{"id":1761,"date":"2013-07-13T01:37:10","date_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:37:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/?p=1761"},"modified":"2013-07-13T01:37:10","modified_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:37:10","slug":"01-the-viziers-of-bassora-act-v-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-v-vol-03-04-collected-plays-and-stories","title":{"rendered":"-01_The Viziers of Bassora – Act – V.htm"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n\n\n
\n

 <\/td>\n

\n
\n<\/p>\n

Act V<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

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

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


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

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

\n

<\/p>\n

Almuene, Fareed.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nF<\/span><\/font>AREED<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou’ll give me money, dad?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nA<\/span><\/font>LMUENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou spend too much.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWe’ll talk of it another time. Now leave me.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nF<\/span><\/font>AREED<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nYou’ll give me money?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nA<\/span><\/font>LMUENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nGo; I’m out of temper.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nF<\/span><\/font>AREED <\/font>
\n(dancing round him<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\nGive money, money, money, give me money.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nA<\/span><\/font>LMUENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nYou boil, do you too grow upon me? There. (strikes him<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nF<\/span><\/font>AREED<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nYou have struck me!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\n
\nPage <\/font>\u2013 152<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

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

\nWhy, you would have it. Go.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou shall have money.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nHow much?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nQuite half your asking.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSend me a cup of water.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nOh yes, I’ll send it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou’ll strike me then?<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

\nYoung Nureddene’s evasion<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTroubles me at the heart; ’twill not dislodge.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd Murad too walks closely with the King,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho whispers to him, whispers, whispers. What?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIs’t of my ruin? No, he needs me yet.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd Ibn Sawy’s coming soon. But there<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI’ve triumphed. He will have a meagre profit<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf his long work in Roum, \u2014  the headsman’s axe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nEnter a Slave with a cup of water.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nHere set it down and wait. ‘Tis not so bad.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI’ll have their Doonya yet for my Fareed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

Enter Khatoon, dragging in Fareed.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nHe has not drunk it yet.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nWhy do you drag me,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou naughty woman? I will bite your fingers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage <\/font>\u2013 153<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

<\/p>\n

\nO imp of Hell! Touch not the water, Vizier.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nA<\/span><\/font>LMUENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nWhat’s this?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nK<\/span><\/font>HATOON<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nThis brat whose soul you’ve disproportioned<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOut of all nature, turns upon you now.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThere’s poison in that cup.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nUnnatural mother,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhat is this hatred that thou hast, to slander<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe issue of thy womb?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nShe hates me, dad.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDrink off the cup to show her how you love me.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nWhat, art thou weary of thy life? Give rather<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe water to a dog, and see.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nGo, slave,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd make some negro drink it off.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

\nWhat I have promised often, thou shalt have, \u2014 <\/span> <\/p>\n

\nThe scourge.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nThat were indeed my right reward<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor saving such a life as thine. Oh, God<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWill punish me for it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage <\/font>\u2013 154<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

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

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

\nThou tongue! I’ll strike thee.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

As he lifts his hand, the slave returns.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nS<\/span><\/font><\/font>LAVE<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nOh, sir, almost before it touched his throat,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe fell in fierce convulsions. He is dead.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

<\/p>\n

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

\n <\/p>\n

\nF<\/span><\/font>AREED<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nYou’ll strike me, will you? You’ll give half<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy askings, no? I wish you’d drunk it off;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI’ld have rare spendings!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

He runs out.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

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

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nWill you not scourge me?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nLeave me.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nWhat is this horrible surprise,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBeneath whose shock I stagger? Is my term<\/span><\/p>\n

\nExhausted? But I would have done as much,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHad I been struck. It is his gallant spirit,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHis lusty blood that will not bear a blow.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI must appease him. If my own blood should end me!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe shall have money, all that he can ask.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage <\/font>\u2013 155<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

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

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

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

\n
\nThe Palace in Bassora.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

Alzayni, Murad, Almuene, Ajebe.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

I like your nephew well and will advance him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor what’s twixt you and Murad, let it sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou are both my trusty counsellors.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nA nothing,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI grieve I pressed; forget it, noble Murad.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

<\/p>\n

\nThat’s as you please.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nA<\/span><\/font>LMUENE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nCome, you’re my nephew too.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nV<\/span><\/font><\/font>OICE
\nOUTSIDE<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nHo, Mohamad Alzayni, Sultan, ho!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

<\/p>\n

\nWho is that Arab?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nA<\/span><\/font>LMUENE <\/font>
\n(at the window<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\nGod! ’tis Nureddene.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

<\/p>\n

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

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n
\nPage <\/font>\u2013 156<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

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

\nOr he is courage-mad.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\n‘Tis he.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nThe devil and his unholy joy!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nDrag him to me! No, bring him quietly, Ajebe.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nI wonder in what strength he comes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nThe strength of madness.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nOr of Heaven, whose wrath<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSometimes chastises us with our desires.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

Enter Ajebe with Nureddene.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nGreeting, Alzayni, King in Bassora.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nGreeting, sweet uncle. Has your nose got straight?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAjebe and Murad, greeting. Here am I!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

How dar’st thou come and with such rude demeanour?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nKnowst thou thy sentence?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nWhy, I bring a sentence too,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA fishy writing. Here it is. Be careful of it;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIt is my die on which I throw for death<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOr more than life.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n
\nPage <\/font>\u2013 157<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

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

\nA letter, and to me?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nGreat King, ’tis from thy friend the fisherman,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe with the dirty gabardine who lives<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn great Bagdad on stolen fish.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nThinkst thou<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat thou canst play thus rudely with the lion?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nIf I could see the mane, I’ld clutch at it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA lashing tail is not enough. The tiger<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHas that too and many trifling animals.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut read the letter.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nRead it, Almuene.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\n‘Tis from the Caliph, it appears. Thus runs<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe alleged epistle: "Haroun Alrasheed,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCommander of the Faithful, known by name<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo orient waters and the Atlantic seas,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhom three wide continents obey, to Mohamad<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe Abbasside, the son of Sulyman,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMen call Alzayni, by our gracious will<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAllowed our subject king in Bassora,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nGreeting and peace. As soon as thou hast read<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOur letter, put from thee thy kingly robe,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThy jewelled turban and thy sceptred pomp<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd clothe with them the bearer Nureddene,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSon of thy Vizier, monarch in thy stead<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn Bassora, then come to us in Bagdad<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo answer for thy many and great offences.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n
\nPage <\/font>\u2013 158<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nThis as thou hop’st to live."<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nIt was the Caliph.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

My mighty cousin’s will must be obeyed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhy turnst thou to the light?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nTo scan it better.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nKing, ’tis a forgery! Where is the seal,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhere the imperial scripture? Is it thus<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOn a torn paper mighty Caliphs write?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNow on my life the fellow here has chanced<\/span><\/p>\n

\nUpon some playful scribbling of the Caliph’s,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nPut in his name and thine and, brazen-faced,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCome here to bluster.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nIt was quite whole, I saw it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nBoy, silence!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nNo, I will not. Thou hast torn it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nWhere are the pieces then? Search, if thou wilt.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

Ho, there.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nTake Ajebe to the prison hence.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe shall have judgment afterwards.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

Exit Ajebe, guarded.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n
\nPage <\/font>\u2013 159<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nThou, fellow,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCom’st thou with brazen face and blustering tongue<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd forgeries in thy pocket? Hale him hence.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAfter fierce tortures let him be impaled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nHear me, O King.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nThou art his sister’s husband.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nYet for thy own sake hear me. Hast thou thought,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIf this be true, what fate will stride upon thee<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhen Haroun learns thy deed? whom doubt not, King,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThy many enemies will soon acquaint.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

Send couriers; find this out.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nTill when I’ll keep<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy nephew safe under my private eye.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nThou art his enemy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nAnd thou his friend.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe will escape from thee once more.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

\nThou keep him, use him well.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nHo! take him, Guards.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

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

<\/p>\n

\n
\nPage <\/font>\u2013 160<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

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

\nI lose the toss; ’tis tails.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

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

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

\nAll leave me. Vizier,<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

<\/p>\n

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

\nNow, Almuene?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nKill him and be at rest.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nIf ’twere indeed the Caliph’s very hand?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nVizier, I dare not suddenly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nDare not!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNay, then, put off thy crown at Haroun’s bidding,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho’ll make thee his doorkeeper in Bagdad.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe Caliph? How long will this drunken freak<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHave lodging in his lordly mind? Or fearst thou<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe half-veiled threat of thy own trusty Turk,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSultan Alzayni?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nHim I’ll silence. Keep<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe boy ten days; then, if all’s well, behead him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

\nYou boggle, boggle; that is not the way<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo keep a crown. Have him and hold’s the Vizier,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCatch him and cut’s the General. Loose your grip?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLet the hand shake? So monarchs are unkinged.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTen days are mine at least. I have ten days<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo torture him, though Caliphs turn his friend.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n
\nPage <\/font>\u2013 161<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nWill God befriend him next? My enemies<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe gives into my potent hand. Murad is gone,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd I hold Doonya in my grip, Ameena too<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho, I have news, lives secret with her niece.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut where’s the girl? God keeps her for me, I doubt not,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA last, sweet morsel. It will please Fareed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut there’s Haroun! Why should he live at all,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhen there are swords and poisons?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

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

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n
\nPage <\/font>\u2013 162<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

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

\n <\/p>\n

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

\n
\nA cell in Almuene’s house.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

\nWe sin our pleasant sins and then refrain<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd think that God’s deceived. He waits His time<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd when we walk the clean and polished road<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe trips us with the mire our shoes yet keep,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe pleasant mud we walked before. All ills<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI will bear patiently. Oh, better here<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThan in that world! Who comes? Khatoon, my aunt!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nEnter Khatoon and a Slave.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nMy Nureddene!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nGood aunt, weep not for me.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nYou are my sister’s child, yet more my own.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI have no other. Ali, mend his food<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd treatment. Fear not thou the Vizier’s wrath,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor I will shield thee.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nS<\/span><\/font>LAVE<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nI’ll do it willingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nWhat is this sound of many rushing feet?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nEnter Almuene and Slaves.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nPage <\/font>\u2013 163<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nSeize him and bind. O villain, fatal villain!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nO my heart’s stringlet! Seize him, beat to powder;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHave burning irons. Dame, what do you here?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWilt thou prevent me then?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nLet no man touch<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe prisoner of the Sultan. What’s this rage?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nMy son, my son! He has burned my heart. Shall I<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNot burn his body?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nWhat is it? Tell me quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nFareed is murdered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nGod forbid! By whom?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nThis villain’s sister.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nDoonya? You are mad. Speak, slave.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nA S<\/span><\/font>LAVE<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nYoung master went with a great company<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo Murad’s house to carry Doonya off<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho then was seated listening to the lute<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith Balkis and Mymoona, Ajebe’s slave-girls.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWe stormed the house, but could not take the lady;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMymoona with a sword kept all at bay<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor minutes. Meantime the city fills with rumour,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage <\/font>\u2013 164<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\nAnd Murad riding like a stormy wind<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCame on us just too soon, the girl defender<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFound wounded, Doonya at last in Fareed’s grip<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho made a shield of that fair burden; but Balkis<\/span><\/p>\n

\nRan at and tripped him, and the savage Turk<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFire-eyed and furious lunged him through the body.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe’s dead.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nMy son!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nWill you now give me leave<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo torture this vile boy?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nWhat is his fault?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTouch him and I acquaint the King. Vizier,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThou slewst Fareed. My gracious, laughing babe<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho clung about me with his little hands<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd sucked my breasts! Him you have murdered, Vizier,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBoth soul and body. I will go and pray<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor vengeance on thee for my slaughtered child.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

\nShe has baulked my fury. No, I’ll wait for thee.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThou shalt hear first what I have done with Doonya<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd thy soft mother’s body. Murad! Murad!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThou hast no son. Would God thou hadst a son!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

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

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

\nNot upon others fall Thy heavy scourge<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho are not guilty. O Doonya, O my mother,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn fiercest peril from that maddened tyrant!<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage <\/font>\u2013 165<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

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

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

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nA house in Bassora.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

Doonya, Ameena.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nComfort, dear mother, comfort.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nOh, what comfort?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy Nureddene is doomed, Murad is gaoled,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWe in close hiding under the vile doom<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThis tyrant King decrees.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nI did not think<\/span><\/p>\n

\nGod was so keen-eyed for our petty sins,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhen great offences and high criminals<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWalk smiling. But there’s comfort, mother, yet.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy husband writes from prison. You shall hear.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n(reads<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\n"Doonya, I have written this by secret contrivance. Have
\ncomfort, dry thy mother’s tears. There is hope. The Caliph comes to Bassora and
\nthe King will release me for a need of his own. I have tidings of thy father; he
\nis but two days journey from Bassora and I have sent him urgent and tremulous
\nword to come, but no ill-news to break his heart. We have friends. Doonya, my
\nbeloved \u2014  " That’s for me only.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nLet me hear it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage <\/font>\u2013 166<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nIt is<\/span><\/p>\n

\nPure nonsense, \u2014  what a savage Turk would write.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nTherefore you kissed it?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nOh, you’re comforted!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou’re smiling through your tears.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nMy husband comes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe will save all. I never quite believed<\/span><\/p>\n

\nGod would forget his worth so soon.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nDOONYA <\/font>(to
\nherself <\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe comes,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut for what fate? (aloud<\/i>) True, mother, he’ll save
\nall.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nHow is Mymoona?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nBetter now. She suffered<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn our wild rapid flight. Balkis is with her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLet’s go to them.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nMy son will yet be saved.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage <\/font>\u2013 167<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

\n
\nScene 5<\/a><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n
\nBagdad. A room in the Caliph’s harem.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

Anice, with many slave-girls attending on her.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nGirls, is he passing?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nA S<\/span>LAVE-GIRL<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nHe is passing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nQuick, my lute!<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nThe Emperor of Roum is great;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe Caliph has a mighty State;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut One is greater, to Whom all prayers take wing;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd I, a poor and weeping slave,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhen the world rises from its grave,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nShall stand up the accuser of my King.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nGirls, is he coming up?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nA S<\/span><\/font><\/font>LAVE-GIRL<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nThe Caliph enters.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nEnter Haroun and Jaafar.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nThou art the slave-girl, Anice-aljalice?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhy chosest thou that song?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage <\/font>\u2013 168<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nCaliph, for thee.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhere is my lord?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nA king in Bassora.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nWho told thee?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nSo it must be.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nIs there news?<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nNo, strange! seven days gone by, nor yet a letter!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nCaliph, high Sovereign, Haroun Alrasheed,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMen call thee Just, great Abbasside! I am<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA poor and helpless slave-girl, but my grief<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIs greater than a King. Lord, I demand<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy soul’s dear husband at thy hand, who sent him<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAlone, unfollowed, without guard or friend<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo a tyrant Sultan and more tyrant Vizier,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHis potent enemies. Oh, they have killed him!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nGive back my husband to my arms unhurt<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOr I will rise upon the judgment day<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAgainst thee, Caliph Haroun Alrasheed,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDemanding him at that eternal throne<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhere names are not received, nor earthly pomps<\/span><\/p>\n

\nConsidered. Then my frail and woman’s voice<\/span><\/p>\n

\nShall ring more dreadful in thy mighty hearing<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThan doom’s own trumpet. Answer my demand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage <\/font>\u2013 169<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nAnice, I do believe thy lord is well.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd yet \u2014  No, by my great forefathers, no!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy seal and signature were on the script<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd they are mightier than a thousand armies.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIf he has disobeyed, for him ’twere better<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe were a beggar’s unrespected child<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThan Haroun’s kin; \u2014  the Arabian simoom<\/span><\/p>\n

\nShall be less devastating than my wrath.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOut, Jaafar, out to Bassora, behind thee<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSweeping embattled war; nor night nor tempest<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDelay thy march. I follow in thy steps.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTake too this damsel and these fifty slave-girls,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith robes and gifts for Bassora’s youthful king.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI give thee power o’er Kings and Emperors<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo threaten, smite and seize. Go, friend; I follow<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAs swift as thunder presses on the lightning.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nJAAFAR<\/font>
\n(to the slave-girls<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMake ready; for we march within the hour.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

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

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

\n
\nPage <\/font>\u2013 170<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

\nScene 6<\/a><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/font> <\/p>\n

\n
\nThe public square of Bassora.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nAlzayni on a dais; in front a scaffold on which stand Nureddene,<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nan Executioner, Murad and others. Almuene moves between the<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\ndais and scaffold. The square is crowded with people.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

\nHo! listen, listen, Moslems. Nureddene,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSon of Alfazzal, son of Sawy, stands<\/span><\/p>\n

\nUpon the rug of blood, the man who smote<\/span><\/p>\n

\nGreat Viziers and came armed with forgeries<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo uncrown mighty Kings. Look on his doom,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou enemies of great Alzayni, look and shake.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n(low, to Nureddene<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy lord, forgive me who am thus compelled,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOh much against my will, to ill-requite<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYour father’s kindly favours.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nGive me water;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI thirst.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nM<\/span><\/font>URAD<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nGive water. Executioner,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhen the King waves the signal, wait; strike not<\/span><\/p>\n

\nToo hastily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nE<\/span><\/font><\/font>XECUTIONER<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nCaptain, I will await thy nod.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHere’s water.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage <\/font>\u2013 171<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\nALMUENE <\/font>(coming up<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\nRebellious sworder! giv’st thou drink<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo the King’s enemies?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nA
\nVOICE IN THE CROWD<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nGod waits for thee,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThou wicked Vizier.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nWho was that?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nA voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBehead it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nMighty Sultan, give the word.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nThere is a movement in the crowd and cries.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWait for one moment.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nIt is Ibn Sawy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOh, this is sweet!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

\nMake way for the Vizier, the good Vizier. He’s saved! he’s saved.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nEnter Alfazzal; he looks with emotion at<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nNureddene, then turns to the King.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\nIBN<\/font>
\nSAWY<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nGreeting, my King; my work in Roum is over.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nVirtuous Alfazzal! we will talk with thee<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAs ever was our dearest pleasure; first,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage <\/font>\u2013 172<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\nThere is a spotted soul to be dislodged<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFrom the fair body it disgraced; a trifle<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSoon ended. There behold the criminal.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nIBN<\/font>
\nSAWY<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe criminal! Pardon me, mighty King;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe voice of Nature will not be kept down.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhy wilt thou slay my son?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nNay, ’tis himself<\/span><\/p>\n

\nInsisted obstinately on his doom;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAbused his King, battered and beat my Vizier,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nForged mighty Haroun’s signature to wear<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy crown in Bassora. These are the chief<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf his offences.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nIBN<\/font>
\nSAWY<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nIf this thing is true,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAs doubtless near inquiry in Bagdad \u2014 <\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nNay, take not up thy duties all too soon.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nRest from thy travel, bury thy dear son<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd afterwards resume thy faithful works,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy Vizier.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nIBN<\/font>
\nSAWY<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI would not see my dear child slain.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nPermit me to depart and in my desolate house<\/span><\/p>\n

\nComfort the stricken mother and his kin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\n

\nPerhaps a stone of all thy house may stand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe mother and thy niece? It hurts my heart.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThey too are criminals and punished.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage <\/font>\u2013 173<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\nIBN<\/font>
\nSAWY<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n <\/p>\n

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

\n

\nSlaves, help my faithful Vizier; he will faint.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nIBN<\/font>
\nSAWY<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nLet me alone; God made me strong to bear.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThey are dead?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nNay, a more lenient penalty.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhat did I order? To be led through Bassora<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBare in their shifts with halters round their necks<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd, stripped before all eyes, whipped into swooning,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThen sold as slaves but preferably for little<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo some low Nazarene or Jew. Was that<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe order, Almuene?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nIBN<\/font>
\nSAWY<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nMerciful Allah!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd it is done?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\n

\nI doubt not, it is done.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nIBN<\/font>
\nSAWY<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nTheir crime?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\n

\nConspiring murder. They have killed<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe son of Almuene. Good Ibn Sawy,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nGod’s kind to thee who has relieved thy age<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf human burdens. Thus He turns thy thought<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo His ineffable and simple peace.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage <\/font>\u2013 174<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\nIBN<\/font>
\nSAWY<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nGod, Thou art mighty and Thy will is just.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nKing Mohamad Alzayni, I have come<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo a changed world in which I am not needed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI bid farewell.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nNay, Vizier, clasp thy son,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd afterwards await within my hearing<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nIBN<\/font>
\nSAWY<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy Nureddene, my child!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nJustice<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf God, thou spar’st me nothing. Father! father!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nIBN<\/font>
\nSAWY<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nBow to the will of God, my son; if thou<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMust perish on a false and hateful charge,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA crime in thee impossible, believe<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIt is His justice still.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nI well believe it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nIBN<\/font>
\nSAWY<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI doubt not I shall join you, son. We’ll hold<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEach other’s hands upon the narrow way.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\n

\nHast done, Alfazzal?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nIBN<\/font>
\nSAWY<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nDo thy will, O King.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage <\/font>\u2013 175<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\nALZAYNI <\/font>(waving his hand<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n
\nTrumpets outside.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhat are these proud notes? this cloud of dust<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat rushes towards us from the north? The earth<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTrembles with horse-hooves.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nLet this wretch be slain;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWe shall have leisure then for greater things.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nPause, pause! A horseman gallops through the crowd<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhich scatters like wild dust. Look, he dismounts.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nEnter a Soldier.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

\nHail to thee, Mohamad Alzayni! Greeting<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFrom mightier than thyself.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\n

\nWho art thou, Arab?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nJaafar bin Barmak, Vizier world-renowned<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf Haroun, master of the globe, comes hither.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe’s in your streets, Alzayni. Thus he bids thee:<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIf Nureddene, thy Vizier’s son, yet lives,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nPreserve him, Sultan, as thy own dear life;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor if he dies, thou shalt not live.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nMy guards!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy soldiers! here to me!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

\nBeware, Alzayni.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage <\/font>\u2013 176<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\nThe force he brings could dislocate each stone<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn Bassora within the hour and leave<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThy house a ruin. In his mighty wake<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA mightier comes, the Caliph’s self.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\n

\n‘Tis well.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI have but erred. My Murad, here to me!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMurad, thou shalt have gold, a house, estates,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNoble and wealthy women for thy wives.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nErred, King, indeed who took a soldier<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor an assassin. King, my household gem<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI have saved and want no others. Were she gone,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThou wouldst not now be living.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nCall it so, King.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nMy throne is tumbling down.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe crowd quite parts; the horsemen drive towards us.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nSultan Alzayni, kill thy enemies,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThen die. Wilt thou be footed to Bagdad,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nStumbling in fetters?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\n

\nThey are here.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nEnter Jaafar and Soldiers.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage <\/font>\u2013 177<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nThis sight<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIs thy own sentence. Mohamad Alzayni,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAllah deprived thee of reason to destroy thee,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhen thou didst madly disobey thy lord.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\n‘Twas a mistake, great Vizier. We had thought<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe script a forgery.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nIssue of Khakan,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI have seen many Viziers like thyself,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut none that died in peace. Hail, Nureddene!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI greet thee, Sultan, lord in Bassora.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nIt is the second toss that tells; the first<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWas a pure foul. I thank Thee, who hast only<\/span><\/p>\n

\nShown me the edge of Thy chastising sword,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThen pardoned. Father, embrace me.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nIBN<\/font>
\nSAWY<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nAh, child,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThy mother and thy sister!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nThey are safe<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd in my care.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nIBN<\/font>
\nSAWY<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nNay, God is kind; this world<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMost leniently ruled.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nSultan Alzayni, Vizier Almuene,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBy delegated power I seize upon you,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nPage <\/font>\u2013 178<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\nThe prisoners of the Caliph. Take them, guards.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI’ve brought a slave-girl for you, Nureddene,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe Caliph’s gift.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nI’ll take her, if I like her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLife is my own again and all I love.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nGreat are Thy mercies, O Omnipotent!<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage <\/font>\u2013 179<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

\n
\nScene 7<\/a><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

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

\n
\nThe Palace in Bassora.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nIbn Sawy, Ameena, Nureddene, Anice, Doonya, Ajebe.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nIBN<\/font>
\nSAWY<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nEnd, end embraces; they will last our life.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThou dearest cause at once of all our woes<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd their sweet ender! Cherish her, Nureddene,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho saved thy soul and body.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nSurely I’ll cherish<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy heart’s queen!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nYou’ve got a King,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou lucky child! But I have only a Turk,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA blustering, bold and Caliph-murdering Turk<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho writes me silly letters, stabs my lovers<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhen they would run away with me, and makes<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA general Turkish nuisance of himself.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n‘Tis hard. Sultan of Bassora, great Sultan,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nGrave high and mighty Nureddene! thy sister<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd subject \u2014 <\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nDoonya, it is not Faeryland.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage <\/font>\u2013 180<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nIt is, it is, and Anice here its queen.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nO faery King of faery Bassora,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDo make a General of my general nuisance.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI long to be my lady Generaless<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf faeryland, and ride about and charge<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAt thorns and thistles with a churning-stick,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith Balkis and Mymoona for my captains \u2014 <\/span> <\/p>\n

\nThey're very martial, King, bold swashing fighters! \u2014
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nAjebe our Treasurer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nTo ruin you again?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nWe’ll have Shaikh Ibrahim for Lord High Humbug<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf all our faeryland; shall we not, Anice?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nWhat nonsense, children! You a Sultan, child!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nYour Sultan, mother, as I ever was.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nIBN<\/font>
\nSAWY<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nLet happiness flow out in smiles. Our griefs<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAre ended and we cluster round our King.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe Caliph!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nEnter Haroun, Jaafar, Murad, Sunjar,<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nGuards with Alzayni and Almuene.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe peace, Commander of the Faithful!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nNoble Alfazzal, sit. Sit all of you.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThis is the thing that does my heart most good,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo watch these kind and happy looks and know<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage <\/font>\u2013 181<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\nMyself for cause. Therefore I sit enthroned,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAllah’s Vicegerent, to put down all evil<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd pluck the virtuous out of danger’s hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFit work for Kings! not merely the high crown<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd marching armies and superber ease.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSunjar, Murad and Ajebe, you your King<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCan best reward. But, Ajebe, in thy house<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhere thou art Sultan, those reward who well<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDeserve it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nThey shall be my household queens,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEnthroned upon my either hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

\n‘Tis well.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSultan Alzayni, not within my realm<\/span><\/p>\n

\nShall Kings like thee bear rule. Great though thy crimes,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI will not honour thee with imitation,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo slay unheard. Thou shalt have judgment, King.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut for thy Vizier here, his crimes are open<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd loudly they proclaim themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nLord, spare me.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

\nFor some offences God has punished thee.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nShall I, His great Vicegerent, spare? Young King<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf Bassora, to thee I leave thy enemy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nI did according to my blood and nurture,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDo thou as much.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nHe has beguiled me, Caliph.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI cannot now pronounce his doom.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage <\/font>\u2013 182<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

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

\nThen I will.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDeath at this moment! And his house and fortune<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAre to thy father due. Take him and slay.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nExeunt Guards with Almuene.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nLet not his sad and guiltless wife be engulfed<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn his swift ruin. Virtuous Alfazzal, \u2014 <\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nIBN<\/font>
\nSAWY<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nShe is my wife’s dear sister and my home<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIs hers; my children will replace her son.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

\nAll then is well. Anice, you’re satisfied?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI never was so scared in all my life<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAs when you rose against me.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nPardon me!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

\nFair children, worthy of each other’s love<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd beauty! till the Sunderer comes who parts<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAll wedded hands, take your delights on earth,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd afterwards in heaven. Meanwhile remember<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat life is grave and earnest under its smiles,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd we too with a wary gaiety<\/span><\/p>\n

\nShould walk its roads, praying that if we stumble,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe All-Merciful may bear our footing up<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn His strong hand, showing the Father’s face<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd not the stern and dreadful Judge. Farewell.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI go to Roman wars. With you the peace!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nIBN<\/font>
\nSAWY<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nPeace with thee, just and mighty Caliph, peace.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n
\nPage <\/font>\u2013 183<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

  Act V Bassora and Bagdad. Scene 1 A room in Almuene’s house. Almuene, Fareed.   FAREED You’ll give me money, dad?   ALMUENE You…<\/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-1761","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\/1761","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=1761"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1761\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1761"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1761"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1761"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}