial to renounce.

PANT.

I'll try my best;

ALT.

What do you say?

PANT. (_aside_.)

But fear
He'll be as deaf as you, and will not hear.

(_Enter_ KALAF, _with guards_. _He kneels before the Khan, with
his hands to his forehead._ ALTOUM _regards him with pity_.)

ALT.

Arise, rash man.
(_Aside_.) Ah, what a gallant youth,
Behead him? 'Twould be quite a shame, in sooth.
(_aloud_) Say, who art thou? From what far distant land
Dost come to seek in marriage that fair hand
Which only royal blood may justly claim?

KAL.

Great Khan, permit me to conceal my name;
My lineage justifies my bold desire.

PANT.

I'm sure he's nobly born and nurtured, sire.

ALT.

What do you say?

PANT. (_despairingly_.)

It doesn't signify.

ALT.

'Twould break my aged heart to see thee die.
I'd save thy life if possible. Oh, quit
The sharp encounter with my child's keen wit.
My heart and eyes are sickened by the blood
That's daily shed.

KAL.

Your Majesty's too good.

ALT.

I'm captivated by thy noble air;
With thee my royal throne I'll gladly share.
So thou but force me not to take thy life;
Avoid the fatal Sphinx--give up the strife.

KAL.

My thanks are all I have, and thes