The Execution Of Shezade Mustafa (The Play) Part 2

ACT IV

SCENE I

At the chamber of Şehzade Mustafa, in Amasya.

The Şehzade is alone in his chamber, when his beloved concubine Rumeysa enters to speak to him in private.

MUSTAFA

I did not hear thee enter the chamber, Rumeysa.

RUMEYSA

Forgive me, if I disturbed thy repose, şehzade.

MUSTAFA

Nay! I was merely resting, and then pondering, in solitude.

RUMEYSA

About thy father?

MUSTAFA

Naturally! Ever since I received the disquieting tidings of his failing health, I have been restless with worry and contemplation.

RUMEYSA

Allow me to comfort thee in thine hour of disquiet.

MUSTAFA

Verily, I cannot resist the urgency to see the Sultan and ascertain the truth of his condition.

RUMEYSA

I am as unsettled as thou art, şehzade.

MUSTAFA

What if the Sultan were to perish? What shall become of me thereafter?

RUMEYSA

Should that fateful moment come to pass, then thou shalt ascend the throne as the new Sultan.

MUSTAFA

Am I truly prepared to succeed him, and bear such symbolic honour?

RUMEYSA

Indeed, thou art! Thou hast been reared since childhood to inherit the empire. Thou art the Sultan’s rightful heir, destined to rule.

MUSTAFA

What if my father hath chosen one of my brothers to succeed him, instead of me?

RUMEYSA

There is none more worthy than thee to claim that place and rule the Ottoman Empire with the glory of thy noble forefathers, as thy lineage commands.

(Rumeysa departs. Şehzade Mustafa’s daughter, Nargishah, enters the chamber, perceiving the concern etched in her father’s expression.)

MUSTAFA

Nargishah, my beautiful and only daughter. How wondrous it is to be thy father!

NARGISHAH

And how wondrous it is to be thy daughter, baba.

MUSTAFA

One day, thou shalt be wed and bear lovely children. God willing, I hope still to be amongst the living when that day doth arrive.

NARGISHAH

Why dost thou utter such a troubling thought, so full of dread?

MUSTAFA

Forgive me, for speaking those words that I ought not to have spoken.

NARGISHAH

Thou art worried about the Sultan.

MUSTAFA

To the world and all who serve him, he is the Sultan. But to me, he is so much more—he is, and shall ever be, my beloved father.

NARGISHAH

And though thou art prince and governor of Amasya, to me thou art ever my father, baba.

SCENE II

At the Imperial Court of Shah Tahmasp in Isfahan, Persia.

The troubling rumours of the Sultan’s ailing health have reached the Shah’s palace. With urgency, he summons his chief adviser to the court, among the expectant courtiers.

TAHMASP

I have summoned thee to confirm a rumour that hath spread across the region.

ADVISER

What rumour dost thou speak of, my noble Shah?

TAHMASP

That the Sultan of the mighty Ottoman Empire is gravely unwell. Is this truth or but a tale exaggerated beyond measure?

ADVISER

I too have heard these unsettling reports, yet I cannot confirm their veracity.

TAHMASP

We must ascertain the truth of the Sultan’s condition. Therefore, I order thee to dispatch a spy to Istanbul at once.

ADVISER

I shall send a capable spy to Istanbul this very day.

TAHMASP

This spy must conduct the investigation with utmost care and discretion.

ADVISER

As thou commandest, my Shah.

TAHMASP

We have long been at war with the Ottomans, yet have not triumphed.

ADVISER

Aye, they have been a thorn in our side for over a decade.

TAHMASP

Precisely. And now, if Süleiman be at his weakest and near to death, 'tis our golden opportunity to strike and break their power at last.

ADVISER

How dost thou propose we achieve such a feat?

TAHMASP

As I have hinted before, the key lieth in turning to our side one of his ambitious heirs.

ADVISER

Thou speakest of his sons?

TAHMASP

Indeed! Soon we shall learn which of them is loyal to the Sultan—and which is loyal only to his own ambition.

ADVISER

Thou knowest well the risk. We may be forced into a bloody campaign.

TAHMASP

I am fully aware of that peril. Nevertheless, now is the moment to expose the Sultan’s vulnerability.

ADVISER

We must not underestimate the Ottomans.

TAHMASP

I do not. I merely recognise that the time to act may be upon us.

ADVISER

Shall I begin preparations for an invasion of Anatolia?

TAHMASP

Nay, not yet! That would be sheer folly.

ADVISER

As thou wilt, my Shah.

SCENE III

At the Imperial Court of the Sultan’s palace.

Rüstem Pasha has returned to Istanbul to see the Sultan and discuss the matter of Şehzade Mustafa. He enters the Imperial Palace and court thereafter, with a growing sense of anxiety. He bows his head in reverence before the Sultan and sees that the Sultan is in good health.

SÜLEYMAN

Rüstem Pasha.

RÜSTEM PASHA

I came at once to Istanbul, Hünkârım.

SÜLEYMAN

Then thou knowest why I have summoned thee back to the Imperial Palace?

RÜSTEM PASHA

I believe I do. Yet let me say, I am gladdened to see thee in health.

SÜLEYMAN

Why should I not be?

RÜSTEM PASHA

There is no one greater than thee, Hünkârım.

SÜLEYMAN

Now I shall reveal to thee what must be known.

RÜSTEM PASHA

Forgive me, what revelation dost thou speak of?

SÜLEYMAN

The preparations to lay waste to Persia—should it prove necessary.

RÜSTEM PASHA

An incursion into Persia? When, Hünkârım?

SÜLEYMAN

Soon. I shall provide thee with the details in due course. For now, know this: thou hast been appointed to lead the campaign against the Safavids.

RÜSTEM PASHA

I am honoured to lead this noble campaign, as thy Grand Vizier.

SÜLEYMAN

Thou hast proven thyself to be reliable and worthy thus far. I shall expect nothing less than victory.

RÜSTEM PASHA

And I shall deliver thee triumph, should the Safavids dare defy thee from Isfahan.

SÜLEYMAN

We must bring an end to these incursions into our lands. I am prepared to campaign once more.

RÜSTEM PASHA

Art thou strong enough to endure the strain of travel?

SÜLEYMAN

Indeed! I am Kanunî Sultan Süleyman, of the dynasty of the Imperial House of Osman. I shall reclaim the lost territories of Erzurum, cross the Upper Euphrates, and lay waste to parts of the Safavid Empire. The Shah is a coward and flees like one.

RÜSTEM PASHA

What if the Shah doth not retreat this time, Hünkârım?

SÜLEYMAN

That is why I have chosen thee. Yet thou shalt not be alone in this. Allies shall accompany thee.

RÜSTEM PASHA

Then we shall teach the Safavids never to underestimate the might and dominion of our empire.

SCENE IV

In the chamber of Mihrimah.

Rüstem Pasha speaks to his wife, Mihrimah, and his mother-in-law, Hürrem Sultan, regarding the situation with Mustafa and the Sultan’s new campaign against the Safavids.

MIHRIMAH

Rüstem Pasha, I am glad of thy return. But tell us—why hast thou come back, and what is happening with Mustafa and the Janissaries?

RÜSTEM PASHA

The Sultan summoned me, for he is preparing to lead another campaign—this time against the Persians.

HÜRREM

And what of Mustafa? Is he not assembling an army to march on Istanbul and supplant the Sultan after all?

RÜSTEM PASHA

I know not. Yet I doubt it, for we have had no word of any movement of his Janissaries from Amasya. Besides, I believe I can circumvent the Şehzade and tame the lion within him.

HÜRREM

How dost thou intend to do so?

RÜSTEM PASHA

I shall appoint my brother, Sinan Pasha, as deputy in Istanbul and Grand Admiral of the Navy. Meanwhile, Şehzade Bayezid shall be charged with guarding Rumeli from Edirne.

MIHRIMAH

But thy brother hath no experience in naval affairs.

RÜSTEM PASHA

True, yet this measure shall serve to prevent Şehzade Mustafa from crossing the straits into Istanbul—should he arrive before Selim or Bayezid. There is no more secure way to halt his passage than by means of the navy.

HÜRREM

'Tis a risk, yet a clever stratagem—if Mustafa should take the bait.

RÜSTEM PASHA

Precisely, Sultana!

MIHRIMAH

And then? What shalt thou do with Mustafa?

RÜSTEM PASHA

I shall deal with him.

MIHRIMAH

How, Rüstem? What dost thou plan to do?

HÜRREM

Indeed, I should like to know—for thou didst fail before to persuade the Sultan of Mustafa’s treacherous intent.

RÜSTEM PASHA

This time, I have devised the perfect plan.

HÜRREM

And what is this masterful design?

RÜSTEM PASHA

There are whispers that the Shah of Persia hath been in contact with Şehzade Mustafa.

MIHRIMAH

What art thou suggesting with such a claim?

RÜSTEM PASHA

That the Şehzade hath betrayed the Sultan.

HÜRREM

And how dost thou propose to prove it, when thou couldst not do so before?

RÜSTEM PASHA

I shall write a letter—as though penned by the Şehzade himself.

HÜRREM

And what shall this forged letter contain?

RÜSTEM PASHA

An admission of his betrayal to the Sultan.

MIHRIMAH

The Sultan shall never be convinced.

RÜSTEM PASHA

He shall—if the seal of Mustafa be upon it. Then there shall be no doubt of the Şehzade’s treachery.

HÜRREM

Precisely!

SCENE V.

At the court of the palace of the Shezade in Amasya.

Cihangir, the younger half-brother of Mustafa, arrives at the palace accompanied by his brother Bayezid.

MUSTAFA.

Cihangir and Bayezid! 'Tis a wondrous surprise to see ye, my brothers. I was not informed of thy visit. Cihangir, why didst thou not write me ere now?

CIHANGIR.

Because I desired to surprise thee with the good tidings in person.

MUSTAFA.

What good tidings dost thou refer to?

CIHANGIR.

Our father is healthy, and he hath resolved to begin a new military campaign against the Safavids.

MUSTAFA.

I am glad to hear from thee that our father, the Sultan, hath regained his vigour anew, but I fail to understand why I should be contented about another campaign against the Safavids.

CIHANGIR.

Because I am certain the Sultan shall ask thee to partake in the campaign.

MUSTAFA.

How art thou certain of such a prospect?

CIHANGIR.

There is none better than thee to demonstrate valour before the army.

MUSTAFA.

What dost thou opine, Bayezid?

BAYEZID.

I am in agreement with my younger brother. Mustafa, I know thee well enough, as thy brother, to follow thee unto the battlefield.

MUSTAFA.

I have received no word from the Sultan. He alone can make that decision, my brothers.

BAYEZID.

The Sultan shall be proud, as we are proud of thee.

MUSTAFA.

I thought I knew the Sultan, but of late, he is a stranger unto me.

CIHANGIR.

Dost thou not trust the word of thy brothers?

MUSTAFA.

If only it were that simple, Cihangir. Yet it is not.

CIHANGIR.

What dost thou mean by that, brother?

MUSTAFA.

Soon, one day, when ye both are older and I am no longer amongst ye, ye shall share the vision I once held.

CIHANGIR.

What sayest thou, “no longer among ye,” brother?

MUSTAFA.

When the hour befalleth, thou shalt understand, Cihangir.

BAYEZID.

I believe I understand—but thou shalt live a long life, Mustafa.

MUSTAFA.

I shall live until my fate hath determined the hour of my demise.

CIHANGIR.

What thou sayest is folly!

MUSTAFA.

O my younger brother…thou who art wise and intelligent shalt know the cruelty of this world in which we dwell, in all its manifestation.

BAYEZID.

I am honoured to be thy brother, Mustafa, and I hope, one day soon, to prove my courage upon the battlefield as thou hast done.

MUSTAFA.

Whatever my fate is, I pray one thing of ye both—that I am not forgotten by thee.

BAYEZID.

Thou wouldst never take our lives, brother?

MUSTAFA.

Never. For as long as I live, thou, Cihangir, and Selim are my blood brothers.

SCENE VI.

At the home of Bernardo Navagero, the Venetian ambassador.

Navagero is visited by his fellow countryman and ambassador, Domenico Trevisano.

BERNARDO NAVAGERO.

Domenico! Welcome to mine home!

DOMENICO TREVISANO.

Such a lovely home thou hast, ambassador.

BERNARDO NAVAGERO.

If I may ask, is there a particular reason for thy visit? It hath been a whilst since thy last.

DOMENICO TREVISANO.

I must speak with thee about an important matter.

BERNARDO NAVAGERO.

What matter?

DOMENICO TREVISANO.

The situation with the Sultan and his son Mustafa.

BERNARDO NAVAGERO.

What is there to discuss?

DOMENICO TREVISANO.

Surely, thou art aware of the rumours concerning the poor health of the Sultan, and how miraculously he hath regained his strength.

BERNARDO NAVAGERO.

Aye, I am aware of such reports.

DOMENICO TREVISANO.

Then what dost thou suppose is truly happening?

BERNARDO NAVAGERO.

I suspect there is some mystery we do not yet comprehend.

DOMENICO TREVISANO.

Dost thou believe the Sultan is truly ill and dying?

BERNARDO NAVAGERO.

Why dost thou ask me thus?

DOMENICO TREVISANO.

Because I do believe it. I have served at the court of the Sultan and seen him in a pitiful condition—pale, anxious, and oft incoherent in speech.

BERNARDO NAVAGERO.

I was not aware of such detail.

DOMENICO TREVISANO.

Hence I have formed my conclusion with reason.

BERNARDO NAVAGERO.

And what of Mustafa?

DOMENICO TREVISANO.

I believe the Sultan is planning something involving Shezade Mustafa.

BERNARDO NAVAGERO.

What sort of thing?

DOMENICO TREVISANO.

I know not the exact nature, but I am inclined to think the Sultan harbours suspicion towards Mustafa’s intentions.

SCENE I.

Within the tent of Sultan Süleiman.

SÜLEIMAN.

Where didst thou obtain this letter? Who placed into thine hands this foul token of treachery?

RÜSTEM PASHA.

One of my men intercepted it upon the road we did travel, leading towards Amasya, my sovereign.

SÜLEIMAN.

I cannot compel mine own heart to believe mine eldest son hath turned traitor, in such arrogant fashion—communing with our bitterest foe, the Safavids!

RÜSTEM PASHA.

Forgive me, Hünkârım! I was loath to reveal it, knowing well the storm it would stir within thy soul—but 'tis my sacred duty to warn thee of the Shezade’s treacherous design.

SÜLEIMAN.

How can this be? Have I not given him all that a father might bestow upon his son?

RÜSTEM PASHA.

Almost all, my liege.

SÜLEIMAN.

What meanest thou by that remark, Pasha?

RÜSTEM PASHA.

Perhaps 'tis wiser I hold my tongue…

SÜLEIMAN.

Nay, speak! I command thee!

RÜSTEM PASHA.

There have been murmurs, my Sultan—rumours whispered long now—that the Janissaries and the soldiers revere Shezade Mustafa above all else. Thou didst witness this thyself, upon our passage through Amasya.

SÜLEIMAN.

Aye…I did see their apparent adoration.

RÜSTEM PASHA.

Now is not the hour to show weakness, nor division, not before the Safavid Shah. Thou must appear resolute—unyielding.

SÜLEIMAN.

I am grown weary of Tahmasb. I shall strike at him with full might and fury!

RÜSTEM PASHA.

Thou art the Sultan. Thou must preserve the empire, even if by hard and sorrowful means.

SÜLEIMAN.

Aye, I am Süleiman! And none other rules this realm but I.

RÜSTEM PASHA.

What course shalt thou take with the Shezade, Hünkârım?

SÜLEIMAN.

Worry not—I shall deal with him when he arriveth. For now, focus thy mind on the campaign. I shall put dread into the hearts of the Safavids!

RÜSTEM PASHA.

As thou commandest, Hünkârım!

SÜLEIMAN.

Leave me now. I must be alone with mine own thoughts.

RÜSTEM PASHA.

Aye, my sovereign.

SCENE II.

In the garden of the Imperial Palace in Istanbul.

Hürrem Sultan walks beneath the cypress trees with her daughter, Mihrimah.

MIHRIMAH.

It bringeth me comfort, Mother, to walk with thee on this day.

HÜRREM.

The garden is most fair today. It sootheth the unrest of the soul.

MIHRIMAH.

I cannot shake from my mind what is unfolding between Father and Shezade Mustafa.

HÜRREM.

I, too, am troubled by these events. The tie between them hath grown strained, distant—a shadow hath fallen upon them.

MIHRIMAH.

How came this estrangement to pass?

HÜRREM.

Dost thou lay blame upon thy father?

MIHRIMAH.

Nay, never!

HÜRREM.

Now is not the time to question thy father's judgment. 'Tis Mustafa who hath defied his sire—boldly, recklessly.

MIHRIMAH.

But would Father truly slay his son?

HÜRREM.

That only thy father can answer. Yet mark me well: if Mustafa lives, we may not. He would not spare us—nor thy brothers.

MIHRIMAH.

He would not dare commit such cruelty! He is not wicked.

HÜRREM.

Perchance. But we would be fools not to consider the peril of his ambition.

MIHRIMAH.

I know him, Mother. He hath a noble heart!

HÜRREM.

Thou forgettest one great influence upon thy brother.

MIHRIMAH.

Whom dost thou mean?

HÜRREM.

Mahidevran—his jealous mother.

MIHRIMAH.

Ah! I had forgotten how deeply her counsel doth sway him.

HÜRREM.

She shall not rest until her son is crowned Sultan.

MIHRIMAH.

But is she powerful enough to drive him to rebellion?

HÜRREM.

Indeed, she is. And if Mustafa doth rise, thine husband—Rüstem—shall be one of the first to fall.

MIHRIMAH.

Mother, I shudder at that thought…may it never come to pass!

SCENE III

At the camp of Rüstem Pasha, in Ereğli.

The pasha is privately meeting with one of the high officers of the Janissaries to bribe him.

RÜSTEM PASHA

Dost thou know why I have summoned thee hither?

HIGH OFFICER

Nay, Pasha.

RÜSTEM PASHA

The reason thou art present before me is because I have a most significant task for thee.

HIGH OFFICER

What certain task is that, if I may enquire?

RÜSTEM PASHA

I have entrusted thee with the task of spreading a rumour amongst the Janissaries: that Şehzade Mustafa hath secretly pledged his allegiance to the Shah of the Safavid Empire.

HIGH OFFICER

But the men shall not believe it!

RÜSTEM PASHA

Then make them believe it! I have given thee a task—fail me not.

HIGH OFFICER

And if I do?

RÜSTEM PASHA

Then thou shalt be executed forthwith. Is that understood?

HIGH OFFICER

I understand, Pasha.

RÜSTEM PASHA

I warn thee—do not involve me in the particulars. All I require is that thou bemuse the Janissaries. ’Tis not necessary to convince them wholly; thou needst only sow the seeds of doubt concerning the Şehzade’s character. That shall suffice.

HIGH OFFICER

Thou wouldst have me bring about the immediate downfall of the Şehzade?

RÜSTEM PASHA

Naturally.

HIGH OFFICER

If the Janissaries discover I am the cause of the Şehzade’s ruin, they shall slay me without any measure of clemency.

RÜSTEM PASHA

If thou failest me, I shall show no clemency. Consider the numerous benefits I can bestow upon thee—high rank in the army, perhaps even a place amongst my personal guard. Is that not sufficient to entice thee?

HIGH OFFICER

’Tis sufficient indeed.

RÜSTEM PASHA

Excellent. I suggest thou conduct thyself with utmost discretion in thy dealings with the Janissaries. We cannot afford to provoke them unnecessarily. All I desire is to stifle any rebellion against the Sultan.

HIGH OFFICER

Would it not be simpler to dispatch the instigators of rebellion than to bring down the Şehzade?

RÜSTEM PASHA

Not when the benefactor of said revolt is the Şehzade himself. Enough of thy questions—execute the task, else I shall execute thee, without hesitation or inducement!

HIGH OFFICER

I shall accomplish the task most effectively, Pasha.

SCENE IV

At the camp of the Janissaries, in Ereğli.

The Janissaries begin to grow suspicious of the additional presence of the Imperial Guards and the absence of Şehzade Mustafa.

FIRST JANISSARY

I comprehend not the reason for the presence of more Imperial Guards, for there are already enough to safeguard the Sultan—unless he feareth for his life.

SECOND JANISSARY

I too have pondered that oddity.

FIRST JANISSARY

Whom doth the Sultan fear? The Persians? They have failed to pose a valid threat to the Empire.

SECOND JANISSARY

I do not believe the Persians weigh heavily upon his mind.

FIRST JANISSARY

Then whom dost thou believe to be his chief preoccupation?

SECOND JANISSARY

His son.

FIRST JANISSARY

Which of them? Selim, Cihangir, Bayezid, or Mustafa?

SECOND JANISSARY

We know Bayezid guardeth Rumelia, in Edirne. Who else is not present?

FIRST JANISSARY

Şehzade Mustafa.

SECOND JANISSARY

Precisely. Dost thou now perceive the oddity of the matter?

FIRST JANISSARY

Aye. What are we to do?

SECOND JANISSARY

I know not. But we must strive to uncover the truth—for the Şehzade’s sake.

FIRST JANISSARY

And what if the rumours concerning the Şehzade are true? What if he hath betrayed the Sultan—and us?

SECOND JANISSARY

I am not convinced of that unfathomable possibility.

FIRST JANISSARY

Then what dost thou surmise from all this confusion?

SECOND JANISSARY

There is but one conclusion I can draw, and naught dissuadeth me from it.

FIRST JANISSARY

What hast thou concluded?

SECOND JANISSARY

The Sultan meaneth to execute the Şehzade—and the true culprit is Rüstem Pasha.

FIRST JANISSARY

What art thou implying?

SECOND JANISSARY

I cannot prove it—but my instinct compelleth me to believe it with every fibre of my being.

SCENE V.

At the tent of Rüstem Pasha.

The pasha is visited by the high officer whom he had instructed to incite doubt amongst the soldiers.

HIGH OFFICER

I came at once, Pasha!

RÜSTEM PASHA

What hast thou to report to me of consequence?

HIGH OFFICER

There is doubt amongst the men, as thou didst intend.

RÜSTEM PASHA

Good! Now we must await the arrival of Şehzade Mustafa.

HIGH OFFICER

And if he cometh not?

RÜSTEM PASHA

That is no concern of thine. I shall attend to that matter, not thou.

HIGH OFFICER

What then, Pasha?

RÜSTEM PASHA

Let the game commence! Soon shall we witness the sequence of this extraordinary event.

HIGH OFFICER

Thinkest thou the Şehzade shall be foolish enough to walk into the trap?

RÜSTEM PASHA

Whether he doth or not, time alone shall reveal that inevitable fate.

HIGH OFFICER

What wouldst thou have me do next, Pasha?

RÜSTEM PASHA

Nothing—for now. I want thee to observe, and keep me apprised of any significant actions taken by the Janissaries.

HIGH OFFICER

And if they choose to support the Şehzade in open rebellion?

RÜSTEM PASHA

First, let us see if the Şehzade arriveth. Then, we shall await the Sultan’s reaction.

HIGH OFFICER

May I take my leave? I wish not that the Janissaries grow suspicious of my collusion against the Şehzade.

RÜSTEM PASHA

Dost thou fear the Şehzade?

HIGH OFFICER

Dost thou not fear him?

RÜSTEM PASHA

I fear no man but the Sultan!

HIGH OFFICER

But what if the Sultan be slain, and not the Şehzade?

RÜSTEM PASHA

How darest thou utter such an absurd notion? So long as I draw breath, I shall protect the Sultan from all harm—even from his own son, Şehzade Mustafa, should it be required.

SCENE VI.

At the Imperial Palace of Shah Tahmasb, in Isfahan, Persia.

A spy returns from Ottoman lands with urgent news.

SPY

I bear urgent tidings, my noble Shahanshah.

TAHMASB

What urgency compels thee to speak?

SPY

I have learnt that the Ottomans prepare for an incursion against us. They plot to invade Persia, should necessity demand it.

TAHMASB

I had suspected as much!

SPY

Yet there is more—of great importance to thee.

TAHMASB

Speak! Keep me in suspense no longer.

SPY

The campaign is led by none other than Süleiman the Magnificent himself.

TAHMASB

The Sultan himself is on the march?

SPY

So it would seem, according to what I gathered.

TAHMASB

Where are they now?

SPY

Near the town of Ereğli.

TAHMASB

What else hast thou to report of significance?

SPY

There are rumours—though unproven—that the Sultan hath quarrelled with one of his sons, and doth intend to have him killed.

TAHMASB

Which son?

SPY

I believe it is his eldest, Şehzade Mustafa.

TAHMASB

Why would the Sultan plot to slay his own beloved son?

SPY

I know not for certain, my Shah—but the whispers tell of rebellion, and the Sultan’s wish to pre-empt it.

TAHMASB

What rebellion? And who is said to lead it?

SPY

The leader, so they say, is Şehzade Mustafa himself.

TAHMASB

Intriguing! We must learn what cometh next. Thou must return at once and uncover all that thou canst. Go hither and thither, and do not cease until thou hast obtained more news regarding the Sultan and his son.

ACT VI

SCENE I

At the palace of Şehzade Mustafa, in Amasya.

The şehzade has received a letter from Rüstem Pasha, informing him of a new military campaign against the Safavids, to be led in person by the Sultan. He is stunned by the tidings and initially reticent. There is hesitation in the eyes of the şehzade. He must discuss the matter with his advisers before making his decision to depart. They advise him not to go, believing it to be a trap. Rumours of the Sultan’s discontent with him have reached his ears. Afterwards, he discusses the matter with Taşlıcalı Yahyâ Bey, his confidant.

TAŞLICALI YAHYÂ BEY.

What is troubling thee, şehzade? Thy gaze is a worrisome one, such as I have seldom seen in thee.

MUSTAFA.

I have received a letter.

TAŞLICALI YAHYÂ BEY.

From whom?

MUSTAFA.

From Rüstem Pasha.

TAŞLICALI YAHYÂ BEY.

What doth the letter contain?

MUSTAFA.

According to Rüstem Pasha, the Sultan hath summoned me to join him on the Nakhchivan campaign against the Safavids.

TAŞLICALI YAHYÂ BEY.

And what hast thou decided?

MUSTAFA.

I have decided nothing as yet.

TAŞLICALI YAHYÂ BEY.

Thou seekest mine advice?

MUSTAFA.

Indeed. There is no man of military experience whom I trust more than thee.

TAŞLICALI YAHYÂ BEY.

If thou wouldst know mine opinion, then hear me: I do not recommend thou goest to Ereğli in Konya.

MUSTAFA.

Wherefore not, if I may ask?

TAŞLICALI YAHYÂ BEY.

I would not see harm come to thee, şehzadem. And with Rüstem Pasha present, I think it unwise. It could be a trap designed to lure thee in—and to see thee slain!

MUSTAFA.

But my father would not murder me!

TAŞLICALI YAHYÂ BEY.

Perhaps not he—but Rüstem Pasha might!

MUSTAFA.

Rüstem Pasha? In what manner?

TAŞLICALI YAHYÂ BEY.

By cunning deceit and vile contrivance.

MUSTAFA.

Explain thy meaning.

TAŞLICALI YAHYÂ BEY.

We both know the pasha to be a corrupt and avaricious man, whose only loyalty lieth with Hürrem Sultan and her daughter Mihrimah.

MUSTAFA.

But what if thou art mistaken, and the Sultan seeks to mend our bond?

TAŞLICALI YAHYÂ BEY.

I would hope it so—for thy sake. But I implore thee, şehzade: go not to Ereğli!

SCENE II

In the chamber of the şehzade’s palace.

Mahidevran has been informed of the Sultan’s summons for Mustafa to join him on the campaign against the Safavids.

MUSTAFA.

Mother, I was just coming to thy chamber to speak with thee.

MAHIDEVRAN.

I have heard of thy father’s summons to join him on the campaign against the Persians.

MUSTAFA.

It is true. But who told thee of this?

MAHIDEVRAN.

It mattereth not who informed me. The only thing that concerneth me is thy safety.

MUSTAFA.

The truth is, I know not what to believe—nor, worse, what to do.

MAHIDEVRAN.

I beg thee, my son—go not. Stay! Rüstem Pasha shall not rest until thou art dead. Thou knowest this grim fact.

MUSTAFA.

I do. Yet I am damned either way. If I go, I lend credence to the notion I am a rebel. If I do not, I shall be thought a traitor—to the Empire and to the Sultan.

MAHIDEVRAN.

Yet is it not better to live than to die?

MUSTAFA.

Indeed. Yet there is a solemn pact between the Sultan and me, which neither of us shall transgress.

MAHIDEVRAN.

What sayest thou, Mustafa?

MUSTAFA.

Simple, Mother. I have sworn not to raise my hand against the Sultan—and he hath sworn likewise.

MAHIDEVRAN.

But how canst thou be certain of his vow? He is aged and weary.

MUSTAFA.

I know him well enough to say so. I shall honour my word.

MAHIDEVRAN.

And shalt he still honour his?

MUSTAFA.

I am confident he shall.

MAHIDEVRAN.

I know not if I shall see thee again, my son.

MUSTAFA.

I must go, for naught is more contemptible in the eyes of men than a son’s betrayal.

MAHIDEVRAN.

Nay, Mustafa. The betrayal of a father towards his son is more contemptible still.

MUSTAFA.

I pray but one thing, Mother—that when I meet the Sultan, he shall greet me with an embrace, and not with the blade of a sword.

MAHIDEVRAN.

Speak not such dreadful words! Wouldst thou frighten me? Should aught befall thee, Mustafa, I could not bear it. I could not live without thee, şehzade.

MUSTAFA.

Thou hast, for most of my life, been both mother and father to me. I shall never forget that. Thou, my children, and my wife shall ever be a beacon of inspiration to me.

SCENE III

In the garden of the palace of Şehzade Mustafa.

The şehzade prepares to depart from Amasya for Ereğli, to join the Sultan’s forces. Before leaving, he bids farewell to his family.

MUSTAFA.

Nargisah, my beloved daughter, thou art mine hope for the future.

NARGISAH.

I love thee, Baba.

MUSTAFA.

Rumeysa, thou art the light of my present.

RUMEYSA.

And thou art mine, şehzade.

MUSTAFA.

Mother, thou art my past, my present, and my future.

MAHIDEVRAN.

And I shall await thy return, as I have done many times before, when thou wert but a child.

MUSTAFA.

But I am a man now—and a proud one.

MAHIDEVRAN.

Of course! I am proud of thee, Mustafa.

MUSTAFA.

If only the Sultan would say the same.

MAHIDEVRAN.

The Sultan is proud of thee too.

MUSTAFA.

Then wherefore doth he place more trust in Rüstem Pasha than in me?

MAHIDEVRAN.

Because the Sultan is blinded by the wicked dominion of Hürrem, his envious consort.

MUSTAFA.

I know not what he ever saw in her. As I gaze upon thy beauty, I see how he was blinded—blinded by ignorance to dismiss thee.

MAHIDEVRAN.

Ever since Hürrem bewitched him, he hath forsaken us to the shadows of invisibility.

MUSTAFA.

I oft wonder, when the doves fly above me as they do now, if it signifieth they accompany me in life—or unto death.

MAHIDEVRAN.

Stop! Do not speak such foreboding words. Wherever thou goest, my spirit shall be with thee—and God’s as well.

MUSTAFA.

If I return not, then know that I have loved thee always—and I shall never perish in soul.

MAHIDEVRAN.

I beg thee, speak not thus. Do not surrender thyself to dark thoughts.

MUSTAFA.

Forgive me, Mother. I must away now, for the Sultan awaiteth me in Ereğli.

MAHIDEVRAN.

Go in peace—and return in peace.

MUSTAFA.

God willing.

SCENE IV

At the Sultan’s military camp in Ereğli.

On the 1st of September, 1553, Şehzade Mustafa arrives with his formidable force, riding valiantly into the camp. The Sultan’s soldiers bow their heads in reverence. He is greeted by his brothers, Cihangir and Selim, and is accompanied by Taşlıcalı Yahyâ Bey.

CIHANGIR.

Abi, how glad I am to see thee join us.

MUSTAFA.

And I too am joyful to be with ye, my brothers. I regret that Bayezid could not be present. Selim, art thou not glad to see me? I sense thou art distant.

SELIM.

Nonsense, brother! Naturally, I am glad to see thee join the campaign.

MUSTAFA.

There is much to be spoken of, yet little time to prepare. The campaign against the Safavids shall not be easy, but we shall prevail. The Sultan shall be proud of me.

CIHANGIR.

I know he is proud of thee, brother! I only wish I had not been born with a hump on my back to impede me—that I might march unto the battlefield with thy courage. But alas, I cannot.

MUSTAFA.

Cihangir, thou art capable of anything. Thou wert born with greater knowledge and wisdom than I shall ever possess.

CIHANGIR.

I would exchange all my knowledge and wisdom for but one chance to fight as a soldier on the battlefield. I confess, I lack thy courage.

MUSTAFA.

There are times when I too lack courage.

SELIM.

Pay no heed to Cihangir. He is our younger brother and knoweth not yet the distinction between courage and fear when death draweth near.

MUSTAFA.

I disagree, Selim. Our brother understandeth well. But now is not the moment to persuade him otherwise. Let us instead rejoice in thoughts of victory!

SELIM.

Wilt thou be speaking to our father soon?

MUSTAFA.

Aye, when the time is right.

CIHANGIR.

I have spoken with the Sultan—he is eager to see thee. He hath sworn to me that whatever grievances once were, they are now resolved.

MUSTAFA.

Thanks be to God! I came to demonstrate my loyalty to him and my dedication to this campaign.

CIHANGIR.

He is proud of thee!

MUSTAFA.

And I of him. But he is proud of both of ye, my brothers.

SELIM.

Thou hast ever been our eldest brother, and the Sultan is always mindful of who doth betray him—or not.

MUSTAFA.

Indeed, Selim. Dost thou believe that I have betrayed the Sultan, in any way—past or present?

SELIM.

Nay! Yet I am not the Sultan, brother.

MUSTAFA.

If thou wert, wouldst thou deem me a traitor?

SELIM.

Doth it matter what I think?

CIHANGIR.

Mustafa, Selim is merely envious that he doth not possess thy valour.

SCENE V

At the Imperial Tent of the Sultan in Ereğli.

On the 2nd of September, 1553, Şehzade Mustafa is executed by order of the Sultan. All the high officials and statesmen greet the Şehzade upon that eerie and ominous morning of his fated execution. Before the Şehzade speaks to the Sultan, he shares his final conversation with the man who shall record his death in the annals of Ottoman history—Tashlıcalı Yahyâ Bey.

MUSTAFA.

Tashlıcalı Yahyâ Bey, thou hast been a faithful friend to me. I ask but one thing of thee before thou departest from Ereğli.

TASHLICALI YAHYÂ BEY.

Thy request is my command, my Şehzade.

MUSTAFA.

If I am executed by the Sultan and return not alive to my family in Amasya, then I ask thee—return my body to them, as a visible sign that I may be dead, yet my soul is at peace.

TASHLICALI YAHYÂ BEY.

Do not utter such dire thoughts, my Şehzade. Surely thou shalt return to Amasya and be reunited with thy kin once more.

MUSTAFA.

God willing.

TASHLICALI YAHYÂ BEY.

I shall await thee hither, once thine audience with the Sultan is done.

(Before he leaves, the Şehzade looks skywards and perceives the gloomy and solemn presence of death. On this day, he shall not see his familiar doves flying above him any longer.)

MUSTAFA.

Behold the heavens! It seemeth that the doves have forsaken me this day.

TASHLICALI YAHYÂ BEY.

What dost thou mean?

MUSTAFA.

Nothing. 'Tis but a strange reference I alone understand.

TASHLICALI YAHYÂ BEY.

Beware, my Şehzade.

MUSTAFA.

Wherefore? I am at peace. I fear not death, nor the Sultan.

TASHLICALI YAHYÂ BEY.

Then go in peace.

(Şehzade Mustafa enters the Sultan’s tent. Gradually, he walks deeper into the interior, until he reaches the Sultan, who is seated upon his throne, surrounded by his Imperial Guards. The Şehzade is unaware that hidden within the shadows are the assassins who shall execute him. He bows his head in reverence, as the Sultan gazes upon him with the cold glare of a vindictive father.)

MUSTAFA.

Hünkârım!

SÜLEYMAN.

Wherefore hast thou betrayed me, Mustafa?

MUSTAFA.

Hünkârım!

SÜLEYMAN.

Wherefore hast thou betrayed me, traitor?

(Suddenly, the assassins emerge from the shadows and begin to surround the Şehzade. Realising his father has condemned him, Mustafa steps back to flee. However, he is seized and attacked by the assassins, who strangle him with a sturdy rope. The Şehzade struggles, breaks free, and attempts to escape, but in the end, he is subdued and executed like a common thief. His final utterance is as follows.)

MUSTAFA.

Baba, I did not betray thee. I have kept my word—but thou hast not!

SCENE VI

Outside the Sultan’s tent, in Ereğli.

(The body of the Şehzade is escorted outside upon a royal embroidered rug, carried by the very assassins who murdered him. It is taken to the edge of a field, where the faithful Janissaries mourn his death. They are shocked and enraged by the murder of their beloved Şehzade.)

(The Sultan, grief-stricken by the death of his eldest son is handed a farewell letter penned by the Şehzade.)

Farewell Letter of Şehzade Mustafa

My Sultan,

Most likely, thou shalt never read this letter which I carry close to mine heart, for I write it to a future I pray shall never come to pass. My desire is this—should my wishes remain unfulfilled, and should this letter reach thine hands, it shall mean that thou hast sacrificed me...

O my dear Sultan, my beloved Baba!

If thou readest these lines, it meaneth thou hast forsaken thine own heart, and I have departed from this deceitful world. Know then that thine hands are stained with the blood of an innocent soul.

We swore never to betray each other. I vowed never to rise against thee, and thou vowed never to sacrifice me. I have kept my promise, Baba, and I swear upon my son Mehmet and my daughter Nargisah—I have never betrayed thee. But thou, thou hast broken thy sacred oath, and committed the one deed thou said thou wouldst never do: murder me.

I depart this cruel world where a father killeth his son.

I prefer to die as the oppressed, rather than live as the oppressor—one who would consider murdering his own father for power and ambition.

Perhaps my name shall never be inscribed in the illustrious pages of history. Perhaps no voice shall recount my victories in war. I shall never reign upon a throne. Perhaps the historians shall brand me a rebellious prince. So let them! Let them bury the truth that only God knoweth. One day shall come, and someone shall tell the tale of the oppressed. Perhaps in centuries hence, when I am but dust, my story shall be revealed. Perhaps then they shall hear, and know the truth of the prince who sought only justice.

(The Sultan shall soon regret his decision, once he discovereth that Rüstem Pasha had fabricated the letter accusing Şehzade Mustafa of treachery. In truth, Mustafa never betrayed his father. Shortly after, Cihangir would die of sorrow, Bayezid too would be executed by his father. Hürrem would die of illness, and the Sultan of old age. Selim, the unworthy son, would ascend the throne. And Mahidevran, mother of the fallen prince, would outlive them all.

Thus, Şehzade Mustafa would be remembered not as a traitor—but as the dignified Şehzade, and the Sultan that never was.)

THE END

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