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INTRODUCTION.

ROOSTUм and ZoоHRAB, a Persian Poem, by FIRDOUZEE, changed into a Play, suitable for the English Stage, by Major General R. P. ANDERSON, H.M.'s Bengal Army (retired). This was translated by JAMES ATKINSON, Assistant Surgeon, Bengal Army, so far back as 1814. General Anderson has compared the translation with the original in the Persian language, and altered the arrangement and added to the story, to make it adapted to the English mind. Oriental Scholars will see that the conclusion is different to Firdouzee's pretty, Poem, but it is hoped that such "poetical license" will be pardoned as regards the hero and heroine. It is trusted therefore that the sentiments introduced, and added, will be appreciated by the British public.

R. P. ANDERSON,

Major General.

LUCKNOW RESIDENCY, HAROLD ROAD,

UPPER NORWOOD.

9th August, 1881.

All rights being reserved, any one desiring to bring this on

the Stage, to refer to the Author for sanction, at the above address.

THE PLAY

OF

ROOSTUM AND ZOOHRAB.

ACT I.

SCENE I.-Roostum, the Persian Champion, is under a tree, and awakes to find his noble "Charger," (named Lightning,) has been stolen.

ROOSTUM―

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Burthen'd, on foot, a dreary waste in view, "Where shall I bend my steps, what path pursue? "The scoffing Turks will cry, Behold our might?

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We e won this trophy from the CHAMPION KNIGHT.' SCENE II.-Roostum arrives at the Palace of the "King of Sumangan."

ROOSTUM (to the King in Durbar)—

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I am Roostum, Persia's noble knight,

"Who dares to meet me in an open fight?
"Who stole my charger, of immortal fame ?
"My gallant charger, Lightning' is his name;
"I vow an oath: If he's not returned,

"This palace and this city-must all be burned. THE KING OF SUMANGAN (to Roostum)

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"Oh let not anger, headlong, fierce, and blind,
O'ercloud the virtues of a generous mind;
If still within the limits of my reign,

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Thy famous charger shall be thine again.
"Then cease to nourish wrath, but with us share,
(With joy and mirth) our hospitable fare?

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[Exit all.

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SOENE III.-The Banquet, Grandees, Nobles, Mace-bearers, Musicians, &c.

THE KING OF SUMANGAN (at the close.)—

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"Immortal Roostum !—Champion in the fight! Retire, great hero, and rest thee during night. SCENE IV.-Roostum on a couch in armour. The King of Sumangan's daughter enters, accompanied by a "Slave Girl" (both carrying lamps). He rises and rubs his eyes, as sleepy.

ROOSTUM―

"Who art thou? Oh, lovely angelic form;

"Some angel of Paradise to take my heart by storm? "Oh speak apparition, set my mind at rest;

"Oh soothe this heart, that flutters in my breast." THE KING'S DAUGHTER (softly)—

"No man has ever seen my face before,

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I never peeped beyond the seraglio door;
Oh, valiant Roostum, of immortal fame,
"In pity listen, Tuhmeena is my name,
"I'm not alone, I am attended here,

"Thus slander's tongue is ne'er Tuhmeena's fear.
“The suit of princes regardless I resign,

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My only hope is ever to be thine.

"The savage monsters of the echoing wood,
"The howling demon, hell's infernal brood,
"Yield to thy single arm, and me amaze.
"I've listened, Roostum, to thy glorious praise.
"I vow'd to father (thus warlike deeds have charms)
"No other spouse should bless Tuhmeena's arms,
"Of all the princes in my father's land,

"Not one shall e'er possess Tuhmeena's hand.

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Indulgent heaven, propitious to my prayer, "Now grants my wish, and terminates my care. [Exit instantly.

ROOSTUM

"What! gone? nymph of Paradise, from me?
"To-morrow I will question all regarding thee."

SOENE V.-Next morning. The King of Sumangan and friends.

ROOSTUM

"Great king, last night a beauteous angel came,
"And softly said 'Tuhmeena is my name.'
"Who is Tuhmeena ? say in mercy mild;

Speak great king, and drive not Roostum wild!

THE KING OF SUMANGAN

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Tuhmeena, Roostum, is my only child ! "Of form so lovely-and of angel mind; "Our noblest princes, have all tried in vain ; "But ever failed Tuhmeena's heart to gain, "For years in sadness, she has pined apart, "For Roostum's deeds had won Tuhmeena's heart. I, her father, recorded Roostum's acts with pride, Tuhmeena, therefore, shall be Roostum's bride.

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SCENE VI.-The Marriage of Roostum and Tuhmeena. (Note Mohamadans are allowed several wives).

[Exit all.

ACT II.

SCENE VII.-Supposed interval of Twenty-one years. Tuhmeena and her son Zoohrab.

TUHMEENA (to ZOOHRAB)-

"Thou wert an infant when Roostum went away,

"For many years he toiled for Persia's sway;

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For all these years I have not seen his face,

"That noble Roostum (chief of Persia's race).
"Behold this bracelet-charm, of soverign power,
"To baffle fate-in dangers awful hour;
"But when, by this peculiar signet known?
Thy eager father claims his glorious son?

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Tell thy great father how we wept apart,

Tuhmeena's sorrows will touch Roostum's heart?

"Go to the wars-Zoohrab-take the warrior's share?

"But son of Afrasiab, you must beware.

"Thou art my life, of Roostum the vital part,

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Oh! think what pangs must rend Tuhmeena's heart.

"Go noble son and fight by Roostum's side, "His fond darling and thy mother's pride. "But mark me of fiend Afrasiah beware; He hates thy father-and is to us a snare? ZOOHRAB

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Father and son in honor's league combined, "No savage despot shall enslave mankind; "Fond mother know and fully understand"That son and father, go ever hand-in-hand; Order my charger? I rush to battle now. "Roostum's son, now mother, makes his bow

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The charger is brought, he leaps into the saddle. ZOOHRAB holds out his hand

"Mother, loved mother, I leave thy fond embrace;
Oh, is not life a most cruel, arduous race?
"I'll seek dear father, and if my fate is just,
"I'll meet my father-yes, indeed I must;
"And when I clasp him, mother, in these arms,
"I'll truly tell him of thy tender charms.

"How thou hast reared me,-told me all his deeds,-
"How for, hero, Roostum-your heart so often bleeds,
"How you have loved him, what you said to me?
"Of father, Roostum, to his boy, with thee

"Dear loved mother, let me go my way,

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Thy Roostum (father), thinks of thee to-day.

[Exit on his horse.

ENTER The fiend Afrasiah, who hates the Family of Roostum.— "Now hear my vengeance-with unhallowed rage, Father and son shall dreadful battle wage; "Unknown this youth shall Roostum's force withstand, "And thus o'erwhelm the bulwark of our land; "Roostum removed, the Persian throne is ours! "An easy conquest to confederate powers;

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And then secured by some propitious snare,

Zoohrab, himself, our galling bonds shall wear.

Or should the son, by Roostrum's falchion bleed:
"The father's horror at this fatal deed
"Will rend his soul, and 'midst his sacred grief,
"Kaoos in vain, can supplicate relief.

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