{"id":1731,"date":"2013-07-13T01:36:48","date_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:36:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/?p=1731"},"modified":"2013-07-13T01:36:48","modified_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:36:48","slug":"01-the-viziers-of-bassora-act-iii-vol-03-04-collected-plays-and-stories","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/01-works-of-sri-aurobindo\/03-cwsa\/03-04-collected-plays-and-stories\/01-the-viziers-of-bassora-act-iii-vol-03-04-collected-plays-and-stories","title":{"rendered":"-01_The Viziers of Bassora – Act – III.htm"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n\n\n
\n

 <\/td>\n

\n<\/p>\n


\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAct III<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n
\n
\nBassora.<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nScene 1<\/a><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nIbn Sawy’s house. A room in the outer apartments decorated for a banquet.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nDoonya, Anice, Balkis.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nDOONYA<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nLord, how they pillage! Even the furniture<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCannot escape these Djinns. Ogre Ghaneem<\/span><\/p>\n

\nPicks up that costly chair between his teeth<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd off to his castle; devil Ayoob drops<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat table of mosaic in his pocket;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nZeb sweeps off rugs and couches in a whirlwind.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhat purse will long put up with such ill-treatment?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nBALKIS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nIt must be checked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nDOONYA<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n‘Tis much that he has kept<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHis promise to my uncle. Oh, he’s sound!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThese villains spoil him. Anice, you’re to blame.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHowever you complain, yourself are quite<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAs reckless.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 73<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nDOONYA<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nYes, you. Is there a bright<\/span><\/p>\n

\nUnnecessary jewel you have seen<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd have not bought? a dress that took your fancy<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd was not in a moment yours? Or have you lost<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA tiny chance of laughter, song and wine,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSince you were with him?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nA few rings and chains,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSome silks and cottons I have bought at times.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nDOONYA<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhat did these trifles cost?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI do not know.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nDOONYA<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf course you do not. Come, it’s gone too far;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nRestrain him, curb yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nBALKIS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nNext time he calls you<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo sing among his wild companions, send<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCold answers, do not go.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo break the jest,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe flow of good companionship, drive out<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSweet friendly looks with anger, be a kill-joy<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd frowner in this bright and merry world!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOh, all the sins that human brows grow wrinkled<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith frowning at, could never equal this!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nDOONYA<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut if the skies grew darker?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 74<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nIf they should!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIt was <\/i>a bright and merry world. To see him<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHappy and gay and kind was all I cared for;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThere my horizon stopped. But if the skies<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDid darken! Doonya, it shall cease today.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

Enter Azeem.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWell, Azeem.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nAZEEM<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nMadam, half the creditors,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd that means half the shops in Bassora,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHold session in the outer hall and swear<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIt shall be permanent till they get money.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhere is your master? Call him here. A moment!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHave you the bills?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nAZEEM<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nAll of them, long as pillars<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd crammed from head to foot with monstrous sums.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nCall him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nAZEEM<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe’s here.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nEnter Nureddene.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhat, cousin Doonya! Balkis!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDid you steal down to see the decorations?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAre they not pretty?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nDOONYA<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nLike a painted tombstone<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 75<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nSculptured and arabesqued, but death’s inside<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd bones, my brother, bones.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd there are bones<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn this fair pleasing outside called dear Doonya,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut let us only think of rosy cheeks,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSweet eyes and laughing lips and not the bones.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

\nDOONYA<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou have boned my metaphor and quite disboned it,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nUntil there’s nothing firm inside; ’tis pulpy.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe creditors besiege you, Nureddene;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou’ll pay them.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nSerious, Anice?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nTill you do,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI will not smile again. Azeem, the bills!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nIs this your doing, Doonya?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nDOONYA<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nYours, cousin, yours.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nIs’t so? Anice?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI’ve told you.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 76<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nShow me the bills.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nGo in, you three.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nAh, he is grieved and angry!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHis eyes are clouded; let me speak to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nBALKIS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nNow you’ll spoil all; drag her off, Doonya.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nDOONYA<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nCome.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

Exit drawing away Anice, Balkis behind.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWell, sir, where are these bills?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nAZEEM<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou will see the bills?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe sums, the sums!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nAZEEM<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo tailor Mardouc twenty-four thousand pieces, namely, for
\ncaftans, robes, shawls, turbans, Damascus silks, \u2014 <\/span> <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nLeave the inventory.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nAZEEM<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo tailor Labkan, another twenty thousand; to the baker, two
\nthousand; to the confectioner, as much; to the Bagdad curio-merchant twenty-four thousand; to the same from Ispahan, sixteen thousand; to the jeweller on account of necklaces, bracelets,
\nwaist-ornaments, anklets, rings, pendents and all manner of<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 77<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\ntrinkets for the slave-girl Anice-aljalice, ninety thousand only;
\nto the upholsterer \u2014 <\/span> <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nHold, hold! Why, what are all these monstrous sums?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHast thou no word but thousands in thy belly,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nExorbitant fellow?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nAZEEM<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhy, sir, ’tis in the bills; my belly’s empty enough.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nNothing but thousands!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nAZEEM<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nHere’s one for seven hundred, twelve dirhams and some odd<\/span><\/p>\n

\nfractions from Husayn cook.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe sordid, dingy rogue! Will he dun me so brutally for a base
\nseven hundred?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nAZEEM<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe fruiterer \u2014 <\/span> <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nAway! bring bags.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nAZEEM<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nBags, sir?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf money, fool. Call Harkoos and all the slaves. Bring half my
\ntreasury.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nExit Azeem.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nShe frown on me! look cold! for sums, for debts!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor money, the poor paltry stuff we dig<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 78<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nBy shovels from base mire. Grows love so beggarly<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat it must think of piastres? O my heart!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

Enter Azeem, Harkoos and Slaves<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nwith bags of money.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nHeap them about the room. Go, Azeem, call<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat hungry pack; they shall be fed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

Exit Azeem.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nHarkoos,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOpen two bags there. Have you broken the seals?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nEnter Azeem ushering in the creditors.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho asks for money?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nCOOK<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI, sir. Seven hundred denars, twelve dirhams and three fourths
\nof a dirham, that is my amount.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nTake thy amount, thou dingy-hearted rogue.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

Throws a bag towards him.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou there, take yours.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nJ<\/span>EWELLER<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/font>
\n<\/p>\n

\nSir, this is not a hundredth part of your debt to me.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nGive him two hundred bags.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nHAROOKS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nBags, sir?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nDo you grin, rogue, and loiter? Take that! (strikes him<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nHAROOKS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nExactly. Your peg’s loose, beat Harkoos. Old master or young,
\n’tis all one to Harkoos. Stick or leather! cuff or kick! these are
\nall the houses of my horoscope.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 79<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI am sorry I struck thee; there’s gold. Give them all the money;
\nall, I say. Porter that home, you rascals, and count your sums.
\nWhat’s over, cram your throats with it; or, if you will, throw it
\nin the gutter.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nCREDITORS<\/font> (scrambling and quarrelling for the bags<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat’s mine! that’s mine! no, mine! Leave go, you robber. Whom
\ndo you call robber, thief?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nCudgel them from the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

Exeunt Creditors snatching bags<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nand pursued by the slaves.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nAZEEM<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n‘Tis madness, sir.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

Nureddene motions him away. Exit Azeem.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nIf she were clothed in rags<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd beggary her price, I’ld follow her<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFrom here to China. She to frown on me<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor money!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

Enter Anice.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nNureddene, what have you done?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou bade me pay the fellows: I have paid them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou are angry with me? I did not think you could<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBe angry with me for so slight a cause.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 80<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI
\ndid not think that you could frown on me<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor money, for a matter of money!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nYou<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBelieve that? Is it so you know me? Dear,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhile for my sake you ruined yourself, must I<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLook smiling on? Nay, ruin then yourself<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd try me.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nDear Anice, it was with myself<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI
\nwas angry, but the coward in me turned<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOn you to avenge its pain. Let me forget<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAll else and only think of you and love.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nShall I sing to you?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nDo, Anice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nThere’s a song \u2014 <\/span> <\/p>\n

\n
\nSong<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nLove keep terms with tears and sorrow?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe’s too bright.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBorn today, he may tomorrow<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSay goodnight.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLove is gone ere grief can find him;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut his way<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTears that, falling, lag behind him<\/span><\/p>\n

\nStill betray.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI
\ncannot sing.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 81<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nTears, Anice? O my love,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhat worst calamity do they portend<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor him who caused them?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nNone, none! or only showers<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe sunlight soon o’ertakes. Away with grief!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhat is it after all but money lost?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBeggars are happier, are they not, my lord?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nMuch happier, Anice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nLet us be beggars, then.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOh, we shall wander blissfully about<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn
\ncareless rags. And I shall take my lute<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd buy you honey-crusts with my sweet voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor is not my voice sweet, my master?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nSweet<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAs Gabriel’s when he sings before the Lord<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd Heaven listens.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWe
\nshall reach Bagdad<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSomeday and meet the Caliph in the streets,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe mighty Caliph Haroun Alrasheed,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDisguised, a beggar too, give him our crusts<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd find ourselves all suddenly the friends<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf the world’s master. Shall we not, my lord?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnice, we shall.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 82<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nLet us be beggars then,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nRich happy paupers singing through the world.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAh, but you have a father and a mother!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCome, sit down there and I will stand before you<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd tell a story.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nSit by me and tell it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nNo, no. I’ll stand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWell, wilful. Now, your tale.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI have forgotten it. It was about<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA
\nman who had a gem earth could not buy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nAs
\nI have you.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nBe
\nsilent, sir. He kept it<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith ordinary jewels which he took<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEach day and threw into the street, and said,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n"I’ll show this earth that all the gems it has,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTogether match not this I’ll solely keep."<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nAs
\nI’ll keep you.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nAh, but he did not know<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhat slender thread bound to a common pearl<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat wonder. When he threw that out, alas!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 83<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHis jewel followed, and though he sought earth through,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe never could again get back his gem.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font> (after a pause<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTomorrow I will stop this empty life,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCut down expense and only live for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTonight there is the banquet. It must stand,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy
\nword being given. Azeem!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nEnter Azeem.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhat money still<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIs in the treasury? What debts outstand?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nAZEEM<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nMore now than you can meet. But for today’s folly, all would
\nhave been well, \u2014  your lordly folly! Oh, beat me! I must speak.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nRealize all the estate, the house only excepted; satisfy the creditors. For what’s left, entreat delay.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nAZEEM<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nThey will not be entreated. They have smelt the carrion and are
\nall winging up, beak outstretched and talons ready.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nCarrion indeed and vile! Wherefore gave God<\/span><\/p>\n

\nReason to his best creatures, if they suffer<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe rebel blood to o’ercrow that tranquil wise<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd perfect minister? Do what thou canst.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI
\nhave good friends to help me in my need.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nExit.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nAZEEM<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nGood friends? good bloodsuckers, good thieves! Much help his<\/span><\/p>\n

\nneed will have out of them!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 84<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nThere’s always Ajebe.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nAZEEM<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWill you trust him? He is the Vizier’s nephew.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nExeunt.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 85<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font>
\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nScene 2<\/a><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n
\nThe same.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nAnice, Nureddene.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd they all left?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nCafoor crept down and heard<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe clamorous creditors; and they all left.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nGhaneem’s dear mother’s sick; for my sweet love<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOnly he came, leaving her sad bedside;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFriend Ayoob’s uncle leaves today for Mecca:<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn Cafoor’s house there is a burial toward;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nZeb’s father, Omar’s brother, Hussan’s wife<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAre piteously struck down. There never was<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSo
\nsudden an epidemic witnessed yet<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn Bassora, and all with various ailments.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nThis is their friendship!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWe will not judge so harshly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIt
\nmay be that a generous kindly shame<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOr half-remorseful delicacy had pricked them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI’ve sent Harkoos to each of them in turn<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor loans to help me. We shall see. Who’s here?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nEnter Ajebe.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nAjebe, you have come back, you only? Yes,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou were my friend and checked me always. Man<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIs not ignoble, but has angel soarings,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 86<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHowe’er the nether devil plucks him down.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nStill we have souls nor is the mould quite broken<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf
\nthat original and faultless plan<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhich Adam spoilt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nAJEBE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI am your ruin’s author.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIf
\nyou have still a sword, use it upon me.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhat’s this?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nAJEBE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nIncited by the Vizier, promised<\/span><\/p>\n

\nGreatness, I in my turn incited these<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo
\nhurry you to ruin. Will you slay me?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE <\/font>(after
\na silence<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\nReturn and tell the Vizier that work’s done.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBe great with him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nAJEBE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nAre you entirely ruined?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nDoubt not your work’s well done; you can assure<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe uncle. Came you back for that?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nAJEBE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nIf
\nall I have, \u2014 <\/span> <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nNo
\nmore! return alive.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nAJEBE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou punish home.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nExit.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 87<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe eunuch lingers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nEnter Harkoos.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWell, sir, your success?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nHARKOOS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI went first to Ayoob. He has had losses, very suddenly, and is
\ndolorous that he cannot help you.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nGhaneem?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nHARKOOS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nHas broken his leg for the present and cannot see anyone for a
\nlong fortnight.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nCafoor?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nHARKOOS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nHas gone into the country \u2014  upstairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nZeb?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nHARKOOS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWept sobbingly. Every time I mentioned money, he drowned the
\nsubject in tears. I might have reached his purse at last, but I
\ncannot swim.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nOmar?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nHARKOOS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWill burn his books sooner than lend you money.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 88<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nDid all fail me?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nHARKOOS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nSome had dry eyes and some wet, but none a purse.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nGo.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nExit Harkoos.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhat next? Shall I, like him of Athens, change<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd hate my kind? Then should I hate myself,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho ne’er had known their faults, if my own sins<\/span><\/p>\n

\nPursued me not like most unnatural hounds<\/span><\/p>\n

\nInto their screened and evil parts of nature.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nGod made them; what He made, is doubtless good.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou still have me.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat’s much.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nNo, everything.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n‘Tis true and I shall feel it soon.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy
\njewels<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd dresses will fill up quite half the void.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nShall I take back my gifts?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nIf they are mine,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 89<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nI
\nchoose to sell them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nDo
\nit. I forgot;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLet Cafoor have the vase I promised him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCome, Anice. I will ask Murad for help.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nExeunt.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 90<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font>
\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nScene 3<\/a><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n
\nA room in Ajebe’s house.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nBalkis, Mymoona.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nBALKIS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nDid he not ask after me? I’m sick, Mymoona.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nMYMOONA<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nSick? I think both of you are dying of a galloping consumption.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSuch colour in the cheeks was never a good symptom.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nBALKIS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nTell him I am very, very ill; tell him I am dying. Pray be pathetic.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nMYMOONA<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nPut saffron on your cheeks and look nicely yellow; he will melt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nBALKIS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI think my heart will break.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nMYMOONA<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nLet it do so quickly; it will mend the sooner.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nBALKIS <\/font>(in
\ntears<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHow can you be so harsh to me, Mymoona?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nMYMOONA<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou foolish child! Why did you strain your power<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo
\nsuch a breaking tightness? There’s a rhythm<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWill shatter hardest stone; each thing in nature<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHas its own point where it has done with patience<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd starts in pieces; below that point play on it,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 91<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nNor overpitch the music. Look, he’s coming.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nBALKIS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI’ll go.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nM<\/span><\/font><\/font>YMOONA<\/font> (holding her<\/i>)<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nYou shall not.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nEnter Ajebe.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nAJEBE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI thought you were alone,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMymoona. I am not cheap to thrust myself<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhere I’m not wanted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nBALKIS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI would be gone, Mymoona.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn
\ntruth, I thought it was the barber’s woman;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTherefore I stayed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nAJEBE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nThere are such hearts, Mymoona,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAs
\nthink so little of adoring love,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThey make it only a pedestal for pride,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA
\nwhipping-stock for their vain tyrannies.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nBALKIS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nMymoona, there are men so weak in love,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThey cannot bear more than an ass’s load;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSo
\nhigh in their conceit, the tenderest<\/span><\/p>\n

\nKindest rebuke turns all their sweetness sour.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nAJEBE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nSome have strange ways of tenderness, Mymoona.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nB<\/span><\/font>ALKIS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nMymoona, some think all control a tyranny.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 92<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nMYMOONA<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nO you two children! Come, an end of this!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nGive me your hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nAJEBE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy
\nhand? Wherefore my hand?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nMYMOONA<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nGive it. I join two hands that much desire<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd would have met ere this but for their owners,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho have less sense than they.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nBALKIS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nShe’s stronger than me,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOr I’ld not touch you.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nAJEBE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI would not hurt Mymoona;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTherefore I take your hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nMYMOONA<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nOh, is it so?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThen by your foolish necks! Make your arms meet<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAbout her waist.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nAJEBE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nOnly to satisfy you,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhom only I care for.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nMYMOONA<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nYours here on his neck.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nBALKIS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI was about to yawn, therefore I raised them.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nMYMOONA<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI go to fetch a cane. Look that I find you<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 93<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nMuch better friends. If you will not agree,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYour bones at least shall sympathise and ruefully.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nExit.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\nAJEBE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nHow could you be so harsh to my great love?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nBALKIS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nHow could you be so cruel and so wicked?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nAJEBE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI
\nkiss you, but ’tis only your red lips<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSo soft, not you who are more hard than stone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nBALKIS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI kiss you back, but only ’tis because<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI
\nhate to be in debt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nAJEBE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWill you be kinder?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nBALKIS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWill you be more obedient and renounce<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYour hateful uncle?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nAJEBE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nHim and all his works,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIf
\nyou will only smile on me.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nBALKIS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI’ll laugh<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLike any horse. No, I surrender. Clasp me,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI
\nam your slave.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nAJEBE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy
\nqueen of love.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 94<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nBALKIS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nBoth, both.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nAJEBE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhy were you so long forward?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nBALKIS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nDo you remember<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI
\nhad to woo you in the market? how you<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHesitated a moment?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nAJEBE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nVindictive shrew!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nBALKIS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nThis time had I not reason to be angry?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nAJEBE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nOh, too much reason! I feel so vile until<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI
\nfind a means to wash this uncle stain from me.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nEnter Mymoona.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nMYMOONA<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat’s well. But we must now to Nureddene’s.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor hard pressed as he is, he’ll sell his Anice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nBALKIS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nNever!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nMYMOONA<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe
\nmust.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nAJEBE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI’ll lend him thrice her value.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nMYMOONA<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nDo
\nnot propose it. The wound you gave’s too recent.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 95<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nBALKIS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nThen let me keep her as a dear deposit,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe sweet security of Ajebe’s loan,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTill he redeems her.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nMYMOONA<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe will take no favours.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNo, let him sell her in the open market;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAjebe will overtop all bids. Till he<\/span><\/p>\n

\nGet means, she’s safe with us and waiting for him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nBALKIS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nOh, let us go at once.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nMYMOONA<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI’ll order litters.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nExit.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nAJEBE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWill you be like this always?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nBALKIS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nIf you are good,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI
\nwill be. If not, I will out-shrew Xantippe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nAJEBE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith such a heaven and hell in view, I’ll be<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAn angel.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nBALKIS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf what colour?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nAJEBE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nBlack beside you,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut fair as seraphs to what I have been.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nExeunt.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 96<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/font>
\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nScene 4<\/a><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n
\nIbn Sawy’s house.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nAnice, alone.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nIf
\nMurad fails him, what is left? He has<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNo other thing to sell but only me.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA
\nthought of horror! Is my love then strong<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOnly for joy, only to share his heaven?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCan it not enter Hell for his dear sake?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHow shall I follow him then after death,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIf
\nHeaven reject him? For the path’s so narrow<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFooting that judgment blade, to slip’s so easy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAvert the need, O Heaven.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nEnter Nureddene.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nHas Murad failed him?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nMurad refuses. This load of debt’s a torture!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe dresses and the gems you made me keep \u2014 <\/span> <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nKeep them; they are your own.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI
\nam your slave-girl.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy body and what it wears, all I am, all I have,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAre only for your use.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 97<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nGirl, would you have me strip you then quite bare?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhat does it matter? The coarsest rag ten dirhams<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMight buy, would be enough, if you’ld still love me.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nThese would not meet one half of what I owe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nMaster, you bought me for ten thousand pieces.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nBe
\nsilent.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nHas my value lessened since?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nNo
\nmore! You’ll make me hate you.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nIf
\nyou do,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n‘Tis better; it will help my heart to break.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nHave you the heart to speak of this?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nHad I<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLess heart, less love, I would not speak of it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI
\nswore to my father that I would not sell you.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 98<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut there was a condition.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nIf you desired it!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nDo I not ask you?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nSpeak truth! do you desire it?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTruth, in the name of God who sees your heart!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAh, you are silent.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANICE <\/font>(weeping<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHow could I desire it?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAjebe is here. Be friends with him, dear love;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nForgive his fault.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnice, my own sins are<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSo
\nheavy, not to forgive his lesser vileness<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWould leave me without hope of heavenly pardon.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI’ll call him then.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nExit.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nLet me absolve these debts,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThen straight with Anice to Bagdad the splendid.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThere is the home for hearts and brains and hands,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNot in this petty centre. Core of Islam,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBagdad, the flood to which all brooks converge.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nAnice returns with Ajebe, Balkis, Mymoona.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 99<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAJEBE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nAm I forgiven?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nAjebe, let the past<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHave never been.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nAJEBE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou are Ibn Sawy’s son.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nGive me your counsel, Ajebe. I have nothing<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut the mere house which is not saleable.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy
\nfather must not find a homeless Bassora,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nReturning.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nMYMOONA<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nNothing else?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nOnly myself<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhom he’ll not sell.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nMYMOONA<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe
\nmust.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nNever, Mymoona.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nMYMOONA<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nFear not the sale which shall be in name alone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n‘Tis only Balkis borrowing her from you<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho pawns her value. She will stay with me<\/span><\/p>\n

\nServing our Balkis, safe from every storm.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut if you ask, why then the mart and auction?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWe must have public evidence of sale<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo
\nmeet an uncle’s questions.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 100<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nO now there’s light.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBlessed Mymoona!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nIt
\nmust not be. My oath!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut I desire it now, yes, I desire it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd is my pride then nothing? Shall I sell her<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo be a slave-girl’s slave-girl? Pardon, Balkis.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nMYMOONA<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nToo fine, too fine!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo serve awhile my sister!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor that she is in heart.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nBALKIS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nServe only in name.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nMYMOONA<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nShe will be safe while you rebuild your fortunes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI
\ndo not like it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nMYMOONA<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nNor does anyone<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAs in itself, but only as a refuge<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFrom greater evils.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nOh, you’re wrong, Mymoona.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 101<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nTo
\nquibble with an oath! it will not prosper.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nStraight dealing’s best.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nMYMOONA<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou look at it too finely.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nHave it your way, then.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nMYMOONA<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nCall the broker here.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA
\nquiet sale! The uncle must not hear of it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nAJEBE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n‘Twould be the plague.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI
\nfear it will not prosper.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nExeunt.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 102<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font>
\n<\/font>
\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nScene 5<\/a><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n
\nThe slave-market.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nMuazzim with Anice exposed for sale; Ajebe, Aziz, Abdullah<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nand Merchants.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nMUAZZIM<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nWho bids?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nA<\/span><\/font>ZIZ<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nFour thousand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nM<\/span><\/font>UAZZIM<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nShe went for ten when she was here first. Will you not raise your
\nbid nearer her value?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nAZIZ<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nShe was new then and untouched. ‘Tis the way with goods,
\nbroker; they lose value by time and purchase, use and soiling.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nMUAZZIM<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nOh, sir, the kissed mouth has always honey. But this is a Peri
\nand immortal lips have an immortal sweetness.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nAJEBE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nFive hundred to that bid.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nEnter Almuene with Slaves.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nALMUENE <\/font>(to
\nhimself <\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAh, it is true! All things come round at last<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith the full wheel of Fate; it is my hour.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFareed shall have her. She shall be well handled<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo
\nplague her lover’s heart before he dies.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 103<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n(aloud<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBroker, who sells the girl and what’s her rate?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nAJEBE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nAll’s lost.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nMUAZZIM<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nNureddene bin Alfazzal bin Sawy sells her and your nephew has
\nbid for her four thousand and five hundred.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nALMUENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy
\nnephew bids for me. Who bids against?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nAJEBE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nUncle \u2014 <\/span> <\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nALMUENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nGo, find out other slave-girls, Ajebe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDo well until the end.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nExit Ajebe.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho bids against me?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nShe’s mine then. Come.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI’ll not be sold to you.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nALMUENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhat, dar’st thou speak, young harlot? Fear the whip.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nVizier, I fear you not; there’s law in Islam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy master will deny the sale.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nALMUENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nThy master<\/span><\/p>\n

\nShall be a kitchen negro, who shall use thee.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 104<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nHad I a whip, you should not say it twice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nMUAZZIM<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nVizier, Vizier, by law the owner’s acceptance only is final for the
\nsale.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nALMUENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nIt
\nis a form, but get it. I am impatient<\/span><\/p>\n

\nUntil I have this strumpet in my grip.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nMUAZZIM<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWell, here he comes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nEnter Nureddene and Ajebe.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nA
\nMERCHANT<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nShall we go, shall we go?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nABDULLAH<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nStand by! ‘Tis noble Ibn Sawy’s son.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWe must protect him even at our own peril.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nMUAZZIM<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nShe goes for a trifle, sir; and even that little you will not get. You
\nwill weary your feet with journeyings, only to be put off by his
\nvillains, and when you grow clamorous they will demand your
\norder and tear it before your eyes. That’s your payment.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat’s nothing. The wolf’s cub, hunchback Fareed!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe sale is off.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nMUAZZIM<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nBe advised by me. Catch the girl by the hair and cuff her soundly,
\nabusing her with the harshest terms your heart can consent to,
\nthen off with her quickly as if you had brought her to market
\nonly to execute an oath made in anger. So he loses his hold on her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 105<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI’ll tell the lie. One fine, pure-seeming falsehood,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAdmitted, opens door to all his naked<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd leprous family; in, in, they throng<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd breed the house quite full.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nMUAZZIM<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe Vizier wants her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe bids four thousand pieces and five hundred.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n‘Tis nothing. Girl, I keep my oath. Suffice it<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou’re bidden for and priced in open market here.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCome home! Be now less dainty, meeker of tongue,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOr
\nyou shall have more feeling punishments.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDo I need to sell thee? Home! my oath is kept.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nALMUENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nThis is a trick to cheat the law. Thou ruffian!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCheap profligate! What hast thou left to sell<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut thy own sensual filth and drunken body, \u2014 <\/span> <\/p>\n

\nIf
\nany out of charity would spend<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSome dirhams to reform thee with a scourge?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nVile son of a bland hypocrite!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nHe draws his scimitar.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nABDULLAH<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nPause, Vizier.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nAZIZ<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nBe patient, Nureddene.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nALMUENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI yet shall kill him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHence, harlot, foot before me to my kitchen.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 106<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nANICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe has abused me filthily, my lord,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBefore these merchants.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nALMUENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nAbuse thee, rag? Hast thou<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAn use? To be abused is thy utility.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThou shalt be used and common.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nStand by, you merchants; let none interfere<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOn peril of his life. Thou foul-mouthed tyrant,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nInto the mire and dirt, where thou wert gendered!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nALMUENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nHelp, help! Hew him in pieces.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nThe slaves are rushing forward.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nABDULLAH<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhat do you, fellows?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThis is a Vizier and a Vizier’s son.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nShall common men step in? You’ll get the blows<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor only thanks.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nALMUENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nOh! oh! Will you then kill me?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nIf
\nthou wouldst live, crave pardon of the star<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThou hast spat on. I would make thee lick her feet<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut that thy lips would foul their purity.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nALMUENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nPardon, oh, pardon!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNUREDDENE <\/font>(throwing
\nhim away<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\nLive then, in thy gutter.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nExit with Anice.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 107<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nABDULLAH<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nGo, slaves, lift up your master, lead him off.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nExeunt Slaves with Almuene.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe is well punished.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nAZIZ<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhat will come of this?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nABDULLAH<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nNo good to Nureddene. Let’s go and warn him;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe’s bold and proud, may think to face it out,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhich were mere waiting death.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nAZIZ<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI pray on us<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThis falls not.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nExeunt Merchants.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nMUAZZIM<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nHere was ill-luck!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nAJEBE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nNor ends with this.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI’ll have a ship wide-sailed and well-provisioned<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor their escape. Bassora will not hold them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nExeunt.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 108<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font>
\n<\/font>
\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nScene 6<\/a><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n
\nThe Palace at Bassora.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nAlzayni, Salar.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nALZAYNI<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nSo
\nit is written here. Hot interchange<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd high defiance have already passed<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBetween our Caliph and the daring Roman.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEurope and Asia are at grips once more.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo
\ninspect the southward armies unawares<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHaroun himself is coming.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nSALAR<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nAlfazzal then<\/span><\/p>\n

\nReturns to us, unless the European,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAfter their barbarous fashion, seize on him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nALZAYNI<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n‘Tis strange, he sends no tidings of the motion<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI
\nmade to Egypt.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nSALAR<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n‘Tis too dangerous<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo write of, as indeed ’twas ill-advised<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo
\nmake the approach.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nALZAYNI<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nGreat dangers justify<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe smaller. Caliph Alrasheed conceives<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOn
\ntrifling counts a dumb displeasure towards me<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhich any day may speak; ’tis whispered of<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn
\nBagdad. Alkhasib, the Egyptian Vizier,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 109<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nIs
\nin like plight. It is mere policy,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSalar, to build out of a common peril<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA
\ncommon safety.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nSALAR<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nHaroun Alrasheed<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCould break each one of you between two fingers,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nStretching his left arm out to Bassora,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHis right to Egypt. Sultan, wilt thou strive<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAgainst the single giant of the world?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nALZAYNI<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nGiants are mortal, friend, be but our swords<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAs bold as sharp. Call Murad here to me.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nExit Salar.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy state is desperate, if Haroun lives;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe’s sudden and deadly, when his anger bursts.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut let me be more sudden, yet more deadly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nEnter Murad.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nMurad, the time draws near. The Caliph comes<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo
\nBassora; let him not thence return.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nMURAD<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy
\nblade is sharp and what I do is sudden.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nALZAYNI<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy
\ngallant Turk! Thou shalt rise high, believe it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor I need men like thee.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nMURAD <\/font>(to
\nhimself <\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut Kings like thee<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEarth needs not.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nV<\/span><\/font><\/font><\/font><\/font><\/font><\/font>OICE WITHOUT<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nJustice! justice! justice, King!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nKing of the Age, I am a man much wronged.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 110<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font>
\n\t\t\t<\/font><\/font><\/font><\/p>\n

ALZAYNI<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWho cries beneath my window? Chamberlain!<\/p>\n

\nEnter Sunjar.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nS<\/font>UNJAR<\/font><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nAn Arab daubed with mud and dirt, all battered,<\/p>\n

\nUnrecognizable, with broken lips cries out<\/p>\n

\nFor justice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ALZAYNI<\/font><\/p>\n

\nBring him here.<\/p>\n

\nExit Sunjar.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nIt is some brawl.<\/p>\n

\nEnter Sunjar with Almuene.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nThou, Vizier! Who has done this thing to thee?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nALMUENE<\/font><\/p>\n

\nMohamad, son of Sulyman! Sultan<\/p>\n

\nAlzayni! Abbasside! how shalt thou long<\/p>\n

\nHave friends, if the King’s enemies may slay<\/p>\n

\nIn daylight, here, in open Bassora<\/p>\n

\nThe King’s best friends because they love the King?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ALZAYNI<\/font><\/p>\n

\nName them at once and choose their punishment.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nALMUENE<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAlfazzal’s son, that brutal profligate,<\/p>\n

\nHas done this.<\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nMURAD<\/font><\/p>\n

\nNureddene!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ALZAYNI<\/font><\/p>\n

\nUpon what quarrel?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>\u2013 111<\/font><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

\nALMUENE<\/font><\/p>\n

\nA year ago Alfazzal bought a slavegirl<\/p>\n

\nWith the King’s money for the King, a gem<\/p>\n

\nOf beauty, learning, mind, fit for a Caliph.<\/p>\n

\nBut seeing the open flower he thought perhaps<\/p>\n

\nYour royal nose too base to smell at it,<\/p>\n

\nSo gave her to his royaller darling son<\/p>\n

\nTo soil and rumple. No man with a neck<\/p>\n

\nDared tell you of it, such your faith was in him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ALZAYNI<\/font><\/p>\n

\nIs’t so? our loved and trusted Ibn Sawy!<\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nALMUENE<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThis profligate squandering away his wealth<\/p>\n

\nBrought her to market; there I saw her and bid<\/p>\n

\nHer fair full price. Whereat he stormed at me<\/p>\n

\nWith words unholy; yet I answered mild,<\/p>\n

\n“My son, not for myself, but the King’s service<\/p>\n

\nI need her.” He with bold and furious looks,<\/p>\n

\n“Dog, Vizier of a dog, I void on thee<\/p>\n

\nAnd on thy Sultan.” With which blasphemy<\/p>\n

\nHe seized me, rolled in the mire, battered with blows,<\/p>\n

\nKicks, pullings of the beard, then dragged me back<\/p>\n

\nAnd flung me at his slavegirl’s feet, who, proud<\/p>\n

\nOf her bold lover, footed my grey head<\/p>\n

\nRepeatedly and laughed, “This for thy King,<\/p>\n

\nThy dingy stingy King who with so little<\/p>\n

\nWould buy a slavegirl sole in all the world.”<\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nSUNJAR<\/font><\/p>\n

\nGreat Hasheem’s vein cords all the Sultan’s forehead.<\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nMURAD<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThe dog has murdered both of them with lies.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>\u2013 112<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

ALZAYNI<\/font><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nNow by the Prophet, my forefather! Out,<\/p>\n

\nMurad! drag here the fellow and his girl;<\/p>\n

\nTrail them with ropes tied to their bleeding heels,<\/p>\n

\nTheir faces in the mire, with pinioned hands<\/p>\n

\nBehind their backs, into my presence here.<\/p>\n

\nSack Sawy’s mansion, raze it to the ground.<\/p>\n

\nWhat, am I grown so bare that by-lane dogs<\/p>\n

\nLike these so loudly bay at me? They die!<\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nMURAD<\/font><\/p>\n

\nSultan, \u2014\n<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ALZAYNI<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHe’s doomed who speaks a word for them.<\/p>\n

\nExit.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nALMUENE<\/font><\/p>\n

\nBrother-in-law Murad, fetch your handsome brother.<\/p>\n

\nSoon, lest the Sultan hear of it!<\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nMURAD<\/font><\/p>\n

\nVizier,<\/p>\n

\nI know my duty. Know your own and do it.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nALMUENE<\/font><\/p>\n

\nI’ll wash, then forth in holiday attire<\/p>\n

\nTo see that pretty sport.<\/p>\n

\nExit.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nSUNJAR<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWhat will you do?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nMURAD<\/font><\/p>\n

\nSunjar, a something swift and desperate.<\/p>\n

\nI will not let them die.<\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>\u2013 113<\/font><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nSUNJAR<\/font><\/p>\n

\nRun not on danger.<\/p>\n

\nI’ll send a runner hotfoot to their house<\/p>\n

\nTo warn them.<\/p>\n

\n

Exit Sunjar.<\/i><\/p>\n

\n

\nMURAD<\/font><\/p>\n

\nDo so. What will Doonya say<\/p>\n

\nWhen she hears this? How will her laughing eyes<\/p>\n

\nBe clouded and brim over! Till Haroun comes!<\/p>\n

\nExit.<\/i><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>\u2013 114<\/font><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

<\/font>
\n<\/font>
\n<\/p>\n

\nScene 7<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nIbn Sawy’s house.<\/i><\/p>\n

\n

Nureddene, Anice.<\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

NUREDDENE<\/font><\/p>\n

\n‘Tis Sunjar warns us, he who always loved<\/p>\n

\nOur father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANICE<\/font><\/p>\n

\nOh, my lord, make haste and flee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

NUREDDENE<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWhither and how? But come.<\/p>\n

\n

Enter Ajebe.<\/i><\/p>\n

\n

\nAJEBE<\/font><\/p>\n

\nQuick, Nureddene.<\/p>\n

\nI have a ship all ready for Bagdad,<\/p>\n

\nSails bellying with fair wind, the pilot’s hand<\/p>\n

\nUpon the wheel, the captain on the deck,<\/p>\n

\nYou only wanting. Flee then to Bagdad<\/p>\n

\nAnd at the mighty Haroun’s hand require<\/p>\n

\nJustice upon these tyrants. Oh, delay not.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

NUREDDENE<\/font><\/p>\n

\nO friend! But do me one more service, Ajebe.<\/p>\n

\nPay the few creditors unsatisfied;<\/p>\n

\nMy father will absolve me when he comes.<\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nAJEBE<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThat’s early done. And take my purse. No fumbling,<\/p>\n

\nI will not be denied.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>\u2013 115<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

NUREDDENE<\/font><\/p>\n

\nBagdad! (laughing<\/i>) Why, Anice,<\/p>\n

\nOur dream comes true; we hobnob with the Caliph!<\/p>\n

\nExeunt.<\/i><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>\u2013 116<\/font><\/p>\n

\t\t\t<\/font><\/font><\/font><\/font><\/font><\/font>
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/td>\n

\n

 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

  Act III   Bassora.   Scene 1   Ibn Sawy’s house. A room in the outer apartments decorated for a banquet. Doonya, Anice, Balkis….<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[39],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1731","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-03-04-collected-plays-and-stories","wpcat-39-id"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1731","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1731"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1731\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1731"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1731"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1731"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}