{"id":193,"date":"2013-07-13T01:26:30","date_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:26:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/?p=193"},"modified":"2013-07-13T01:26:30","modified_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:26:30","slug":"08-the-viziers-of-bassora-act-2-sc-3-vol-07-collected-plays-part-ii-volume-07","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/01-works-of-sri-aurobindo\/01-sabcl\/07-collected-plays-part-ii-volume-07\/08-the-viziers-of-bassora-act-2-sc-3-vol-07-collected-plays-part-ii-volume-07","title":{"rendered":"-08_The Viziers of Bassora Act-2 Sc-3.htm"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n
\n
\n
\n

\n
\nSCENE III<\/b><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/b><\/span>\n\t<\/div>\n

\n

\n <\/div>\n

\n

\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\nIbn Sawy’s house. The upper chambers of the women’s apartments,
\nDoonya, sleeping on a couch. Enter Nureddene and Anice-Aljalice.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

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

\n\tA<\/font>NICE<\/font>-A<\/font>LJALICE
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nMorning so early?
\nThis moment ’twas the evening star; is that
\nThe matin lustre ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tN<\/font>UREDDENE
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThere is a star at watch beside the moon
\nWaiting to see you ere it leaves the skies.
\nIs it your sister Peri ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tA<\/font>NICE<\/font>-A<\/font>LJALICE
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nIt is our star
\nAnd guards us both.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tN<\/font>UREDDENE
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nIt is the star of Anice,
\nThe star of Anice-Aljalice who came
\nFrom Persia guided by its silver beams
\nInto these arms of vagrant Nureddene
\nWhich keep her till the end. Sweet, I possess you!
\nTill now I could not potently believe it.
\nStrange, strange that I who nothing have deserved,
\nShould win what all would covet! We are fools
\nWho reach at baubles taking them for stars.
\nO wiser woman who come straight to Heaven!
\nBut I have wandered by the way and staled
\nThe freshness of delight with gadding pleasures,
\nAnticipated Love’s perfect fruit with sour
\nAnd random berries void of real savour.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 607<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nOh fool! had I but known! What can I say
\nBut once more that I have deserved you not,
\nWho yet must take you, knowing my undesert,
\nWhatever come hereafter ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tA<\/font>NICE<\/font>-A<\/font>LJALICE
\n\t<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

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

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

\n\tDOONYA (waking)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nIs morning come ? My blessing on you, children.
\nBe good and kind, dears; love each other, darlings.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tN<\/font>UREDDENE<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n\tD<\/font>OONYA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

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

\n\tN<\/font>UREDDENE<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n\tD<\/font>OONYA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWait, wait! You must not
\nWalk off the stage before your part is done.
\nThe situation now with open eyes
\nAnd lifted hands and chidings. You’ll be whipped,
\nAnice, and Nureddene packed off<\/i> to Mecca
\nOn penitential legs: I shall be married.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nOh, our fell Ethiopian snoozing here ?
\nSnore, noble ogre, snore louder than nature
\nTo excuse your gloomy skin from worse than thwacks.
\nWait for me, Nureddene.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nPage \u2013 608<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n\tA<\/font>NICE<\/font>-A<\/font>LJALICE
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

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

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

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

\n\tA<\/font>NICE<\/font>-A<\/font>LJALICE<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n\tN<\/font>UREDDENE
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nNothing will come to us but happy days,
\nYou, my surpassing jewel, on my neck
\nCloser to me than my own heartbeats.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tA<\/font>NICE<\/font>-A<\/font>LJALICE
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nYes,
\nCloser than kisses, closer than delight,
\nClose only as love whom sorrow and delight
\nCannot diminish, nor long absence change
\nNor daily prodigality of joy
\nExpend immortal love.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tN<\/font>UREDDENE
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nYou have the love.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nDoonya returns.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tD<\/font>OONYA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI have told Nuzhath to call mother here.
\nThere will be such a gentle storm.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nEnter Ameena at the door.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tA<\/font>MEENA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

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

\nSleeping!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tH<\/font>ARKOOS
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nGmm \u2014 Mmm<\/font>
\n<\/font> <\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 609<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nGrunted almost like nature,
\nThou excellent giant.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tA<\/font>MEENA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

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

\n\tH<\/font>ARKOOS
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/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;<\/font>
\n<\/font>but ’twill all be accounted for hereafter.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tA<\/font>MEENA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd canst thou meditate beneath the lash?
\nFor there thou’lt shortly be.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tH<\/font>ARKOOS
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

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

\n\tA<\/font>MEENA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

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

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

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

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

\nDear, think the chiding given; do not pain
\nYour forehead with a frown.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tA<\/font>MEENA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nYou, Doonya, too
\nWere part of this ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tD<\/font>OONYA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nPart! you shall not abate
\nMy glory; I am its artificer,
\nThe auxiliary and supplement of Fate.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 610<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n\tA<\/font>MEENA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nQuite shameless in your disobedience, Doonya ?
\nYour father’s anger will embrace us all.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nAnd nothing worse than the embrace which ends
\nA chiding and a smile, our fault deserves.
\nYou had a gift for me in your sweet hands
\nConcealed behind you; I have but reached round
\nAnd taken it ere you knew.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tA<\/font>MEENA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nFor you, my son ?
\nShe was not for you, she was for the King.
\nThis was your worst fault, child; all others venial
\nBeside it.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tN<\/font>UREDDENE
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nFor the King! You told me, Doonya,
\nThat she was bought for me, a kind surprise
\nIntended?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tD<\/font>OONYA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI did, exact!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tA<\/font>MEENA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

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

\n\tD<\/font>OONYA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nNo falsehood, none. Purchased she was for him,
\nFor he has got her. And surprise! Well, mother,
\nAre you not quite surprised ? And uncle will be
\nMost woefully. My cousin and Anice too
\nAre both caught napping, \u2014 all except great Doonya.
\nNo falsehood, mere excess of truth, a bold
\nAnticipation of the future, mother.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 611<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

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

\nFor had I known, I would have run with haste
\nMore breathless to demand my own from Fate.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tA<\/font>MEENA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWhat will your father think? I am afraid.
\nHe was most urgent; grave beyond his wont.
\nAbsent yourself awhile and let me bear
\nThe first keen breathing of his anger.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tN<\/font>UREDDENE
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe King!
\nAnd if he were the Caliph of the world,
\nHe should not have my love. Come, fellow-culprit.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n\tA<\/font>MEENA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nHarkoos, go fetch your master here; and stiffen
\nThe muscles of your back. Negligent servant!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tH<\/font>ARKOOS
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

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

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

\n\tA<\/font>MEENA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nYet, Anice, tell me, is’t too late? Alas!
\nYour cheeks and lowered eyes confess the fault.
\nI fear your nature and your nurture, child,
\nAre not so beautiful as is your face.
\nCould you not have forbidden this ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tA<\/font>NICE<\/font>-A<\/font>LJALICE
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nLady,
\nRemember my condition. Can a slave
\nForbid or order ? We are only trained<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 612<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

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

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

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

\n\tA<\/font>MEENA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nYou have a clever brain and a quick tongue.
\nAnd yet this speech was hardly like a slave’s!
\nI will not blame you.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tA<\/font>NICE<\/font>-A<\/font>LJALICE
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI deny not, lady,
\nMy heart consented to this fault.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tA<\/font>MEENA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI know
\nWho ’twas besieged you, girl, and do not blame
\nYour heart for yielding where it had no choice.
\nGo in.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nExit Anice. Enter Harkoos and Ibn Sawy.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tI<\/font>BN
\n\t<\/font>S<\/font>AWY
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI hope, I hope that has not chanced
\nWhich I have striven to prevent. This slave
\nGrins only and mutters gibberish to my questions.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tA<\/font>MEENA<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n\tI<\/font>BN
\n\t<\/font>S<\/font>AWY
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWhy so! the folly was my own
\nAnd I must bear its heavy consequence.
\nSir, you shall have your wage for what has happened.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tH<\/font>ARKOOS
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe way of the world. Whose peg’s loose? Beat Harkoos.
\nBecause my young master would climb through the wrong window <\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 613<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nand mistake a rope-ladder for the staircase, my back must
\nache. Was the window-sill my post ? Have I wings to stand upon
\nair or a Djinn’s eye to see through wood? How bitter is injustice!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tI<\/font>BN
\n\t<\/font>S<\/font>AWY
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

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

\n\tA<\/font>MEENA<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n\tI<\/font>BN
\n\t<\/font>S<\/font>AWY
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThat name by which we put our sins on God,
\nYet shall not so escape. ‘Twas our indulgence
\nMoulded the boy and made him fit for sin;<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWhich now, by our past mildness hampered quite,
\nWe cannot punish without tyranny.
\nOffences we have winked at, when they knocked
\nAt foreign doors, how shall we look at close
\nWhen they come striking home ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tA<\/font>MEENA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

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

\n\tI<\/font>BN
\n\t<\/font>S<\/font>AWY
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe offence here merits death, but not the offender.
\nEasy solution if the sin could die
\nAnd leave the sinner living!<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tA<\/font>MEENA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nVizier, you are perplexed, to talk like this
\nBecause a little’s broken, break not more.
\nLet Nureddene have Anice-Aljalice,
\nAs Fate intended. Buy another slave
\nFairer than she is for great Alzayni’s bed,
\nReturn his money to the treasury
\nAnd cover up this fault.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 614<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n\tI<\/font>BN
\n\t<\/font>S<\/font>AWY
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

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

\n\tA<\/font>MEENA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

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

\n\tI<\/font>BN
\n\t<\/font>S<\/font>AWY
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWill God be silent ? Will my enemies ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

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

\n\tA<\/font>MEENA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nFace not the thing so mournfully. Vizier, you want
\nA woman’s wit beside you in the Court.
\nMuene may speak; will you be dumb ? Whom then
\nWill the King trust ? Collect your wits, be bold,
\nBe subtle; guard yourself, protect your child.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tI<\/font>BN
\n\t<\/font>S<\/font>AWY
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

\n\tA<\/font>MEENA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nDo this.
\nShow a fierce anger, have a gleaming knife
\nClose at his throat, let him be terrified.
\nThen I’ll come in with tears and seem to save him
\nOn pledge of fairer conduct.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tI<\/font>BN
\n\t<\/font>S<\/font>AWY
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThis has a promise.
\nGive me a knife and let me try to frame<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 615<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\n\tA<\/font>MEENA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

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

\nHarkoos gives his dagger.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tI<\/font>BN
\n\t<\/font>S<\/font>AWY
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nBut see, you come not in too early anxious
\nAnd mar the game.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tA<\/font>MEENA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

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

\n\tI<\/font>BN
\n\t<\/font>S<\/font>AWY
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nGo, call my son,
\nHarkoos; let him not know that I am here.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

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

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

\nPlays oft have serious fruit,
\n‘Tis seen; then why not this ? ’tis worth the trial.
\nProsper or fail, I must do something quickly
\nBefore I go upon the Caliph’s work
\nTo Roum the mighty. But I hear him come.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

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

\nYou’re sure of it? You shall have gold for this
\nKind treason.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tH<\/font>ARKOOS
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nTrust Harkoos; and if he beats me,
\nWhy, sticks are sticks and leather is but leather.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tN<\/font>UREDDENE<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nPage \u2013 616<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n\tI<\/font>BN
\n\t<\/font>S<\/font>AWY
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

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

\nHe throws him down on a couch and<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI’ll father you. Prepare, prepare your soul,
\nYour black and crime-encrusted soul for hell.
\nI’m death and not your father.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

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

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

\nAmeena comes hurrying in.<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n\tI<\/font>BN
\n\t<\/font>S<\/font>AWY<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAh, woman! Wherefore do you come so soon ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tN<\/font>UREDDENE
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nHow his eyes roll! Satan, abandon him.
\nTake him off quickly.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tI<\/font>BN
\n\t<\/font>S<\/font>AWY
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

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

\n\tN<\/font>UREDDENE<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n\tI<\/font>BN
\n\t<\/font>S<\/font>AWY
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nTickle me in the ribs! Impudent villain!
\nI’ll cut your throat.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tA<\/font>MEENA
\n\t<\/font>(frightened)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nHusband, what do you ? think,
\nHe is your only son.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tI<\/font>BN
\n\t<\/font>S<\/font>AWY
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

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

\nPage \u2013 617<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

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

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

\n\tI<\/font>BN
\n\t<\/font>S<\/font>AWY
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

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

\n\tN<\/font>UREDDENE
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

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

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

\n\tI<\/font>BN
\n\t<\/font>S<\/font>AWY
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nLie easier! Rogue, your impudence amazes.
\nYou shall lie easier soon on coals of hell.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tA<\/font>MEENA<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n\tA<\/font>NICE<\/font>-A<\/font>LJALICE
\n\t<\/font>(looking in<\/i> )<\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThey are in angry talk.
\nOh, kill me rather!<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tN<\/font>UREDDENE
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWaste not your terrors, sweet heart.
\nWe are rehearsing an old comedy,
\n"The tyrant father and his graceless son".
\nFoolish old man!<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tI<\/font>BN
\n\t<\/font>S<\/font>AWY
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWhat! What!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tN<\/font>UREDDENE
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nSee now the end
\nOf all your headstrong moods and wicked rages
\nYou would indulge yourself in, though I warned you,
\nAgainst your gallant handsome virtuous son.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 618<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nAnd now they have turned your brain! Vicious indulgence,
\nHow bitter-dusty is thy fruit! Be warned
\nAnd put a rein on anger, curb in wrath,
\nThat enemy of man. Oh, thou art grown
\nA sad example to all angry fathers!<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tI<\/font>BN
\n\t<\/font>S<\/font>AWY<\/font><\/p>\n

\nSomeone had told you of this. (To Harkoos)<\/i> Grinning villain!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tH<\/font>ARKOOS
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nOh yes, it is I, of course. Your peg’s loose; beat Harkoos.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tI<\/font>BN
\n\t<\/font>S<\/font>AWY<\/font><\/p>\n

\nMy peg, you rogue! I’ll loose your peg for you.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nNo, father, let him be, and hear me out.
\nI swear it was not out of light contempt
\nFor your high dignity and valued life
\nMore precious to me than my blood, if I
\nTransgressed your will in this. I knew not of it,
\nNor that you meant my Anice for the King.
\nFor me I thought her purchased, so was told,
\nAnd still believe religiously that Fate
\nBrought her to Bassora only for me.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tI<\/font>BN
\n\t<\/font>S<\/font>AWY<\/font><\/p>\n

\nIt was a fault, my child.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tN<\/font>UREDDENE
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWhich I cannot repent.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tI<\/font>BN
\n\t<\/font>S<\/font>AWY
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nYou are my son, generous and true and bold
\nThough faulty. Take the slave-girl then, but swear
\nNever hereafter mistress, slave or wife
\nLies in your arms but only she; neither,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 619<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nUntil herself desire it, mayst thou sell her.
\nSwear this and keep thy love.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI swear it.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tI<\/font>BN
\n\t<\/font>S<\/font>AWY
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nLeave us.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nAnice, in care for thee I have required
\nThis oath from him, which he, perhaps will keep.
\nDo thou requite it; be to him no less
\nThan a dear wife.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tA<\/font>NICE<\/font>-A<\/font>LJALICE <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nHow noble is the nature
\nThat prompts you to enforce on great offenders
\nTheir dearest wishes!<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tI<\/font>BN
\n\t<\/font>S<\/font>AWY
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nGo in, my child, go, Anice.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nLast night of my departure hence to Roum
\nTo parley with the Greek for great Haroon,
\nI spoke with you, and my long year of absence, \u2014<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tA<\/font>MEENA<\/font><\/p>\n

\nIt is a weary time.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tI<\/font>BN
\n\t<\/font>S<\/font>AWY
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWherein much evil
\nMay chance; and therefore will I leave my children
\nAs safe as God permits. Doonya to nuptials.
\nThe son of Khakan wants her for his cub,
\nBut shall not have her. One shall marry her
\nWho has the heart and hand to guard her well.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 620<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n\tA<\/font>MEENA<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWho, husband?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tI<\/font>BN
\n\t<\/font>S<\/font>AWY
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nMurad, Captain of the City.
\nHe rises daily in Alzayni’s favour.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tA<\/font>MEENA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe is a Turk. Our noble Arab branch
\nWere ill-engrafted on that savage stock.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tI<\/font>BN
\n\t<\/font>S<\/font>AWY
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nA prejudice. There is no stock in Islam
\nExcept the Prophet. For our Nureddene,
\nI will divide my riches in two halves,
\nLeave one to him and one for you with Murad,
\nWhile you are with your kin or seem to be.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tA<\/font>MEENA<\/font><\/p>\n

\nOh wherefore this ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tI<\/font>BN
\n\t<\/font>S<\/font>AWY
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nTis likely that the boy,
\nLeft here in sole command, will waste his wealth
\nAnd come to evil. If he’s sober, well;<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nIf not, when he is bare as any rock,
\nAbandoned by his friends, spewed out by all,
\nIt may be that in this sharp school and beaten
\nWith savage scourges the wild blood in him
\nMay learn sobriety and noble use:<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nThen rescue him, assist his better nature.
\nAnd we shall see too how the loves endure
\nBetwixt him and the Persian; whether she
\nDeserves her monarchy in his wild will,
\nOr, even deserving, keeps it.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 621<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n\tA<\/font>MEENA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nBut, dear husband,
\nShall I not see my boy for a whole year ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tI<\/font>BN
\n\t<\/font>S<\/font>AWY
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nNo tears! Consider it the punishment
\nOf our too fond indulgent love, \u2014 happy
\nIf that be worst. All will end well, I hope,
\nAnd I returning, glad, to Bassora
\nEmbrace a son reformed, a happy niece
\nNursing her babe, and you, the gentle mother,
\nLike the sweet kindly earth whose patient love
\nEmbraces even our faults and sins. Grant it,
\nO Allah, if it be at all Thy will.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nPage \u2013 622<\/font><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

SCENE III     Ibn Sawy’s house. The upper chambers of the women’s apartments, Doonya, sleeping on a couch. Enter Nureddene and Anice-Aljalice. NUREDDENE I…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-193","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-07-collected-plays-part-ii-volume-07","wpcat-6-id"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/193","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=193"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/193\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=193"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=193"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=193"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}