{"id":1762,"date":"2013-07-13T01:37:11","date_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:37:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/?p=1762"},"modified":"2013-07-13T01:37:11","modified_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:37:11","slug":"01-the-viziers-of-bassora-act-ii-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-ii-vol-03-04-collected-plays-and-stories","title":{"rendered":"-01_The Viziers of Bassora – Act – II.htm"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n\n\n
\n

 <\/td>\n

\n
\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\nAct II<\/b><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

\n <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\nIbn Sawy’s house. An upper chamber in the women’s apartments.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nDoonya, Anice-aljalice.<\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nYou living sweet romance, you come from Persia.<\/p>\n

\n‘Tis there, I think, they fall in love at sight?<\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nBut will you help me, Doonya, will you help me?<\/p>\n

\nTo him, to him, not to that grizzled King!<\/p>\n

\nI am near Heaven with Hell that’s waiting for me.<\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nI know, I know! you feel as I would, child,<\/p>\n

\nIf told that in ten days I had to marry<\/p>\n

\nMy cruel boisterous cousin. I will help you.<\/p>\n

\nBut strange! to see him merely pass and love him!<\/p>\n

\nDid he look back at you?<\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nWhile he could see me.<\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nYes, that was Nureddene.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 35<\/p>\n

\n

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

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

\nYou’ll help me?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nYes,<\/p>\n

\nWith all my heart and soul and brains and body.<\/p>\n

\nBut how? My uncle’s orders are so strict!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nAnd do you always heed your uncle’s orders,<\/p>\n

\nYou dutiful niece?<\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nRigidly, when they suit me.<\/p>\n

\nIt shall be done although my punishment<\/p>\n

\nWere even to wed Fareed. But who can say<\/p>\n

\nWhen he’ll come home?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nComes he not daily then?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nWhen he’s not hawking. Questing, child, for doves,<\/p>\n

\nWhite doves.<\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nI’ll stop all that when he is mine.<\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nWill you? and yet I think you will, nor find it<\/p>\n

\nA task at all. You can do it?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nI will.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nYou have relieved my conscience of a load.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 36<\/p>\n

\n

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

\nWho blames me? I do this to reform my cousin,<\/p>\n

\nGravely, deliberately, with serious thought,<\/p>\n

\nAnd am quite virtuously disobedient.<\/p>\n

\nI almost feel a long white beard upon my chin,<\/p>\n

\nThe thing’s so wise and sober. Gravely, gravely!<\/p>\n

\nShe marches out, solemnly stroking<\/i><\/p>\n

\n

an imaginary beard.<\/i><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nMy heart beats reassuringly within.<\/p>\n

\nThe destined Prince will come and all bad spells<\/p>\n

\nBe broken; then \u2014  You angels up in Heaven<\/p>\n

\nWho guard sweet shame and woman’s modesty,<\/p>\n

\nHide deep your searching eyes with those bright wings.<\/p>\n

\nIt is not wantonness, though in a slave<\/p>\n

\nPermitted, spurs me forward. O tonight<\/p>\n

\nLet sleep your pens, in your rebuking volumes<\/p>\n

\nRecord not this. I am on such a brink,<\/p>\n

\nA hound of horror baying at my heels,<\/p>\n

\nI cannot pause to think what fire of blushes<\/p>\n

\nI choose to flee through, nor how safe cold eyes<\/p>\n

\nMay censure me. I pass though I should burn.<\/p>\n

\nYou cannot bid me pick my careful steps!<\/p>\n

\nOh, no, the danger is too near. I run<\/p>\n

\nBy the one road that’s left me, to escape,<\/p>\n

\nTo escape, into the very arms I love.<\/p>\n

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

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 37<\/p>\n

\n

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

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

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nIbn Sawy’s house. A room in the women’s apartments.<\/i><\/p>\n

\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

\nHas he come in?<\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nHe has.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nFor three long days!<\/p>\n

\nI will reprove him. Call him to me, Doonya.<\/p>\n

\nI will be stern.<\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nThat’s right. Lips closer there!<\/p>\n

\nAnd just try hard to frown. That’s mildly grim<\/p>\n

\nAnd ought to shake him. Now you spoil all by laughing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nAway, you madcap! Call him here.<\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nThe culprit<\/p>\n

\nPresents himself unsummoned.<\/p>\n

\n

Enter Nureddene.<\/i><\/p>\n

NUREDDENE <\/font>(at the door<\/i>)<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

\nAyoob, Ayoob!<\/p>\n

\nA bowl of sherbet in my chamber.<\/p>\n

\n(entering<\/i>)<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 38<\/p>\n

\n

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

\nWell, mother,<\/p>\n

\nHere I am back, your errant gadabout,<\/p>\n

\nYour vagabond scapegrace, tired of truancy<\/p>\n

\nAnd very hungry for my mother’s arms.<\/p>\n

\nIt’s good to see you smile!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

 <\/p>\n

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

\nWhy, Doonya, cousin, what wild face is this?<\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nThis is a frown, a frown, upon my forehead.<\/p>\n

\nDo you not tremble when you see it? No?<\/p>\n

\nTo tell you the plain truth, my wandering brother,<\/p>\n

\nWe both were practising a careful grimness<\/p>\n

\nAnd meant to wither you with darting flames<\/p>\n

\nFrom basilisk eyes and words more sharp than swords,<\/p>\n

\nBurn you and frizzle into simmering cinders.<\/p>\n

\nOh, you’ld have been a dolorous spectacle<\/p>\n

\nBefore we had finished with you! Ask her else.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nHeed her not, Nureddene. But tell me, child,<\/p>\n

\nIs this well done to wander vagrant-like<\/p>\n

\nLeaving your mother to anxieties<\/p>\n

\nAnd such alarms? Oh, we will have to take<\/p>\n

\nSome measure with you!<\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nOh, now, now, we are stern!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nMother, I only range abroad and learn<\/p>\n

\nOf manners and of men to fit myself<\/p>\n

\nFor the after-time.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 39<\/p>\n

\n

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

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

\nTrue, true, and of the taste<\/p>\n

\nOf different wines and qualities of girls;<\/p>\n

\nWhat eyes Damascus sends, the Cairene sort,<\/p>\n

\nBagdad’s red lips and Yemen’s willowy figures,<\/p>\n

\nWho has the smallest waist in Bassora,<\/p>\n

\nOr who the shapeliest little foot moonbright<\/p>\n

\nBeneath her anklets. These are sciences<\/p>\n

\nAnd should be learned by sober masculine graduates.<\/p>\n

\nShould they not, cousin?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nThese too are not amiss,<\/p>\n

\nDoonya, for world-wise men. And do you think,<\/p>\n

\nDear mother, I could learn the busy world<\/p>\n

\nHere, in your lap, within the shadowy calm<\/p>\n

\nOf women’s chambers?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nNo, child, no. You see,<\/p>\n

\nDoonya, it is not all so bad, this wandering.<\/p>\n

\nAnd I am sure they much o’erstate his faults<\/p>\n

\nWho tell of them.<\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nOh, this is very grim!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nBut, Nureddene, you must not be so wild;<\/p>\n

\nOr when we are gone, what will you do, if now<\/p>\n

\nYou learn no prudence? All your patrimony<\/p>\n

\nYou’ll waste, \u2014  and then?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nThen, mother, life begins.<\/p>\n

\nI shall go forth, a daring errant-knight,<\/p>\n

\nTo my true country out in faeryland;<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 40<\/p>\n

\n

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

\nWander among the Moors, see Granada,<\/p>\n

\nThe delicate city made of faery stone,<\/p>\n

\nCairo, Tangier, Aleppo, Trebizond;<\/p>\n

\nOr in the East, where old enchantment dwells,<\/p>\n

\nFind Pekin of the wooden piles, Delhi<\/p>\n

\nOf the idolaters, its brazen pillar<\/p>\n

\nAnd huge seven-storied temples sculpture-fretted,<\/p>\n

\nAnd o’er romantic regions quite unknown<\/p>\n

\nPreach Islam, sword in hand; sell bales of spice<\/p>\n

\nFrom Bassora to Java and Japan;<\/p>\n

\nThen on through undiscovered islands, seas<\/p>\n

\nAnd Oceans yet unnamed; yes, everywhere<\/p>\n

\nCatch Danger by the throat where I can find him, \u2014\n<\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nButcher blood-belching dragons with my blade,<\/p>\n

\nCut ogres, chop giants, tickle cormorants, \u2014 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nThen in some land, I have not settled which, \u2014 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nCall it Cumcatchia or Nonsensicum.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nMarry a Soldan’s daughter, sweet of eye<\/p>\n

\nAnd crowned with gracious hair, deserving her<\/p>\n

\nBy deeds impossible; conduct her armies<\/p>\n

\nAgainst her foemen, enter iron-walled<\/p>\n

\nCities besieged with the loud clang of war,<\/p>\n

\nRescue imperilled kingdoms, mid the smoke<\/p>\n

\nOf desperate cities slay victorious kings,<\/p>\n

\nAnd so extend my lady's empire wide \u2014\n<\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nFrom Bassora to the quite distant moon.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 41<\/p>\n

\n

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

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

\nThere I shall reign with beauty and splendour round<\/p>\n

\nIn a great palace built of porphyry,<\/p>\n

\nMarble and jasper, with strange columns made<\/p>\n

\nOf coral and fair walls bright-arabesqued<\/p>\n

\nOn which the Koran shall be written out<\/p>\n

\nIn sapphires and in rubies. I will sit<\/p>\n

\nDrinking from cups of gold delightful wine,<\/p>\n

\nWatching slow dances, while the immortal strain<\/p>\n

\nOf music wanders to its silent home.<\/p>\n

\nAnd I shall have bright concubines and slaves<\/p>\n

\nAround me crowding all my glorious house<\/p>\n

\nWith beautiful faces, thick as stars in heaven.<\/p>\n

\nMy wealth shall be so great that I can spend<\/p>\n

\nMillions each day nor feel the want. I’ll give<\/p>\n

\nTill there shall be no poor in all my realms,<\/p>\n

\nNor any grieved; for I shall every night,<\/p>\n

\nLike Haroun Alrasheed, the mighty Caliph,<\/p>\n

\nWander disguised with Jaafar and Mesrour<\/p>\n

\nRedressing wrongs, repressing Almuenes,<\/p>\n

\nAnd set up noble men like my dear father<\/p>\n

\nIn lofty places, giving priceless boons,<\/p>\n

\nAn unseen Providence to all mankind.<\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nAnd you will marry me, dear Nureddene,<\/p>\n

\nTo Jaafar, your great Vizier, so that we<\/p>\n

\nShall never part, but every blessed night<\/p>\n

\nDrink and be merry in your halls, and live<\/p>\n

\nFelicitously for ever and for aye,<\/p>\n

\nSo long as full moons shine and brains go wrong<\/p>\n

\nAnd wine is drunk. I make my suit to you from now,<\/p>\n

\nCaliph of Faeryland.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nYour suit is granted.<\/p>\n

\nAnd meanwhile, Doonya, I amuse myself<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 42<\/p>\n

\n

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

\nWith nearer kingdoms, Miriam’s wavy locks<\/p>\n

\nAnd Shazarath-al-Durr’s sweet voice of song.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nAnd meanwhile, brother, till you get your kingdom,<\/p>\n

\nWe shall be grim, quite grim.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nYour father’s angry.<\/p>\n

\nI have not known him yet so moved. My child,<\/p>\n

\nDo not force us to punish you.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nWith kisses?<\/p>\n

\nLook, Doonya, at these two dear hypocrites,<\/p>\n

\nShe with her gentle honey-worded threats,<\/p>\n

\nHe with his stormings. Pooh! I care not for you.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nNot care!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nNo, not a jot for him or you,<\/p>\n

\nMy little mother, or only just so much<\/p>\n

\nAs a small kiss is worth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nI told you, Doonya,<\/p>\n

\nHe was the dearest boy in all the world,<\/p>\n

\nThe best, the kindest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nOh yes, you told me that.<\/p>\n

\nAnd was the dearest boy in all the world<\/p>\n

\nRummaging the regions for the dearest girl,<\/p>\n

\nWhile the admiring sun danced round the welkin<\/p>\n

\nA triple circuit?<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 43<\/p>\n

\n

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

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

\nI have found her, Doonya.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nThe backward glance?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nYour father!<\/p>\n

\n

Enter Ibn Sawy.<\/i><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nI<\/font>BN <\/font>S<\/font>AWY<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAmeena,<\/p>\n

\nI’m called to the palace; something is afoot.<\/p>\n

\nAh, rascal! ah, you villain! you have come?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nSir, a long hour.<\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nI<\/font>BN <\/font>S<\/font>AWY<\/font><\/p>\n

\nRogue! scamp! what do you mean?<\/p>\n

\nKnave, is my house a caravanserai<\/p>\n

\nFor you to lodge in when it is your pleasure?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nIt is the happiest home in Bassora,<\/p>\n

\nWhere the two kindest parents in the world<\/p>\n

\nExcuse their vagabond son.<\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nI<\/font>BN <\/font>S<\/font>AWY<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHum! well! What, fellow,<\/p>\n

\nYou will buy trinkets? you will have me dunned?<\/p>\n

\nAnd fleeced?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nDid he dun you? I hope he asked<\/p>\n

\nA fitting price; I told him to.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 44<\/p>\n

\n

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

\nI<\/font>BN<\/font>S<\/font>AWY<\/font><\/p>\n

\nSir, sir,<\/p>\n

\nWhat game is this to buy your hussies trinkets<\/p>\n

\nAnd send your father in the bill? Who taught you<\/p>\n

\nThis rule of conduct?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nYou, sir.<\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nI<\/font>BN <\/font>S<\/font>AWY<\/font><\/p>\n

\nI, rascal?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nYou told me<\/p>\n

\nThat debt must be avoided like a sin.<\/p>\n

\nWhat other way could I avoid it, sir,<\/p>\n

\nYet give the trinket?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nI<\/font>BN <\/font>S<\/font>AWY<\/font><\/p>\n

\nLogic of impudence!<\/p>\n

\nTell me, you curled wine-bibbing Aristotle,<\/p>\n

\nDid I tell you also to have mistresses<\/p>\n

\nAnd buy them trinkets?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nNot in so many words.<\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nI<\/font>BN <\/font>S<\/font>AWY<\/font><\/p>\n

\nSo many devils!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nBut since you did not marry me<\/p>\n

\nNor buy a beautiful slave for home delight,<\/p>\n

\nI thought you’ld have me range outside for pleasures<\/p>\n

\nTo get experience of the busy world.<\/p>\n

\nIf ’twas an oversight, it may be mended.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 45<\/p>\n

\n

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

\nI<\/font>BN<\/font>S<\/font>AWY<\/font><\/p>\n

\nI’m dumb!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nThere is a Persian Muazzim sells,<\/p>\n

\nWhom buy for me, \u2014  her rate's ten thousand pieces \u2014 \n<\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nI<\/font>BN <\/font>S<\/font>AWY<\/font><\/p>\n

\nA Persian! Muazzim sells! ten thousand pieces!<\/p>\n

\n(to himself <\/i>)<\/p>\n

\nWhere grows this tangle? I become afraid.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nWhom buy for me, I swear I’ll be at home<\/p>\n

\nQuite four days out of seven.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nI<\/font>BN <\/font>S<\/font>AWY<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHear me, young villain!<\/p>\n

\nI’m called to the palace, but when I return,<\/p>\n

\nLook to be bastinadoed, look to be curried<\/p>\n

\nIn boiling water. (aside<\/i>) I must blind him well.<\/p>\n

\nTen days I shall be busy with affairs;<\/p>\n

\nThen for your slavegirl. Bid the broker keep her.<\/p>\n

\nOh, I forgot! I swore to pull your curls<\/p>\n

\nFor your offences.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nI must not let you, sir;<\/p>\n

\nThey are no longer my own property.<\/p>\n

\nThere’s not a lock that has not been bespoken<\/p>\n

\nFor a memento.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nI<\/font>BN <\/font>S<\/font>AWY<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWhat! what! Impudent rascal!<\/p>\n

\n(aside<\/i>)<\/p>\n

\nYou handsome laughing rogue! Hear, Ameena,<\/p>\n

\nLet Doonya sleep with Anice every night.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 46<\/p>\n

\n

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

\nNo, come; hear farther.<\/p>\n

\nExit with Ameena.<\/i><\/p>\n

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

\nO Doonya, Doonya, tall, sweet, laughing Doonya!<\/p>\n

\nI am in love, \u2014  drowned, strangled, dead with longing.<\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nFor the world’s Persian? But she’s sold by now.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nI asked Muazzim.<\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nA quite absolute liar.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nO if she is, I’ll leave all other cares<\/p>\n

\nAnd only seek her through an empty world.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nWhat, could one backward glance sweep you so forward?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nWhy, Doonya!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nBrother, I know a thing I know<\/p>\n

\nYou do not know. A sweet bird sang it to me<\/p>\n

\nIn an upper chamber.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nDoonya, you’re full of something,<\/p>\n

\nAnd I must hear it.<\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nWhat will you give me for it?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 47<\/p>\n

\n

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

\nNone of your nighthawk kisses, cousin mine!<\/p>\n

\nBut a mild loving kind fraternal pledge<\/p>\n

\nI’ll not refuse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nYou are the wickedest, dearest girl<\/p>\n

\nIn all the world, the maddest sweetest sister<\/p>\n

\nA sighing lover ever had. Now tell me.<\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nMore, more! I must be flattered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nNo more. Come, mischief,<\/p>\n

\nYou’ll keep me in suspense?<\/p>\n

\n(pulls her ears<\/i>)<\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nEnough, enough!<\/p>\n

\nThe Persian \u2014  listen and perpend, O lover!<\/p>\n

\nLend ear while I unfold my wondrous tale,<\/p>\n

\nA tale long, curled and with a tip, \u2014  Oh Lord!<\/p>\n

\nI’ll clip my tale. The Persian’s bought for you<\/p>\n

\nAnd in the upper chambers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nDoonya, Doonya!<\/p>\n

\nBut those two loving hypocrites, \u2014\n<\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nAll’s meant<\/p>\n

\nTo be surprise.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nSurprise me no surprises.<\/p>\n

\nI am on fire, Doonya, I am on fire.<\/p>\n

\nThe upper chambers?<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 48<\/p>\n

\n

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

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

\nStop, stop! You do not know;<\/p>\n

\nThere is an ogre at her door, a black<\/p>\n

\nWhite-tusked huge-muscled hideous grinning giant,<\/p>\n

\nOf mood uproarious, horrible of limb,<\/p>\n

\nAn Ethiopian fell ycleped Harkoos.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nThe eunuch!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nStop, stop, stop. He has a sword,<\/p>\n

\nA fearful, forceful, formidable blade.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nYour eunuch and his sword! I mount to heaven<\/p>\n

\nAnd who shall stop me?<\/p>\n

\n

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

\n

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

\nStop, stop! yet stop! He’s off<\/p>\n

\nLike bolt from bowstring. Now the game’s afoot<\/p>\n

\nAnd Bassora’s Soldan, Mohamad Alzayni,<\/p>\n

\nMay whistle for his slavegirl. I am Fate,<\/p>\n

\nFor I upset the plans of Viziers and of Kings.<\/p>\n

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

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 49<\/p>\n

\n

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

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

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

\n <\/p>\n

\nIbn Sawy’s house. The upper chambers of the women’s apartments.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nDoonya, sleeping on a couch. Enter Nureddene and Anice.<\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nI told you ’twas the morning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nMorning so early?<\/p>\n

\nThis moment ’twas the evening star; is that<\/p>\n

\nThe matin lustre?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nThere is a star at watch beside the moon<\/p>\n

\nWaiting to see you ere it leave the skies.<\/p>\n

\nIs it your sister Peri?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nIt is our star<\/p>\n

\nAnd guards us both.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nIt is the star of Anice,<\/p>\n

\nThe star of Anice-aljalice who came<\/p>\n

\nFrom Persia guided by its silver beams<\/p>\n

\nInto these arms of vagrant Nureddene<\/p>\n

\nWhich keep her till the end. Sweet, I possess you!<\/p>\n

\nTill now I could not patently believe it.<\/p>\n

\nStrange, strange that I who nothing have deserved,<\/p>\n

\nShould win what all would covet! We are fools<\/p>\n

\nWho reach at baubles taking them for stars.\n<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 50<\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

\nO wiser woman who come straight to Heaven! <\/span> <\/p>\n

\nBut I have wandered by the way and staled<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe freshness of delight with gadding pleasures,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnticipated Love’s perfect fruit with sour<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd random berries void of real savour.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOh fool! had I but known! What can I say<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut once more that I have deserved you not,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho yet must take you, knowing my undesert,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhatever come hereafter?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nThe house is stirring.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nWho is this sleeping here? My cousin Doonya!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nIs morning come? My blessing on you, children.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBe good and kind, dears; love each other, darlings.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nDame Mischief, thanks; thanks, Mother Madcap.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

 <\/p>\n

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

\nTo earth from Paradise.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nWait, wait! You must not<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWalk off the stage before your part is done.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe situation now with open eyes<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd lifted hands and chidings. You’ll be whipped,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnice, and Nureddene packed off to Mecca<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOn penitential legs; I shall be married.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n(opening the door<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 51<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nOh, our fell Ethiopian snoozing here?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSnore, noble ogre, snore louder than nature<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo excuse your gloomy skin from worse than thwacks.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWait for me, Nureddene.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

\nThey will be angry.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nOh, with two smiles I’ll buy an easy pardon.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nWhatever comes, we are each other’s now.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nNothing will come to us but happy days,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou, my surpassing jewel, on my neck<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCloser to me than my own heartbeats.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

\nCloser than kisses, closer than delight,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nClose only as love whom sorrow and delight<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCannot diminish, nor long absence change<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNor daily prodigality of joy<\/span><\/p>\n

\nExpend immortal love.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nYou have the lore.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

Doonya returns.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nI have told Nuzhath to call mother here.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThere will be such a gentle storm.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

Enter Ameena at the door.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 52<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

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

<\/p>\n

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

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

 <\/p>\n

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

\nGmn \u2014  mmn \u2014
\n<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nGrunted almost like nature,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThou excellent giant.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nHarkoos, dost thou sleep?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nSleep! I! I was only pondering a text of Koran with closed eyes,
\nlady. You give us slaves pitiful small time for our devotions; but
\n’twill all be accounted for hereafter.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nAnd canst thou meditate beneath the lash?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor there thou’lt shortly be.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nStick or leather, ’tis all one to Harkoos. I will not be cudgelled
\nout of my straight road to Paradise.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nMy mind misgives me.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n(enters the room<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWas this well done, my child?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nDear, think the chiding given; do not pain<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYour forehead with a frown.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 53<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

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

\nYou, Doonya, too<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWere part of this?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nPart! you shall not abate<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy glory; I am its artificer,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe auxiliary and supplement of Fate.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nQuite shameless in your disobedience, Doonya?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYour father’s anger will embrace us all.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nAnd nothing worse than the embrace which ends<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA chiding and a smile, our fault deserves.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou had a gift for me in your sweet hands<\/span><\/p>\n

\nConcealed behind you; I have but reached round<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd taken it ere you knew.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nFor you, my son?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nShe was not for you, she was for the King.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThis was your worst fault, child; all others venial<\/span><\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

\nFor the King! You told me, Doonya,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat she was bought for me, a kind surprise<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nI did; exact!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nSuch falsehood, Doonya!<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 55<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

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

\nNo falsehood, none. Purchased she was for him,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor he has got her. And surprise! Well, mother,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAre you not quite surprised? And uncle will be<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMost woefully. My cousin and Anice too<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAre both caught napping, \u2014  all except great Doonya.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNo falsehood, mere excess of truth, a bold<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnticipation of the future, mother.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nI did not know of this. Yet blame not Doonya;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor had I known, I would have run with haste<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMore breathless to demand my own from Fate.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nWhat will your father think? I am afraid.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe was most urgent, grave beyond his wont.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAbsent yourself awhile and let me bear<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe first keen breathings of his anger.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nThe King!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd if he were the Caliph of the world,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe should not have my love. Come, fellow-culprit.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

\nHarkoos, go fetch your master here; and stiffen<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe muscles of your back. Negligent servant!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\n‘Tis all one to Harkoos. Stick or leather! leather or stick! ‘Tis
\nthe way of this wicked and weary world.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

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

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

\nYet, Anice, tell me, is’t too late? Alas!<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 55<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nYour cheeks and lowered eyes confess the fault.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI fear your nature and your nurture, child,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAre not so beautiful as is your face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCould you not have forbidden this?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

\nRemember my condition. Can a slave<\/span><\/p>\n

\nForbid or order? We are only trained<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo meek and quick obedience; and what’s virtue<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn freemen is in us a deep offence.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDo you command your passions, not on us<\/span><\/p>\n

\nImpose that service; ’tis not in our part.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nYou have a clever brain and a quick tongue.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd yet this speech was hardly like a slave’s!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI will not blame you.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nI deny not, lady,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy heart consented to this fault.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

\nWho ’twas besieged you, girl, and do not blame<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYour heart for yielding where it had no choice.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

<\/p>\n

Exit Anice. Enter Harkoos and Ibn Sawy.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nI hope, I hope that has not chanced<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhich I have striven to prevent. This slave<\/span><\/p>\n

\nGrins only and mutters gibberish to my questions.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 56<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

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

\nWhy, so! the folly was my own<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd I must bear its heavy consequence.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSir, you shall have your wage for what has happened.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nThe way of the world. Whose peg’s loose? Beat Harkoos. Because my young master would climb through the wrong window
\nand mistake a rope-ladder for the staircase, my back must ache. Was the windowsill my post? Have I wings to stand upon air or
\na Djinn’s eye to see through wood? How bitter is injustice!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nYou shall be thrashed for your poor gift of lying.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nBlame none; it was unalterable fate.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nThat name by which we put our sins on God,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYet shall not so escape. ‘Twas our indulgence<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMoulded the boy and made him fit for sin;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhich now, by our past mildness hampered quite,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWe cannot punish without tyranny.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOffences we have winked at, when they knocked<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAt foreign doors, how shall we look at close<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhen they come striking home?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nWhat will you do?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nThe offence here merits death, but not the offender.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEasy solution if the sin could die<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd leave the sinner living!<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 57<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

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

\nVizier, you are perplexed, to talk like this.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBecause a little’s broken, break not more.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLet Nureddene have Anice-aljalice,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAs Fate intended. Buy another slave<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFairer than she is for great Alzayni’s bed,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nReturn his money to the treasury<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd cover up this fault.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nWith lies?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nWith silence.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nWill God be silent? will my enemies?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe son of Khakan silent? Ameena,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy children have conspired my shame and death.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nFace not the thing so mournfully. Vizier, you want<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA woman’s wit beside you in the Court.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMuene may speak; will you be dumb? Whom then<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWill the King trust? Collect your wits, be bold,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBe subtle; guard yourself, protect your child.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nYou urge me on a road my weaker heart<\/span><\/p>\n

\nChooses, not reason. But consider, dame,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIf we excuse such gross and violent fault<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDone in our house, what hope to save our boy, \u2014
\n<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nOh, not his body, but the soul within?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n‘Twill petrify in vice and grow encrusted<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith evil as with a leprosy.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 58<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

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

\nDo this.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nShow a fierce anger, have a gleaming knife<\/span><\/p>\n

\nClose at his throat, let him be terrified.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThen I’ll come in with tears and seem to save him<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOn pledge of fairer conduct.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nThis has a promise.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nGive me a knife and let me try to frame<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy looks to anger.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nHarkoos, a dagger here!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

Harkoos gives his dagger.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nBut see you come not in too early anxious<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd mar the game.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nGo, call my son,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHarkoos; let him not know that I am here.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

\nPlays oft have serious fruit,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n‘Tis seen; then why not this? ’tis worth the trial.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nProsper or fail, I must do something quickly<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBefore I go upon the Caliph’s work<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo Roum the mighty. But I hear him come.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 59<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

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

\nYou’re sure of it? You shall have gold for this<\/span><\/p>\n

\nKind treason.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nTrust Harkoos; and if he beats me,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhy, sticks are sticks and leather is but leather.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nO rascal, traitor, villain, imp!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

He throws him down on a couch and<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nholds him under his dagger.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI’ll father you. Prepare, prepare your soul,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYour black and crime-encrusted soul for hell.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI’m death and not your father.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nMother, quick!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHelp, mother!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

Ameena comes hurrying in.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe poor dear old man is mad.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nAhh, woman! wherefore do you come so soon?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nHow his eyes roll! Satan, abandon him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTake him off quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nTake me off, you villain?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nTickle him in the ribs, that’s the best way.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 60<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

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

\nTickle me in the ribs! Impudent villain!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI’ll cut your throat.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

\nAMEENA <\/font>(frightened<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHusband, what do you? think,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe is your only son.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nAnd preferable<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI had not him. Better no son than bad ones.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nIs there no help then?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nNone; prepare!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nAll right.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut let me lie a little easier first.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nLie easier! Rogue, your impudence amazes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou shall lie easier soon on coals of hell.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nThis goes no farther.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nThey are in angry talk.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOh, kill me rather!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nWaste not your terrors, sweetheart.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWe are rehearsing an old comedy,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n“The tyrant father and his graceless son”.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 61<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nFoolish old man!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nWhat! what!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nSee now the end<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf all your headstrong moods and wicked rages<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou would indulge yourself in, though I warned you,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAgainst your gallant handsome virtuous son.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd now they have turned your brain! Vicious indulgence,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHow bitter-dusty is thy fruit! Be warned<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd put a rein on anger, curb in wrath,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat enemy of man. Oh, thou art grown<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA sad example to all angry fathers!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nSomeone had told you of this. (to Harkoos<\/i>) Grinning villain!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nOh yes, it is I, of course. Your peg’s loose; beat Harkoos.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nMy peg, you rogue! I’ll loose your peg for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nNo, father, let him be, and hear me out.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI swear it was not out of light contempt<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor your high dignity and valued life<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMore precious to me than my blood, if I<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTransgressed your will in this. I knew not of it,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNor that you meant my Anice for the King.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor me I thought her purchased, so was told,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd still believe religiously that Fate<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBrought her to Bassora only for me.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 62<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

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

\nIt was a fault, my child.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nWhich I cannot repent.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nYou are my son, generous and true and bold,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThough faulty. Take the slave-girl then, but swear<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNever hereafter mistress, slave or wife<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLies in your arms but only she; neither,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nUntil herself desire it, mayst thou sell her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSwear this and keep thy love.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nI swear it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

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

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

\nAnice, in care for thee I have required<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThis oath from him, which he, perhaps, will keep.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDo thou requite it; be to him no less<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThan a dear wife.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nHow noble is the nature<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat prompts you to enforce on great offenders<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTheir dearest wishes!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nGo in, my child; go, Anice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

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

\nLast night of my departure hence to Roum<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo parley with the Greek for great Haroun<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI spoke with you, and my long year of absence, \u2014 <\/span> <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 63<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

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

\nIt is a weary time.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nWherein much evil<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMay chance; and therefore will I leave my children<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAs safe as God permits. Doonya to nuptials.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe son of Khakan wants her for his cub,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut shall not have her. One shall marry her<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho has the heart and hand to guard her well.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nWho, husband?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nMurad, Captain of the City.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe rises daily in Alzayni’s favour.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nHe is a Turk. Our noble Arab branch<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWere ill engrafted on that savage stock.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nA prejudice. There is no stock in Islam<\/span><\/p>\n

\nExcept the Prophet. For our Nureddene,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI will divide my riches in two halves,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLeave one to him and one for you with Murad,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhile you are with your kin or seem to be.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nOh wherefore this?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\n‘Tis likely that the boy,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLeft here in sole command, will waste his wealth<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd come to evil. If he’s sober, well;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIf not, when he is bare as any rock,<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 64<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nAbandoned by his friends, spewed out by all,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIt may be that in this sharp school and beaten<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith savage scourges the wild blood in him<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMay learn sobriety and noble use:<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThen rescue him, assist his better nature.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd we shall see too how the loves endure<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBetwixt him and the Persian; whether she<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDeserves her monarchy in his wild will,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOr, even deserving, keeps it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nBut, dear husband,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nShall I not see my boy for a whole year?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nNo tears! Consider it the punishment<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf our too fond indulgent love, \u2014  happy<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIf that be worst. All will end well, I hope,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd I returning, glad, to Bassora<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEmbrace a son reformed, a happy niece<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNursing her babe, and you, the gentle mother<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLike the sweet kindly earth whose patient love<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEmbraces even our faults and sins. Grant it,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nO Allah, if it be at all Thy will.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

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

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 65<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

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

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

\n

<\/p>\n

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

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nBalkis, do come, my heart.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

\nYour will?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

\nWhen had I any will since you came here,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou rigorous tyrant?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nWas it for abuse<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou called me?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nBring your lute and sing to me.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nI am not in the mood.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nSing, I entreat you.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI am hungry for your voice of pure delight.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nI am no kabob, nor my voice a curry.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 66<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nHungry, forsooth!<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

\nOh, Balkis, Balkis! hear me.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

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

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

\nIt’s useless calling; she is in her moods.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd there’s your Vizier getting down from horse<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn the doorway.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nI will go and bring him up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMymoona, coax her for me, will you, girl?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

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

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

\nIt is as good to meet a mangy dog<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAs this same uncle of ours. He seldom comes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

She conceals herself behind a curtain.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nRe-enter Ajebe with Almuene.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nHe goes tomorrow? Well. And Nureddene<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe scapegrace holds his wealth in hand? Much better.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI always said he was a fool. (to himself
\n<\/i>) Easily<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI might confound him with this flagrant lapse<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAbout the slave-girl. But wait! wait! He gone,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHis memory waned, his riches squandered quite,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI’ll ruin his son, ruin the insolent Turk<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe has preferred to my Fareed. His Doonya<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd Anice slave-girls to my lusty boy,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHis wife \u2014  but she escapes. It is enough.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThey come back to a desolate house. Oh, let<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTheir forlorn wrinkles hug an empty nest<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn life’s cold leafless winter! Meanwhile I set<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 67<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nMy seal on every room in the King’s heart;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe finds no chamber open when he comes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nUncle, you ponder things of weight?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nNo, Ajebe;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTrifles, mere trifles. You’re a friend, I think,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf Ibn Sawy’s son?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nWe drink together.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nRight, right! Would you have place, power, honours, gold,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOr is your narrow soul content with ease?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nWhy, uncle!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nDo you dread death? furious disgrace?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOr beggary that’s worse than either? Do you?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nAll men desire those blessings, fear these ills.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nThey shall be yours in overflowing measure,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nGood, if you serve me, ill, if you refuse.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nWhat service?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nRuin wanton Nureddene.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 68<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nGorge him with riot and excess; rob him<\/span><\/p>\n

\nUnder a friendly guise; force him to spend<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTill he’s a beggar. Most, delude him on<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo prone extremity of drunken shame<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhich he shall feel, yet have no power to check.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDrench all his senses in vile profligacy,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNot mere light gallantries, but gutter filth,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThough you have to share it. Do this and you’re made;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut this undone, you are yourself undone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEight months I give you. No, attend me not.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

\nMymoona! girl, where are you?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nHere, here, behind you.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nA Satan out of hell has come to me.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nA Satan, truly, and he’ld make you one,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDamning you down into the deepest hell of all.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nWhat shall I do?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nNot what he tells you to.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nYet if I do not, I am gone. No man<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn Bassora could bear his heavy wrath.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOn the other side \u2014 <\/span> <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 69<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

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

\nLeave the other side. ‘Tis true,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe dog will keep his word in evil; for good,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n‘Tis brittle, brittle. But you cannot do it;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOur Balkis loves his Anice so completely.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nGirl, girl, my life and goods are on the die.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nDo one thing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nI will do what you shall bid me.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nHe has some vile companions, has he not?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nCafoor and Ayoob and the rest; a gang<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf pleasant roisterers without heart or mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nWhisper the thing to them; yourself do nothing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCheck him at times. Whatever else you do,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTake not his gifts; they are the price of shame.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIf he is ruined, as without their urging<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIs likely, Satan’s satisfied; if not,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWe’ll flee from Bassora when there’s no help.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nYou have a brain. Yet if I must be vile,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA bolder vileness best becomes a man.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nAnd Balkis?<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 70<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

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

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

 <\/p>\n

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

\nBe safe, be safe. The rest<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIs doubtful, but one truth is sadly sure,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat dead men cannot love.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nI’ll think of it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMymoona, leave me; send your sister here.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nThe thing’s too vile! and yet \u2014  honours and place,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd to set Balkis on a kingdom’s crest<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBreaking and making men with her small hands<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe lute’s too large for! But the way is foul.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

\nWhat’s your command?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nBring me your lute and sing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI’m sad and troubled. Cross me not, my girl;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy temper’s wry.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nOh, threats?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nRemember still<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou are a slave, however by my love<\/span><\/p>\n

\nPampered, and sometimes think upon the scourge.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nDo, do! Yes, beat me! Or why beat me only?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nKill me, as you have killed my heart already<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 71<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nWith your harsh words. I knew, I knew what all<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYour love would end in. Oh! oh! oh! (weeps<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nForgive me,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nO sweetest heart. I swear I did not mean it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nBecause in play I sometimes speak a little \u2014
\n<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nO scourge me, kill me!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\n‘Twas a jest, a jest!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTear not my heart with sobs. Look, Balkis, love,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou shall have necklaces worth many thousands,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nPearls, rubies, if you only will not weep.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nI am a slave and only fit for scourging,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNot pearls and rubies. Mymoona! oh, Mymoona!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBring him a scourge and me a cup of poison.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

\nShe plays upon me as upon her lute.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI’m as inert, as helpless, as completely<\/span><\/p>\n

\nRuled by her moods, as dumbly pleasureless<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBy her light hands untouched. How to appease her?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMymoona! oh, Mymoona!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

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

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 72<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/font><\/font><\/font><\/font><\/font><\/font><\/td>\n

\n

 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

  Act II   Bassora.   Scene 1   Ibn Sawy’s house. An upper chamber in the women’s apartments. Doonya, Anice-aljalice.   DOONYA You living…<\/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-1762","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\/1762","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=1762"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1762\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1762"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1762"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1762"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}