Initial commit of ebook 78198 filesHEAD main

author: www-data <www-data@mail.pglaf.org> 2026-03-12 19:46:15 -0700
committer: www-data <www-data@mail.pglaf.org> 2026-03-12 19:46:15 -0700
commit: 28b01811d3909d78787bd129755431c18b7314f1 (patch)
tree: a86796a04cf28731f8f7019451feb1eea517934e /78198-h
2 files changed, 7367 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/78198-h/78198-h.htm b/78198-h/78198-h.htm
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8123fd0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/78198-h/78198-h.htm
@@ -0,0 +1,7367 @@
+<!DOCTYPE html>
+<html lang="en">
+<head>
+    <meta charset="UTF-8">
+    <title>
+      Kismet | Project Gutenberg
+    </title>
+    <link rel="icon" href="images/cover.jpg" type="image/x-cover">
+    <style>
+
+a {
+    text-decoration: none;
+}
+
+body {
+    margin-left: 10%;
+    margin-right: 10%;
+}
+
+h1,h2,h3 {
+    text-align: center;
+    clear: both;
+}
+
+h2.nobreak {
+    page-break-before: avoid;
+}
+
+hr.chap {
+    margin-top: 2em;
+    margin-bottom: 2em;
+    clear: both;
+    width: 65%;
+    margin-left: 17.5%;
+    margin-right: 17.5%;
+}
+
+div.chapter {
+    page-break-before: always;
+}
+
+p {
+    margin-top: 0.5em;
+    text-align: justify;
+    margin-bottom: 0.5em;
+    text-indent: 1em;
+}
+
+table {
+    margin: 1em auto 1em auto;
+    max-width: 30em;
+    border-collapse: collapse;
+}
+
+th {
+    padding: 0.75em 0.25em 0.25em 0.25em;
+    font-weight: normal;
+}
+
+td {
+    padding-left: 2.25em;
+    padding-right: 0.25em;
+    vertical-align: top;
+    text-indent: -2em;
+    text-align: justify;
+}
+
+.tdr {
+    text-align: right;
+}
+
+.center {
+    text-align: center;
+    text-indent: 0;
+}
+
+.direction {
+    margin: 0.75em auto 0.75em 4em;
+}
+
+.direction p {
+    padding-left: 2em;
+    text-indent: -2em;
+}
+
+.larger {
+    font-size: 150%;
+}
+
+.mid {
+    font-size: 125%;
+}
+
+.nw {
+    white-space: nowrap;
+}
+
+.pagenum {
+    position: absolute;
+    right: 4%;
+    font-size: smaller;
+    text-align: right;
+    font-style: normal;
+}
+
+.poetry-container {
+    text-align: center;
+}
+
+.poetry {
+    display: inline-block;
+    text-align: left;
+}
+
+.poetry .stanza {
+    margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;
+}
+
+.poetry .verse {
+    padding-left: 3em;
+}
+
+.poetry .indent0 {
+    text-indent: -3em;
+}
+
+.poetry .indent6 {
+    text-indent: 0em;
+}
+
+.scene {
+    margin: auto 4em 1.5em 4em;
+}
+
+.scene p {
+    padding-left: 2em;
+    text-indent: -2em;
+}
+
+.smaller {
+    font-size: 80%;
+}
+
+.smcap {
+    font-variant: small-caps;
+    font-style: normal;
+}
+
+.allsmcap {
+    font-variant: small-caps;
+    font-style: normal;
+    text-transform: lowercase;
+}
+
+.speaker {
+    padding-left: 2em;
+    text-indent: -2em;
+}
+
+.speech {
+    padding-left: 2em;
+    text-indent: 0;
+}
+
+.titlepage {
+    text-align: center;
+    margin-top: 3em;
+    text-indent: 0;
+}
+
+.valign {
+    vertical-align: middle;
+}
+
+.x-ebookmaker img {
+    max-width: 100%;
+    width: auto;
+    height: auto;
+}
+
+.x-ebookmaker .poetry {
+    display: block;
+    margin-left: 1.5em;
+}
+
+    </style>
+  </head>
+<body>
+<div style='text-align:center'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 78198 ***</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_1">[1]</span></p>
+
+<p class="center larger">KISMET</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_2">[2]</span></p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_3">[3]</span></p>
+
+<p class="titlepage larger">KISMET</p>
+
+<p class="center">AN “ARABIAN NIGHT”<br>
+IN THREE ACTS</p>
+
+<p class="titlepage"><span class="smaller">BY</span><br>
+EDWARD KNOBLAUCH</p>
+
+<p class="titlepage">METHUEN &amp; CO. LTD.<br>
+36 ESSEX STREET W.C.<br>
+LONDON</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_4">[4]</span></p>
+
+<p class="titlepage smaller"><i>First Published in 1912</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_5">[5]</span></p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<p class="center">TO THE MEMORY OF<br>
+<br>
+<span class="mid">RICHARD BURTON</span><br>
+<br>
+<span class="allsmcap">ONE OF THE GREATEST OF ENGLISHMEN AND ONE<br>
+OF THE LEAST UNDERSTOOD; WITHOUT<br>
+WHOM THIS PLAY NEVER COULD<br>
+HAVE BEEN WRITTEN</span></p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_6">[6]</span></p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHARACTERS">CHARACTERS</h2>
+
+<p class="center">(<i>In order of their appearance</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<table>
+  <tr>
+    <th colspan="2">MEN</th>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Hajj</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Muezzin</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Imam Mahmud</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">A Mufti</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Guide Nasir</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Sheikh Jawan</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Beggar Kasim</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">Amru</span>,</td>
+    <td rowspan="2" class="valign nw">} Shopkeepers</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">Zayd</span>,</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Amru’s Apprentice</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Zayd’s Apprentice</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Caliph Abdallah</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Wazir Abu Bakr</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Wazir Mansur</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Kafur</span>, Mansur’s sworder</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Afife</span>, his secretary</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Captain of the Watch</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">An Attendant of Mansur</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">A Chamberlain of the Caliph</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">A Herald of the Caliph</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">A Blind Man</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">A Chinaman</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Gaoler Kutayt</span><span class="pagenum" id="Page_7">[7]</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <th colspan="2">WOMEN</th>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Marsinah</span>, Hajj’s daughter</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Narjis</span>, her nurse</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Kabirah</span>, an old woman</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Miskah</span>, a slave</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-Kulub</span>, Mansur’s first wife.</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <th colspan="2"></th>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Guards</span>, <span class="smcap">Wazirs</span>,
+    <span class="smcap">Dignitaries</span>, <span class="smcap">Courtiers</span>,
+    <span class="smcap">Soldiers</span>, <span class="smcap">Eunuchs</span>,
+    <span class="smcap">Shopkeepers</span>, <span class="smcap">Buyers</span>,
+    <span class="smcap">etc.</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Women of the Harim</span>,
+    <span class="smcap">Dancers</span>, <span class="smcap">Slaves</span>,
+    <span class="smcap">etc.</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <th colspan="2">BEFORE THE CURTAIN</th>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Man</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Woman</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Story Teller</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Juggler</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Dancer</span></td>
+  </tr>
+</table>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_8">[8]</span></p>
+
+<table>
+  <tr>
+    <th colspan="3">ACT I<br>MORNING</th>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">Scene</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">I.</td>
+    <td>A Street before the Mosque of the Carpenters.</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td></td>
+    <td class="tdr">II.</td>
+    <td>The Suk (Bazaar Street) of the Tailors.</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td></td>
+    <td class="tdr">III.</td>
+    <td>The Courtyard of a poor House.</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td></td>
+    <td class="tdr">IV.</td>
+    <td>A Hall in the Wazir Mansur’s Mansion.</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <th colspan="3">ACT II<br>AFTERNOON</th>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">Scene</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">I.</td>
+    <td>A Hall in the Wazir Mansur’s Mansion.
+    (<i>Same as Act I., Scene IV.</i>)</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td></td>
+    <td class="tdr">II.</td>
+    <td>The Courtyard of a poor House.
+    (<i>Same as Act I., Scene III.</i>)</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td></td>
+    <td class="tdr">III.</td>
+    <td>The Diwan (Audience Hall) of the Caliph’s Palace.</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td></td>
+    <td class="tdr">IV.</td>
+    <td>The Prison of the Palace.</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <th colspan="3">ACT III<br>EVENING</th>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">Scene</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">I.</td>
+    <td>The Hammam of Mansur’s Harim.</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td></td>
+    <td class="tdr">II.</td>
+    <td>A Street before the Mosque of the Carpenters.
+    (<i>Same as Act I., Scene I.</i>)</td>
+  </tr>
+</table>
+
+<p class="center"><i>The scene is laid in the Baghdad of the “Arabian Nights.”</i></p>
+
+<p class="center"><i>The action takes place from morning to night.</i></p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_9">[9]</span></p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="GARRICK_CAST">CAST OF THE PLAY<br>
+<span class="smcap smaller">as produced at the Garrick Theatre, London,
+19th April, 1911</span></h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<table>
+  <tr>
+    <th colspan="2">MEN</th>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">Hajj</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Oscar Asche</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">The Muezzin</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Alfred Bristowe</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">The Imam Mahmud</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Charles A. Doran</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">A Mufti</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Arthur Trantom</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">The Guide Nasir</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">R. Ian Penny</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">The Sheikh Jawan</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Caleb Porter</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">The Beggar Kasim</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Tripp Edgar</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">Amru</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Athol Forde</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">Zayd</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">R. F. Anson</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">The Caliph Abdallah</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Ben Webster</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">The Wazir Abu Bakr</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Ewan Brooke</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">The Wazir Mansur</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Herbert Grimwood</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">Kafur</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">George Relph</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">Afife</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">A. Winspeare</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">Captain of the Watch</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">D. Atherton</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">An Attendant of Mansur</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">H. Franklin</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">A Blind Man</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">E. Adeney</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">A Chinaman</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Gordon Harker</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">A Chamberlain of the Caliph</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">G. Fitzgerald</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">The Gaoler Kutayt</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">J. Fritz Russell</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <th colspan="2">WOMEN</th>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">Marsinah</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Lily Brayton</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">Narjis</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Bessie Major</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">Kabirah</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">D. England</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">The Almah</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Nancy Denvers</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">Miskah</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Muriel Hutchinson</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">Kut-al-Kulub</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Saba Raleigh</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <th colspan="2">BEFORE THE CURTAIN</th>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">The Man</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Ernest Leeman</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">The Woman</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Dorothy Moulton</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">The Story Teller</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Ewan Brooke</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">The Juggler</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">E. Selton</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">The Dancer</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Nancy Denvers</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <th colspan="2"></th>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td colspan="2">The Play produced by <span class="smcap">Oscar Asche</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td colspan="2">The Music composed by <span class="smcap">Christopher Wilson</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td colspan="2">The Costumes designed by <span class="smcap">Percy Anderson</span></td>
+  </tr>
+</table>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_10">[10]</span></p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="KNICKERBOCKER_CAST">CAST OF THE PLAY<br>
+<span class="smcap smaller">as produced at the Knickerbocker Theatre,
+New York, 25th December, 1911</span></h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<table>
+  <tr>
+    <th colspan="2">MEN</th>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">Hajj</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Otis Skinner</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">The Muezzin</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">T. Tamamoto</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">The Imam Mahmud</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Del de Louis</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">A Mufti</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">John Webster</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">The Guide Nasir</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Sydney Mather</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">The Sheikh Jawan</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Sheridan Block</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">The Beggar Kasim</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Macey Harlan</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">Amru</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Daniel Jarrett</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">Zayd</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Harrison Carter</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">Amru’s Apprentice</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Gregory Kelly</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">The Caliph Abdallah</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Fred Eric</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">The Wazir Abu Bakr</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Henry Mitchell</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">The Wazir Mansur</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Hamilton Revelle</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">Kafur</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">George Relph</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">Afife</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Bennett Kilpack</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">Captain of the Watch</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Richard Scott</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">An Attendant of Mansur</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">William Lorenz</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">A Chamberlain of the Caliph</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Thomas Audley</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">The Gaoler Kutayt</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Martin Sanders</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <th colspan="2">WOMEN</th>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">Marsinah</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Rita Jolivet</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">Narjis</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Georgia Woodthorpe</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">Kabirah</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Amelia Barleon</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">The Almah</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Violet Romer</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">Miskah</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Merle Maddern</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">Kut-al-Kulub</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Eleanor Gordon</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <th colspan="2">BEFORE THE CURTAIN</th>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">The Man</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Ernest Leeman</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">The Woman</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Roma Devonne</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">The Story Teller</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Mervyn Rentoul</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">The Juggler</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Youna</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><span class="smcap">The Dancer</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Violet Romer</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <th colspan="2"></th>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td colspan="2">The Play produced by <span class="smcap">Harrison Grey Fiske</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td colspan="2">The Music composed by <span class="smcap">William Furst</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td colspan="2">The Costumes designed by <span class="smcap">Percy Anderson</span></td>
+  </tr>
+</table>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_11">[11]</span></p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="NOTES">NOTES</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<p>The exclamation “Yehh!” which occurs in the play, is an
+Arab cry of surprise; the exclamation “Awah!” or “Wah!”
+a cry of grief, synonymous with “Alas!” In both cases the
+final “h” is pronounced gutturally, something like the “ch”
+in the German “Ach!” or Scotch “Och!”</p>
+
+<p>The rhymed prose which occurs in moments of emotion is a
+peculiarity of Arab speech and literature. There are endless
+examples of it in Burton’s “Arabian Nights.”</p>
+
+<p>In addressing a person, “O” is always used as “O Hajj.”
+If “O” is left out it is the sign of deliberate insult. This
+“O” is not emphasised except when expedient.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_12">[12]</span></p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_13">[13]</span></p>
+
+<h1>KISMET</h1>
+
+</div>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="BEFORE_THE_CURTAIN_I">ACT I<br>
+BEFORE THE CURTAIN<br>
+DAWN</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="scene">
+
+<p>A large arch of Arabian design, with small doors right
+and left, frames in the whole picture.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="center"><i>The <span class="smcap">Man</span> enters from the door of his house left,
+seats himself and sings</i>:</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+  <div class="poetry">
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <div class="verse indent0">Lo! Still the stars of latter night are spread!</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">Yet hath sleep stolen from my lonely bed.</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">So will I sit me on my rooftop’s height,</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">To cool my sadness till the dawning red.</div>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<p class="center"><i>The <span class="smcap">Woman</span> enters from her house right, seats
+herself and sings</i>:</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+  <div class="poetry">
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <div class="verse indent0">Yehh! Still the moon hangs on the lips of night</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">To mock my solitude with love-delight.</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">O heavy hour of a longing breast,</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">Thy weight will crush me ere the break of light!</div>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<p class="center"><i>The <span class="smcap">Man</span></i>:</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+  <div class="poetry">
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <div class="verse indent0">Wah! That some song might soothe my soul oppress’d,</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">Some ancient melody of days more bless’d.</div>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<p class="center"><i>The <span class="smcap">Woman</span></i>:</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+  <div class="poetry">
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <div class="verse indent0">Awah, that some strange tale of long ago</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">Might by its magic bring my bosom rest!</div>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_14">[14]</span></p>
+
+<p class="center"><i><span class="smcap">Both</span></i>:</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+  <div class="poetry">
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <div class="verse indent0">O Thou, Bestower of all things, bestow</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">This benediction on Thy servant low!</div>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<p class="center"><i>The <span class="smcap">Story Teller</span> enters through the curtains
+and speaks</i>:</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Story Teller.</span> Praise be to Allah, the King of all
+Kings, the Creator of all things! Who like to a
+carpet hath spread, the Earth to our tread. And
+even as a tent, set up the firmament, overhead.
+And on Mohammed, his Prophet among men, the
+blessing of blessings again and again, Amen. (<i>He
+sits.</i>) But afterwards. Verily the works and words
+of those gone before us have become examples
+and admonitions to the men of our later day. And
+of such a kind is the story of Hajj, the beggar,
+who lived his life in this our peaceful city of Baghdad,
+one thousand years and one year ago. Now
+it is the tale of his day of the days that I will relate
+unto you, O auspicious listeners. Do ye take heed
+therein of the lesson taught by Fate, which the
+poets call Kismet. And mark well the chances
+and changes of time foredoomed to mortal man:
+lifting him now high, now sinking him low, even
+as the bucket in the well. (<i>He rises.</i>) But Allah
+alone is all knowing.</p>
+
+<p class="center"><i>He withdraws.</i></p>
+
+<p class="center"><i>The <span class="smcap">Man</span> and <span class="smcap">Woman</span> rise and sing</i>:</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+  <div class="poetry">
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <div class="verse indent0">I hearken with my heart upon the ground,</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">Nor from my breathless lips shall rise a sound:—</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">Awake, O day of days, and run thy round!</div>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<p class="center"><i>Then they turn and re-enter their respective
+houses. They have not seen each other.</i></p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_15">[15]</span></p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="ACT_I">ACT I<br>
+MORNING</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Scene I.</span> <i>A Street before the Mosque of the
+Carpenters.</i></h3>
+
+<div class="scene">
+
+<p>(<i>Right and left from the point of view of the actor.</i>)</p>
+
+<p><i>In the centre, steps lead up to the Mosque, which is on
+the right. Only the lower part of the minaret is
+visible. A large stone to the left of the steps forms
+a rough seat.</i></p>
+
+<p><i>It is just before dawn, which rises rapidly, so that it is
+daylight by the end of the scene.</i></p>
+
+<p><i>Asleep, on the stone, wrapped in his beggar’s cloak of a
+hundred rags and patches, sits <span class="smcap">Hajj</span>, reclining
+against the angle of the wall. He is a man of
+about fifty, still in the full vigour of his manhood.
+His beard is thin and unkempt; but his face is
+keen, shrewd and full of humour. At a glance he
+shows himself to be a man of the people, who lives
+by his wits, untroubled by what the morrow may
+bring him. At present he is sleeping the sleep of the
+just to the tune of a hearty snore.</i></p>
+
+<p><i>After a few moments of peace, steps are heard in the
+alley left, and the <span class="smcap">Muezzin</span>, an old man of seventy,
+appears with a lanthorn and a large key. He
+goes to the door of the Mosque and unlocks it.</i></p>
+
+<p><i>Cocks begin to crow far and near.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_16">[16]</span></p>
+
+<p><i>The “brush” of the dawn appears in the sky.</i></p>
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Hajj</span>, disturbed by the clatter, turns and yawns
+prodigiously—stretching himself.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> In the name of Allah,—Day?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">The Muezzin.</span> (<i>Coming towards him.</i>) Peace be
+on thee, O Hajj.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> And on thee, peace and blessing, O my friend.
+(<i>The <span class="smcap">Muezzin</span> enters the Mosque.</i>)</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Imam Mahmud</span>, a venerable white bearded sage,
+appears. <span class="smcap">Hajj</span> stifles a yawn, sits up, and
+assumes his beggar’s attitude—the right hand
+out, the head dejectedly on one side.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>As the <span class="smcap">Imam</span> comes to him in a whining sing-song.</i>)
+Alms, for the love of Allah! For the love
+of Allah, alms!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mahmud.</span> (<i>Handing <span class="smcap">Hajj</span> a small round loaf.</i>)
+Take! The Giver giveth thee this. (<i>He crosses in
+front of <span class="smcap">Hajj</span> and goes up the steps.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Taking the bread.</i>) Verily, thy good deeds
+shall witness for thee on the day of judgment, O
+Mahmud.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mahmud.</span> (<i>Stopping.</i>) The peace upon thee and a
+full harvest of tears and pity for thy poverty.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Nay, sooner pray it be a full hand of silver
+and gold.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mahmud.</span> That shall be even as Allah foredooms.
+Naught befalls us but what His pen hath written.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Praise be to Allah, the One, the Omnipotent.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mahmud.</span> And to Mohammed his Prophet, whom
+Allah bless and preserve. (<i>He goes into the Mosque.</i>)</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Hajj</span> looks after him, grunts, and then turns
+and fumbles behind the stone, pulling out a
+chipped, earthen jug of water. He then
+mumbles “In the name of Allah,” drinks
+from the jug and munches his bread, smacking
+his lips loudly.</i>)</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_17">[17]</span></p>
+
+<p>(<i>Meanwhile, from the minaret the voice of the
+<span class="smcap">Muezzin</span> is heard calling to prayer, and other
+distant calls to prayer may be heard from
+various quarters.</i>)</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+  <div class="poetry">
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <div class="verse indent0">Allah is Almighty, Allah is Almighty!</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">There is no God but Allah! There is no God but Allah!</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">Come ye to prayer! Come ye to salvation!</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">Prayer is better than sleep! Prayer is better than sleep!</div>
+      <div class="verse indent6">No God is there but Allah!</div>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<p>(<i>Steps resound in the streets. <span class="smcap">Hajj</span> quickly
+conceals his bread and jug behind the stone.
+Men now come at intervals by the two alleys
+and enter the Mosque. At the threshold they
+take off their slippers with their left hand,
+entering with the right foot, ejaculating, “In
+the name of Allah.”</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Alms for a starving brother. Bind a body
+and soul together!—O master! Thy large brow
+proclaims an open heart. A danik! A fils! (<i>The
+<span class="smcap">Man</span> gives a coin and passes on.</i>) Heaven hath
+seen this, O my master. In the name of the
+Compassionating, the Compassionate! A blessing
+on thy white beard. Thou art nearing thy grave!
+Buy thy salvation from thy slave. (<i>The <span class="smcap">Man</span> passes
+on murmuring “Allah will give it thee.”</i>) Nothing.
+May’st thou burn for it, O thou dog! (<i>To another.</i>)
+O brother, mine eyes have failed me! (<i>He rolls up
+his eyes.</i>) Hast thou a blind father or one dearest
+to thee groping in darkness? (<i>The <span class="smcap">Man</span> gives a
+coin and passes on.</i>) A dirham! The Bestower
+requite it thee, O my lord. (<i>To another.</i>) O Azir,
+my master, I see thee well, though it scarce be day.
+Is he better, thy son, the light of thy house? Be
+his fever abated? (<i>The <span class="smcap">Man</span> passes on muttering
+“Allah will provide.”</i>) Nought? May the Ghuls
+suck away thy bastard’s breath. (<i>To another.</i>) O
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_18">[18]</span>stranger! Not so quickly. Haste is from Hell;
+Heaven will wait for thee. (<i>To a young man.</i>) O
+fair youth, a trifle. On my knees have I lain here
+these endless years. (<i>The <span class="smcap">Man</span> gives him a coin.</i>)
+The Protector increase thy weal. (<i>To the <span class="smcap">Mufti</span>,
+an old man.</i>) O Mufti—a word. Thou knowest
+the bitterness of a long life and a weary. I am
+young, alas. All my sad days stretch before me.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">The Mufti.</span> Please Allah to-morrow——</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Getting between the <span class="smcap">Mufti</span> and the steps of the
+Mosque.</i>) Thou dost ever say to-morrow.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">The Mufti.</span> (<i>Laughing.</i>) And is not to-morrow
+ever to-morrow?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> True. The stench of thy soul lessens not
+from dawn to dawn.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">The Mufti.</span> Out of my way. (<i>He pushes past <span class="smcap">Hajj</span>
+into the Mosque.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> With joy and gladness—for thy way leads to
+damnation. (<i>Several men enter singly and by twos as
+<span class="smcap">Hajj</span> continues in a sing-song tone.</i>) Glory be to Allah!
+Upon Allah dependeth daily bread. Thy wealth
+is not thine own, O rich man. Thou art as poor
+as the poorest. Allah alone giveth, and what he
+giveth belongeth not to thee. Thy gold is but a
+blessing to become a blessing. Then open thy
+purse and let the afflicted bend to the holy House
+of Meccah for thee, and every danik out of thy
+hand will return to thee a thousandfold through the
+prayers of the poor.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>Men have gone into the Mosque, some giving coin,
+others passing on. From the street on the left
+the guide <span class="smcap">Nasir</span> enters conducting the <span class="smcap">Sheikh
+Jawan</span>, an old man, who is leaning on two
+black slaves and followed by two others. He
+is clothed completely in white, his face veiled by
+a “Taylasan,” a scarf hiding his beard. He
+is over sixty and paralysed in his legs, but
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_19">[19]</span>his eyes are still full of fire. <span class="smcap">Two Slaves</span>
+retire. Slowly the <span class="smcap">Sheikh</span> mounts the steps
+supported by the other <span class="smcap">Two Slaves</span>.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Hajj</span> catches hold of the hem of his cloak.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Alms, for the love of Allah! For the love of
+Allah, alms!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Jawan.</span> (<i>Turning.</i>) O Hajj, thou?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Surprised, rising and following him.</i>) Thou
+knowest me?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Jawan.</span> Thou still here mumbling for crusts? (<i>He
+laughs, a nasal laugh, mockingly.</i>) He, he, he!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Nasir</span> takes off <span class="smcap">Jawan’s</span> slippers.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>On the Mosque steps.</i>) Who art thou?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Jawan.</span> Who am I? He, he! Who am I? He,
+he, he!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>He turns with his slaves and goes off into the
+Mosque followed by the guide <span class="smcap">Nasir</span>.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Hajj</span> looks after him mystified and riveted by a
+haunting memory; then slowly regains his
+seat, counting his profits as he does so. “One,
+two, three—five.”</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i>Meanwhile <span class="smcap">Kasim</span>, a young, ragged, one-eyed
+beggar, has come and sat down on <span class="smcap">Hajj’s</span> seat.
+He is busy tying some strips round one of his
+legs, quite unconscious of usurping anyone’s
+rights. <span class="smcap">Hajj</span> is about to sit, when he turns,
+and, seeing <span class="smcap">Kasim</span>, exclaims an amazed
+“Yehh!” He comes slowly up to the intruder
+and touches him provokingly on the arm.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Squatting.</i>) And what may thy business be?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kasim.</span> Canst thou not see? I am a beggar even
+as thou.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Thou—even as I? Thou? Knowest thou
+what thou say’st?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_20">[20]</span></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kasim.</span> My ears can hear my tongue.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> O monstrous piece of impudence! A beggar
+even as I? ’Tis plain thou art a stranger to
+Baghdad.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kasim.</span> Thou hast said it. I come from afar. My
+name’s Kasim. And thou?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> I? I? Ha! ha! (<i>Patronisingly.</i>) O thou
+poor fool. But there, thou art a stranger. I? I
+am Hajj—Hajj, the beggar.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kasim.</span> Hajj? A pilgrim? Then thou hast been
+to Holy Meccah?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Not I! Never a foot have I stirred beyond
+our city walls. My parents called me Hajj at my
+birth, so that the sacred title might win me added
+pity from the passer-by. Not a child in the quarter
+but calleth me thus by name. I have sat upon that
+stone these fifty summers and winters, drinking the
+sun, and more oft than not the moon too, scorning
+the pent-up sleep of a bed.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kasim.</span> (<i>Sneeringly.</i>) These fifty summers? Say’st
+thou so?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Excitedly.</i>) Yea! And before me my
+father sat there, superb in rags, and before him, his;
+and so on to the beginning without beginning. That
+stone, O Kasim, is my legacy, my right, my stronghold.
+Not till this hour hath man dared what thou
+darest.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kasim.</span> Then this hour endeth thy kingdom. I am
+come to conquer.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> I pray thee, O maggotty head, bandy no
+words. Go get thee to yon corner (<i>He points to the
+corner left</i>) if it like thee. Other swine have
+grovelled there in their time. My vilest enemy sat
+there once, these many weary years since. Take his
+place.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kasim.</span> I’ll not budge from here.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> How sayst thou? Not budge? A scum like
+thou? A nail-pairing? A goat’s cheese at noon-tide?
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_21">[21]</span>Not budge? We shall see, by Allah! We
+shall see!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>He seizes him and pushes him towards the corner.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kasim.</span> Let go! Let go, I say! Ho, Moslems,
+come ye to my help! Let go!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Holding <span class="smcap">Kasim</span> at arm’s length and kicking
+him.</i>) Let go? There! How’s that to thy taste?
+Swallow that, an thou art an-hungered. A dainty
+dish of foot, and more to follow. One—two—three!
+Another mouthful?</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Nasir</span>, the Guide of the Sheikh, has come out
+of the Mosque and stands on the steps.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Nasir.</span> O Hajj! By the All-knowing, what’s this?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> He’d take my seat—this nothing from
+nowhere.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kasim.</span> (<i>Rubbing himself.</i>) I want not his seat.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Not now,—now that I have made thee feel
+the value of thine own.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Kasim</span> crawls down to the stone left, nursing
+his kicks.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Sits in his seat.</i>) A joyous day indeed and
+a well begun! What with this one-eyed dog, and
+thy miserly stranger—(<i>breaking off.</i>) Allah! Who is
+he, O Nasir?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Nasir.</span> (<i>Evasively.</i>) A man of the men. I know not.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> O brother of truth, thou knowest full well.
+Thou art guiding him, he lodges at thy Khan. He
+called me by name. Who is he?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Nasir.</span> (<i>After a moment of hesitating.</i>) Harkee,
+O Hajj. I have a plan to offer thee. An thou
+wilt fall in with my plotting, ’twill mean money to
+both of us.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Money? No harm in that. Speak.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Nasir.</span> This old man of mine has been a famous
+highwayman in his hour. The White Sheikh they
+were used to call him.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_22">[22]</span></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> The White Sheikh—he?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Nasir.</span> Our Caliph deceased set his troops upon
+him oft and oftener. In one of his attacks, he
+captured most of the robber’s band—his little son
+amongst them, a mere stripling at the time.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Say on.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Nasir.</span> The boy was spared for his beauty. If he
+still be of the living, his age must reach nigh on
+thirty summers. Yet all these endless years whilst
+the last Caliph ruled, the Sheikh dared not enter
+Baghdad. Not till now, that the young monarch
+hath mounted the throne, hath the father ventured
+at last in search of his son.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> A touching tale! And how forsooth are we
+to coin wealth of this?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Nasir.</span> Did’st thou not mark how broken, how
+stricken, the old man is? Never was there such a
+repentant sinner. All his moneys are spent in
+charities; all his hopes in the finding of his beloved
+son, Yusuf. The smallest word, the faintest promise
+from priest or soothsayer, and his hand darts into
+his purse. Now dost thou see dawn?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> I am to cast myself into his path. What
+thou hast revealed, is to flow unto me as in a vision.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Nasir.</span> Thou hast it. And it is agreed, whate’er he
+bestows on thee, we share by halves, like honest
+Moslems that we are.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> So it please the Protector. Leave it to me.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Nasir.</span> But harkee, O clever one, thou’lt do it carefully?
+Draw from all the deepest wells: a father’s
+longing, a father’s mad despair. Such like and
+more, if thou canst.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> If I can? If I can? Did I not too have a
+son—many years gone to-day,—a babe fair as the
+moon! Was he not foully murdered? His throat
+cut across? And my wife, the balm of mine eyes,
+stolen away by mine enemy? Yea, sat he not
+where yon dog sits now—the slaughterer of my
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_23">[23]</span>race? Doth not yon stone make my soul ever cry
+aloud for blood revenge?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Nasir.</span> So thou, too, hast felt its fire—a father’s
+love?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Felt it? Hearken to this, O Nasir—and
+Allah pardon me for unveiling the veiled sex. I
+have a daughter now of fourteen summers, the
+child of a late spring by another wife, who is
+dead, alas! The maid is all that is left me on
+earth; dear to me above the promises of Paradise.
+Yet the day will come when she will be wed and
+wived. And she will bear the burden of another’s
+posterity. But mine own race, the blood of my
+fathers, once I am called to rest, where will it be?
+O brother, I am like unto a date-palm that groweth
+aslant the pool, and whose fruit hath fallen into the
+waters.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>Men begin to come out of the Mosque and
+wander off by the two alleys.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i>Dawn is giving place to daylight.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Nasir.</span> Prayer is over. We must not be found
+together.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Nasir</span> retires to the alley left, and beckons to the
+<span class="smcap">Two Black Slaves</span>, who join him.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i>Meanwhile, other men are passing <span class="smcap">Hajj</span>, who
+begins in a sing-song tone, but has left his
+seat so as to intercept the Sheikh.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Alms for the love of——</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kasim.</span> (<i>Whining.</i>) Alms for the love of Allah!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>To <span class="smcap">Kasim</span>.</i>) Silence, thou dog!—(<i>continuing</i>)
+For the love of Allah, alms. The grave is darkness.
+Charity its lamp. Learn to love poverty. Be good
+and enter Paradise. Alms, for the love of Allah!
+For the love of Allah, alms!</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_24">[24]</span></p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>The <span class="smcap">Sheikh Jawan</span> reappears from the Mosque,
+pausing on the steps, supported by his <span class="smcap">Two
+Slaves</span>. <span class="smcap">Jawan</span> conceals his face from <span class="smcap">Hajj</span>
+with his scarf.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Rising.</i>) O Sheikh of sheikhs, the Peace
+upon thee. When thou spokest before, the eyes of
+my memory were closed. Now they are open and
+recall thy bounty of other days.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Jawan.</span> Dost thou know me, indeed?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> I see thy soul clear as in crystal. Thou art
+come from afar in search of some one long lost.
+’Tis him thou seekest, thy son.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Jawan.</span> Yehh! This is strange. Shall I reach my
+desire?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Thou shalt see thy son this day.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Jawan.</span> Even though the curses of my foes stand
+between me and Allah?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Thy prayers have killed their curses.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Jawan.</span> Wilt thou swear to that?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> By Him, the All-seeing, the All-hearing, the
+All-knowing I swear it to thee.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Jawan.</span> Will thy ragged saintliness bless me?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Allah’s blessing upon thee and thy enterprise.
+May thy foes be confounded, and thy hopes
+rounded.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>A slight pause—then <span class="smcap">Jawan</span> bursts into uncontrollable
+laughter—“he, he, he, he, he!”</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Jawan.</span> O Hajj! Dost guess what thou hast done?
+See! (<i>He withdraws the scarf from his face.</i>) Thou
+hast blest thine enemy. I am he who has sat at
+yon corner in the long ago.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Hoarsely.</i>) Jawan!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Jawan.</span> Yes, Jawan! He that stole thy wife and
+stabbed thy squealing brat and fled the city at
+night.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Jawan,—the beggar,—thou?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_25">[25]</span></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Jawan.</span> Jawan, the beggar, no longer Jawan the
+beggar. Nay, look not so amazed. My wild life
+hath oldened me more than thy tame life thee.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Jawan!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Jawan.</span> Dost thou doubt me? Hearken, then, and
+learn. Thy wife and I, that night of the nights, we
+rode out into the desert. A band of robbers found
+us. Time and lot made me their leader. Twenty-five
+years I was their chief. Twenty-five years the
+Caliph made war on me as on a king—his equal.
+And I was his equal in power, in prowess, in all—yea,
+even though he captured my son, the son of
+thy wife, thy beautiful Gulnar.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> O hog, hog-fathered! Allah ruin thee for
+ever.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Jawan.</span> (<i>Sneeringly.</i>) Thou dost forget thy blessings
+of a moment since. (<i>He crosses to <span class="smcap">Nasir</span> and the
+other slaves.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> I blessed thee not. I blessed an unknown.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Jawan.</span> No, no, <i>me</i> by the Most High, the Glorious—me.
+And ’tis thus through thee, that I shall find
+my son again. Thou hast recalled thy curses. The
+spell is broken at last.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Thou shalt not live to find him. (<i>He springs
+towards Jawan.</i>)</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>The other <span class="smcap">Two Slaves</span> draw ugly looking dirks
+and ward off <span class="smcap">Hajj</span>.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Hajj</span> stands impotent and panting—“Wah!”</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Jawan.</span> Said I not I was King? Allah send thee a
+long life, Hajj, and a happy.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Allah send thee the foul fiend and a thousand
+fires.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Jawan.</span> Too late, O brother. Thou hast stopped
+Heaven’s ears with thy blessings! Thy curses fall
+on deafness.—Behold! A poor return for thy
+bounty! (<i>He throws a purse at <span class="smcap">Hajj</span>.</i>) Up and
+away!</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_26">[26]</span></p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>The <span class="smcap">Slaves</span> turn with <span class="smcap">Jawan</span> and move away
+by the alley left, <span class="smcap">Nasir</span> preceding them.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Desperately.</i>) Take back thy blood money.
+I’ll not swallow my son’s blood! Take it back, O
+thou grey-beard of hell! Take it!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Jawan</span> has disappeared; his laughter, “He, he,
+he!” is heard dying away in the distance.
+<span class="smcap">Kasim</span> crawls from his seat toward the purse.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Laugh! Laugh to split thy spleen! But by
+the Decreer, thy day shall set! For I have found
+thee! Thou art alive and here,—and I too—I am
+alive. (<i>Going up to <span class="smcap">Kasim</span>.</i>) Dost thou hear?
+Dost thou?—I have found him! He is back
+in Baghdad, he who sat where thou sittest, the
+butcher of my race! I shall meet him at last—hold
+him by the throat, the dog of dogs, and (<i>taking
+<span class="smcap">Kasim</span> by the throat.</i>) I shall strangle him with
+(<i>choking <span class="smcap">Kasim</span>.</i>) These—two—thumbs of mine.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kasim.</span> (<i>Choking.</i>) Brother—protection!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Still continuing, in his fury.</i>) What though he
+be guarded by slaves with swords naked, and I,
+defenceless——</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kasim.</span> (<i>Gasping.</i>) Awah!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> I shall find a way to him. Buy it, if need be!—Buy?
+Yehh. (<i>He throws <span class="smcap">Kasim</span> aside and turns
+to the purse.</i>) And with his gold. His! it
+smelleth of blood. Every coin a crime, every chink
+a cry for vengeance. Allah, be thou my witness!
+Only for this do I touch his accursed charity. Only
+for this!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kasim.</span> Look!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>Several men come out of the Mosque.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Quickly thrusting the purse in his bosom,
+returns to his stone, beginning his sing-song without
+looking up.</i>) Alms for the love of Allah! For
+the love of Allah——</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_27">[27]</span></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kasim.</span> Alms for the love of Allah! For the love of
+All——</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>To <span class="smcap">Kasim</span>.</i>) Silence, thou louse-trap!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Nasir</span> re-enters rapidly.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Nasir.</span> I’ve left him for an instant. He’s praying at
+a tomb. The purse. How much is mine?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> The purse?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Nasir.</span> The purse he threw thee.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Innocently.</i>) I saw no purse.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Nasir.</span> Saw no purse? Thou art jesting. Out with
+it. Share.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Share? Purse? Know I what he threw or
+not? Sit I here to count the droppings of the
+street? A pretty patron thou didst serve me. Get
+thee gone! Thou art a rouge, a thief!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Nasir.</span> I, a rogue? I, a thief? (<i>To <span class="smcap">Kasim</span>.</i>) Thou
+sawest him take the purse. (<i><span class="smcap">Hajj</span> secretly drops
+the purse into his water-jug.</i>) I call thee to witness.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kasim.</span> I saw him spit on it and turn from it and
+curse it.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Nasir.</span> (<i>Catching hold of <span class="smcap">Kasim</span>.</i>) <i>Thou</i> hast it.
+Thou hast taken it for him.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kasim.</span> Alas, O brother, not I.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Nasir.</span> Give it me! Give it me! ’Tis not thine to
+keep.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kasim.</span> Strip every rag from me—thou’lt not find it.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Gleefully.</i>) Strip him! Strip him!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kasim.</span> (<i>Turning with fury to <span class="smcap">Hajj</span>.</i>) <i>Thou</i> hast it.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Aye, strip me too. Both of us, so it give
+thee pleasure. Thou shalt behold rare sights.
+Strip us—thy slave entreats thee.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>One of <span class="smcap">Jawan’s Negroes</span> appears from the alley.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Negro.</span> O Nasir.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Pointing to the negro.</i>) Thy master calls!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Nasir.</span> O thou villain! I go to take my charge back
+to the inn. But after, as thou lovest life, look to
+thyself and thy safety.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_28">[28]</span></p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>He hurries off after the <span class="smcap">Negro</span>.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Shouting after him.</i>) The Peace upon thee!
+Ha, ha, ha! (<i>He takes the purse out of the water-jug,
+putting it into his breast.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kasim.</span> (<i>Laughing obsequiously.</i>) Ha! Ha! Ha!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>A slight pause.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kasim.</span> (<i>Crawling over to <span class="smcap">Hajj</span>, cringing.</i>) O my
+master, and what is my share of the spoils?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Imitating <span class="smcap">Kasim</span>.</i>) “What is my share of the
+spoils?” By Solomon’s seal ring! This purse—whether
+it be from Heaven or from Hell,—this hath
+been sent by Fate to me, and me alone. There is
+a purpose in this purse. The scroll of destiny
+unrolleth itself to mine eyes. I see the writing as
+in flames.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kasim.</span> The scroll?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Lookee, all of us have an allotted hour. This
+is mine. Here’s the talisman I have prayed for,
+many a year of waiting. The weapon to my
+revenge—Gold!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kasim.</span> What wilt thou do?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> I shall arise from the seat of dejection.
+(<i>Rises.</i>) My days of mourning are over. I shall get
+me to the hammam-bath. (<i>Walking about.</i>) These
+rags will I rip from me; the waters shall wash away
+my weariness. Robes of ease and decency shall
+broaden my breast. No more the whining voice
+and bent brow, and trembling palm of poverty, but
+head back as a fighter of the faith, shoulders free,
+stride bold and commanding as a king’s, yea, as he
+said, even as a king’s.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>He walks excitedly up and down and throws
+his beggar’s cloak on his stone.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i>The <span class="smcap">Imam Mahmud</span> has come out of the Mosque
+and stands amazed on the steps.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mahmud.</span> O <span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Are thy wits fled? What
+means this?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_29">[29]</span></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> I am casting my beggardom from me.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mahmud.</span> Thou?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Allah hath opened the Gate of Action to me.
+(<i>Chinking his purse.</i>) With a golden key!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mahmud.</span> O my son, I fear for thee the chances and
+changes of time.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Hath not the Prophet enjoined blood
+vengeance? I am resolved, O my father. Voyage
+is victory. Yet ere I go, thou who didst ever
+remember my misery,—take this voluntary for the
+poor. (<i>He gives <span class="smcap">Mahmud</span> some coin.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mahmud.</span> May the Protector protect thee against all
+woe, may He forefend thee ever against thy foe.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kasim.</span> (<i>Going to <span class="smcap">Hajj</span>, still on his knees.</i>) And I—am
+I to have naught?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Thou? (<i>Pushing him to the stone.</i>) Take thou
+my stone, my ancestral throne! Wrapped in my
+royal robes, hold it thine own! As for me, life
+calls. The day is mine to joy! And when the
+night falleth, Allah allowing, I shall hold mine
+enemy in the hollow of my hand! (<i>He strides off to
+the left, his purse on high, full daylight upon him.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="center">[<span class="smcap">Curtain</span>]</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_30">[30]</span></p>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Scene II.</span> <i>The Suk (Bazaar Street)
+of the Tailors.</i></h3>
+
+<div class="scene">
+
+<p><i>A narrow street, arched over, with shops on both sides.
+Arches left and right. A large centre arch at the
+back leads off to other parts of the bazaar.</i></p>
+
+<blockquote>
+<p>(<span class="smcap">Note.</span>—<i>Much of the following action and dialogue occurs
+simultaneously, so as to produce a harmonious picture rather
+than separate impressions.</i>)</p>
+</blockquote>
+
+<p><i>In a shop left sits <span class="smcap">Zayd</span>, a thin, conceited man of forty; he has
+with him a tiny little apprentice, who is here, there and
+everywhere. In the shop right (<span class="smcap">Amru’s</span> shop), a somewhat
+older apprentice is unpacking bales of stuff.</i></p>
+
+<p><i>It is early morning. The life of the street is awakening to the
+business of the day. As the curtain rises the shopkeepers are
+spreading out their wares. A <span class="smcap">Sweetmeat-seller</span> enters
+through the centre arch. He bows to a shopkeeper and passes
+on, squatting in the right corner, his back to the audience.
+His cry is</i>, “Ho! Ho! Swee-ts.” <i><span class="smcap">Fruit-girls</span> enter
+from the right and settle down in the left corner opposite
+him. Their cry is</i> “Omani peaches, Osmani quinces!
+Sultani citrons! Li-mes!”</p>
+
+<p><i><span class="smcap">Two Bedouins</span> appear and walk solemnly down the street. A
+<span class="smcap">Chinaman</span> enters, followed by a little boy carrying fowls.
+The <span class="smcap">Chinaman</span> goes to the <span class="smcap">Sweetmeat-seller</span> and points
+to the sweets with his fan.</i></p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Chinaman.</span> (In a squeaky voice.) <i>This! This! This! How
+much?</i></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Sweetseller.</span> <i>Three daniks.</i></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Chinaman.</span> <i>One! One! One!</i></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Sweetseller.</span> <i>Two.</i></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Chinaman.</span> (Turning away to the left.) <i>One!</i></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Sweetseller.</span> (Rises and goes after him.) <i>One and a half.</i></p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>The <span class="smcap">Chinaman</span> refuses to listen to him.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Sweetseller.</span> (Sitting down again.) <i>Hell swallow all foreign
+dogs!</i></p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Jawan</span> enters at the central arch supported by his <span class="smcap">Two
+Slaves</span> and passes down the street.</i>)</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_31">[31]</span></p>
+
+<p>(<i>The <span class="smcap">Chinaman</span> goes to <span class="smcap">Zayd’s</span> shop.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Zayd’s Apprentice.</span> <i>Allah enlarge thee, O traveller from the
+land of China.</i></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Chinaman.</span> <i>Silk! Silk! Silk!</i></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Zayd’s Apprentice.</span> <i>Here’s Persian silk, O my master! Rich,
+soft silk.</i></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Chinaman.</span> (Pulling it about). <i>No! China silk! China silk!
+This bad! Bad!</i> (He walks away.)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Zayd’s Apprentice.</span> (Shouts after him). <i>Out on thee, thou
+cat-faced infidel!</i></p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">A Boy</span> with flowers comes and squats down near the fruit-girls.
+His cry is</i>:</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+  <div class="poetry">
+    <div class="verse indent0">“Jasmine and violets fine,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Pomegranate bloom and eglantine.”)</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">An Old Man</span> with a donkey appears laden with jars of olive oil,
+stops at <span class="smcap">Zayd’s</span> shop and turns to the apprentice.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">The Old Man</span> (to the apprentice). <i>Here’s olive oil for thy
+master.</i></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Boy.</span> <i>Is the jar full?</i></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">The Old Man.</span> <i>Full as the number of my years.</i></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Boy.</span> <i>Allah make them a thousand in number.</i></p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">The Captain of the Guard</span> struts majestically through the Suk.
+<span class="smcap">Nasir</span>, the guide, enters, goes to <span class="smcap">Zayd’s</span> shop and bargains for
+a sash; tries it on, rolling himself into it and out of it as
+<span class="smcap">Zayd</span> holds one end of it.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Two Courtesans</span> appear in flimsy veils and gorgeous draperies.
+A <span class="smcap">Youth</span> approaches them with a flower he has bought from
+the flower-boy.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">The First Courtesan</span> (to the Youth). <i>Fair befall thee, O
+Youth! Art thou from Baghdad? Art thou a stranger?</i></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">The Youth.</span> <i>I am yours from wherever I am; a captive to
+the moon of your faces.</i></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">The other Courtesan.</span> <i>Thy glance is bright as the blade of
+a sword.</i></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">The Youth.</span> <i>And thy tongue sharper, no doubt!</i></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">The Porter</span> (with an immense bale on his head, to one of the
+Courtesans). <i>Must thou trip my heels, thou stinking armful?</i></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">The Courtesan.</span> <i>Out of my way, thou son of a burnt father.</i></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">An Old Man</span> (to a Young One). <i>Come out of this babel; I
+am sick from eating too much of the world.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_32">[32]</span></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">The Young Man.</span> <i>Nay, I have only begun the feast—I am
+an-hungered. Look at this shop, O my father!</i></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">A Merchant.</span> <i>What wilt thou buy, O my brother? Silks?
+Kerchiefs? Girdles? Here’s all the earth gives birth to.</i></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">An Egyptian</span> (with a little girl, to a boy selling beads.)
+<i>What manner of beads are these, O my son?</i></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">The Bead-boy.</span> <i>Beads from Damascus! Beads of polished
+steel! Glass beads from Rhodes! Beads clear as crystal from
+the land of China, whiter than sea-pearls!</i></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">The Egyptian</span> (to his little girl.) <i>What shall I buy thee, O
+my Pigeon? These beads? Or those? Speak, O my Lotus!</i></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">A Man</span> (to one of the fruit-sellers.) <i>Is thy fruit sweet, O my
+sister?</i> (He takes up some fruit.)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">The Fruit-seller.</span> <i>Pay first and taste after.</i></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">A Man.</span> <i>Thy fruit is over-ripe.</i></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">The Fruit-seller.</span> <i>’Tis fresh as the dawn-breeze.</i></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">The Man.</span> <i>O my little tulip, how should I believe thee?
+Dost thou not belong to the universal sisterhood of woman?</i></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">The Fruit-seller.</span> <i>All women are not alike; nor are the
+fingers of the hand alike.</i></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">The Sweetmeat-seller</span> (crying.) <i>Swee-ts! Swee-ts! No
+better sweets in Baghdad. No better sweets in Baghdad. They
+are made by my cousin. He’s pastry-cook at the palace.</i></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">A Buyer.</span> <i>Allah increase thee for a smooth-tongued liar!</i></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">The Sweetseller.</span> <i>Taste my wares and ask my pardon!</i></p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>And so it goes. Cries and movement everywhere. The shopkeeper’s
+call to the passer-by is, “What dost thou want? Dost
+thou lack kerchiefs, shawls?” Greetings are heard such as,
+“I salute thee with my salaam! Allah increase thee, O my
+brother! A blessed day! Allah gladden thee with good news!
+The Bestower increase thee ever!” Porters plough their way
+through the crowd calling out, “Have patience, o ye people,
+have patience.” Compliments are heard such as, “Thou art
+like the moon on a fourteenth night! Thy body sways like a
+thirsting gazelle! Gifted by the Giver art thou! Thy beauty
+would make a palace dance!” And words of anger and
+impatience such as, “Begone and none of thine impudence!
+Be off! By Allah, this is not allowed! May Allah never
+bless thee! No friendly welcome to thee! Fie upon thee, ill-omened
+fellow!” The hubbub reaches its climax as a <span class="smcap">Water-carrier</span>
+enters, shouting loudly</i>, “Water! Water, coo-l
+and clea-r!” <i>He is stopped by two negro slaves, who buy
+cups of water from him. Then the <span class="smcap">Water-carrier</span> turns, as
+<span class="smcap">Amru</span>, a stout imposing merchant with a huge beard, comes
+down the street and approaches him. <span class="smcap">Amru</span> takes a cup. As
+he does so, <span class="smcap">Zayd</span> looks up from his shop in surprise and hurries
+out of it.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_33">[33]</span></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Zayd.</span> (<i>Surprised.</i>) By mine eyes, Amru!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Amru.</span> (<i>Delighted.</i>) By mine eyes, Zayd!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>They embrace, one arm being thrown round the
+shoulder, the other round the side, placing the
+chin first upon the left then upon the right
+collar bone and repeating this several times.
+As they embrace the crowd gradually disperses,
+leaving the street comparatively empty. But
+there is always a sense of life in the suk, and
+the hum of the bazaar is heard dimly throughout
+the scene.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Zayd.</span> Welcome and well come and good cheer to
+my friend, the dearly-beloved. So thou art home
+from Egypt? (<i>He motions him over to his shop.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Amru.</span> Yesternight in the first watch I caused my
+camels to kneel at my door.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Zayd.</span> By Allah and his Apostle, it swells my heart
+to hear thy voice once more! Thou hast tarried
+many moons. Has thy business prospered?</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>The little apprentice has spread out cushions: they
+both sit.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Amru.</span> Fortune hath blessed me indeed. And thou?
+How is’t with thee?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Zayd.</span> Alas! Traffic has grown dull with the new
+Caliph.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Amru.</span> So soon? He hath been in power but seven
+days they tell me.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Zayd.</span> He is very young—scarce sixteen,—and so
+devout! He was schooled in a monastery in the
+mountains. ’Tis said his harim is empty. Not a
+woman,—not as much as a wife.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Amru.</span> Not so much as—and seven days! By the
+glories of Paradise to come! An I were Caliph for
+seven days!</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_34">[34]</span></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Zayd.</span> An I were Caliph for seven hours! But they
+say that he is waiting to find the woman of his
+dream, a maid of beauty all in all. Be she of
+noblest blood or poorest of the poor, he hath taken
+oath, until Allah reveal the chosen one, he will live
+alone,—unwed,—unwived.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>Kettledrums are heard in the distance to the
+left.)</i></p>
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Amru</span> returns to his shop at the right.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i>The crowd hurries in from all sides. Men
+and women all kneel, bending low. As the
+<span class="smcap">Caliph</span> enters they touch their foreheads to the
+ground.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i>Through the centre arch comes the Caliph’s
+procession, turning down and disappearing
+through the arch right. First come <span class="smcap">Six
+Archers of the Guard</span> with lances. Next
+follow <span class="smcap">Four Men</span> with <span class="smcap">Kettledrums</span> (like
+tom-toms) and a pair of <span class="smcap">Trumpeters</span>: then
+<span class="smcap">Six Archers</span> with scymitars drawn, walking
+two and two. After that, <span class="smcap">Dignitaries</span> of
+the royal household. Some singly, others in
+twos. These are: the Caliph’s slipper-bearer;
+his cloak-bearer; his cup-bearer; his ewer and
+basin-bearer; his bow-bearer; and his carpet-spreader.
+Next the two head <span class="smcap">Eunuchs</span> of his
+harim, both tall blackamoors clothed in
+yellow.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i>After this, at an interval of five paces, on a
+white mule, the <span class="smcap">Caliph</span> himself, robed in the
+black of the Abbaside dynasty. His face is
+very youthful, full of spiritual beauty and
+weary pride. On his left cheek he has a mole.
+By his left side walks <span class="smcap">Abu Bakr</span>, an old,
+white-bearded man, clothed in green and white,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_35">[35]</span>with a very large turband, holding his master’s
+left stirrup.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i>As the <span class="smcap">Caliph</span> reaches the centre of the street,
+an old woman, <span class="smcap">Kabirah</span>, throws herself at
+his feet; the procession halts.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kabirah.</span> O King of the age—justice! Justice to
+an ancient widow and a sore oppressed! (<i>She holds
+out a petition.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> (<i>Waving to <span class="smcap">Abu Bakr</span> who takes the petition.</i>)
+Come thou to my Diwan this mid-afternoon. None
+shall suffer wrong under this my sovereignty. The
+Judge of Judges be my witness. The Peace!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Kabirah</span> withdraws muttering “Heaven increase
+thee ever, O King.”</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i>The procession moves on; the people in the street
+remaining crouched and motionless as the
+<span class="smcap">Caliph</span> passes them.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">A Court Dignitary</span> follows, scattering coin.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Six Archers</span>, with scymitars drawn, conclude
+the procession.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i>Directly the <span class="smcap">Caliph’s</span> guard is out of sight there
+is a wild scramble for the royal largesse. The
+rabble then follows the procession.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Zayd.</span> (<i>To <span class="smcap">Amru</span>, shouting across to his shop.</i>)
+Didst note the mole on his cheek? Is he not
+beautiful?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Amru.</span> Allah bless him! And the old man?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Zayd.</span> Abu Bakr, his tutor—a far famed grammarian.
+He entered the city with countless camel-loads of
+dictionaries. ’Tis he who ruleth the ruler.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Amru.</span> Where’s Mansur—the old Caliph’s favourite?
+He was wont to ride by his master’s side. Hath he
+fallen from power?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Zayd.</span> Nay, he’s still Chief of the Guards of the City
+and Wazir of the Police. But at the Palace they
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_36">[36]</span>begin to whisper—(<i>Seeing <span class="smcap">Mansur</span>; in a low voice.</i>)
+The Peace!—Mansur!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Mansur</span> appears, a tall, slim, sinister figure of
+about eight and twenty. His face shows traces
+of beauty ruined by debauchery; his manner is
+that of an expert in the sensualism of cruelty;
+his robes are of deep blue and steel. He is
+evidently nursing his rage, and strides along
+ominously. Behind him comes <span class="smcap">Kafur</span>, his
+sworder, a snake-like Ethiopian, by whose side
+hobbles a small hunchback scribe, <span class="smcap">Afife</span>, who
+looks more like a pelican than a man.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i>As <span class="smcap">Mansur</span> enters, a <span class="smcap">Blind Man</span> crosses his
+path.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">The Blind Man.</span> Blind! Blind! Buy a blessing
+from the blind!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Mansur</span> annoyed at the <span class="smcap">Blind Man’s</span> fumbling,
+strikes him down and passes on. The
+<span class="smcap">Blind Man</span> gets up again, helped by two of
+the courtesans. <span class="smcap">Zayd</span> gives him a coin or
+two, and he goes on his way.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Zayd.</span> (<i>To <span class="smcap">Amru</span>.</i>) Didst mark his rage? He, the
+favourite of yesterday, to-day must walk second to
+the grammarian. The splitter of lives bow to the
+splitter of syllables. Ha! Ha!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Hajj</span> appears in the centre archway. He is
+still in rags. He comes down to <span class="smcap">Zayd</span>.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Zayd.</span> (<i>Putting him off as he would a beggar.</i>)
+Heaven will provide, O brother.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Hajj</span> crosses to <span class="smcap">Amru</span>.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Amru.</span> (<i>In the same tone as <span class="smcap">Zayd</span>.</i>) Allah will
+provide.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Nay, I am no beggar.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Zayd</span> and <span class="smcap">Amru</span>. What art thou then?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_37">[37]</span></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> I am a religious mendicant. My vow of
+poverty has been accomplished in the hour. I am
+on my way to the hammam to re-enter daily life.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Zayd.</span> O father of rags, thou art strangely like to
+a beggar before the Carpenter’s Mosque.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> So I have been told. The sooner therefore I
+strip me of his likeness, the better for both of us.
+What hast thou in the manner of cloaks and shirts
+and turband-cloths? (<i>He clinks the purse ominously.</i>)</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Zayd</span> and <span class="smcap">Amru</span> hurry forward, each bringing a
+cushion for <span class="smcap">Hajj</span> to sit on. They spread a
+big square of stuff before him on which they
+display their goods.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Hajj</span> sits down with great satisfaction.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Zayd.</span> All colours, O my master.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Amru.</span> All kinds, O my master.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>With a delighted smile, pleased at the epithet.</i>)
+Master! (<i>He chinks his purse.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Zayd.</span> Why dost thou smile?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> ’Tis nought! A memory! Show me thy
+wares.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Amru.</span> Thou’lt see mine too, O my lord?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Turning to <span class="smcap">Amru</span>, as above.</i>) Lord!—Thine
+too,—O my—my tailor. (<i>Pointing to some veils in
+<span class="smcap">Amru’s</span> hands.</i>) What’s this?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Zayd.</span> (<i>Spreading out a cloak eagerly.</i>) Thy cloak, O
+my master.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>To <span class="smcap">Zayd</span>, putting him off.</i>) A moment. (<i>To
+<span class="smcap">Amru</span>.</i>) Face veils?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Amru.</span> (<i>Spreading out a veil.</i>) After the fashion of
+Egypt. Woven air!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Taking up the veil.</i>) A veil! Hast thou
+anklets?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Amru.</span> Here are jewels none hath set eyes on in
+Baghdad. (<i>He opens a little casket.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Zayd.</span> (<i>Jealously, calling across.</i>) O my lord,—thy
+cloak.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_38">[38]</span></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Amru.</span> (<i>To <span class="smcap">Zayd</span>, annoyed.</i>) Trouble not my master.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Taking up the anklets and veil.</i>) How much?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Amru.</span> Seven dinars.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Thou art mad! (<i>He turns to <span class="smcap">Zayd</span>.</i>) Thy
+cloak!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Amru.</span> (<i>Eagerly.</i>) How much wilt thou offer?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Ignoring <span class="smcap">Amru</span>.</i>) Allah, this is workmanship!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Amru.</span> (<i>As above.</i>) Six dinars and a half.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>To <span class="smcap">Zayd</span>.</i>) Who’s the designer of this?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Zayd.</span> ’Tis I.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Amru.</span> (<i>Quickly to <span class="smcap">Hajj</span>, waving the scarf and anklets.</i>)
+Six.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Turning to <span class="smcap">Amru</span>.</i>) Three! And ’tis more
+than paid.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Amru.</span> The anklets alone cost me four.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Zayd.</span> (<i>To <span class="smcap">Hajj</span>.</i>) Thou’lt have the cloak?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> How much?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Zayd.</span> Twenty-five dinars.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Twenty-five! (<i>He turns abruptly to <span class="smcap">Amru</span>.</i>)
+Three dinars.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Zayd.</span> Twenty-four and a half!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Amru.</span> Four dinars and I lose. By the life of my
+father, I swear it.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Four an thou wrappest them up in one of thy
+kerchiefs.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Amru.</span> ’Tis beyond my yielding. (<i>He takes his veils
+away.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Turning to <span class="smcap">Zayd</span>.</i>) Hast thou veils? (<i><span class="smcap">Amru</span>
+eyes <span class="smcap">Hajj</span> eagerly.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Zayd.</span> The best in Baghdad. Thou’lt have the
+cloak?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> I’ll see others first. Put it there. (<i>He points
+to the kerchief spread out before him.</i>) Thy veils!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Amru.</span> Hold! Thou shalt have thy veil and kerchief.
+But I swear——</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Turning to <span class="smcap">Amru</span>.</i>) Swear not! (<i>Counts out
+the money.</i>) Four! Thou hast begun the day too
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_39">[39]</span>well. What shirt is this? (<i>He takes it up.</i>) And
+yon trousers and girdle? (<i>Pointing to some trousers
+and a girdle <span class="smcap">Zayd’s</span> apprentice is holding up.</i>)</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>The <span class="smcap">Guide Nasir</span> enters at the back, sees <span class="smcap">Hajj</span>
+and watches him unobserved, with cat-like
+glances, leaning against <span class="smcap">Zayd’s</span> shop. <span class="smcap">Zayd</span>
+hands <span class="smcap">Hajj</span> the trousers and girdle.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Amru.</span> (<i>Shouting.</i>) First see this girdle of mine.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Now which of ye twain hath a turband-cloth
+to my heart?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Zayd.</span> (<i>Unrolling one.</i>) O master, ’tis I.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Amru.</span> (<i>Unrolling another.</i>) O master, ’tis me.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Zayd.</span> I!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Amru.</span> Me!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> The master asked both. (<i>Pointing to <span class="smcap">Amru’s</span>
+cloth, squinting at <span class="smcap">Zayd</span> out of the corner of his eye.</i>)
+His cloth far excelleth thine.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Zayd.</span> (<i>Furious.</i>) His cloth excel mine? Yon
+meagre tracery crawling along the edge as a dying
+dog to a puddle,—that excel my glorious branching
+and bowing of pomegranates?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Amru.</span> Dying dog, indeed! Dying dog thyself.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Zayd.</span> By Allah, hold thy peace, O brother.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>To <span class="smcap">Zayd</span> inciting him.</i>) How? Let him call
+thee dog?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Zayd.</span> (<i>Springing up.</i>) Called he me dog? Didst
+thou call me dog, O dog?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Amru.</span> (<i>Conciliating him, still on his knees.</i>) Enough,
+O Zayd. Words poison.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>To <span class="smcap">Amru</span>, in a whisper.</i>) What? Kneel to
+a slave, dost thou?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Amru.</span> Yehh! Thou art right. (<i>Rising and facing
+<span class="smcap">Zayd</span>.</i>) Yes, I—I call thee dog.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Zayd.</span> Thou shall eat thy words. (<i>He crosses to
+<span class="smcap">Amru</span>.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Amru.</span> And thou thy pomegranates. (<i>They fall to
+blows.</i>)</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_40">[40]</span></p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Hajj</span> quickly gathers the clothes he picked out,
+wraps the large cloth about them and hurries
+off by the arch, left. <span class="smcap">Nasir</span> has watched <span class="smcap">Hajj</span>
+and follows him off. <span class="smcap">The Merchants and
+Apprentices</span> hurry out of the shops.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Various Men.</span> Ho, Masters! Ho, masters! Help!
+They’re fighting! They’ll have their swords out.
+Ho, Moslems! Ho Captain! Help!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>Several of the shopmen and passers-by crowd
+round, chattering and screaming, trying to
+separate the two men. Different ones shout:
+“O <span class="smcap">Amru</span>! O Brothers! Where’s the
+Syndic? O <span class="smcap">Zayd</span>! For the love of Allah!
+Are ye not sons of Islam both?” etc.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i>The <span class="smcap">Captain of the Watch</span> hurries in by the
+centre arch. The two men are separated by
+him.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Captain.</span> O Zayd! O Amru! Shame upon ye!
+How now? Are ye donkey-boys?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Amru.</span> O Captain! Heaven knoweth we were ever
+the best of friends.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Zayd.</span> Ever till this hour.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Captain.</span> Who began it?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Zayd.</span> ’Twas my lord here who said—(<i>He points
+to <span class="smcap">Hajj’s</span> empty cushion; stops and stares amazed.</i>)
+Where is my lord? (<i>He looks about bewildered.</i>)
+Yehh! Gone! Gone and the clothes with him.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Amru.</span> O, the bazaar devil! ’Twas <i>he</i> that set us on.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Zayd.</span> After him. Which way went he?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">A Man.</span> This way. (<i>He points to the arch left.</i>)</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>The crowd, headed by <span class="smcap">Zayd</span>, starts to run off to the left.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Another Man.</span> (<i>Pointing up to the centre arch.</i>)
+This way!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>The crowd veers and starts off to the back.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_41">[41]</span></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Still Another Man.</span> (<i>Pointing to the right.</i>) This
+way! (<i>They all swing to the right.</i>)</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Nasir</span> re-enters from the left arch eagerly.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Nasir.</span> (<i>At the top of his voice.</i>) No, that way. I
+know the dog well. ’Tis Hajj—the beggar!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>General hubbub as <span class="smcap">All</span> run off to the left,
+shouting and gesticulating.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">The Sweetmeat-seller.</span> (<i>Rising and putting his
+tray of sweets on his head goes slowly down the street,
+shouting.</i>) Ho! Ho! Swee—ts!</p>
+
+<p class="center">[<span class="smcap">Curtain</span>]</p>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Scene III.</span> <i>The Courtyard of a
+poor House.</i></h3>
+
+<div class="scene">
+
+<p><i>In the right wall a large double door leads out to the
+street. An arch, which supports the upper part of
+the house, runs parallel to the wall at the right,
+thus screening the court from the street. At the
+back, a door leads into the inner house. Two
+cages with a bird in each, are hanging on the wall
+right. The left side of the court is taken up by a
+wall about seven feet high, a niche in its centre
+containing a well with ropes, buckets and a large
+jar or two. Over the wall can be seen some
+cypresses of a garden. In the shadow of this
+wall, a rose tree grows in a rim of masonry. An
+awning is stretched across the Court. A tom-tom
+stands in one corner.</i></p>
+
+<p><i>The full morning sun over everything.</i></p>
+
+<p><i><span class="smcap">Marsinah</span>, a beautiful girl of fourteen summers
+(which would correspond to a girl of eighteen in the
+west) is seated on some rough matting, in the
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_42">[42]</span>centre of the court. She is clad in the simplest
+fashion, like the poorest Arabian women. She is
+busy with some needlework on a large embroidery
+frame, which rests on four legs like a low table.</i></p>
+
+<p><i>Near her, idly fanning away the flies, sits <span class="smcap">Narjis</span>, a
+stout, old Duenna, with a full-blown face. About
+them on the matting lie strands of different coloured
+wools.</i></p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>Looking up to the garden wall.</i>) The
+sun grows hot.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Narjis.</span> How’s thy border? Will it be done by
+noon-prayer? I promised it the merchant.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>Impatiently sighing.</i>) I hear, O Narjis,
+I hear. Hast thou any yellow wool?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Narjis.</span> (<i>Turns away from Marsinah to look for it.</i>)
+Yellow? Yellow? Did I not give it thee erstwhile?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>Quickly takes the yellow wool and hides
+it under the folds of her dress.</i>) ’Twas red thou
+gavest me.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Narjis.</span> By the life of thy youth, O Marsinah, ’twas
+yellow. (<i>She rises and searches.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> Look thyself. Thou seest I lack it to
+finish the pattern.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Narjis.</span> Alas! (<i>Sighs.</i>) What’s to be done? What’s
+to be done?</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>She sits despondently on the rim of the well.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> Run to the wool market, O good
+Narjis.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Narjis.</span> All the way to the wool market?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> ’Tis none so far for one so sprightly as
+thou, O sweet Narjis. Thou didst promise it the
+merchant—remember!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Narjis.</span> I could have laid an oath with the All-seeing
+there was yet another strand of yellow.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_43">[43]</span></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>Tucking away a tell-tale thread.</i>) Couldst
+thou in sooth?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Narjis.</span> Well-a-day! There’s nought for me but to
+go. We must finish the work or the money’s lost.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>She crosses to the large double door and takes
+down a huge iron door key, which hangs on
+the wall beside the door.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speech">And O Marsinah! No looking out of windows or
+peeping over walls.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> By Lady Fatimah’s life of light! What
+dost thou suppose?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Narjis.</span> Think of thy father. Thou knowest how
+he fears for thy safety. Was not his first wife
+stolen? His son slaughtered? Art thou not the
+last of his race? Is not thine own mother in the
+tomb of eternity? I tell thee, should one folly on
+thy part reach thy father’s ears, ’twere the undoing
+of us both.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> Fear nought, O dear Narjis.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Narjis</span> has let herself out and locked the door
+outside.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Marsinah</span> rises, and listens at the door. Then she
+hurries to the rim of the masonry by the well,
+gets up on it and peers over the wall. With
+a little cry of delight she exclaims “Waiting!
+Waiting!” Then claps her left palm with
+her right hand twice. She listens,—then claps
+again. Some one answers the signal in the
+same manner. She draws her veil across her
+face instinctively and stands expectant.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i>A youth appears over the masonry. In a
+moment he is down and in her arms. By
+his mole he is seen to be the young <span class="smcap">Caliph
+Abdallah</span>,—but he is now dressed in the
+simple clothes of an artisan.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_44">[44]</span></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> O my beloved! At last!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> Dost thou still love me, O my master.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> Still?</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>He draws away her veil and kisses her between the eyes.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speech">All my soul lieth between thine eyes! All my
+longing on thine untouched lips. Still love thee?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> How can man love maid who unveileth
+her face as I have to thee?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> How can man not love?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>Veiling herself again.</i>) I am ashamed
+at my shamelessness.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> Sooner be thou ashamed of mine. ’Twas
+I that climbed the wall, broke in on thee to tear
+the cloud from the new moon.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>He raises the veil from her face.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> I swear were to-day three days agone,
+and thou imploring me now, by thine eyes, I’d not
+betray my secrecy again.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> What! Is thy love grown faint so soon?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> Allah help me, strong so soon. I am
+become a thousand times more watchful, more
+jealous of myself, and all because of thee. Alas!
+How must honour like thine judge of frailty like
+mine?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> (<i>Passionately.</i>) Mine honour judges as it
+judged the first moment of seeing thee: that thou art
+my love, that I hold thy little hands in mine, and
+that thou shalt be my wife—none other before thee.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>Drawing her towards him.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>Sinking at his feet.</i>) O my loved one;
+this is a dream of thine. Think of thy parents.
+What will they say? What wilt thou tell them?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> (<i>He sits by her on the ground.</i>) What?
+That I looked out from my father’s pavilion one
+blessed evening and saw thee feeding thy little birds
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_45">[45]</span>at yon window. That I gazed on thy white wrists
+long—long. What more need I say. (<i>He is about
+to kiss her wrists.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>Withdrawing them playfully.</i>) My
+wrists! Hath my face no say in thy loving?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> Thy face! The Forgiver forgive thee.
+Since I beheld its light, my nights are sleepless; my
+days burning sands. This stolen moment alone my
+shade, thy hair my breeze, thy voice my fountain.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>Drawing away.</i>) O my love, leave
+me; forget me utterly. Thy mother will never
+choose me thy bride. Is thy father not far, far
+above my father? Did’st thou not say he was the
+Caliph’s gardener?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> Is the Caliph’s gardener such a mighty
+man?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> Narjis says he is.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> (<i>Secretly annoyed.</i>) Narjis—the old woman?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> Yea, and she says more. I asked her
+in a light way—O very lightly—had she e’er heard
+spoken of the gardener’s son. And she—the fool—she
+swears he never had a son; that his only wife
+is dead these many years; that the garden next
+door hath been leased by a grammarian, the new
+Caliph’s tutor; that once even the Caliph himself
+came to walk there in the cool of the day.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> (<i>Curtly.</i>) Narjis is an old gossip. She
+knows not what she chatters.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> So I told her. But she said, “On
+with thy work, O thou daughter of ignorance.”
+Then I began to laugh, thinking of thee, and flung
+out a line of a song, till her forehead swelled with
+rage and she beat me.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> (<i>Furiously.</i>) She beat thee?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> O ’tis naught. She does so often.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> The sister of Satan!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> What would’st thou! She’s not my
+mother.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_46">[46]</span></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> (<i>Tenderly.</i>) O my Marsinah! Has this
+been thy life? Is thy mother gone long?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> Three years ’tis now since she entered
+into the mercy of Allah! Alas! Those were
+different days. What I did for my mother I did in
+delight. What I learnt from her, I learnt with a
+dancing heart. All her songs, the plucking of the
+lute she taught me—as ’twere so much laughter.
+In her hour, ere my father took her to wife, she had
+been the slave of a rich merchant. The cunningest
+teachers in Baghdad had taught her. When the
+merchant gave her her freedom, she was besought
+to sing at all the rarest feasts. Then Allah took her
+voice and evil nights fell upon her. Thus my father
+found her, outcast and starving. Such was my
+mother.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>A short silence.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> Thou did’st not tell me that thou could’st
+play, that thou could’st sing! What fresh perfection
+do I find in thee every moment!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> ’Tis all my mother in me.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> ’Tis all thyself in thee. Blessed be He that
+fashioned thee in thy splendour of beauty. Thy
+face is fairer than health; thine eyes are the
+eyes of a gazelle; thy lips a cluster of coral;
+like a silver column is thy neck: and thy breasts,
+pomegranates in their glory. O, my beloved, when
+will come the hour that I shall hold thee close to my
+heart, while the night hangeth her silver lamp over
+our silence.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>In a whisper.</i>) When Allah willeth—and
+Allah will it soon.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>Their lips meet in a kiss.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> (<i>Rises to his knees with sudden passion.</i>) It
+shall be this night.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> O, sweet my lord, I have told thee
+before, it cannot be. Not at night. Narjis is ever
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_47">[47]</span>here, and ofttimes my father. My only freedom is
+a morn like to-day’s.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> (<i>Drawing close to her.</i>) Thou shalt have
+other freedom undreamt of by thee.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> What wilt thou do?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> Can’st thou trust me?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> With all my soul, an thou put not thy
+life in danger.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> Dost thou love me so?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>Hanging her head.</i>) Sooner would I
+lose thee for ever.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> (<i>After a pause, with a smile she does not
+observe.</i>) Fear naught.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> What is’t? Nothing to harm thee?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> (<i>Cheek to cheek.</i>) Thou’lt see! When the
+evening prayer hath locked the door of the day,
+then will I come to open the eyes of thy heart.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+  <div class="poetry">
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <div class="verse indent0">This joy must yield to deeper joy its power;</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">As bud still rends its veil, to blush as flower.</div>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>Improvising.</i>)</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+  <div class="poetry">
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <div class="verse indent0">Ah me! How oft the foolish petal’s haste</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">Is scattered to the skies by fatal shower.</div>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> (<i>Turning surprised—joyously.</i>) Yehh!
+Can’st cap verses too? By Allah! What is this
+Wonder of wonders, that the Giver of all things
+good——</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>Rises, interrupting him.</i>) Awah!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> Nothing.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> It is. Fly, O my beloved.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> (<i>Rises.</i>) How can I leave my soul behind
+and not die? (<i>He goes up to the rim of the well.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> Go, I implore thee! By all that’s holy!
+Here! (<i>She plucks a rose from the bush, kisses it,
+and hands it to him.</i>) Go!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>The <span class="smcap">Caliph</span> presses the rose to his lips, then
+slips it into his breast and climbs over the wall.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_48">[48]</span></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> (<i>From the top of the wall.</i>) After set of
+sun! (<i>He disappears over the wall.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Narjis.</span> (<i>Outside.</i>) Marsinah! Marsinah!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Marsinah</span> hurries to her work, sits and stitches
+furiously.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Narjis.</span> (<i>Entering the courtyard.</i>) A gift of good news,
+O my roe. Thy father is coming.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> My father? Never yet came he home
+during the day.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Narjis.</span> Never yet. But to-day he cometh. I saw
+him leaving the hammam-bath, unlike himself—in
+robes of splendour, his locks combed, his beard
+trimmed, and (<i>imitating him</i>) striding along as
+proud and calm as a camel! I hasted ahead
+through the alleys. Had he found thee alone—— (<i>There
+is a knock on the door.</i>) By the Prophet!
+None too soon. (<i>Calling out.</i>) I come! I come!
+(<i>Goes to the door and calls through it.</i>) Who art
+thou? What seekest thou? (<i>She winks at <span class="smcap">Marsinah</span>
+and feigns surprise.</i>) Allah! ’tis my master.
+O Marsinah! Thy father, as I am awake! (<i>She
+unlocks the door.</i>)</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Marsinah</span> has risen; drawing her veil about
+the back of her head.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Hajj</span> enters as described, wearing all his stolen
+robes, his beard neatly trimmed, his whole
+being refreshed by the bath. His manner is
+far more self-assured. He carries his
+little bundle of presents for his daughter,
+which he flings to the ground.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> Salam, O my father.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Narjis.</span> Salam, O my master.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Salam.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>All sit, <span class="smcap">Hajj</span> between the two women.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> Thou smellest so sweet; is it musk?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_49">[49]</span></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> I have lain in the hammam all morning.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> May thy bath profit thee, O my father.
+What blessed coming is thine?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Thou mayst indeed call it blessed. For
+verily the Dispeller of woe hath turned the murk of
+my night into a day of light and delight. What say
+ye to this. (<i>He takes out his purse.</i>) Gold! Gold!
+Gold! What a sound it is! It chinks straight into
+the blood and sets the heart a-beating, so the temples
+throb and reason flies from the head. Dost thou
+mark it, O Marsinah. O Narjis, dost thou?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>Clapping her hands.</i>) Yehh!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Narjis.</span> (<i>Suspicious.</i>) Whence hadst thou this?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Whence? (<i>His brow clouds.</i>) Whence?
+From a fool in his folly! An accursed for whom it
+shall weave the rope round his neck. But that’s for
+later. (<i>Chinking the purse.</i>) This for now. (<i>He
+slips the purse in his breast.</i>) Ha! Ha! Ha! O eyes
+of me! Ye should have beheld them in the
+hammam—the bath-keeper and his slaveboys. How
+they bowed before me—one and all. “O my
+master” here, and “O my lord” there. And
+such rinsings, and rubbings, and clappings, till my
+limbs rang aloud with smoothness! Then they laid
+me adown on silken sheets, the while censers fumed
+me sweetly from head to heel. And the bath-keeper
+knelt at my feet, and sung to the tom-tom a
+song. (<i>He sings, imitating the playing of a tom-tom
+with his hands.</i>)</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+  <div class="poetry">
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <div class="verse indent0">A bowl of wine! Two bowls of wine!</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">And three more bowls and that makes nine!</div>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>He draws out the purse and flings it in the air
+with a shout, catching it again.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>Clapping her hands gleefully and rising
+to her knees.</i>) O my father! Thou art magnificent!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Delighted.</i>) Magnificent—am I?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_50">[50]</span></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> Yea! Even as a prince in one of the
+tales thou tellest.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> A Prince! (<i>He strokes his moustachios.</i>) A
+King?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> A King, in truth, a King! Is he not, O
+Narjis?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Narjis.</span> (<i>Ironically.</i>) A King, in very sooth.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> Never beheld I thee thus. Never till
+this hour. White as milk is this day of mine.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> It shall be whiter still, O my dainty. Give
+me the bundle, O Narjis. Thou shalt bless the day
+indeed, O my rose. (<i>Opening the bundle.</i>) Ah!
+Now thine eyes glisten. Now!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> Thou didst remember me?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Remember thee? What doth thy soul most
+desire in this world? Speak.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> Most? (<i>She glances unconsciously up
+over the garden wall, but looks down again quickly.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Ah, now thou blushest. What is it?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>Confused.</i>) I—know—not.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Imitating.</i>) “I know not.” O Narjis, was
+ever maid such maid. She knows not. By Allah,
+thou hast guarded her well. She is as simple
+as the hour she was born. “I know not.” (<i>He
+fondles <span class="smcap">Marsinah’s</span> cheek.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>Hanging her head.</i>) What should I
+know?</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Hajj</span> and <span class="smcap">Narjis</span> look at each other smiling
+knowingly.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Thou shouldest know that thy father loves
+thee! (<i>He kisses her on both eyes.</i>) And that he has
+brought thee these. (<i>He produces the anklets from
+the bundle.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> Anklets! (<i>She flings off her slippers
+laughing gleefully and puts on the anklets.</i>) O Narjis!
+O Narjis! At last! Now! What girl in our street
+can laugh at me now? (<i>Rises and circles about the
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_51">[51]</span>two.</i>) Look, O Narjis, look! Jamilah, or
+Mubarakah, or any of them. O my master,
+I kiss thy feet. (<i>She kneels before <span class="smcap">Hajj</span> and bows
+down.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Laying his hand on her head.</i>) Thou art
+content?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>Blissfully.</i>) Content? Content?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Then what sayst thou to a veil? (<i>He unfolds
+the veil.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>Springs up, then bashfully—overcome.</i>)
+For me—too? (<i><span class="smcap">Hajj</span> hands it to her smilingly.</i>)
+(<i>In rapture, holding it up; unconsciously looking up
+to the garden wall.</i>) Oh! would I had had it this
+morn!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> This morn! What dost thou mean?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>Realising her self-betrayal.</i>) I mean—I
+know not. My heart is so happy. La Yayhá!
+Do I fill thine eyes, O my father? (<i>She drapes the
+veil about her.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Smiling proudly.</i>) Fill mine eyes! Go!
+Fetch thy lute! We will have music. This day
+shall be a day of rejoicing.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>Going.</i>) I hear and I obey. (<i>She
+hurries off across the courtyard into the house.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Looking after her.</i>) By Allah! How she
+glides swimmingly as she were a lily floating down
+the Tigris. Blessed indeed is he that taketh her
+to wife.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Narjis.</span> Aye, and she’s ripe to wed, too.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Fourteen! The pick of years! I must
+seek her a husband.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Narjis.</span> (<i>Huddles up to him.</i>) What sayst thou to
+the basket-weaver’s son at the corner?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> The basket-weaver’s son? O thou hag!
+(<i>Slaps her cheek with the back of his hand.</i>) Why
+not a bean-seller? (<i>Slap.</i>) Or a camel-boy?
+(<i>Slap.</i>) Yea, or best and rarest, some blear-eyed
+mangy beggar? (<i>Slap.</i>)</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_52">[52]</span></p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Marsinah</span> appears with a lute.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>To <span class="smcap">Narjis</span>.</i>) Behold her now! I swear the
+very movement of her limbs maketh melody.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> What shall I sing thee, O my father?
+(<i>She stands tuning her instrument.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> How many modes canst thou play in?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> One-and-twenty.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> One-and-twenty. (<i>To <span class="smcap">Narjis</span>.</i>) Are one-and-twenty
+modes for the basket-weaver’s son? (<i>He
+slaps <span class="smcap">Narjis</span> again. To <span class="smcap">Marsinah</span>.</i>) And sing
+how many?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> The like number.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> And dance? How many steps did thy mother
+teach thee?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> Far beyond counting.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>To <span class="smcap">Narjis</span>.</i>) Thou hearest! Are they, the
+countless, for the basket-weaver’s son? (<i>A final
+slap.</i>) I tell thee, Marsinah is rare as a houri in
+Paradise. Wouldst thou know what secret the
+future hideth for Marsinah?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Narjis.</span> (<i>Rubbing her poor cheek.</i>) What secret, O
+master?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Sit thee down here, O my flower. And here
+thou, O my cactus. Mark me close, ye both.
+(<i><span class="smcap">Marsinah</span> sits on the ground by <span class="smcap">Hajj</span>.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Drawing the purse from his breast.</i>) This
+money in my bosom will I take and buy merchandise
+withal. (<i>Tossing the purse from hand to hand; his
+voice in lyrical exaltation.</i>) And I will trade and sell;
+and buy and trade; till it is doubled and trebled a
+hundred times hundredfold. Then shall I turn from
+toil and trouble, to clothe my Marsinah in a rope of
+pearls serene; with the crown of a queen on her
+forehead clear; two jewels of shine and sheen,
+pending o’er each ear,—here and there; on her
+breast will I set a ruby amulet of flash and fret;
+and stuffed within a priceless piece of ambergris.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>In wonder.</i>) O my father!</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_53">[53]</span></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> And the name of thy beauty shall be blown
+abroad, beyond Arabia, through Sind, into China,
+even as far as the islands of Wak. And suitors
+shall venture across deserts and sea, by caravel and
+camel, and fall on their knee in suppliance for thee.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> Yehh!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> But I—thy sire, (<i>leaning on <span class="smcap">Narjis</span> lazily as
+though she were a feather bed.</i>)—shall lie back on
+pillows of ostrich plumes, propping mine elbow
+thus, nor turning to right nor to left. And there
+shall be wailings and gnashings of teeth amongst
+thy lovers; the while thou, behind many lintels, in
+a court of marble with a roof of molten gold,
+dancest merrily, airily, to the sound of smitten
+strings.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>Laughing joyfully and clapping her hands.</i>)
+Ya ha! Ya ha!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Triumphantly.</i>) Ha! Ha! (<i>Eagerly.</i>) Dance
+now, O dawn-breeze, now! O Narjis, pluck a
+tune with thy talons. (<i>Hands her the lute.</i>) Up,
+O Marsinah, up! My tom-tom, O Narjis! My
+tom-tom!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Marsinah</span> springs up. She begins to dance
+slowly, then faster and faster. <span class="smcap">Narjis</span>, after
+handing <span class="smcap">Hajj</span> his tom-tom, plays and occasionally
+sings as well.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Beating the tom-tom, shrilly.</i>) Yehh! Allah!
+La Yayhá! La Yayhá! So shalt thou dance! So!
+And the kings of the earth shall send their sons!
+La Yayhá! By thy youth, thou art as a branch
+swaying! La Yayhá! But I shall laugh them to
+scorn, all and one—“Ye swine,” shall I say— “Ye——”</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>There is a knock at the door.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Marsinah</span> stops; so does <span class="smcap">Narjis</span>.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Nought. Neighbours. On! (<i>They begin
+again.</i>)</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_54">[54]</span></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> “Ye swine—who are ye to——”</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>Another knock.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">A Voice.</span> (<i>Outside.</i>) Open in the name of justice.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Instinctively looks at his garments.</i>) Wah!
+Go indoors, O my delight, go! (<i>He throws the
+bundle to <span class="smcap">Marsinah</span>.</i>)</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Marsinah</span>, taking the bundle, goes into the
+house wondering.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>To <span class="smcap">Narjis</span>.</i>) Open! Open! Open!
+(<i><span class="smcap">Narjis</span> opens the house door.</i>)</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Hajj</span> sits expectant, tracing figures in the sand
+with his finger-tips.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i>The <span class="smcap">Captain of the Watch</span> enters—behind
+him come <span class="smcap">Zayd</span> and <span class="smcap">Amru</span> and <span class="smcap">Four
+Archers</span>. <span class="smcap">The Archers</span> fling open the double
+doors to the street and guard them. <span class="smcap">Nasir</span>
+enters as well.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Captain.</span> Is this the house of Hajj, the beggar?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> What would ye?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Zayd.</span> I knew ’twas he! Seize the dog!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Seize me? (<i>He rises abruptly.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Zayd.</span> Those are the very garments.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Captain.</span> Thou must come before the Wazir
+Mansur.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Terrified at the name.</i>) Mansur? I paid
+in part—I meant to pay in full.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Amru.</span> Thou liest, O split of tongue.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Lie? I? (<i>He goes for <span class="smcap">Amru</span>.</i>)</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Two Archers</span> secure <span class="smcap">Hajj</span> between them.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Captain.</span> No words! Off with him.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">The Archers</span> march <span class="smcap">Hajj</span> to the door.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Nasir.</span> (<i>Darting forward and grinning into <span class="smcap">Hajj’s</span>
+face.</i>) Ha! Ha!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Stopping as he sees <span class="smcap">Nasir</span>.</i>) Oh! Thou!</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_55">[55]</span></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Nasir.</span> (<i>Mockingly imitating <span class="smcap">Hajj’s</span> voice.</i>) I saw
+no purse.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Spitting in <span class="smcap">Nasir’s</span> face.</i>) Thou filth!
+Thou son of filth.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>He is led off, the other men following.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Narjis.</span> (<i>Wringing her hands.</i>) Allah! Allah!
+Allah!</p>
+
+<p class="center">[<span class="smcap">Curtain</span>]</p>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Scene IV.</span> <i>A Hall in the Wazir
+Mansur’s Mansion.</i></h3>
+
+<div class="scene">
+
+<p><i>The room is a large oblong one, with a colonnade running
+along the back, looking out on a colonnaded courtyard
+beyond. A large double door to the left leads to the
+entrance hall. Opposite it, in the right wall, a
+niche with a diwan, raised a step or two. The tiles
+and carvings are of the richest.</i></p>
+
+<p><i><span class="smcap">Mansur</span> is seated on the diwan, before him a chessboard.</i></p>
+
+<p><i><span class="smcap">Afife</span> is crouching to the right on the steps, his partner
+in the game.</i></p>
+
+<p><i><span class="smcap">Kafur</span> stands behind them watching.</i></p>
+
+<p><i><span class="smcap">Mansur</span> is in a sullen humour, his mind not on the
+game.</i></p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Afife.</span> (<i>Making a move, in a high squeaky voice.</i>)
+Move, O master.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> (<i>Moving a chess-man.</i>) Now match me
+this move, O thou bundle of misery.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Afife.</span> Match it? (<i>He moves.</i>) Thy turn, O my
+master.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> (<i>Moving again.</i>) So!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Afife.</span> Check!</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_56">[56]</span></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Check? Now cursed be Satan the Stoned!
+What Ifrit is at thine elbow? This is the third
+game thou dost beat me.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Afife.</span> Thy thoughts wander, O my Lord.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Dost thou wonder they wander, o thou
+misbegotten lump of dough?—Wander? They
+gallop, they fly! Even though I myself must
+crawl at other men’s heels these days.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kafur.</span> (<i>To <span class="smcap">Mansur</span>.</i>) There’s yet one more move
+for thee.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> (<i>Studying the board.</i>) One more?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kafur.</span> So! (<i>He sweeps the chessboard clear with his
+sword.</i>)</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>The door opens and an <span class="smcap">Attendant</span> enters.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Attendant.</span> A Chamberlain from the Caliph, O my
+lord.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Admit him.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>The <span class="smcap">Attendant</span> ushers in the <span class="smcap">Chamberlain</span>
+from the <span class="smcap">Caliph</span> who enters with a sealed
+scroll. He comes up to <span class="smcap">Mansur</span> and bows.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Chamberlain.</span> From the Commander of the Faithful
+to his Wazir Mansur.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Kafur</span> turns and takes the letter from the <span class="smcap">Chamberlain</span>
+and hands it to <span class="smcap">Mansur</span>. <span class="smcap">Mansur</span>
+rises and takes the letter, touches the top of his
+head with it, then breaks the seals and scans
+the contents. His lips contract. After a
+moment’s pause he says to the <span class="smcap">Chamberlain</span>.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Harkening and obedience to the Prince
+of True Believers.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>The <span class="smcap">Chamberlain</span> bows and retires as he
+came.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> (<i>Springing up with great rage.</i>) Hear!
+Hear! (<i>Reading from right to left.</i>) “In the name
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_57">[57]</span>of Allah, the Compassionating the Compassionate.
+From Abdallah, Caliph and King of Mankind to
+his Wazir of Police. But after. We find all the
+moneys of our various departments of state, complete
+and in account, saving those under thy control.
+Report thou to us accordingly at our diwan this
+day. Though mine uncle the King be dead,
+justice and order have not died with him.” (<i>He
+tears the letter to bits, stuffs strips into his mouth,
+chews them and spits them out again.</i>) Wah! Now
+Allah damn the grammarian for this! This is <i>his</i>
+handiwork, big-turban’d, bean-fed son of a sow!
+So I’m to end through <i>him</i>? I who sat in his
+seat, hard by the side of the throne. By all devils
+that kneel round hell, I swear this shall never be—do
+ye hear me?—no, never! (<i>He strikes at
+<span class="smcap">Afife</span> in his rage.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kafur.</span> What wilt thou do, O my lord?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> I would I had him between my feet to
+rip the tongue from his teeth.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Afife.</span> A hundred grammatical tongues will not
+bring back one danik of the moneys thou hast
+squandered.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Justice and order! (<i>He spits out a piece
+of the letter.</i>) Pah! Show me the Wazir of Police
+who hath crushed with a heavier hand, whose sword
+made the execution ground as slippery. Recall ye
+not the merry summer’s night when with mine own
+hand, in ten waves of the scymitar, I carved my
+old jester into as many pieces?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Afife.</span> The old jester! Ha! Ha! ’Twas his last
+quirk!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kafur.</span> How we laughed!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">They</span> all laugh.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Alas for the glorious drunken nights of
+passion and power. The feasts of beauty and
+blood! Awah, awah, awah!</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_58">[58]</span></p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">They</span> all sigh.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Afife.</span> What’s to be done?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kafur.</span> Were Prince Omar Caliph, never wouldst
+thou have lost thy seat of honour.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Afife.</span> Higher titles would have been thine. He
+loves thee as a brother.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kafur.</span> He would have created thee Grand Wazir.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Afife.</span> Yea, Grand Wazir of all the kingdom!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Were! Would! Had! The Caliph’s the
+Is! His letter the thing alive! The spent moneys
+must be accounted for. ’Tis my death. Awah!
+Awah!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kafur.</span> The guards are yet under thy orders.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> For the moment. But to-night——</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Afife.</span> Use to-day.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kafur.</span> (<i>Pointing to the chessboard.</i>) One move—and
+the game is thine.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> (<i>Realising <span class="smcap">Kafur’s</span> intention.</i>) Yehh! Kill
+the Caliph? (<i>He rises in thought.</i>)</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Kafur</span> and <span class="smcap">Afife</span> nod and follow him, standing
+on either side of him.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kafur.</span> ’Tis he——</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Afife.</span> Or thou.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> (<i>Looking from <span class="smcap">Afife</span> to <span class="smcap">Kafur</span>.</i>) Yehh!
+But how? When? Who? (<i>Turning to <span class="smcap">Afife</span>.</i>)
+Thou?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Afife.</span> (<i>Grovelling at <span class="smcap">Mansur’s</span> feet.</i>) Alas! I lack
+the strength.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> (<i>Turning to <span class="smcap">Kafur</span>.</i>) Thou?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kafur.</span> (<i>Falling on his knees.</i>) Am I not known by
+every servant in the palace?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Then where shall I find him? This fellow
+strong enough, unknown enough, to stab and stab
+to the soul?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kafur.</span> Fear not. Fate hath written the deed in
+the lines of someone’s forehead. And when the
+hour comes he will be ready.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_59">[59]</span></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Yehh!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>The door opens and the <span class="smcap">Attendant</span> enters and
+bows. Outside voices can be heard.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> What noise is that?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Attendant.</span> Some merchants in the hall, O my
+lord. They have caught a thief and come for justice.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Justice—do they? Justice! By Allah!
+I’ll dispense them justice. Have them enter. (<i>He
+goes back to the diwan and sits.</i>)</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Kafur</span> and <span class="smcap">Afife</span> take their wonted positions
+by his side.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i>The two shopkeepers, <span class="smcap">Amru</span> and <span class="smcap">Zayd</span>, enter,
+after them <span class="smcap">Nasir</span>, the <span class="smcap">Captain of the
+Watch</span> and <span class="smcap">Four Archers</span>. A crowd of
+loiterers (six or eight) follow, who kneel or
+stand in the background. <span class="smcap">Amru</span> and <span class="smcap">Zayd</span>
+approach and kneel. <span class="smcap">Two Negro Eunuchs</span>
+enter and stand at the back.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Amru.</span> O Wazir of the Age, we come for protection
+against the roguery of mankind.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Zayd.</span> O eye of uprightness! Let thy light shed
+judgment.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Speak your grievance.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Amru.</span> There came a man to my shop——</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Zayd.</span> And mine——</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Amru.</span> And he fanned a quarrel ’twixt me and my
+fondest friend.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Zayd.</span> And meantime off he stole with garments of
+both of us.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Where’s the thief?</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Hajj</span> is brought through the door by <span class="smcap">Two
+Archers</span> and prostrates himself before
+<span class="smcap">Mansur</span>, the <span class="smcap">Archers</span> retiring.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>With great saintliness, on his knees.</i>) O Wazir
+of wazirs, O Wisdom of wisdom, O Clemency of
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_60">[60]</span>clemencies! I seek refuge in thy sanctity from
+these my foul-mouthed defamers. A thief—I?
+Allah forfend. I am a man of religion and peace.
+They fell to fisticuffs and curses before me, these
+two,—till mine ears were stung with their ungodliness
+and mine eyes wounded. So I laid my moneys on
+the carpet of the shop and went my silent ways.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Zayd</span> and <span class="smcap">Amru</span>. (<i>Together.</i>) Liar!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Amru.</span> We’d not so much as fixed on a price.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Wilt thou swear I paid thee no earnest
+money?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Amru.</span> A miserable dinar or two to blind me.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Blind thee? What cause had I to blind thee?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Zayd.</span> Thou art a well-known beggar.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> A beggar? Showed I thee not a swollen
+purse?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Zayd.</span> A stolen purse—thou meanest.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> He lies, O my lord. ’Twas given me in
+charity.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Given thee? By whom?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> By one Jawan—a highwayman.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> A highwayman do charity? Now Allah
+pardon thee. Tell the truth.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> May doomsday break if I lie.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> How? A highwayman here in Baghdad?
+An exile with a price on his neck? Thou art mad.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> By mine honesty! There stands his guide
+Nasir. Ask him.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> (<i>To <span class="smcap">Nasir</span>.</i>) O thou! Is this so?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Nasir.</span> (<i>Coming forward and kneeling between <span class="smcap">Hajj</span>
+and the merchants.</i>) ’Tis true such an one lodges
+at my Khan, O my lord. But he is come to
+the city in repentance, to pray at the tombs of
+saints.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> (<i>Furious.</i>) Saints and repentance! His
+coming spits at the law! (<i>To the <span class="smcap">Captain of the
+Watch</span>.</i>) Go with yon fellow. Find the highwayman.
+Take him to the royal diwan this mid-afternoon.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_61">[61]</span>The Caliph shall note how I uphold justice
+and order.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>The <span class="smcap">Captain of the Watch</span> moves to the door
+with <span class="smcap">Two Archers</span>.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Interrupting.</i>) O my lord, a word! (<i>To
+<span class="smcap">Nasir</span>.</i>) Tell the Lord Wazir, thou sawest the
+Sheikh throw me a purse.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Nasir.</span> (<i>Copying <span class="smcap">Hajj’s</span> manner in the first scene.</i>)
+I?—I saw no purse.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Producing the purse; pleading to him.</i>)
+Nasir! Here it is.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Nasir.</span> I saw no purse.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> ’Tis well. Off!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Nasir</span> goes with the <span class="smcap">Captain</span> and <span class="smcap">Archers</span>.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> (<i>To <span class="smcap">Hajj</span>.</i>) As for thee—Give me the purse!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Awah! (<i>He hands the purse to <span class="smcap">Kafur</span>, who
+hands it to <span class="smcap">Mansur</span>.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> (<i>Pocketing the purse in his sleeve.</i>) Thou
+art a liar and a thief. (<i>To <span class="smcap">Kafur</span>.</i>) The sword and
+the cauldron of oil. (<i><span class="smcap">Kafur</span> bows and motions to
+the <span class="smcap">Negroes</span> who go off into the courtyard.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Thy right hand is forfeit to the merchants.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Looking at his hand.</i>) My hand?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> (<i>To the shopkeepers, smilingly.</i>) Two
+fingers to each. I pray you quarrel not over the
+thumb. (<i><span class="smcap">Amru</span> and <span class="smcap">Zayd</span> smile politely in response.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> My hand! My hand! Thou’lt cut off my
+hand?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Says not Allah in His Holy Koran: “If a
+man steal, cut off his hand”?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Alas, O poor hand! Thou couldst have
+served the Wazir of Wazirs, a courtier to his whims,
+a slave to his desires. (<i>The <span class="smcap">Two Eunuchs</span> re-enter
+from the courtyard bearing a boiling cauldron.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Now by the dog, thy father, of what
+service to me were a rogue’s hand like thine?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_62">[62]</span></p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">The Eunuchs</span> place the boiling cauldron under
+<span class="smcap">Hajj’s</span> wrist.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> What service? There’s not a stronger—a
+prompter—a bolder in Baghdad! Ready to plunder
+and pillage, to slash and stab, at thy least command.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> (<i>Starting at the word “stab”.</i>) Stab?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kafur.</span> (<i>To <span class="smcap">Hajj</span>.</i>) Cease thy talk, bare thy wrist.
+(<i>He unsheathes the sword.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Turns and sees the sword, then says in a
+resigned voice.</i>) There is no majesty nor might save
+in Allah! The Causer of Causes! The Ordainer
+of Fate and Fortune!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kafur.</span> (<i>About to raise the sword.</i>) Art thou
+prepared?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Even as the Fox for the Wolf. Strike!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Kafur</span> raises the sword.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Hold!—The Fox and the Wolf?—What
+story is that?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> O Wazir of the Age, ’twere too long to recount— (<i>looking
+round slyly</i>) with yon sword in the air.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Then shall it first sever thy wrist.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>With an eloquent gesture.</i>) Who can tell a
+tale without his two hands?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Knowest thou many histories?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Ask the beggars of my quarter. The teller
+of night-tales they call me—one and all.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Away with the cauldron! (<i>To <span class="smcap">Kafur</span>.</i>)
+Hither with the sword.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Kafur</span> hands <span class="smcap">Mansur</span> the sword; the <span class="smcap">Eunuchs</span>
+take the cauldron into the courtyard.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> What is thy name?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Creeps nearer, on his knees.</i>) Hajj, O my lord.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Thou shalt serve me, O Hajj. Thy wit
+shall shorten the weary watches of my sleeplessness.
+Take this sword, the badge of thy new dignity.
+(<i>He offers him the sword.</i>)</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_63">[63]</span></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> O fountain of grace! My hand blesses thee
+for its salvation, my lowly self for its elevation.
+(<i>He takes the sword and raises it to his forehead.</i>) I
+am thy mameluke, thy chattel. (<i>He touches the
+ground with his head.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Rise! Mansur’s servants do not kneel.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Rising proudly.</i>) Is it thy pleasure that my
+first act should be an act of clemency?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Do as thou wilt.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Turning ferociously on the shopkeepers.</i>) Then
+down, O ye calamities! Down, I say, and cry my
+mercy for lying as ye did, ye false-of-faces!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>The <span class="smcap">Shopkeepers</span> sink down in terror. <span class="smcap">Hajj</span>
+approaches them flourishing his sword before
+them.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Confess ye lied! Confess ye lied!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Amru</span> and <span class="smcap">Zayd</span>. (<i>Scarcely audible.</i>) We lied! We
+lied!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Louder, by your garlic breaths, louder!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Amru</span> and <span class="smcap">Zayd</span>. We lied! Pardon! Pardon!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Pardon?—So ye send not my lord rich gifts
+of atonement none shall answer for your lives. Up!
+Turn your faces and show the breadth of your
+shoulder.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>The <span class="smcap">Shopkeepers</span> rise and hurry out by the
+door, more dead than alive. <span class="smcap">Hajj</span> prods their
+backs with his sword as they vanish.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Turning to <span class="smcap">Mansur</span> with a flourish.</i>) Is it
+well, O my master?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> ’Tis a beginning. Go now! Get thee to
+thy new quarters. (<i>To the <span class="smcap">Attendant</span>.</i>) Ho, Fazil!
+See Hajj be lodged and robed fittingly. Garb him
+in the Persian garments of our jester deceased.
+Alas, poor fellow! He died most sudden of a
+summer evening. (<i>With a reassuring smile.</i>) Thou
+shalt be his successor.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_64">[64]</span></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> I am a tree thy bounty hath planted. May
+the fruit of my endeavour be to thy taste ever. (<i>He
+bows.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Thou shalt give us a smack of thy quality
+after the mid-day meal. Go! Whoso loveth me
+let him show honour to Hajj! (<i>He waves his
+handkerchief in sign of dismissal.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Turns and with a heroic gesture motions the
+curious aside.</i>) Room for the Wazir’s Jester, O ye
+dogs!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>The <span class="smcap">Crowd</span> falls back before him.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i>The <span class="smcap">Attendant</span> leads the way to the left.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Hajj</span> struts out conducted by the <span class="smcap">Attendant</span>.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> (<i>To <span class="smcap">Kafur</span> and <span class="smcap">Afife</span>.</i>) Think ye I’ve
+pardoned this mountebank to listen to foolish
+fables? (<i>With great emphasis.</i>) He is the man.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kafur.</span> What man?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> The man to kill the Caliph.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>Through the colonnade at the back <span class="smcap">Hajj</span> is seen to
+enter the courtyard from the left and cross over
+to the right, preceded by the <span class="smcap">Attendant</span>,
+<span class="smcap">Mansur’s Servants</span> and <span class="smcap">Two Eunuchs</span>,
+bending low, the crowd following. <span class="smcap">Hajj</span> turns
+to the hall and seeing <span class="smcap">Mansur</span>, bows again to
+him. <span class="smcap">Mansur</span> acknowledges his bow with a
+grim smile. <span class="smcap">Hajj</span>, delighted, turns, twirling
+his moustachios and with enormous swagger
+moves to the colonnade, right, the <span class="smcap">Attendant</span>
+cringing to the new favourite.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="center">[<span class="smcap">Curtain</span>]</p>
+
+<p class="titlepage"><i>End of Act I</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_65">[65]</span></p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_66">[66]</span></p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="BEFORE_THE_CURTAIN_II">ACT II<br>
+BEFORE THE CURTAIN<br>
+NOON</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="center"><i>The <span class="smcap">Man</span> enters from his house, seats himself
+and sings</i>:</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+  <div class="poetry">
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <div class="verse indent0">Lo! Now the blazing banner of the sun</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">In noonday sky its victory hath won;</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">And even as on mighty battle plain</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">So lieth, stretched and stricken, everyone.</div>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<p class="center"><i>The <span class="smcap">Woman</span> enters from her house, seats herself
+and sings</i>:</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+  <div class="poetry">
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <div class="verse indent0">Lo! Now in the harim I seek in vain</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">The shadowed cool of midnight to regain;</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">Yet though I burn, ’tis not the heaven’s eye</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">That dooms my senses to eternal pain!</div>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<p class="center"><i>The <span class="smcap">Man</span></i>:</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+  <div class="poetry">
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <div class="verse indent0">Wah! That some wondrous wizard passing by</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">Would charm to silence this my misery.</div>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<p class="center"><i>The <span class="smcap">Woman</span></i>:</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+  <div class="poetry">
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <div class="verse indent0">Wah! Might some mystic spell invade me so</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">That all my yearning would for ever die!</div>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<p class="center"><i><span class="smcap">Both</span></i>:</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+  <div class="poetry">
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <div class="verse indent0">O Thou, Bestower of all things, bestow</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">This benediction on Thy servants low.</div>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<p class="center"><i>The <span class="smcap">Sorcerer</span> enters and first reveals the <span class="smcap">Man</span>
+to the <span class="smcap">Woman</span>, and the <span class="smcap">Woman</span> to the <span class="smcap">Man</span>.
+When he has retired they rise and sing</i>:</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+  <div class="poetry">
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <div class="verse indent0">At last thou openest the future’s wall,</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">Revealing my desire’s inmost call,</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">O Fate, thou greatest sorcerer of all!</div>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<p class="center"><i>Then they draw together for an instant. But
+the hour is not yet ripe. So they turn and
+enter their respective houses. They have seen
+each other.</i></p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_67">[67]</span></p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="ACT_II">ACT II<br>
+AFTERNOON</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Scene I.</span> <i>The Hall in the Wazir Mansur’s Mansion.</i></h3>
+
+<div class="scene">
+
+<p><i>The same scene as the last, but richly embroidered curtains
+have now been drawn between the columns to keep
+out the glare of the afternoon sun. This gives the
+room a more intimate feeling. Two large cushions
+have been placed on the floor and between them a
+low wine-table with beakers of wine, drinking
+bowls, fruits, sweetmeats, and a bunch of aromatic
+herbs.</i></p>
+
+<p><i><span class="smcap">Mansur</span> is reclining on one cushion. <span class="smcap">Afife</span> and
+<span class="smcap">Kafur</span> are on the diwan. <span class="smcap">Two Slaves</span> stand
+ready to replenish the cups.</i></p>
+
+<p><i>On the cushion to the left is seated <span class="smcap">Hajj</span>, in a brilliant
+fantastic Persian robe and a gorgeous turband. He
+sits up very erect, his eyes sparkling, his arms outstretched—evidently
+at the climax of his story.</i></p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> “Thereupon, O hearer, the fox saw his foe,
+the wolf, was slain; and henceforth he abode alone
+in the vineyard, secure to the hour of his death.”
+But Allah is all-knowing!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> In sooth, a pleasing tale!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>He drains his cup and holds it out to the <span class="smcap">Slave</span>,
+who fills it up again.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kafur.</span> Good! Good!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Afife.</span> (<i>Clapping his hands.</i>) More! More! More!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> (<i>Signing to the slave behind <span class="smcap">Hajj</span>.</i>) Nay,
+first another cup——</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_68">[68]</span></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Putting his hand over his cup.</i>) O my Lord,
+pardon me. I am not wont to drink wine.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Tush! ’Tis nothing. Thin, red morning
+tipple. This night will we robe us in robes of gold
+and flame-colour and fall to quaffing in earnest;
+sweet Greek vintage that breeds gladness even to
+madness. (<i>He holds out the cup, which the <span class="smcap">Slave</span>
+fills. Then <span class="smcap">Mansur</span> passes it to <span class="smcap">Hajj</span>.</i>) May I
+never be afflicted with thy loss.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Hajj</span>, bowing to <span class="smcap">Mansur</span>, accepts the cup and
+kisses it.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> The slave to thy wishes revealed or concealed.
+(<i>He drains it and returns it to <span class="smcap">Mansur</span>.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> (<i>Pointedly.</i>) So thou sayest and hast said.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Put me to the test, O my master. What tale
+dost thou desire?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> What tale? (<i>Confidentially to <span class="smcap">Hajj</span>.</i>)
+Harkee, O Hajj. Thou hast wasted thy years.
+Thou canst turn the ear inside out by thy talk.
+Long ago thy wit should have won thee a wazirdom.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> I? Wazir?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Yehh! Thou art marked for it by fate.
+Is this not so, O Kafur?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kafur.</span> Thou hast said it.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> (<i>To <span class="smcap">Hajj</span>.</i>) Thou seest? There’s no
+escaping honours, O Hajj the Wazir! O the Wazir
+Hajj!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Stroking his moustachios.</i>) The Wazir Hajj!
+O my lord, what stair will lead me to so high a
+minaret?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> What stair?</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>The <span class="smcap">Attendant</span> enters by the door.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Attendant.</span> ’Tis the hour of the diwan, O my
+lord.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> The diwan! ’Tis well. (<i>Rises.</i>) (<i>The
+<span class="smcap">Attendant</span> leaves.</i>) I go to robe myself. Await
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_69">[69]</span>me but a handful of moments, O my friend. When
+I return I shall open a gate undreamt of by thy
+dearest dream. Till then, Allah increase thee, O
+Wazir to be.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Mansur</span> goes off followed by <span class="smcap">Kafur</span>, <span class="smcap">Afife</span>,
+and the <span class="smcap">Two Slaves</span>.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Wazir! Wazir! Another cup! A cup to thee,
+O Wazir Hajj, thou friend of the great, thou of the
+great thyself. (<i>He drinks another cup and struts
+across the room.</i>) Wazir! (<i>He approaches the
+diwan.</i>) Yehh! Why not? (<i>He seats himself on
+the diwan.</i>) Even such a seat was destined my
+limbs from eternity! (<i>With a chuckle.</i>) The
+Wazir Hajj!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Miskah</span>, a slave-girl, enters through the curtains
+at the back. She is, of course, veiled. She
+looks about cautiously, then glides to <span class="smcap">Hajj’s</span>
+side, and throws herself at his feet.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Miskah.</span> O my master, my mistress bids me come
+kiss the dust of thy slippers.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Yehh! Who may be the mistress of so fair
+a messenger?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Miskah.</span> Hush! If we be heard ’tis death.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Speak low then. What is it?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Miskah.</span> ’Tis sooner told than mended. At noon-tide,
+lying within the lattice of the harim, my lady
+saw thee cross the courtyard—the servants bowing
+to earth before thy valiant stride.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Delighted.</i>) Valiant stride! (<i>He strokes his
+moustachios.</i>) Yehh! Did she, forsooth?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Miskah.</span> O noble stranger, who art thou? Whence
+comest thou? What is the measure of thy staying?
+Such and more would my mistress know. For from
+noon till now is all her being become one yearning
+question.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> And all my being from now to eternity one
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_70">[70]</span>burning reply. So haste! Bring us together that
+we may spell a sweet completeness.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Miskah.</span> Follow me, then. But by the life of thy
+head mark thy path. For we must step over the
+sleeping door-keeper of the harim. I have plied
+him with drugs. Three blessed hours will he lie
+thus in stupor—no longer. After me!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Hold! I cannot leave. Any moment the
+Wazir may return. Might not thy mistress favour
+me with her coming?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Miskah.</span> Hither?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Pointing to the door.</i>) Thou couldst stand
+guard.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Miskah.</span> I’ll take thy message, O my master. But
+her consent means madness. (<i>She disappears through
+the curtains.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Left alone, smiles.</i>) “Madness!” “Valiant
+stride!” (<i>He sits erect.</i>) “Noble stranger!” O
+Hajj! Thou wast not so mistaken in thyself.
+There’s a something, a somehow about thee—no
+doubt of that!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>He draws out his sword using the blade as a
+mirror by which to arrange his moustachios.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i>The curtains part again—<span class="smcap">Miskah</span> re-enters.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Miskah.</span> She comes! (<i>She glides rapidly to the door
+left and sits listening.</i>)</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Kut-al-Kulub</span> enters, a voluptuous woman of
+the ripe oriental type—she is about eight and
+twenty. Her dress is very rich, over it a
+gorgeous mantle. Her veil is of the thinnest.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>Kneeling before him.</i>) Welcome and
+well come to my illustrious lord.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> A thousand blessings on thy white forehead, O
+mistress of my days.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> Allah, forgive me! Only the wildness of
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_71">[71]</span>despair could drive me to break the bonds of my
+harim.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> I am earth to thy treading.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>With a sigh and exaggerated emotion.</i>)
+Now, by my life! I knew mine eyes beheld a king
+the instant they lighted upon the grace of thy
+being. Help me! Help me! I am oppressed
+beyond endurance.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Who art thou? One of Mansur’s wives?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>Springing up, indignantly.</i>) One——? I
+am the Wife of wives!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Miskah.</span> S—sh!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> His first? The great lady?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> First in fact. Yet might I be the least
+and lowest—a blackamoor kitchen wench—were I
+to be ranked by his reckoning.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Never tell me he ceases adoring thee even for
+the wink of an eye-lid.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>Shrilly.</i>) Cease adoring! He!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Miskah.</span> (<i>Warningly.</i>) S—sh!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>Turning to <span class="smcap">Hajj</span>, with appeal.</i>) Behold
+this arm! (<i>She produces a gorgeous arm from her
+cloak.</i>) Is this arm shrivelled? Shrunk?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Admiringly.</i>) Shrivelled? What dog says
+shrivelled?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>Opening her cloak.</i>) This bosom yellow?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Overcome.</i>) Yellow, this field of lilies?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>Turning back.</i>) Now tell me, by thine
+honour: callest thou me hump-backed?</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>She drops the cloak and turns round revealing her
+form, provokingly clad in scanty splendour.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> O thou copious beauty! Am I a boy that
+thou shouldst mock me thus?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>Unveiling her face.</i>) Or is my face pock-pitted?
+My nose crooked? My mouth crumpled?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Allah help me! What art thou doing to me,
+O cruel one?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_72">[72]</span></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>With a gliding step as she approaches him
+languorously.</i>) And my gait? (<i>Making slow
+gestures.</i>) Is my motion like a popinjay’s on a
+perch? (<i>Coming close to him and sitting on the diwan
+below him.</i>) My glance the stare of a dead thing?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> O sun of the age! Dazzle not my sight to
+blindness! Strike not my senses to frenzy.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>Feigning surprise, veiling her face, and
+turning from him.</i>) Woe upon me! Hath my rage
+disrobed me?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> O light of splendour, cloud not thy rays. Shut
+me not in blackest darkness.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>Lifting her veil a little from her face,
+coquettishly.</i>) So much?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> More.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> So much?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> More.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>Dropping her veil completely.</i>) O thou man
+among men! Why must I obey thy bidding? (<i>She
+looks down provokingly.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Drawing close.</i>) What is thy name?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> Kut-al-Kulub, the food of hearts.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> In very sooth, thou art the food of hearts. I
+could feast on thy plenty for ever and yet be an-hungered
+still.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> Alas! Why have I never heard words
+like thine till now?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Coaxing.</i>) Never till now?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>Coyly.</i>) By my head, never! All day
+and all night I sit alone under my silent dome, in
+the fever of my solitude; my tears my sole
+consolers.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Tears! Thou must let me come to thee and
+kiss them away.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>Pretending horror.</i>) Art thou mad?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Aye, maddened by the insolence of thy beauty.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>Rising and turning from him, provokingly.</i>)
+Allah! Kiss me? Thou? Out on
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_73">[73]</span>thee! ’Tis easily seen thou art loved too much, by
+too many.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>He follows her, comes close to her, and suddenly
+says in a very businesslike way.</i>) When shall it be?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>Dropping all artifice, eagerly.</i>) This
+evening—early—with the new risen moon.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> How shall I reach thee?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> Come to this courtyard. My faithful
+slave of the firehole shall await thy coming and lead
+thee by an unknown passage under the baths straight
+to the heart of the harim.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Miskah.</span> (<i>Springing up, anxiously.</i>) O mistress!
+(<i>She points to the door.</i>)</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Hajj</span> kisses <span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> on the lips. She tears
+herself away and hurries off through the
+curtains followed by <span class="smcap">Miskah</span>.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>With a final glance.</i>) Allah!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Flinging his arms out in ecstacy.</i>) Allah!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>Hearing <span class="smcap">Mansur</span>, he quickly resumes the
+position on the floor, in which <span class="smcap">Mansur</span> left
+him.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Mansur</span> re-enters clad in armour, followed by
+<span class="smcap">Kafur</span> and <span class="smcap">Afife</span>.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> O Wazir Hajj—are thine eyes ready for
+me to open?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Ready, O my master.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Swear that thou wilt never reveal what I
+shall unveil. (<i>He resumes his seat on the diwan.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> I give thee the bond of Allah, to whom belong
+honour and glory.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> ’Tis well. How prompt art thou to do a
+deed?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Kneeling.</i>) Order me do, and ’tis done.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> (<i>After a pause.</i>) Kill the Caliph.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Thunderstruck.</i>) The—Caliph?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> I said what I said.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_74">[74]</span></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> The Caliph! The Viceroy of the Prophet!
+Shed his sacred blood?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Sacred? Abdallah? A toy to a tutor?
+Prince Omar should be reigning in his stead.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Prince Omar!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Yehh! He’s no parchment-worm! He’s
+a man, a warrior, a king to the core.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> And were Prince Omar Caliph—how would
+that help my cause?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> The hour he’s proclaimed Caliph, that
+hour am I Grand Wazir. Once Grand Wazir, there’s
+no favour too lofty for thee to climb to.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Yehh! But why choose me for the deed?
+Me, from all the servants that encircle thee as the
+white of the eye doth the black.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> I wish to honour thee.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Not without humour.</i>) Honour me less, I
+pray thee.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Wouldst thou have me pick a fool for such
+work? I tell thee, thou art the man.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Confused.</i>) Awah! The Caliph! To attempt
+to approach him surrounded as he is ever by
+a body-guard of ready scymitars!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Nought so easy. He holds his diwan after
+mid-afternoon prayer, dealing decrees to great and
+small, bidding and forbidding. Didst thou not say
+erstwhile thou knewest how to juggle?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Trick on trick! Oft I play them at my
+corner! A wizard from Morocco was my teacher.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> The very device! Even such another
+Moorman shalt thou stand to-day before the Caliph
+seeking protection as a stranger. I’ll turn it so
+that he bids thee unfold these tricks of thine. Do
+thou, by thy skill, draw him step by step from his
+throne, till he pass beyond the circle of safety and
+stand unguarded, unheedful by thy side. Then
+sudden plunge thy dagger.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> The guards would cut me down.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_75">[75]</span></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Once the Caliph killed, the command of
+the guards falls unto me.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Ask aught else. This I cannot.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> (<i>Half aloud as to himself temptingly.</i>)
+Hajj, the Wazir! The Wazir Hajj!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> I cannot kill Allah’s messenger. Cut off my
+hand and let me go.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> (<i>Rising.</i>) Let thee go? Now? Thy
+hand to ransom thee with such a secret in thy heart?
+By the Venger of villainy, thou shalt not leave this
+house alive! ’Tis either my cup companion, or
+(<i>pointing</i>) down into the vaults of oblivion.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Was it for this I was raised to favour?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> (<i>Sneeringly.</i>) For thy beauty—mayhap?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Clenching his hands.</i>) The Caliph. I cannot!
+I cannot!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Thou art a coward.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Not for myself. But I have others in my life.
+Affections that bind me. I have a daughter.
+Awah! (<i>He grovels on the ground.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> (<i>With a sudden look at <span class="smcap">Kafur</span>.</i>) Young?
+Unmarried?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Unmarried. Awah!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Fair?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Fairer than fair. With a voice like a nightingale’s.
+A thousand songs are hers. When she
+dances—the gates of Paradise are opened.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> (<i>Doubtfully.</i>) Sayest thou so. (<i>He makes
+signs to <span class="smcap">Afife</span> and <span class="smcap">Kafur</span>, unobserved by <span class="smcap">Hajj</span>.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> I tell thee she is a slice of the moon! With
+lips tender, and waist slender, and graces countless,
+no tongue can render.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> By Allah! Thou hast set me afire. I’ll
+take her to wife.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Overcome.</i>) Thou? The Wazir Mansur—my
+Marsinah?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Even so.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Rising—still doubting.</i>) Wife?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_76">[76]</span></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Yea, wife—not concubine. My other
+wives will I put away from me. She shall be first
+of them all.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Thou’lt swear it?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Swear it? (<i>He raises his right hand.</i>) The
+Opening Chapter of the Koran be between me and
+thee upon this. Afife, Kafur, be ye sponsors to our
+compact before the Most High. (<i>He holds out his
+right palm.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Putting his right palm against <span class="smcap">Mansur’s</span>.</i>) Ye
+have heard.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Afife and Kafur.</span> (<i>Together.</i>) We have heard.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> So be it. I’ll make her mine at sunset.
+The eunuchs of the harim shall bring her hither
+this self-same hour.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Nay, let me go with them. Such tidings shall
+she learn from none save her father. (<i>He moves to
+the door.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Hold! A little question! How stand we
+as to the Caliph?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> The Caliph? Now thou hast sworn to marry
+my daughter, by Him the Most High, the One, the
+Omnipotent, here do I swear to stab the Caliph to
+death this day.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> (<i>To the others.</i>) Ye have heard?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kafur and Afife.</span> (<i>Raising their right hands together.</i>)
+Amin!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> (<i>Raising his hand.</i>) Amin!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Raising his hand.</i>) Amin! (<i>A moment’s
+silence. From the distant minaret comes the call to
+prayer.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> (<i>Sanctimoniously.</i>) O my brothers, the
+call to prayer.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>In the same tone.</i>) Prayer!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>With one accord they all kneel and bend devoutly
+to Meccah.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="center">[<span class="smcap">Curtain</span>]</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_77">[77]</span></p>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Scene II</span></h3>
+
+<div class="scene">
+
+<p><i>The Courtyard of a poor House. (The same scene as
+Act I. Scene III.). The hot sun of the afternoon
+is kept off by some awnings. The birds in the
+cages hang on the wall.</i></p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><i><span class="smcap">Marsinah</span> is seated on the bench, her lute in her lap.
+She sings</i>:—</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+  <div class="poetry">
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <div class="center">I.</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">Under my veil</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">What hide I not?</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">Now cheeks so pale,</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">Now blushes hot:</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">Under my veil!</div>
+    </div>
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <div class="center">II.</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">Under my veil</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">What hold I not?</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">The sweetest tale</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">Of kisses got,</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">Under my veil!</div>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Narjis.</span> (<i>Coming out of the house with a large
+water-jar and going to the well.</i>) Out upon thee,
+singing away thy day! An thou help me not in
+the house, I’ll take away thy trinkets.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> Touch me, and my father shall hear of
+it!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Narjis.</span> Thy father! ’Twill be long ere thou seest
+thy father again.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> I’ll not believe it.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Narjis.</span> I tell thee this sudden wealth—(<i>With a
+gesture of thieving.</i>)—came but by way of his fingers.
+They’ve found him. They’ve taken him.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>A knock on the house door.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> Yehh! ’Tis he!</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_78">[78]</span></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Narjis.</span> Or the watch come for thy anklets.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>Hiding her anklets as she sits.</i>) O
+Narjis!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>Another knock.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Narjis.</span> (<i>Hurries to the door calling out.</i>) Here am
+I! Here am I! Who knocks?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Outside.</i>) I! Thy master. Open, O
+Narjis.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Narjis.</span> Allah! ’Tis thy father. (<i>She unlocks the
+house door.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>Springing up.</i>) What said I?</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>Enter <span class="smcap">Hajj</span>. He is, of course, in his brilliant
+Persian gown with his silver sword in his
+belt.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Where’s Marsinah? (<i>He enters the court.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>Overcome by his appearance.</i>) O my
+father! What fresh magnificence is this? Did
+they set thee free?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Looking at <span class="smcap">Narjis</span>.</i>) What hast thou been
+saying to her? Calling me thief behind my heels?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Narjis.</span> Not a word, O my lord. I am thy slave of
+admiration.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> O slippery mouth! Are thieves clad in
+robes of honour? Are thieves given swords of
+office?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> By my youth! ’Tis all silver.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> ’Twill be gold before night.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> Gold?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> And before yet another night all jewels and
+gems.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> Gold! Jewels! O king of fathers!
+Hast thou discovered some enchanted treasure?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Yea, a treasure for me and a treasure for thee!
+My dreams are dreams no longer. They are alive
+as the breath of thy lips. (<i>To <span class="smcap">Narjis</span>.</i>) Go fetch
+me my bundle of magic.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Narjis.</span> All the tricks?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_79">[79]</span></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> All, and the robes.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Narjis.</span> Hearing and obedience. (<i>She goes into the
+house at back.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>To <span class="smcap">Marsinah</span>.</i>) Thy birds!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> My birds? Thou wilt have a care of
+them as ever? (<i>She brings the bird cages to him.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Care? Care matters not now, O my doe!
+Thou shalt have braver birds than those ere long.
+Flocks of white ones and black ones to fly at thy
+beck and call.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> White ones? Black ones?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Laughing.</i>) Ha! Ha! My large-eyed
+wonder! Human birds; slaves! Slaves!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>Amazed.</i>) I—slaves?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Squats and looks into <span class="smcap">Marsinah’s</span> eyes.</i>)
+Larger and larger! As many as thy whims cry out
+for. O Marsinah, child of mine! Allah hath
+poured blessings untold upon thee. Thou art to
+be wed to-night.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>Joyfully.</i>) O my father! Thou hast
+seen him! (<i>She glances up at the garden wall.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Him? Whom?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>Confused.</i>) Him!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Thy husband? Seen him? I am his cup-companion,
+the friend of his bosom, his wazir to
+come.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> His wazir?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Indeed, how canst thou guess? There! I’ll
+play with thee no longer. Know thy full happiness.
+Thou art to be wife to the Wazir Mansur.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>Breathless.</i>) Mansur?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> He! What sayest thou now! Has thy joy
+stifled thee quite?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>Blankly.</i>) Mansur? (<i>She sinks down,
+staring before her.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Yes, say it! Say it! Till thy heart learneth
+to hold it! To beat to its measure! Mansur!
+Mansur! Mansur! Mighty now, mightier still
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_80">[80]</span>ere long! His wife! None above thee, none
+thine equal!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>Faintly, looking up.</i>) O my father, I
+kiss the ground. Wed me not to this man.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Rises.</i>) Not? Not?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> Not to him, O my father. I pray
+Allah’s pardon, not to him.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> ’Tis Mansur I speak of—the Wazir of Police.
+The favoured of Fortune. Him thou art to wed,
+to be his great lady, his wife of wives.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> Alas, my long grief! Say it not again,
+I entreat thee.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Say it not again?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> O my father. Thou’lt not do this to me.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Not what?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> Not give me to him. Not to him.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Thou shalt be his by sundown.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> Sundown? Sundown? This night?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> How oft must I say it!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> By the Ineffable! May I be thy
+ransom here and hereafter! But this,—this,—by the
+warmth twixt my heart and thine, the sacred bond
+of child and parent, do not this thing to me, O my
+father and lord, not this!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Art thou raving?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> O sweet my father! Gentle my father!
+Father of the true eyes and tender! Thou didst
+love my mother! Thou wert her salvation, her
+soul’s consolation in the hour of her need! By her
+memory, I conjure thee.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Gently.</i>) O Marsinah, my gazelle, rise!
+What sudden fright is thine? Has the might of
+Mansur’s name o’erwhelmed thee?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> O, ’tis not his name! ’Tis not fright!
+’Tis—(<i>Sits up, with sudden horror.</i>) I cannot go to
+him! I will not!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Will not? Will not? Now woe to thee, O
+thou daughter of sin! May Allah never bless thee!
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_81">[81]</span>Is such my recompense for all the years of toiling
+and moiling, of cark and care? Have I worked at
+my begging from dawn to dusk, screamed myself
+hoarse for thy sake? And dost thou now cry out,
+“I will not?” “Will not!” to me, thine own
+father?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>Quieter.</i>) Pardon me, O my lord. I
+meant—I cannot. I cannot!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Cannot, forsooth? Cannot! Art thou all my
+soul holds dear on earth, and come I here to thee
+with the tiding of tidings—and thou like the hyena
+snarlest and bitest the hand that feedeth thee? Why
+canst thou not? Why wilt thou not? What is the
+why of thy why? Speak!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> Awah! Awah! Awah! (<i>She weeps on the
+ground.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Squatting by her side, imitating her.</i>) “Awah!
+Awah!” By Allah! Verily he was a suffering father
+who said: “a son is the lamp of a dark house—a
+daughter a desolation.”</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Narjis</span> comes out of the house, with a robe and a
+bright kerchief.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Narjis.</span> (<i>Seeing <span class="smcap">Marsinah</span> on the ground.</i>) What’s
+here?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Comest thou too? A pretty child I have,
+indeed! A pretty spirit thou hast fostered in her.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Narjis.</span> I—O my master?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Thou—O hell hag. Look on her! There she
+lieth grovelling and howling like a kicked dog, so
+the whole quarter will wonder and come rapping on
+the door. And what for? What for? Because the
+honour of honours has fallen upon her and she is to
+be wife to the Wazir Mansur.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Narjis.</span> Mansur’s wife! By the prophet, is this so?
+(<i>She comes to <span class="smcap">Marsinah</span> and kneels beside her.</i>) O
+Marsinah! Hath thy star risen at last?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> O Narjis, I wish not to be his wife.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_82">[82]</span></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Rises.</i>) I wish not! I cannot! I will not!
+Whose wife then wouldst thou be, O thou misery?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> I know not. No one’s. If our neighbour
+the gardener had a son—his wife would I be.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Narjis.</span> I’ve told thee before—he hath no son.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Ha! The old man, the gardener, a son? He,
+with a face like a cobbler’s apron? Ha! Ha! Thou
+art jesting. ’Tis well. Thou hast fooled me long
+enough. Dry thy tears. Dry thy tears, I tell thee.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> I am not jesting. Sooner would I die
+than go to the Lord Mansur.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> By my soul—sayst thou true?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> By thy soul. (<i>She holds up her right hand.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>With intense rage.</i>) Now Allah damn the
+mother that bore thee, and the father that begot thee!
+May thy bones rot and thy body be flung on the ash-heaps
+beyond the gates of the city—thou child of
+abomination, thou shame unforgettable! We shall
+see! (<i>He goes to the street door and opens it—calling.</i>)
+Ho, masters! Hither!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Two Eunuchs</span> of the Guard of the Harim enter.
+<span class="smcap">Marsinah</span> veils herself.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>To the <span class="smcap">Eunuchs</span>.</i>) This way! Lead ye this
+maid to your Lord Mansur! Her life be on your
+heads.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>The <span class="smcap">Eunuchs</span> cross to <span class="smcap">Marsinah</span> and lay
+hands on her.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>Making a final appeal to her father,
+kneeling.</i>) O my father.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Sternly.</i>) Away!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> Awah! Awah! Awah!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>She is dragged off by the <span class="smcap">Eunuchs</span>.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Hajj</span> and <span class="smcap">Narjis</span> look at each other and nod
+their heads with utmost content.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="center">[<span class="smcap">Curtain</span>]</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_83">[83]</span></p>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Scene III</span></h3>
+
+<div class="scene">
+
+<p><i>The Caliph’s Diwan (Audience Hall). On the lower
+left side, raised by a few steps, stands the Caliph’s
+diwan or throne: below it, to its left, a single gold
+cushion, the seat of honour. At the back and to the
+right a lofty row of arches opens onto a terrace from
+which can be seen the whole city of Baghdad. To
+the right, benches for the dignitaries of the court.
+At the end of the terrace left, behind the Caliph’s
+throne, a great tower with a massive door which
+leads down into the prisons. The architecture is of
+the finest Arabian. The view of Baghdad is
+gorgeous and sun-lit.</i></p>
+
+<p><i>The young <span class="smcap">Caliph</span> is seen seated on his diwan, magnificently
+robed. By his side stands a low table with
+a vase, from which rises the single rose given him
+by <span class="smcap">Marsinah</span>. Now and again he takes the rose
+and smells it. Above him stands the Wazir <span class="smcap">Abu
+Bakr</span>. Later on, he seats himself to the left of the
+<span class="smcap">Caliph</span>, in the place of honour. Behind the throne
+stand <span class="smcap">Archers</span> with their lances, and on its steps
+the <span class="smcap">Guards</span> with scymitars drawn.</i></p>
+
+<p><i><span class="smcap">Three Elderly Men</span> in Egyptian costume kneel before
+the throne. Behind them stands a mummy-case
+with <span class="smcap">Four Black Slaves</span>. In the background
+kneel female <span class="smcap">Musicians</span> and <span class="smcap">Dancers</span>—eight in
+all.</i></p>
+
+<p><i>The <span class="smcap">Chamberlain</span> approaches the throne and prostrates
+himself.</i></p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Chamberlain.</span> O Prince of True Believers, the
+Ambassadors of Egypt stand before thee bearing a
+petition and gifts for thy gracious acceptance.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> Display the gifts.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>The <span class="smcap">Chamberlain</span> takes their petition to the
+<span class="smcap">Caliph</span>. Music strikes up.</i>)</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_84">[84]</span></p>
+
+<p>(<i>The <span class="smcap">Ambassadors</span> bow and sit on the bench,
+right. At a signal the <span class="smcap">Slaves</span> open the
+mummy-case, and an Almah (a dancer) steps
+out, who does a strange, peacock-like Egyptian
+dance, ending in a seductive posture at the feet
+of the throne. The <span class="smcap">Four Slaves</span> carry the
+mummy-case off to the right.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> (<i>Turning to the three Egyptian men.</i>) O
+Wazirs of Cairo, return ye to Egypt and tell our
+viceroy I accept his gifts of these slave-girls and
+will consider his petition. (<i>To the <span class="smcap">Chamberlain</span>.</i>)
+See robes of honour be bestowed on the
+Ambassadors.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Chamberlain.</span> Hearkening and obeying.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">The Three Ambassadors.</span> (<i>Bowing low and
+speaking together.</i>) Allah increase thy glory, O
+Commander of the Faithful.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>Conducted by the <span class="smcap">Chamberlain</span>, who crosses to
+them, they withdraw.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> (<i>To the dancers and musicians.</i>) As for ye,
+O damsels, this hour I grant you freedom and a
+purse of ten thousand dirhams to each of you. (<i>To
+an attendant.</i>) Conduct them in all honour from
+the palace.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>The <span class="smcap">Attendant</span> leads the <span class="smcap">Maidens</span> off by
+the terrace, the Almah following them with a
+final appealing gesture to the <span class="smcap">Caliph</span>.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Abu Bakr.</span> (<i>Kneeling before the <span class="smcap">Caliph</span>.</i>) O King of
+the Earth, may thy tutor speak to his charge of
+many years?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> Speak, O my father.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Abu Bakr.</span> Of a truth, thou committest a wrong, O
+my lord, in despising thus hourly the gifts of fair
+women. Hath Allah not created thee a man in thy
+manhood?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> Seest thou this rose? ’Tis holier to me
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_85">[85]</span>than the red rose of the Prophet! Now by its
+holiness do I swear to thee, to-night shall put an end
+to my singleness.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Abu Bakr.</span> Thou hast found what thou seekest?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> The while thou didst ponder over the
+revenues of the kingdom, I took my pleasure in thy
+garden. And lo! The Bestower sent what I
+prayed for—a sweet maid of a thousand wonders.
+After sundown I will ride forth to bring her home
+in full pomp, as she were a princess from a kingdom
+afar.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Abu Bakr.</span> And who might this Chosen of the
+chosen be, O my lord?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> Who? (<i>Smelling of the rose.</i>) The
+partner of my dreams, the half of my heart, my
+first love and my last. (<i>He takes a golden bead and
+throws it into a cup on the table: it rings like a
+gong.</i>)</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>A <span class="smcap">Herald</span> with a trumpet enters from the
+terrace.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> Let the diwan begin!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>The <span class="smcap">Herald</span> bows, and goes out onto the
+terrace again.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Abu Bakr</span> moves to the left of the throne, and
+sits on the golden cushion.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Herald.</span> (<i>Blows his trumpet, then speaks.</i>) Whoso
+hath authority, let him come to the Caliph’s Carpet
+of Justice!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Slaves</span> unroll a gorgeous carpet before the
+throne.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i>Stately music begins.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i>The <span class="smcap">Chamberlain</span> enters with a volume of the
+law which he brings to the throne, he then
+retires below the throne to the furthest left
+corner, behind <span class="smcap">Abu Bakr</span>.</i>)</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_86">[86]</span></p>
+
+<p>(<i>After him follow <span class="smcap">Six Dignitaries</span> of the
+Household, who bow to the <span class="smcap">Caliph</span>, and seat
+themselves near the columns leading to the
+terrace.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i>Crowds gather outside on the terrace behind
+the arches.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Ten Wazirs</span> and <span class="smcap">Kazis</span> enter, making their
+obeisance and going to their seats at the right.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i>Finally <span class="smcap">Mansur</span> arrives, followed by <span class="smcap">Kafur</span>
+and <span class="smcap">Afife</span>. <span class="smcap">Mansur</span> crosses and bows to
+the <span class="smcap">Caliph</span>, remaining before the throne.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Four Negro Archers</span> follow and place themselves
+between the columns at the back, drawing
+their scymitars and so forming a barrier to
+keep the crowd from entering the hall.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i>The music ceases.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i>The <span class="smcap">Caliph</span> signs and all the <span class="smcap">Wazirs</span> sit.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> O Commander of the Faithful! Would
+heaven thou hadst not wearied thyself by honouring
+thy slave with a letter. The accountings of my
+treasuries are ready and in full tale. They shall be
+at thy feet to-morrow before noon-prayer.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> It is well.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Mansur</span> bows and goes to his seat right, in front
+of the other <span class="smcap">Wazirs</span>.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i>There is a murmur of conversation among the <span class="smcap">Wazirs</span>.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i>The <span class="smcap">Caliph</span> throws the bead into the cup a
+second time.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Herald.</span> (<i>Blows his trumpet again.</i>) Whoso hath
+grievance, let him come to the Caliph’s Carpet of
+Justice!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Chamberlain.</span> (<i>At the foot of the throne, left, stepping
+forward and unrolling a roll.</i>) In the name of the
+Judge of Judges, peace and silence. (<i>The crowd
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_87">[87]</span>ceases murmuring.</i>) The first case: Jawan the
+highwayman. By command of the Wazir Mansur.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> (<i>Rising.</i>) O Gracious Sovereign! The
+mighty Monarch that forewent thee, did banish all
+robbers from Baghdad both by writ and proclamation.
+Yet this one is come to flaunt it in the white
+sunlight as though the word of our beloved lord had
+been vain as a rain-shower in the sea. Hence
+ordered I the outlaw before thee.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Jawan</span> approaches from the terrace, right,
+supported by <span class="smcap">Two Archers</span>.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> Canst thou not walk without aid?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Jawan.</span> (<i>Kneeling and bowing.</i>) O Commander of
+the Faithful, Allah hath smitten my limbs with a
+curse. Thou seest my hours are numbered. I
+came not to Baghdad with evil intent. I came to
+pray for salvation at the tombs of the saints, hoping
+that my gift of alms would somewhat wipe out
+mine offending.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> Thou hast given money to the poor?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Jawan.</span> Send to the high priest of the cathedral-mosque.
+I seek refuge in him and his knowledge
+of my charities.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> By all the laws of the realm thy life is
+forfeit. Yet ’tis written “Better a generous sinner
+than a stingy saint.” Go one of you to the high
+priest. (<i>To one of the <span class="smcap">Kazis</span>.</i>) Kazi Shimas, thou.
+Inquire into this. (<i>To <span class="smcap">Jawan</span>.</i>) An thou sayest
+sooth, repentance and alms have won for thee the
+kerchief of pardon. (<i>Gesture with handkerchief.</i>)</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>One of the <span class="smcap">Wazirs</span> rises, bows, and goes off
+through the arch right.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Jawan.</span> Thy sentence is just as the scales of judgment
+day!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> Nay, hear me out. Till word be brought,
+thou shalt to prison.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Jawan.</span> Prison?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_88">[88]</span></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> A short penance for thy long list of sins.
+Take him away.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Jawan.</span> Allah preserve and prosper His regent on
+earth! (<i><span class="smcap">Jawan</span> bows to the <span class="smcap">Caliph</span> and is led off
+into the prison-tower.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> What is there to follow?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Chamberlain.</span> (<i>Consulting his list.</i>) The case of
+a Moorish juggler. By command of the Wazir
+Mansur.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> (<i>Rising.</i>) O Prince of True Believers. This
+Moorman is a most marvellous wizard. Yet by his
+very excellence has he roused the jealousy of our
+native fellows of his craft, who would drive him out
+of the city. Hence doth he come to kneel to thee
+for protection.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> Baghdad never yet grudged hospitality to
+the stranger of worth. Bring hither the Moor.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Chamberlain.</span> The Moor!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>An <span class="smcap">Attendant</span> echoes the Chamberlain’s call
+and voices are heard without repeating: “The
+Moor! The Moor!”</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Hajj</span> enters from the right through the columns.
+On his shoulders like a pair of scales, he
+balances a pole, the two bird cages at either
+end,—his magic cloth in his hand.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Coming forward and kneeling.</i>) O Light of
+Islam—here lies thy slave between thy hands!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> Art thou this famous Moorish magician?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> O King, I am as famous as I am Moorish, as
+Moorish as I am magician.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> An thou prove thy repute, thou shalt remain
+unmolested within our walls.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Try me and be thy judgment my doom.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> Allah granteth thee this. Begin.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Hajj</span> bows to the <span class="smcap">Caliph</span>, slips off his cloak
+and waves his magic cloth in a circle.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_89">[89]</span></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span></p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+  <div class="poetry">
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <div class="verse indent0">Round is the sky!</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">Round is the eye!</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">Round is nought!</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">Round is wrought!</div>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>Throwing the cloth over his shoulder mysteriously.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+  <div class="poetry">
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <div class="verse indent0">By Iblis curst;</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">By devils worst;</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">By every name:—</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">Flame, fire, flame!</div>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>He produces a bowl of flaming fire from his cloth.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> (<i>Coming down the steps a little.</i>) Allah!
+Good.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Hajj</span> sets the bowl on the floor.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i>The <span class="smcap">Crowd</span> murmurs approval.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Pointing to the bird-cages.</i>) O King of glorious
+degree and never ending! Look thou next on
+these two cages; one harbouring a fair bird of
+maiden whiteness; the other a bird black as the
+royal banner of thy house. Now even as yon
+flame of fire, so doth the flame of longing scorch
+the hearts of these hapless lovers, caged apart. Say
+me then, shall I invoke a kindlier lot upon the
+two, bringing them breast to breast?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> (<i>Who during the speech has come down from
+his throne; eagerly.</i>) Is’t easily done?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Most easily. (<i>He waves his magic cloth with
+his left hand and quickly draws his dagger with his
+right.</i>) As easily, O my lord, as this! (<i>He gives
+the <span class="smcap">Caliph</span> a violent thrust.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> (<i>Sinking backwards on the steps of the
+throne.</i>) Awah!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Abu Bakr.</span> (<i>Throwing himself between <span class="smcap">Hajj</span> and
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_90">[90]</span>the <span class="smcap">Caliph</span>.</i>) O villain! O hound! Seize him!
+Pinion him!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Hajj</span> is surrounded in an instant by the <span class="smcap">Guard</span>.
+Indescribable confusion ensues. The <span class="smcap">Wazirs</span>
+start from their seats. The crowd breaks
+through the guards. All shout and try to get
+at <span class="smcap">Hajj</span>. Cries such as these are heard</i>:
+“Tear out his eyes!” “Rip out his heart!”
+“O son of Satan!” “Crucify him over the
+city gate!” “Scorch his eyes to blindness!”
+“Chop off his accursed fingers!” “Cut out
+his tongue!” “Into the flames with him!”
+“O dog!” “O hell hound!” “O son of
+perdition!” “Down with him!” “Down!”)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Abu Bakr.</span> (<i>Bending over the <span class="smcap">Caliph</span>.</i>) How is’t
+with thee?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> (<i>Recovering himself and mounting the throne.</i>)
+Silence! Silence! (<i>He throws the bead into the
+cup.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> Silence! (<i>Comparative silence.</i>) Touch not
+the man. Touch him not, I say.—I am safe!
+Allah hath shielded me by the grace of my coat of
+mail. (<i>He displays it.</i>)</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>Gradually absolute silence is restored.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> (<i>With unction.</i>) Praise Eternal to the
+Preserver of our King.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">All.</span> “Praise to the Preserver!” “Amin!” “A
+thousand years to the Caliph!” “Life forever to
+Abdallah” etc.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>The cup is struck again. All regain their
+respective places.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Hajj</span> is brought forward, held by <span class="smcap">Four Black
+Archers</span>. His whole appearance is dishevelled.
+He looks deathly pale.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i>Outside the day begins to wane.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_91">[91]</span></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> Why didst thou this?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>After a moment.</i>) I know not. The crime
+was foredoomed me by Fate.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> Before the whole world, in the place of
+places, in front of my palace, there shall thy soul be
+stripped from thee, shred by shred. Into the
+Prison of Wrath with him.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Nay, hear me! Hear me! I was tempted
+beyond measure.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> How’s this? Who tempted thee?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> I have sworn silence.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> By my holy office of Imam, I absolve thee
+of thine oath. Speak.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Half looking round at <span class="smcap">Mansur</span>.</i>) I—cannot.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> The key of torture shall soon unlock thy
+lips.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Torture! Nay, by the Pardoner, since thou
+dost absolve me, there sits he who tempted me!
+The Wazir Mansur.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">All.</span> (<i>In amazement.</i>) “Mansur?” “The Wazir?”
+“He?” “What says he?”</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> Mansur?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> (<i>Rises, glibly.</i>) The man’s be-devilled, O
+my lord. Bewitched by fiends. I know him not.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Know me not? I have shared my salt with
+him. He swore to make my daughter his bride,
+would I but end thy days. Kafur, Afife! Bear ye
+witness!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> (<i>With surprise to <span class="smcap">Mansur</span>.</i>) How’s this?
+He calls thy men by name?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> What of that? Mayhap the villain has
+frequented my halls in search of some favour. Nay,
+now I look on him—true. I’ve done the dog a kindness.
+He came indeed to offer me his daughter,
+and I accepted of her. Yet not for myself, O King,
+but to serve my scavenger blackamoors.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>With a cry of horror, trying to throw himself
+on <span class="smcap">Mansur</span>.</i>) Ah!</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_92">[92]</span></p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>The <span class="smcap">Archers</span> restrain him, he struggles madly.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> (<i>Calling out at once.</i>) Silence him!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>One of the Archers from behind slips a black
+cloth over <span class="smcap">Hajj’s</span> mouth.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i>The sky is lighted with the blaze of sunset.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Yet though the drab be now in my harim,
+by the Koran I swear, O King, even as this day
+ends red so shall she end red this day.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> This matter is too full for the crowded
+course of the Diwan. I shall examine into it
+apart—after sundown. No! (<i>He takes up the rose
+half unconsciously.</i>) Not after sundown. To-morrow.
+(<i>With a significant look.</i>) O Mansur,
+fail thou me not. Thy words do far from hush my
+doubts in thee.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Hearkening and obedience.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> I shall sit in my scarlet of anger. Let the
+executioner be notified. Off with the wretch. Not
+a crust, not a drop to him. No hospitality shall
+bind us. He shall be made a warning to all, the
+blackest death in Islam! Away!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Hajj</span> is dragged off through the prison-door,
+impotent and bound.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i>A general murmur among the crowd.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i>The <span class="smcap">Caliph</span> puts down the rose and throws the
+bead into the cup.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i>Silence.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> What case have we to come?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Chamberlain.</span> (<i>Taking up the list.</i>) The case of
+Kabirah, the widow.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>The little old woman of the Bazaar appears and
+totters forward, kneeling before the throne.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="center">[<span class="smcap">Curtain</span>]</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_93">[93]</span></p>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Scene IV.</span> <i>The Prison of the Palace.</i></h3>
+
+<div class="scene">
+
+<p><i>The place is dark except for a small barred window in
+the right wall, high up. Through this come the
+red rays of the setting sun, which fall on the wall,
+left—a brilliant patch creeping slowly higher and
+higher.</i></p>
+
+<p><i>Under the window in the shadow lies <span class="smcap">Jawan</span>, the
+highwayman, an unrecognisable heap.</i></p>
+
+<p><i>A moment of silence. Then the door is unlocked and
+unbolted and creaking loudly, to the rattle of keys,
+it admits <span class="smcap">Kutayt</span>, the Gaoler, a huge, dark-skinned
+man of brute force. He pushes open the door,
+and crosses to some chains fixed to an angle that
+juts out, left, under the patch of sunlight.</i></p>
+
+<p><i>Outside is heard the shuffle of feet and blows. <span class="smcap">Hajj</span>
+appears directly, pushed and driven by the <span class="smcap">Four
+Black Archers</span>. His mouth is still covered with
+the black bandage. The <span class="smcap">Archers</span> drag him to the
+wall, left, where <span class="smcap">Kutayt</span> stands ready to clap the
+chains on his wrists.</i></p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kutayt.</span> (<i>Turning <span class="smcap">Hajj</span> round.</i>) What outlandish
+garments have we here? Not Arabian. How?
+(<i><span class="smcap">Hajj</span> gives a muffled reply.</i>) (<i><span class="smcap">Kutayt</span> pulling the
+bandage from his mouth.</i>) How?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Breathless.</i>) Moorish, O my master.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kutayt.</span> Moorish! Hoo! Hoo! Wilt thou buy
+straw from me?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> I have no money.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kutayt.</span> No money?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Not a danik.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kutayt.</span> (<i>Shouting.</i>) Nothing? Shall I waste my
+breath sucking of an empty bottle? Here with thy
+paws, O misery! (<i>He claps the chains on <span class="smcap">Hajj</span>.</i>)
+Yehh, what a life is mine, crushing lice! (<i>He
+throws <span class="smcap">Hajj</span> down on the ground.</i>) Lie there, thou
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_94">[94]</span>vermin. Moorish! (<i>He spits on <span class="smcap">Hajj</span>, then follows
+the others banging the door to behind him, bolting
+and locking it from without.</i>)</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>A moment of silence.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Groaning.</i>) There is no majesty nor might
+save Allah! Is it this I have come to? (<i>Rattling
+the chains, he sinks down beating palm on palm in
+despair.</i>) O thou purse! Thou little purse flung
+me at sunrise! Thou hast been mine undoing!
+Thou wast from Satan! From him, mine enemy.
+O Jawan! Jawan! As Allah is my witness, may
+thy soul be cast down into the fires of hell to burn
+and boil to infinity without end.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>Out of the gloom of the opposite wall comes
+<span class="smcap">Jawan’s</span> sharp voice, half mockingly.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Jawan.</span> Who calls me? Can it be thou, O Hajj?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Amazed.</i>) Allah! (<i>He sits up.</i>) Art thou
+an Ifrit speaking?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Jawan.</span> No Ifrit, O brother. No spirit of air or fire.
+But thy flesh-and-bones enemy, whom thou dost
+curse so sweetly.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Jawan—thyself—here?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Jawan.</span> Even as thou, O my friend of long ago.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>He laughs.</i>) Ha! Ha! By Allah! Thou
+here! And through me! For ’twas I who told
+Mansur of thee! My prayer is answered. We
+shall end side by side. ’Tis well. I die content.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Jawan.</span> Why art thou here?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> For attempting the Caliph’s days.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Jawan.</span> The Caliph’s? Thou? Then art thou
+indeed dead.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Even as thou art.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Jawan.</span> Nay, I shall be free. I tell thee I shall live,
+live to see my son. Yehh! As clearly as I see
+him now with the eyes of the heart. As clearly as
+I saw him last with the eyes of the head. (<i>In an
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_95">[95]</span>exalted strain.</i>) There he stood, my Yusuf, in the
+wold and wild, by my tent, the dust-cloud of the
+coming foe walling the horizon. I made him kneel
+before me and blessed and kissed him. And as I
+did so an amulet hung forth from my breast. I
+broke it in half—a hand of Fatimah. (<i>He taps his
+chest.</i>) Half I kept for myself, here. The other I
+fixed on the chain round his neck. By that broken
+half shall I find him again. I know it.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Laughing derisively.</i>) Ha! Ha! After
+twenty-five years? Thou art in thy dotage.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Jawan.</span> Allah will give him back to me. I have
+gone to Mecca thrice. All my moneys have I
+spent in charity.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Charity? Will charity quicken my little son,
+whom thou didst slaughter? Charity restore the
+wife thou didst rob me of? I tell thee thou shalt
+surely die to-morrow. Thy blood and mine shall
+mingle together on the thirsty ground. That is my
+sole consolation, the honey in this my bitterness.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>The lock is heard to turn and the door is
+unbolted. <span class="smcap">Kutayt</span> reappears with a document
+in his hand.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i>The sunlight begins to fade.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kutayt.</span> (<i>Going to <span class="smcap">Jawan</span>, holding out the document.</i>)
+The Commander of the Faithful has lent ear to the
+pleadings of the High Priest. Thou art pardoned
+and released.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Jawan.</span> Allah prolong the Caliph’s days of Glory!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kutayt.</span> Canst thou climb the stairs unaided?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Jawan.</span> Where are my slaves?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kutayt.</span> Thy slaves? Alas! When they saw thee
+prisoner they turned and fled!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Jawan.</span> Whoreson knaves! How shall I get me
+from here? (<i>Chinking a purse.</i>) This purse of
+fifty dinars, an thou canst find me a litter.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kutayt.</span> (<i>Obsequiously.</i>) O my lord, there is a
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_96">[96]</span>stretcher above to carry away the dead. Will that
+suffice thy graciousness?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Jawan.</span> Anything, so I need no longer weary thine
+hospitality. He! He! He!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kutayt.</span> (<i>Laughing politely.</i>) Hoo, Hoo! Hearing
+is obeying.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Eagerly.</i>) Am I pardoned too? Am I
+free?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kutayt.</span> Hoo! Hoo! Pardoned? Free? Wait
+till thy tongue’s torn out, thine eyes scorched to
+blindness, thy body nailed to the dome over the
+Gate of Destruction. Then wilt thou be free—indeed—at
+last! Hoo! Hoo!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Tugging at his chains.</i>) Allah damn thee for
+thy mocking!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kutayt.</span> Hoo? Curse me, O thou? That for thee,
+thou offal, thou stench. (<i>He strikes <span class="smcap">Hajj</span> over the
+head with the huge door-key. <span class="smcap">Hajj</span> with a cry totters,
+then sinks on his knees and faints.</i>) How? Fainted?
+Hoo! Hoo! Fainted. Rose-water for the Princess!
+Rose-water and fumes and ambergris! Fainted!
+(<i>Turning and bowing obsequiously to <span class="smcap">Jawan</span>.</i>) O my
+lord, thy litter shall be with thee on the instant.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>He goes off and slams the door, bolts and
+locks it.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i>Silence.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>After some groans, slowly returning to consciousness,
+in the whining tone of the beggar, not
+realising where he is.</i>) Alms for the love of Allah!
+For the love of—— (<i>He awakes slowly to his
+surroundings; with a cry of horror.</i>) Ah! I am
+here! I am here. ’Tis over—is it? Is it over?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Jawan.</span> He! He! He! ’Tis not yet begun.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> ’Tis not? (<i>Coming to the full realisation of
+things.</i>) Thou! Now I know. Thou! Oh!
+The sun is setting! Red! Red! (<i>With a sudden
+cry.</i>) Mansur!—Thou fiend of lowest hell!
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_97">[97]</span>“Even as the day ends red, so shall she end red
+this day!” O Marsinah! O Marsinah! And I in
+prison—in chains!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Jawan.</span> He! He! He!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Laugh! Thou canst laugh? Thou the
+beginning—thou the end of my sufferings! (<i>Tugging
+at the chains.</i>) O Allah! Give me strength. Make
+these strong arms doubly, trebly strong! Put all
+the power of a lifetime into these sinews; only for
+once, O Allah, that I may snap these maddening
+chains in twain!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Jawan.</span> Never! Never! (<i>He laughs jeeringly.</i>)
+He! He! He!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Once! Only once! (<i>He tugs, he twists, then
+with a wild cry of delight he has broken himself free.</i>)
+Free! Free! The Granter hath granted!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Jawan.</span> (<i>With terror—breathless.</i>) Wah——</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Sitting up, very quietly.</i>) At last!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Jawan.</span> (<i>Trembling.</i>) What—what art thou thinking?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Rises.</i>) What—what? (<i>He crouches slightly
+and slowly, step by step, like a wild beast, creeps over
+to <span class="smcap">Jawan’s</span> corner.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Jawan.</span> No nearer! I have a knife.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> A knife—hast thou?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Jawan.</span> ’T has served me a thousand times. Luck’s
+written on the blade.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Luck? I take my luck. (<i>With a cry.</i>)
+Allah is all great! (<i>He springs into the dark at
+<span class="smcap">Jawan</span>.</i>)</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>A fierce struggle as of two panthers fighting.
+Groans, hisses, heavings and cries. After a
+minute—silence. Then <span class="smcap">Hajj</span> emerges from the
+dark.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Breathless and fervently.</i>) O Allah mine,
+thou hast given me this hour. Behold my sacrifice
+to thee. At last, at last, I am avenged! Avenged!
+(<i>Laughing bitterly.</i>) But my Marsinah!—Oh spare
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_98">[98]</span>her, O Lord of justice, spare her from Mansur and
+the horror of his harim. (<i>A thought striking him.</i>)
+The harim! Kut-al-Kulub! The Wife of wives!
+Even now she is waiting for me! If I could reach
+her! She’d help me to save Marsinah! She’d— (<i>He
+goes to the door pounding on it desperately.</i>)
+Free! Free! Free!—(<i>He stops and turns hopelessly.</i>)
+Madness! (<i>Looking at <span class="smcap">Jawan’s</span> body.</i>)
+They’ll find him the moment the litter comes, and
+then—(<i>With sudden inspiration.</i>) The litter!
+Allah! Dost Thou open the door of escape?
+Dost Thou? (<i>Wildly.</i>) Ha! Ha! Ha! If it
+succeed! If it succeed! (<i>He goes into the corner to
+the body.</i>) The cloak! The turband! The purse!
+In his sleeve,—his breast? (<i>He comes across the
+chain on his breast.</i>) The chain! The broken hand
+of Fatimah! (<i>Imitating <span class="smcap">Jawan</span>.</i>) “I shall see my
+son again! I shall find him!” Wilt thou? (<i>He
+takes off the chain.</i>) Wilt thou? (<i>Putting it over
+his own neck.</i>) Hang thou here on my neck now
+thou broken hand of Fatimah! I shall find him, so
+Allah will it. I shall! Ha! (<i>He finds the purse
+and chinks it.</i>) Fifty dinars! For the gaoler!
+Good! Now off with thy cloak. What? (<i>He stops
+and listens.</i>) Nothing. Nothing. Keep thine eyes
+cool and clear, O Hajj. Cool and clear. (<i>He
+returns to the body.</i>) So! So! <i>Thou</i> shalt play
+the Moorman now, O my king. Dead. Ha! Ha!
+Thou art dead, dost thou hear? And yet, O dead
+one, ’tis thou shalt draw me out of my grave—me
+thy slayer! (<i>He drags the body to where he lay
+fainting when the gaoler went out and covers it with
+his own cloak.</i>) So! Lie thou there! Quiet!
+Budge not, I pray thee. Faint! (<i>He turns to
+<span class="smcap">Jawan’s</span> cloak and turband.</i>) Now for mine own
+beautifying! (<i>As he picks up the garments he sees the
+knife which he discarded.</i>) The knife! Luck’s
+written on the blade. (<i>He puts the knife into his
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_99">[99]</span>belt.</i>) Luck! So be it. Luck shall carry me into
+the street. Luck let me leap from the litter!
+Luck bring me to the harim and to thee, O my
+Marsinah, O my——(<i>The door outside is unlocked.</i>)</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Hajj</span> throwing the cloak over himself, hurries
+into <span class="smcap">Jawan’s</span> dark corner and lies down.
+<span class="smcap">Kutayt</span> reappears with a lanthorn, followed
+by two men with a rough stretcher.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kutayt.</span> The stretcher, O my lord.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Coughing and imitating <span class="smcap">Jawan’s</span> voice.</i>) Here!
+(<i>He throws the purse.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kutayt.</span> (<i>Picking it up and examining it by the light
+of the lanthorn.</i>) Allah bless thy journey. (<i>To the
+men as they lift up <span class="smcap">Hajj</span>.</i>) Carefully. Lift the
+Sheikh of sheikhs carefully. (<i>He chinks the purse and
+turns to the dead body.</i>) How? Still fainted! Hoo!
+Hoo! Look, O my lord—(<i>He goes to the body and
+raises up an arm.</i>) Still fainted!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>As the litter is lifted up and carried out,
+imitating <span class="smcap">Jawan’s</span> laugh.</i>) He! He! He! (<i>He is
+carried through the door.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kutayt.</span> (<i>Dropping the arm.</i>) Rose water! (<i>Kicking
+the body.</i>) Rose water! Hoo! Hoo!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>From the staircase, without.</i>) He! He! He!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Kutayt</span> turns slowly and follows the litter,
+slamming the door behind him.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="center">[<span class="smcap">Curtain</span>]</p>
+
+<p class="titlepage"><i>End of Act II</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_100">[100]</span></p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_101">[101]</span></p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="BEFORE_THE_CURTAIN_III">ACT III<br>
+BEFORE THE CURTAIN<br>
+NIGHT</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_102">[102]</span></p>
+
+<p class="center"><i>The <span class="smcap">Man</span> enters from his house, seats himself and sings</i>:</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+  <div class="poetry">
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <div class="verse indent0">Lo! Now the night lies on the city’s breast,</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">And thousand thousand lovers rise from rest</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">To seek in truth, what day unveiled in dream:—</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">The one, the all, the maiden manifest.</div>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<p class="center"><i>The <span class="smcap">Woman</span> enters from her house, seats herself
+and sings</i>:</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+  <div class="poetry">
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <div class="verse indent0">Lo! Now the heav’n pours down its silver stream</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">Into the lattice of my heart’s harim!</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">The hour comes, the night of nights is nigh,</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">That bindeth soul to soul in bond supreme.</div>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<p class="center"><i>The <span class="smcap">Man</span></i>:</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+  <div class="poetry">
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <div class="verse indent0">Yehh! That some flaming dance might glorify</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">The moments of my sweet expectancy!</div>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<p class="center"><i>The <span class="smcap">Woman</span></i>:</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+  <div class="poetry">
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <div class="verse indent0">Yehh! That some liquid Almah’s ebb and flow</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">The ocean of my love might amplify!</div>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<p class="center"><i><span class="smcap">Both</span></i>:</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+  <div class="poetry">
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <div class="verse indent0">O Thou, Bestower of all things, bestow</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">This benediction on Thy servants low!</div>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<p class="center"><i>The <span class="smcap">Dancer</span> enters and weaves the spell of Destiny
+about the <span class="smcap">Man</span> and the <span class="smcap">Woman</span>. They rise and
+approach each other singing</i>:</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+  <div class="poetry">
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <div class="verse indent6">The day belongs to man, to woman night:—</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class="allsmcap">HE</span>: { And so I give to thee thy lawful right, }</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0"><span class="allsmcap">SHE</span>: { And so I claim in thee my lawful right. }</div>
+      <div class="verse indent6">Sealing our compact of eternal plight,</div>
+      <div class="verse indent6">O thou, my longing, and my soul’s delight!</div>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<p class="center"><i>The <span class="smcap">Dancer</span> smiles in triumph and vanishes.</i></p>
+
+<p class="center"><i>The <span class="smcap">Man</span> and the <span class="smcap">Woman</span> embrace and go out hand in
+hand through the Curtains of Fate.</i></p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_103">[103]</span></p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="ACT_III">ACT III<br>
+EVENING</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Scene I.</span> <i>The Hammam in the Wazir Mansur’s
+Harim.</i></h3>
+
+<div class="scene">
+
+<p><i>The scene represents a colonnaded courtyard, the centre of
+which is occupied by a large, marble swimming
+pool. The front part of the scene is under the
+portico of the colonnade. At the back may be seen
+three large arched windows screened from the outer
+world by elaborate traceries. The main entrance is
+an arch or double door, left. A grated trap to the
+right, partly concealed by a rug, leads to a secret
+passage below. There is a couch to the left; behind
+it stands a brazier of burning incense.</i></p>
+
+<p><i>The court is of the most delicate architecture; white
+marble with green and azure traceries.</i></p>
+
+<p><i>It is early evening; the moonlight floods the courtyard
+from the right, and finds its way into the portico,
+from the ceiling of which hang several lamps,
+shedding dim light.</i></p>
+
+<p><i><span class="smcap">Kut-al-Kulub</span>, in gorgeous robes, lies reclining on the
+couch, a slave holding up a mirror before her.
+Another one is sprinkling perfumes, and a third
+blackening her eyelids.</i></p>
+
+<p><i>Various groups of women are seen reclining by the pool;
+some are robing, others combing their hair.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_104">[104]</span></p>
+
+<p><i>To the right sit <span class="smcap">Four Female Musicians</span> with lutes,
+harps and tambourines. One of them is singing</i>:—</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+  <div class="poetry">
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <div class="verse indent0">O lute within my lap, o’er thee I bend</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">My sobbing child of love, thy cry to tend</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">With mother’s breast. Yet still as I do give</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">Thy yearning groweth ever without end. Ah—!</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">O sweetest loss! O milk of melody!</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">What though my heart go forth in yielding thee!</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">Thus would I die a thousand deaths, than live</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">Frozen and barren to infinity! Ah!</div>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<p>(<i>During the song a <span class="smcap">Young Girl</span>, wrapped in a
+long garment, enters followed by a <span class="smcap">Negress</span>.
+She steps to the swimming pool. The <span class="smcap">Negress</span>
+takes the cloak from her and she plunges into
+the water.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Miskah</span> enters from the door, left, and glides to
+<span class="smcap">Kut-al-Kulub’s</span> couch.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>Turning impatiently.</i>) Thy news! Yet
+answer me nought but he is come; he is waiting;
+he has mistook the secret entrance!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Miskah.</span> O my mistress, would my tongue might
+say yes. Alas! He’s nowhere to be seen. But thy
+slave of the fires is watching for him with burning
+eyes.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> I could have thee whipped for thy words.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Miskah.</span> No stranger hath passed the door-keeper,
+nor man nor woman, saving a weeping damsel the
+eunuchs brought this mid-afternoon.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> Damsel? What damsel?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Miskah.</span> She is destined for thy lord, they say.
+They are guarding her in the first hall of the harim.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> What fresh intruder is this? Bring hither
+the slut!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Miskah.</span> Hearkening and obedience.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>She hurries off through the door.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_105">[105]</span></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>Looking at herself in the mirror.</i>)
+Another? By the days of my beauty! And he—— (<i>To
+the slave dressing her hair.</i>) O thou fat-fingered
+fool. Art thou not done yet? Take thy hot hands
+from my head!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>The women near the pool have splashed the girl
+in the water. She suddenly turns and pulls
+one of them into the pool. There is a loud
+scream and much splashing and laughter.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>Irritated, sits erect on her couch, claps
+her hands and shouts at the top of her voice.</i>)
+Cease your noise! Cease your noise, I say!
+(<i>Claps her hands again.</i>) Allah! Must I call the
+guard? (<i>The <span class="smcap">Women</span> are gradually silenced.</i>) Out
+on ye, ye shameless ones! Get ye to your couches,
+each and all. The hour grows late.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>The <span class="smcap">Women</span> in the bath are seen to swim
+towards the right end of the bath. Others
+in the arcades go off to the right as well.
+Suppressed laughter and whisperings.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K</span> watches them impatiently.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>To the <span class="smcap">Musicians</span>.</i>) Go ye as well!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>The <span class="smcap">Musicians</span> rise and follow the others.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K</span> sinks down on the couch.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Miskah</span> re-enters with the <span class="smcap">Two Eunuchs</span>,
+conducting <span class="smcap">Marsinah</span>, who is veiled.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>To the <span class="smcap">Eunuchs</span>.</i>) Leave her with me.
+She shall be safe in my keeping. (<i>The <span class="smcap">Two
+Eunuchs</span> bow and retire.</i>) What have we here?
+(<i>Sarcastically.</i>) Peace be upon thee, O wonder of
+loveliness concealed.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> And upon thee peace, O my lady, and
+Allah’s benediction.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>Half aside to her women.</i>) A voice like
+unto choking honey. (<i>Pointedly to <span class="smcap">Marsinah</span>.</i>)
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_106">[106]</span>Wilt thou not favour us by revealing the fountain
+of so much sweetness?</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>She leans forward toward <span class="smcap">Marsinah</span>.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>Unveils and kneels, bowing low.</i>) O
+my lady, I am thy slave.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>Annoyed by <span class="smcap">Marsinah’s</span> beauty.</i>) My
+slave, art thou? My slaves come not before me
+with no henna on their hands, eyes unkohled, cheeks
+riddled and raddled with tears. Who art thou?
+Who sent thee hither?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> My father. The Wazir Mansur has
+chosen me to be his wife.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> Wife—thou? O thou cotton-refuse! O
+thou pickings! Thou his wife? A handmaid to
+his wife perchance, or handmaid to the handmaid,
+more likely.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> ’Tis not of my seeking! Allah is my
+witness! I longed not for a harim of glitter and
+gold. Mine was a far different dream.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>Sarcastically.</i>) Sayst thou so?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> O mistress dear, thou art the high
+lady here, thy lord’s love of loves. Turn thou thy
+white hand of pleading towards Mansur for me.
+Win thou my freedom, and thou wilt give life not
+to me alone, who am a nought and a nothing, but
+also to one who is waiting and watching this night,
+waiting and watching in vain.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> Yehh! What light do I see in the lattice?
+So thy little heart is caught in the mighty net of
+love. (<i>The <span class="smcap">Slave Girls</span> giggle.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> Why should I answer no? Thou art a
+woman. To thee I need not hide what I dared not
+confess to my father. Yehh! I love a youth, to
+the very core of my bosom do I love him; a youth
+fair of face, and rich in grace; none gentler, none
+nobler in all our race.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> A pretty verse, forsooth. And surely
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_107">[107]</span>there are further rhymes to follow, such as “enlace”
+and “embrace.” (<i>She smiles at her <span class="smcap">Slaves</span>, who
+giggle at her gibe.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> He hath kissed me, ’tis true.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>With a sarcastic laugh.</i>) Ah! Ah!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> Oh, but in all honour. This sunset he
+was coming to beg my father’s consent to husband
+me.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> Was he! Was he!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> By the life of my youth, he was. I
+should be bespoken by now, had not sudden fate
+doomed me to become Mansur’s wife.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> Wife! Say thou wife again and I’ll have
+thee slippered till thou liest fainting at my feet.
+Wife thou! A thing kissed and clasped by another!
+What devil hath blown conceit into thy nostrils?
+(<i>Calling out.</i>) Ho Kádim! Ho Taváshi! Hither!
+Take her away to the kitchens!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Marsinah</span> veils herself.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i>The <span class="smcap">Two Eunuchs</span> return and approach
+<span class="smcap">Marsinah</span>, laying hands on her.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> I’ll soon “wife” thee, thou scum of the
+slave market, thou baggage of ill-omen and
+insolent!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> O spare me these cruel hands, O sweet
+lady, spare me, spare me!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>At that moment <span class="smcap">Mansur</span> enters through the
+courtyard from the right. He is sullen and
+his manner shows, though only slightly, that
+he has been drinking. He has a cup in his
+hand. <span class="smcap">Kafur</span> follows him. All the <span class="smcap">Women</span>
+crouch at <span class="smcap">Mansur’s</span> approach.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Hold! What to do is here?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>Rises on her knees and turns to him in
+her most seductive manner.</i>) O my lord—thou?
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_108">[108]</span>What blessed fate brings thee at this unwonted
+hour?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> (<i>Ignoring her.</i>) Who is yon woman?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> A nought! A slave girl! An offering
+of ugliness some friend hath sent thee in sport.
+Wilt thou not smile on thy Kut-al-Kulub, O my
+king?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>Crying out.</i>) Ho Mansur!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>To the <span class="smcap">Eunuchs</span> holding <span class="smcap">Marsinah</span>.</i>)
+To the kitchens with her! And at once!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>Breaking away from the <span class="smcap">Eunuchs</span>, she
+kneels before <span class="smcap">Mansur</span>, calling out.</i>) To my aid, O
+my lord; I lay hold upon thy skirt, in this my
+calamity.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>The <span class="smcap">Eunuchs</span> are about to seize her again but
+<span class="smcap">Mansur</span> stops them with a gesture.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> (<i>Coming to her.</i>) Who art thou?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> I am Marsinah, the daughter of Hajj—thy
+cup-companion.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Hajj’s daughter, art thou? (<i>Sneeringly.</i>)
+Now Allah requite thee that thou art come! His
+daughter! Ha! (<i>To <span class="smcap">Kut-al-K</span>.</i>) And ugly to
+boot, sayst thou? Yehh! The liar, the son of
+filth! Juggle this trick besides, would he? ’Tis
+well!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>Sarcastically.</i>) She swears thou hast
+chosen her thy wife.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Doth she?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>Indignantly.</i>) And that, after confessing
+she hath been loved by another.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Yehh!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>To <span class="smcap">Kut-al-K</span>.</i>) By Allah, this is not
+allowed! To betray what I have told thee between
+mine eyes and thine.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> So she has been loved, has she—this
+(<i>with a great sneer</i>) maid! I am to eat broken bread
+from other men’s tables! Broken bread!</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_109">[109]</span></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>Rises.</i>) ’Tis a lie! My loved one’s
+loving is not of the colour of thy loathsome lusting.
+’Tis white as the turband of the Prophet. Nor can
+thy villainous tongue spot its purity.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Ha! Ha! So great a fire in so small an
+oven? Yehh! Here will be a pleasing thing to
+rake and quench.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>Kneeling, pleading.</i>) Oh, as thou art
+powerful, be merciful. Forgive my fury. My lips
+know not what they say. Thou seest I am alone
+here, helpless as the fly in the tent of the spider.
+Have thou pity on me, so Allah have pity on thee.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> And how can Allah have pity on me before
+I yet have sinned? Oh, my hidden delight, I beseech
+thee unveil first, that I may learn the hell I am to
+fall to, through the curse of thy comeliness. Unveil,
+I tell thee.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> Never!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Never! Thou’lt not? (<i>He flings away
+his wine-cup.</i>) Thus to thy likes! (<i>He goes up to
+her and seizing her roughly, tears the veil from her
+face.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> Awah! (<i>She bows her head in shame,
+her long black hair uncoiling about her.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> By the Creator—she is beautiful—exceedingly!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>Biting her lips.</i>) Is she?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> (<i>Turning to <span class="smcap">Kut-al-K</span> and thrusting her
+down on the couch.</i>) O thou viper, what made thee say
+otherwise? Jealous, art thou? Ha! Ha! Still! (<i>To
+<span class="smcap">Marsinah</span>—watching <span class="smcap">Kut-al-K</span>.</i>) Thou art lovesome
+and lovely, O my blossom, O my palm-bud.
+Thou shalt indeed be my bride this eventide. (<i>He
+caresses her head.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>Rising and shrinking away.</i>) If I pass
+this night here, I shall kill myself with mine own
+hand.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Trouble not thy hand! For at dawn, O
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_110">[110]</span>Marsinah,——(<i>He runs his hand down her arm.</i>)
+at dawn thou shalt pay for thine insolence with
+gorgeous untold sufferings, such as my soul never yet
+devised.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>He smacks his lips.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Marsinah</span> shudders.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K</span> sighs with satisfaction.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> (<i>To <span class="smcap">Kut-al-K</span>.</i>) Thou art satisfied?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>Smiling.</i>) I am all thine, O my master.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> ’Tis well! (<i>To the slaves.</i>) Up! Robe
+my bride! Hang jewels upon her! Rob what is
+best from the splendour of my Wife of wives.
+(<i><span class="smcap">Three Slave Girls</span> and the <span class="smcap">Negress</span> hurry off
+hastily to the left.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>Furious.</i>) My robes? My jewels?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> (<i>Sardonically.</i>) Saidst thou not “I am all
+thine”? (<i>To <span class="smcap">Marsinah</span>.</i>) Go, O my ruby! Seek
+thy setting, O my bride of blood. (<i>To the slaves.</i>)
+And look you, she doth no harm to her sweet body.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>Blanched and staring, is led off through
+the courtyard; suddenly she turns defiantly.</i>) Be this
+the end that Allah hath ordained me—’tis well!
+Yet the Judge of Judges is not unjust. He hath
+power to change our fate between the shutting and
+the opening of an eye. Thy hour will come. Thy
+death will find thee!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> (<i>With a gesture to the slaves.</i>) Away!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>In a high voice.</i>) And black will it be,
+O Mansur! Black as thy doomsday record! (<i>She
+screams as she is dragged off by the <span class="smcap">Eunuchs</span>.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> (<i>Calling after her.</i>) Ha! Ha! Ha! Thy
+rage but feeds me! Ha! Ha! There’s something
+still in life! Something! By Allah! This night
+will I make a night among nights! Ho Kafur!
+Prepare my bath of scents! Hot and heating let it
+be! So that my tired pulses may beat—beat!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Kafur</span> bows and hastens into the courtyard.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_111">[111]</span></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> (<i>Stopping him.</i>) And call thou the women!
+Let them come forth wildering to the wits, seducing
+to the senses! Song, and perfumes, and dance till
+sunrise! What though the Caliph reap my head to-morrow,
+these last hours shall be locked in my
+breast, mine own!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Kafur</span> bows and vanishes.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>Kneeling before <span class="smcap">Mansur</span> and throwing
+her arms about his knees.</i>) Thus do I love my lord.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> (<i>Smiling on her.</i>) Dost thou, in sooth?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> Yehh! Bid me do aught to add to thy
+content, and I’ll do it.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> (<i>In a playful tone.</i>) Wilt thou? Wilt thou?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> I swear it.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Thou? (<i>He looks down at her, smiling,
+then suddenly spits in her face. Turning away
+with a chuckling sneer.</i>) Thou—O bosom of burning
+desire, go thou and sleep! (<i>He hurries off through
+the courtyard.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>Shaking with rage, her hands clenched,
+she groans.</i>) Wah! Dog of hell! Poison thee I
+could! Poison thee! (<i>She sits on the couch beating
+it impotently with her fists.</i>) Poison! Poison!
+Poison!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Miskah.</span> (<i>Hurries across to her, trying to soothe her.</i>)
+O dear my mistress! Doth Destiny not decree all
+things for the best? If thy lord be lost in the arms
+of Marsinah, wilt thou not be freer for him whom
+thy soul desires?</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>A gentle tapping is heard.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> He’ll not come! He’ll not come! ’Tis
+long past the hour! Fate curses me ever!
+He’ll not come——(<i>Louder tapping.</i>) O Miskah!
+Hark! (<i>She sits erect and eager—pointing to the
+trap. The tapping is repeated.</i>) ’Tis he! Unbolt.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K</span> reclines on her couch, assuming
+indifference.</i>)</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_112">[112]</span></p>
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Miskah</span> goes and unbolts the grating, lifting the
+trap.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Hajj</span> enters, still wrapped in <span class="smcap">Jawan’s</span> white cloak.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Peace to thee, O my lady of radiance. I am
+thy slave in very truth. My heart is between thy
+hands. (<i>He kneels and bows.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> Thou? By the life of mine eyes, I had
+forgot thee quite. Comest thou at this hour?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Be not an-angered, O my princess. I have
+faced death sevenfold to venture to thee to-night.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> Hush! My lord is within the harim.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Thinking at once of <span class="smcap">Marsinah</span>.</i>) Mansur?
+In the harim? Is he alone? No one with him?
+No woman?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> Belike so.... What matters it?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Was a maiden brought here a little while
+since?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> Yes. What of her?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Doth Mansur know she’s here?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>Impatiently.</i>) What is’t to thee? The
+moments are slipping away. O my loved one, dost
+thou not love me? (<i>She smiles on him.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Distracted.</i>) Love thee? Yea, yea, I love
+thee. (<i>He smiles a vacant smile at her.</i>) The
+maiden—the maiden is where?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> What maiden?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Marsinah.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>Suspiciously.</i>) Marsinah? How comest
+thou to know her name? What is this wench to
+thee? Who is she?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> She is my daughter.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> Thy daughter.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> I have said it.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> Thy daughter! (<i>She rises, stands on the
+couch, and bursts out, laughing angrily.</i>) Ah! Ha!
+Ha! Thy daughter! Is such thy love for me?
+Thou must needs send thy daughter to him? A
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_113">[113]</span>slip—a snippet—a chick unfledged; her must thou
+send, for Mansur to make mock of me to her naked
+face. Yehh! A sweet love, a deep love! Allah
+ruin thee for it.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Mock thee! What has he done?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> What? He has chosen her wife of the
+night,—sent her to deck herself out of my coffers.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Hopefully.</i>) Yehh!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> Yea, but heaven is just! Dawn shall put
+an end to her life.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Rising, terrified.</i>) Who told thee that?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> Who? He, Mansur. Torture is to
+crown his night of pleasure.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>With a cry.</i>) Ah! Thou wilt save her?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> Save her? (<i>Very definitely.</i>) After my
+death.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> No! No! Thou must! Thou wilt! O
+Kut-al-Kulub, thou wilt?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> An she be so wondrous dear to thee, why
+didst thou offer her to him?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> He swore to make her his wife.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>Laughing wildly.</i>) His wife! Thou
+dost not know Mansur.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Desperately.</i>) O Kut-al-Kulub, save her,
+save her! Slip her into this cloak of mine and let
+her go with me as I came.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> And I be strangled after?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> What hast thou to do with another’s escape?
+How shall Mansur know?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>Half to herself.</i>) Ha! ’Twere a fit
+revenge on him! A feast for the bride, and no
+bride to feast!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Couldst thou not replace her by some slave
+girl? Did he in truth see her face?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> See it! ’Twas her beauty made him
+mock me!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> How? She won him as she was brought—unadorned?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_114">[114]</span></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> Unadorned, tear-stained, a very misery!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> And thou dost hesitate? She can enslave his
+senses thus, wretched, ragged? What then will she
+do with jewels hung in her hair, robes rich and fair,
+her bright eyes kohled, darting love everywhere?
+I tell thee she’ll steal the heart from his breast!
+Yehh! Become queen in thy stead, and thou be
+lost to his arms for ever.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>With sudden rage.</i>) Allah! I’ll be
+rid of this damned witch come what may!
+(<i>Clapping her hands.</i>) Ho! Miskah! Haste!
+Haste! (<i>To <span class="smcap">Hajj</span>.</i>) Thy cloak! Thy cloak!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Miskah</span> hurries to her mistress.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Hajj</span> hands his cloak to <span class="smcap">Miskah</span>.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> Take it! Throw it over the accursed
+one robing in my chamber. Bring her hither. Lose
+not an instant.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Miskah.</span> With obedience.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>She hurries off with <span class="smcap">Hajj’s</span> cloak.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Coming to <span class="smcap">Kut-al-K</span> and kneeling, with utmost
+gratitude.</i>) By Him who fashioned thee in thy
+splendour, thou art indeed the noblest of thy
+sisterhood.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>Dryly—eyeing him.</i>) Are thy desires
+contented?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Contented? I kiss the fringe of thy gown,
+the hollow of thy hand, O thou soul of liberality.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>Looking at him, her mouth twitching.</i>)
+’Tis well.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Miskah</span> re-enters with <span class="smcap">Marsinah</span>, who is completely
+cloaked.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Rising, moving towards her.</i>) O Marsinah!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>Surprised.</i>) O my father....</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>They embrace.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_115">[115]</span></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>Impatiently.</i>) No words. (<i>To <span class="smcap">Miskah</span>.</i>)
+Lead her forth by the secret passage. Out and away
+with her.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Miskah.</span> Away? She’s in thy richest robes, unworn
+as yet by thee!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>Impatiently.</i>) What matter robes? (<i>To
+<span class="smcap">Hajj</span>.</i>) Whither is she to be taken?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> I’ll go with her.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> Wait thou. Let her go first and pass
+beyond the outer gates. ’Tis safer. Whither?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>To <span class="smcap">Miskah</span>.</i>) Take her to the Mosque of the
+Carpenters—to Imam Mahmud. Say I commit her
+to his charge under Allah. Tell him she’s my
+daughter,—the daughter of Hajj, the beggar.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>Starts and gives <span class="smcap">Hajj</span> a look, which he
+does not see.</i>) Hajj—the beggar.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Marsinah</span> and <span class="smcap">Miskah</span> leave by the trap.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i>Directly the two have disappeared down the trap,
+<span class="smcap">Kut-al-K</span> goes to the grating and flings it to,
+turning round and facing <span class="smcap">Hajj</span>.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>Hoarsely.</i>) Hajj, the beggar! The
+beggar, Hajj. Yehh! Is it to thy like that I have
+offered amorous mercy? And is it by thy like that
+I have been laughed to scorn? A beggar! A beggar
+to sneer at me, to spurn me! I, of the old blood of
+Egypt!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Heaven forbid I should spurn thee, O my love.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> Love! Love! Thou! Thou camest for
+one purpose alone—thy daughter. ’Tis well! She
+is saved. But by Allah, not thou!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Not?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> We enter the hammam free. Out we pass
+not unless we pay.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>With horror.</i>) Kut-al-Kulub!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> The grating is shut; the latch my secret.
+A blissful night to thee, and a blessed, O my beggar
+of love. (<i>She turns to pass him.</i>)</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_116">[116]</span></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Following and clutching her.</i>) O, Kut-al-Kulub,
+thou’lt not betray me! Not doom me thus to my
+death?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> Dost thou touch me, O thou dog?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Yes, I touch thee, I hold thee, I clasp thee!
+(<i>He sinks down before her, clasping her knees in his
+arms.</i>) Here on my trembling knees, mine arms
+about thy white beauty. O Kut-al-Kulub, thou must
+listen to me.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> Off with thine arms, thou filth of the
+gutter.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Never! Never! Never!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> How? Force me? Force? (<i>She
+releases herself, shouting.</i>) Ho, Mansur! Ho,
+Mansur! (<i>She hurries to a gong by the door and beats it
+with her fist.</i>) O the shame of me! Ho, Mansur!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Between his teeth.</i>) Now Allah kill all womankind.
+(<i>He turns and crouches in the corner right.</i>)</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Mansur</span> appears in the courtyard. He is clad
+in a thin robe of yellow, as coming from his
+bath. <span class="smcap">Kafur</span> follows him.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> (<i>Annoyed.</i>) What now?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>With supreme scorn.</i>) Behold! A man
+in thy harim!!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> A man? (<i>He snatches the sword from
+<span class="smcap">Kafur</span>. To <span class="smcap">Kafur</span>.</i>) Take her within.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K</span> turns and as she goes laughs a low
+laugh, full of the satisfaction of revenge.
+<span class="smcap">Kafur</span> follows her.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Mansur</span> comes down slowly, step by step, sword
+in hand; he is slightly under the influence of
+drink.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Hajj</span> lies quite still on his knees, hiding his face
+behind a cushion he has picked up. <span class="smcap">Mansur</span>
+raises the sword, ready to run at <span class="smcap">Hajj</span>.</i>)</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_117">[117]</span></p>
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Hajj</span> lifts up his head suddenly and faces
+<span class="smcap">Mansur</span>.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> (<i>Starting, amazed.</i>) Hajj? Am I alive?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Only to die!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>Taking advantage of <span class="smcap">Mansur’s</span> amazement, he
+throws the cushion at him, warding off
+<span class="smcap">Mansur’s</span> blow of the scymitar. But in
+trying to pass <span class="smcap">Mansur</span>, he slips and falls on
+his knees sinking backwards. The full moonlight
+shines on <span class="smcap">Hajj</span>, revealing the chain he took
+from <span class="smcap">Jawan’s</span> body.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> (<i>About to strike, sees the chain, arrests the
+sword and gazes intently.</i>) By the Living! Whence
+comes that amulet on thy breast? That broken
+hand of Fatimah! Speak! Nought shall befall
+thee. I swear it by the One, the Eternal! I mean
+my words. Look!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>He throws the sword from him and reveals the
+other half of the broken hand on a chain on
+his own breast.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Amazed.</i>) Ah!—The Broken hand of
+Fatimah! Then thou art Yusuf?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Yes, I am Yusuf. Who art thou?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> I? (<i>He steadies himself on his knees; deliberately
+looking him in the eye.</i>) I? I am thy father. (<i>He
+rises.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> (<i>Doubtfully.</i>) Thou?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Yes, I am he who hath searched for thee year
+on year, ever since the day the Caliph captured thee,
+O my son.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> (<i>Beginning to believe <span class="smcap">Hajj</span>.</i>) Yehh! Art
+thou he in sooth?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Am I he? Canst thou not recall my tent in
+the wild and wold? And the enemy’s dust-cloud
+walling the horizon? And my bending over thee
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_118">[118]</span>and snapping this talisman in twain, giving thee
+half, keeping half?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> I recall it well. Art thou my father?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Look, the pieces fit. (<i>He joins the two chains.</i>)
+The hand is one, as our blood is. Dost thou still
+doubt?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Thou? But thou art Hajj—the beggar.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> I have been many things since I lost thee, O
+my Yusuf.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> My mother! Her name?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Gulnar.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> Gulnar—yes! That was her name. Thou!
+Fate is a juggler—the greatest of them all.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> On thy knees, O true-born son, that I may call
+down blessings upon thee as I did in the years
+long gone. Down! Down!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> (<i>Overcome, kneels before <span class="smcap">Hajj</span>, bending his
+head.</i>) O my father!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Hajj</span> smiling in triumph over <span class="smcap">Mansur</span>, draws
+his knife stealthily.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> May Allah send thy soul—damnation! (<i>He
+plunges the knife into <span class="smcap">Mansur’s</span> back between the
+shoulder blades. It enters up to the hilt.</i>)</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Mansur</span> groaning aloud “Wah” and clutching
+at <span class="smcap">Hajj</span>, rises and struggles with him.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> O snake, O son of snake! I have scotched
+thee! Thee and thy father both in one day.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mansur.</span> My father! (<i>Groans.</i>) O thou hog of
+hell!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Yes, thy true father, Jawan, the White Sheikh!
+He, who defiled Gulnar, as thou wouldst defile
+Marsinah! Ha! Ha! Allah is just! Scratch,
+wouldst thou? O thou rat, thou spawn of rat!
+(<i>Lifting him up.</i>) Into the water with thee!
+Vermin must be drowned.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>Lifting <span class="smcap">Mansur</span> bodily, he hurls him into the
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_119">[119]</span>water. <span class="smcap">Mansur</span> tries to climb out of the
+tank on the lower side, but <span class="smcap">Hajj</span> intercepts
+him, grasps him by the throat, and holds him
+under the water. <span class="smcap">Mansur</span> clutches <span class="smcap">Hajj’s</span>
+arm, but in vain. <span class="smcap">Hajj</span> leans over the edge of
+the pool, pushing <span class="smcap">Mansur</span> down into the
+water. <span class="smcap">Mansur’s</span> hands can be seen clinging
+desperately to <span class="smcap">Hajj’s</span> arm.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> That’s for Marsinah! Marsinah, dost thou
+hear? How? Swear by the Koran to wed her,
+and then debauch and torture her? Ha! Ha!
+’Twas not written! This bath of thine was written
+instead. May it profit thee till doomsday. Drink
+it, dost thou? ’Tis well! Thou wert ever fond of
+wetting thy gullet. (<i>A bubbling noise and splashing.</i>)
+Take thy fill! Ha! Good, is’t? Bubble, bubble!
+(<i>A desperate splash. One of <span class="smcap">Mansur’s</span> hands climbs
+higher on <span class="smcap">Hajj’s</span> arms.</i>) What? Whistle? The
+devils whistle they say. Art thou in hell so soon,
+joining thy father, the——(<i>The left hand falls
+lifeless from <span class="smcap">Hajj’s</span> arm.</i>) At last! Silent
+bubbles—one,—two,—no more? Nay, look not
+so large-eyed. ’Tis very simple. The springs of
+thy life are spent. (<i>A slight pause. With a
+sigh of relief, <span class="smcap">Hajj</span> draws his wet arm from the
+water, and kneels with his back to the spectator, his
+right arm raised to heaven fervently.</i>) O Allah!
+Thou hast delivered into my hands the father!
+Thou hast delivered into my hands the son!
+Glorified be thy Glory! O Lord of the three
+Worlds! Thou, the One, the Eternal!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>A sudden confused murmur of voices, distant
+cries and the clash of steel. <span class="smcap">Hajj</span> turns and
+sits riveted. The noise increases.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i>The door is burst open, and several <span class="smcap">Archers</span>
+of the Caliph enter, some with torches, some
+with scymitars drawn. The <span class="smcap">Caliph</span> himself
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_120">[120]</span>follows, his sword unsheathed, his cloak
+thrown back revealing a gorgeous silver armour
+and violet robes. <span class="smcap">Narjis</span> comes next. <span class="smcap">Kafur</span>,
+<span class="smcap">Afife</span> and <span class="smcap">Servants</span> of <span class="smcap">Mansur’s</span> household
+crowd in after the others.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> Break open the doors! Find the women!
+Bring them to me!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>Soldiers hurry off in various directions.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> (<i>Turning to Narjis.</i>) Dost thou still swear
+that Marsinah was brought hither by Mansur’s
+eunuchs?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Narjis.</span> Did I not see them drag her away from our
+very door?</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K</span> is brought in by the <span class="smcap">Captain of
+the Watch</span>; other <span class="smcap">Women</span> follow led on by
+the <span class="smcap">Soldiers</span>.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>Kneeling.</i>) Mercy, O mercy, O Commander
+of the Faithful!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> Where’s Marsinah?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> Marsinah’s fled to the Carpenter’s Mosque.
+’Twas at the entreaties of yon wretch that I
+consented to her escape. (<i>She points to <span class="smcap">Hajj</span>
+grovelling in the dark.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> (<i>Turning and seeing <span class="smcap">Hajj</span>.</i>) The Moorman!
+Yehh! What magic brings thee hither from
+prison?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Allah hath freed me so I might render thee
+service. (<i>Taking a torch from a soldier and holding
+it over the bath.</i>) Behold!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> (<i>Looking down into the water.</i>) Mansur?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kut-al-K.</span> (<i>Gazing into the pool.</i>) Mansur!
+Awah! (<i>She sinks down by edge of bath with a
+wail.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Mansur. Now, say me, have I not atoned
+for my crime?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_121">[121]</span></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> No deed of thine can wipe out thy attempt
+upon my life. Thy death is fixed and unalterable.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Narjis.</span> Wah! Kill the father of Marsinah?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> Thou? But thou art the Moorman?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Both! Two persons in one, both at thy
+feet.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> So thou art the sire of her whom Allah hath
+revealed unto my heart?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Looking up.</i>) Marsinah? Am I then
+pardoned?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> Pardoned? What religion were mine
+should I pardon the hand thou didst raise against
+my sacred person? Yet art thou also the father of
+my chosen bride. Say me then, what shall be thy
+lot?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Thou art the lord of my neck.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> Be thou banished! Banished from Baghdad,
+from my sight, from the sight of thy daughter.
+Banished as one who had never been. To-morrow
+by dawn be gone without the walls of the city.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Appealingly.</i>) Banished! O King, be royal
+and show me mercy.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> I have shown thee mercy far beyond justice.
+My word is spoken. Go!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Bowing his head to the ground.</i>) There is no
+majesty nor might save in Allah, the Glorious, the
+Great. (<i>He rises slowly.</i>) Woe is me! Woe is me.
+Ah! Wah! Never to see her again, the daughter
+of my bosom. Never again to touch her hand, to
+press my lips upon her eyes. O sons of Adam,
+beget not children! By Him, the Uniter and
+Separator, beget them not! The agony of their loss
+exceedeth far the rapture of fatherhood. Banished
+for ever! Rend thy robe, O Hajj! Beat thy
+breast! Thy joy in life is ended. Old age hath
+fallen upon thee as an icy garment. Dark is everywhere.
+Ashes! Ashes! (<i>He reaches the brazier.
+It has ceased burning some time before. Taking the
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_122">[122]</span>ashes from it, he strews them on his head, then turns
+to the door, beating his breast.</i>) Out—out, thou cutoff
+moment of time! Into the Desert of Desolation
+with thee, O thou forgotten grain of the sands of
+man! Marsinah is dead to thee, thou dead to
+Marsinah! Awah! Awah! Awah! (<i>He staggers
+out by the door, rending his garment and wailing
+aloud.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="center">[<span class="smcap">Curtain</span>]</p>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Scene II.</span></h3>
+
+<div class="scene">
+
+<p><i>The street before the Mosque of the Carpenters.
+The same scene as at the opening of the play.</i></p>
+
+<p><i>Moonlight.</i></p>
+
+<p><i>The <span class="smcap">Beggar Kasim</span> is seated on <span class="smcap">Hajj’s</span> stone,
+just as <span class="smcap">Hajj</span> installed him at sunrise.</i></p>
+
+<p><i>Down the alley from the left come cries of moaning
+“Wah! Wah! Wah!” and <span class="smcap">Hajj</span> appears,
+breathless, dishevelled and tottering. He
+hurries to the Mosque and knocks frantically
+at the door.</i></p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mahmud.</span> (<i>Coming out and standing on the steps.</i>)
+Hajj?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Sinking down.</i>) O my father! I have run
+to thee clinging from wall to wall in my anguish.
+Where’s Marsinah?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mahmud.</span> She is safe within.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Bring her forth I pray thee. We must flee the
+city. The Caliph covets her.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mahmud.</span> What devil possesses thee? Take thy
+daughter from the Caliph? Rob her of the blessing
+of blessings?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> I am banished. I must never see her again. And
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_123">[123]</span>I love her—to the very clot in my heart I love
+her!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mahmud.</span> Oh Hajj! O Hajj! Look within thee!
+How? Ruin thy child and call it love?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Wah!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mahmud.</span> When must thou go from Baghdad?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> By dawn.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mahmud.</span> Dawn! To-morrow the caravans set out
+for Meccah. Hast thou washed in the well of
+Zemzem? Kissed the sacred stone? Encircled
+the holy Kaabah?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Crestfallen.</i>) No, O my father.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mahmud.</span> By what right then dost thou call thyself
+Hajj, the Pilgrim? Naught hast thou done for thy
+endless days beyond the grave. Thou art no
+Moslem; no son of Islam. Thou art an infidel.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>With a cry of horror.</i>) Ah! O my father!
+Infidel!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>A sound of distant trumpets, kettledrums and
+singing is heard approaching from the left.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> The Caliph!—Marsinah! (<i>Pleading.</i>) O
+Mahmud,—Marsinah!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mahmud.</span> Conquer thyself. Turn from the world.
+Seek salvation.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> Marsinah!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mahmud.</span> I tell thee verily this is thine hour appointed,
+thine hour of hours. An thou so much as raise an
+eye to mar thy child’s fortune, thy doom shall be
+flame and fire.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>In agony.</i>) Awah! Awah! Awah!</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>At that moment the <span class="smcap">Caliph’s Chamberlain</span>,
+with a wand of office, hurries on from the left
+and crosses to the Mosque.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Chamberlain.</span> O Imam! The Commander of the
+Faithful cometh to claim the maid Marsinah.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_124">[124]</span></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mahmud.</span> Hearkening and obedience! Wilt thou
+enter?</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>The <span class="smcap">Chamberlain</span> enters the Mosque, <span class="smcap">Mahmud</span>
+following him. <span class="smcap">Hajj</span> stands irresolute, with
+hands clenched. But as the music approaches,
+he turns and hides in the shadow of
+a wall. The Wedding Procession enters
+from the left, headed by a group of <span class="smcap">Male
+Musicians</span>: <span class="smcap">Singers</span>, about eight in number,
+with a leader in their midst; <span class="smcap">Three Men</span>
+with huge tambourines; others with pipes and
+clarionets. They are singing as they come.</i>)</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+  <div class="poetry">
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <div class="verse indent0">Bespread the streets with tapestries,</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">Hang carpets from the balconies;</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">And from the roof-tops flower-dight</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">Rain nard, and musk, and ambergris;</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">The Caliph Moon has risen bright</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">To seek the Star of his delight.</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">Then hail unto this glorious night,</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">When earth makes dim the heaven’s light!</div>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<p>(<i>After the Musicians comes the <span class="smcap">Herald</span> bearing
+aloft the black banner of the house of Abbas,
+followed by <span class="smcap">Three Court Dignitaries</span>
+swinging incense. Next comes the <span class="smcap">Caliph</span>,
+followed by <span class="smcap">Abu Bakr</span>. Behind the <span class="smcap">Caliph</span>
+walk <span class="smcap">Three Wazirs</span> each carrying a five-branched
+candle-stick in the shape of an out-spread
+hand. After the <span class="smcap">Caliph</span> <span class="smcap">Six Boys</span>
+with baskets of flowers which they scatter.
+<span class="smcap">Three</span> more <span class="smcap">Dignitaries</span> follow, swinging
+incense. Then appears a curtained litter of
+gold borne by <span class="smcap">Two Negroes</span>; on either side of
+it <span class="smcap">Three Eunuchs</span> with five-branched candle-sticks.
+A second group of <span class="smcap">Musicians</span>, consisting
+of several instrumentalists conclude
+the procession. As soon as the <span class="smcap">Caliph</span>
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_125">[125]</span>reaches the Mosque doors, the procession halts;
+the music ceases and the doors are flung open.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Marsinah</span> appears on the steps in a flood of
+light, beautifully attired and veiled. <span class="smcap">Mahmud</span>
+and the <span class="smcap">Chamberlain</span> follow her.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> (<i>Taking a step forward.</i>) The Peace upon
+thee!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>Looking up.</i>) Thou——? But thou art
+the gardener’s son! How is this splendour possible?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> O my Marsinah! All I have told thee is
+truth save one thing. I am not what I let thee
+believe.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> Not the gardener’s son?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> Not the gardener’s son.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> Greater? A merchant?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> Alas—even greater.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> A Kazi?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> Yet more.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> A Prince!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> Higher still.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>Close to him.</i>) Still—? Who art thou
+then? Thou art not—not the Highest?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> The Pardoner pardon me—I am.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>In awe.</i>) The Caliph. (<i>Sinks to her
+knees.</i>) Oh, what a boldness hath been mine! How
+can I sink deep enough before thee?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> Kneel? Thou? Wouldst thou double my
+shame by begging forgiveness? Have I lost all
+thy love?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> O my lord, how dare I love thee after
+this?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span> Even as I love thee. By the Grace of the
+Uniter of heart and heart, who hath brought thee to
+me, and me to thee joining us one and inseparable,
+from this day to the day when shall come the Destroyer
+of delights, the Shatterer of palaces, the
+Ender of all things earthly—till Death!</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_126">[126]</span></p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span> (<i>Rises.</i>) Is this a dream?</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Caliph.</span></p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+  <div class="poetry">
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <div class="verse indent0">All things are dreams till Allah sayeth “Be”!</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">When soul finds soul, as I—Beloved, thee!</div>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marsinah.</span></p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+  <div class="poetry">
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <div class="verse indent0">My life is thine unto the latest hour,</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">Nor shall Death rob my love’s eternity.</div>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>The <span class="smcap">Caliph</span> touches his forehead and his heart,
+then motions <span class="smcap">Marsinah</span> to the litter.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Marsinah</span> bows before him, kissing her finger-tips
+and raising them to her brow; then
+crosses him. She is assisted into the litter by
+<span class="smcap">Abu Bakr</span>.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i>The Procession moves off to the right, the
+combined groups of <span class="smcap">Musicians</span> playing and
+singing.</i>)</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+  <div class="poetry">
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <div class="center"><span class="smcap">All.</span></div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">Seat high the maid and bridal throne,</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">To rule this night of nights alone;</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">Whilst kneels to her divinity,</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">The mightiest of monarchs prone.</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">Then draw the curtain sweet with spice,</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">On Lord of Lords and Pearl of Price—</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">He crowned by her virginity,</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">She by his manhood’s Paradise.</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">And Allah the Uniter bless</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">Their love with joyance limitless!</div>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Mahmud</span> locks the door of the Mosque.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Hajj</span> has risen as <span class="smcap">Marsinah</span> goes to the litter,
+drawn by an irresistible desire to approach
+her. But <span class="smcap">Mahmud’s</span> eye is upon him and he
+hesitates. As the curtains of the litter shut
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_127">[127]</span>over his child, he stands transfixed, a figure of
+grief against the gorgeousness behind him.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i>The procession is gone but he does not move.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>(<i><span class="smcap">Mahmud</span> watches him closely from the door-step
+of the Mosque. The song dies away in the
+distance.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mahmud.</span> O Hajj! Thou hast learnt to renounce.
+Allah hath opened to thee the path of Pardon!
+Set forth at sunrise without fear.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>In an exalted strain raising his right hand.</i>)
+Yea! To Meccah! To Meccah!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mahmud.</span> And the peace upon thee now and for
+ever.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> And on thee, O Mahmud, peace and blessing.
+(<i><span class="smcap">Mahmud</span> goes slowly up the street to the left and
+disappears.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> (<i>Stands a moment alone in the moonlight, then
+almost like a child he says.</i>) I am tired.</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>He turns to his old stone, upon which, to his
+great surprise, he finds <span class="smcap">Kasim</span> sitting.</i>)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> By my head! What dog art thou? Out of
+my seat!</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Kasim.</span> Thou didst give it me at dawn.</p>
+
+<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hajj.</span> And I take it again at dark! That is Fate!
+Up, thou one-eyed curse! Learn to renounce!
+To the Caliph I may be dirt; but to dirt I am the
+Caliph! (<i><span class="smcap">Kasim</span> rises and, dropping the beggar’s
+cloak <span class="smcap">Hajj</span> gave him at sunrise, goes off by the alley,
+left. <span class="smcap">Hajj</span> takes it and wraps himself in it once
+more, then sits down on his seat with a loud sigh of
+relief.</i>) Renunciation! There’s a sweet smack to
+it. A taste of having lived! And I have lived
+to-day. Mine enemies dead,—Marsinah wed,—Meccah
+to-morrow,—(<i>He yawns prodigiously.</i>) My
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_128">[128]</span>say is said. So glory be to the One, the Eternal!
+He who begetteth not, nor is begot; the Ruler of
+Tide and Time, who sleepeth not. (<i>Dropping off.</i>)
+And to Mohammed, his Prophet—chosen—amongst——Mankind——Peace
+and————</p>
+
+<div class="direction">
+
+<p>(<i>A gentle snore; another snore, louder; another</i>——)</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="center">[<span class="smcap">Slow Curtain</span>]</p>
+
+<p class="titlepage"><i>End of the Play</i></p>
+
+<p class="titlepage smaller">LONDON: PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, LIMITED.</p>
+
+<div style='text-align:center'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 78198 ***</div>
+</body>
+</html>
diff --git a/78198-h/images/cover.jpg b/78198-h/images/cover.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d90f63f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/78198-h/images/cover.jpg
author	www-data <www-data@mail.pglaf.org>	2026-03-12 19:46:15 -0700
committer	www-data <www-data@mail.pglaf.org>	2026-03-12 19:46:15 -0700
commit	28b01811d3909d78787bd129755431c18b7314f1 (patch)
tree	a86796a04cf28731f8f7019451feb1eea517934e /78198-h