Bridgewater State University - Alpha Yearbook (Bridgewater, MA)

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NORMAL OFFERING 25 Saki: My friend, the great day has dawned at last! Let us rejoice while the sun is high and allow evening to come when it must. tHe crosses the stage arid joiiis Kham by the marble pillar, and placing a sqilare package iii his harid, 'nods his head imderstaiidiiiglgi The silver boxes are inside, and here are the keys to fit each box, engraved as you desired. The vessel has docked and within the hour your beloved sons will be with you. Kham: My joy is bitter-sweet, Saki. I cannot forget that I am to say farewell so soon. The country asks such difficult things of a man that it makes him wonder whether or not he loves his sons or his prince more. It was hard enough to send them off to Paris years ago, but then the anticipation of their return mitigated my sorrow. Now .... Saki: Would thatI could go in your stead, my friend! But' there are certain missions to be entrusted to men of worth and valor. Our prince has singled you out. I am not worthy of the honor. Kham: That is not true, Saki. But Ishall cease this lamenting! Tell me the taps the pillar with his hmicklesjg is the lock set? How cunningly the carving lends itself to the secret door! tEriter at left, a tall, graceful maiden, richly dressed, who crosses stage to pillar.D Sahi: Yes, the lock is timed: and it would take a keen eye to discover our little secret. Natalie tboius arid smiles at Sahi, arid slips her arm into that of Khaml: Godfather, from my window Isaw the carriage nearing the brow of the hill. Iam sure it is they! Kham: Dear child, one would believe that Omali Pasha himself were expected, so beautifully are you dressed to welcome my sons! lThe soris of Kham eriter, at left. Exit Natalie, at right. The father embraces them? Kham: My sons, welcome to your home! I trust that it will be as dear to you now, as it was before you left for Paris. Omar: We have shaken the dust of the continent from our feet and have come back to our native Algeria, eager to taste again of its joys and pleasures. Kham: May your hopes be realized, Omar. Adrar Cstarldirig beside his fatherj: Father, they will, they must. With you here to direct our enterprises we will conquer the world. Salci Cabfectioriatelybz Ambitious youth!

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24 NORMAL OFFERING Ellie Emma nf lChum By Adelaide H. I-Iuard DRAMATIS PERSONIE. Khami-a ioealthy merchant of Tunis. Salci--friend of Kham, and a clever lochsmith. Omar-the eldest son. Ufra-the second son. Adrar-the youngest son. Natalie-A French maiden adopted by Kham in years past. Prince. Servant and attendants. SCENE I. Place-Inner court-yard in the home of the merchant Kham. Timef-A spring morning. Kham is seen sitting alone beside the fountain. Kham Csadlyl: Hovv different is this day from what I had expect- ed! I have counted the hours until this one when I shall see my sons again: yet, how short lived will be my joy and theirs when I tell them this very night I must leave my native land and journey to the far East, perhaps never to return. Oh, fate! why must my cup of happi- ness savor so of bitterness? fSer'uant enters at left, noiselessly, and salaamsj Kham: Speak, boy. Has the Wise Saki yet arrived? Servant: The most learned Saki is Without, master. Kham: Bid him hurry hither, then. fEfrit seryantj Kham: Ah, Wise and nohle Saki! How can I sufficiently thank you for this priceless product of your brain loy which my sons shall be protected and tested? CI-Ie crosses the courtyard to a massive marble pillar intricately carved, and seems to examine it.l fEnter Salci, left.J

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26 NORMAL OFFERING Ufra: We have learned many things. Aelrar: But where is Natalie? Kham: Natalie was here but a moment ago, heralding your approach. So modest a maiden seeks a more propitious time to greet you, Adrar. Aclrar ttilrrliiig to rightbz Iwill seek her. Kham: No, my son, stay. tHe claps his haiicls, a servarlt ap- pearsal Tell the Lady Natalie that we would see her in the courtyard. CServaht salaams, ea:it.D I have something of importance to impart to you. It is well that the world has taught you great things. In the future you will be obliged to depend upon your own wisdom. For diplomatic reasons the Government has seen fit to send me to the East. I start by caravan tonight, perhaps never to return. Omar: We shall go with you! Kham: That, Omar, is impossible. Aclrar: But surely you will return, father. . Kham: I fear, my lad, that if Ireturn it will not be for a long time. Accordingly, I have settled my affairs. I have placed my money so that for tive years you will all have a sufficient allowance. Each one of you is prepared for business. I have also made my will. tHe opens the casket, aml gives to each soii a small silver box arlel a keyj This is my legacy. But it has one condition. Under no circumstance are you to open your box until tive years have elapsed. If after five years I am not here, you may satisfy your curiosity, and then only. Omar, Ufra: It is understood, father. Aclrar: Your trust is sacred with us. CErlter Natalie. Aulrar goes foriuarul to meet her arlcl leads her by the haiiel to his father.J Aclrar: Father, I would yet another gift. Natalie has promised to be my wife. Will you give your consent? Kham: What! You have but just arrived. How do you know but that Natalie has changed her mind since you left for Paris? iTeri- clerlyj What do you say to this impetuous youth, Natalie? Natalie Cshylyb: It is as he says, Godfather. Kham: So be it then, my children. Let us celebrate in due form.