Hassan : the story of Hassan of Bagdad, and how he came to make the golden journey to Samarkand : a...

8/14/2019 Hassan : the story of Hassan of Bagdad, and how he came to make the golden journey to Samarkand : a play in

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HASSAN:

THESTORYOFHASSANOFBAGDAD

ANDHOWHECAMETOMAKE

THEGOLDENJOURNEYTOSAMARKAND

Aplayinfiveacts

ByJamesElroyFlecker

CHARACTERS

HASSAN,aConfectioner

TheCALIPHHAROUNARRASCHID

ISHAK,hisMinstrel

JAFAR,hisVizier

MASRUR,hisExecutioner

RAFI,KingoftheBeggars

SELIM,afriendofHassan's

THECAPTAINOFTHEMILITARY


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THECHIEFOFTHEPOLICE

ALI,ABDUNondescripts

ALDERWILLOWTAMARISKSlaves

THEPORTERofYasmin'sHouse

THECHINESEPHILOSOPHER

ADERVISH

THEFOUNTAINGHOST

AHERALD

THEPRISONGUARDS

PERVANEH

YASMIN

AnAMBASSADOR,aWRESTLER,aCALLIGRAPHIST,aJESTER,GHOSTS,MUTES,DANCINGWOMEN,BEGGARS,SOLDIERS,POLICE,ATTENDANTSandCASUALLOITERERS

THESTORYOFHASSANOFBAGDAD

ACTI

SCENEI

Aroom"behindtheshop"inOldBagdad.Inthebackgroundalargecaldronsteaming,fortheshopisasweet-stuffshopandthesugarisboiling.Theroomhaslittlefurniturebeyondthecarpet,oldbutunexpectedlychoice,andsomePersianhangings(geometricaldesigns,withcrudeanimalsandsomeversesfromtheKoranhand-printedonlinen).Aramshacklewoodenpartitioninonecornershutsofffromalivingroomwhatappearstobetheshop.

Squattingonthecarpet--facingeachother:

HASSAN,theConfectioner,45,rotund,moustache,turban,greasygreydress.

SELIM,hisfriend,young,vulgarlyhandsome,gaudilyclothed.

HASSAN(Rockingonhismat)Eywallah,Eywallah!

SELIM


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Thirty-seventimeshaveyoumadethesameremark,Ofatherofrepetition.

HASSAN(Moredolefullythanever)Eywallah,Eywallah!

SELIMHaveyoucaughtfever?Isyourchestnarrow,oryourbellythunderous?

HASSAN(Withaponderoussigh)Eywallah!

SELIMIsthatthemerchantofsweetmeats,thatsourface?Opoisonerofchildren,surelyitwouldbebettertocuttheknotofreluctanceanduncordthecasketofexplanation.AndthepoetAntarihasjustlyremarked:

Divideyoursorrowandimpartyourgrief,Ofool.Thatgoodmancomfortethbeyondbelief,Ofool.

HASSAN(Incliningtowardsthemat)Noneisgood,saveGod.

AndAbouAwashasexcellentlysung:

TheimportunateAreseldomfortunate.

Nevertheless,know,Selim,thatIaminlove.

SELIMInlove!Thenwhysitmoaningonthemat?Aretherenotbeautiesatthebarbers,andlightsofloveatthebazaar?

HASSAN(Angrily)Holdyourtongue,Selim,orleaveme.Iwasinearnest

whenIsaidIloved,andyourcoarsenessisill-fittingtomymood.AndwellIknowIamHassan,theConfectioner,yetIcanloveassincerelyasMejnun;forassuredlysheofwhommyheartisbentisnotlessfairthanLeila.

SELIM(Ironically)Alas!Imistooktheparticularforthegeneral,anddidnotrecognisethepurityofyourintentions.ButIwouldnotmentionMejnun.Mejnunwasyoung,andyouareold,andhewasaprince,andyouareaConfectioner,andhewasbeautiful,andyouarenot,andhewasverythinbecauseofhissorrow,andyouarefatterthanthosefour-leggedImentionnot--Godcursetheirherdsmen!

HASSANAndifitbeasyousay,Selim,ifIamindeedafat,old,uglytradesman,haveInotgoodreasontobesorryandrockuponmymat,forhowshallmaintainmyheart'sdesire?

SELIMListentome,Hassan,whyisitthatinthislastyearyouhavebecomedifferentfromtheHassanthatwasHassan?Fromtimetotimeyoutalkstrangelyinyourcups,likeamadpoet;andyouhavebought


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aluteandacarpettoofineforyourhouse.AndnowIfeelyouarelosingyoursenseswhenIhearthistalkoflovefromonewhoispasttheageoffolly.

HASSANItmaybeso,youngman.Indeed,athinkIamafool.ItistheafflictionofAllah.

SELIMTellme,atleast,whosheis.Itmaybesheisnotsounattainableasyouimagine,unlessindeedyouhaveseteyesontheCaliph'sdaughter,orontheQueenofalltheJinn.

HASSANListen,Selim,andIwilltellyoumyaffair.Threedaysagoawomancameheretobuyloukoumofme,dressedasawidow,andbademefollowhertoherdoorwithaparcel.Alas,Selim!Icouldseehereyesbeneathherveil,andtheywerelikethetwinfountainsintheCaliph'sgarden;andherlipsbeneathherveilwerelikeroseshiddeninmoss,andherwaistwasflexibleasapalm-treeswayinginthewind,andherhipswerelargeandheavyandround,likewatermelonsintheseasonofwatermelons.Iglancedatherbutshewouldnotsmile,andIsighedbutshewouldnotglance,andthedoorofherhouse

shutfastagainstme,likethegateofparadiseagainstaninfidel.Eywallah!(Recommencesmoaning.)

SELIMAndwherewasthehouseofthiswidowwhoboughtsweetmeatsandhadnonetosell?

HASSANInthestreetofFelicity,bythefountainoftheTwoPigeons.

SELIM(Musing)ItmustbethewidowofthatAchmettheyhunglastyear

bytheBasraGate.

HASSANWhichAchmet?

SELIMThehairyone.

HASSANIstagfurallah!Heflutteredlikeabird.MayIneversoarsohigh.

SELIMIstagfurallah!MayIseeyou!Ishouldburstwithlaughter

andvultureswithrepletion.Buttellme,youwhohavefallensodeeplyinlove,doyourejoiceinyourmisfortunelikeadervishinhisdirt,ordoyouhonestlydesiresatisfaction?

HASSANIdesiresatisfactionSelim.ButIprayyoutalknomoreofthis.

SELIMWell,takecourage,faintheart,sinceallthingscanbecured


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saveperversityinasses.PerhapsIcancureyouoflove.

HASSANBytheProphet,Selim,donotcuremylove,cureherindifference.

SELIM(Withsuddenalertness)Thereisonlyonewayofdoingthat.

HASSANWhichway?

SELIMDoyoubelieveinmagic,Hassan?

HASSANMenwhothinkthemselveswisebelievenothingtilltheproof.Menwhoarewisebelieveanythingtillthedisproof.

SELIMWhatdoweknowifmagicbealieornot?Butsinceitiscertainthatonlymagiccanavailyou,youmayaswellputittothetest.Youcanbuyaphiltrethatcandrawherlove,andsendherajarofmagicsweets.

HASSANIamreadytoallthings,ingeniousSelim;butdoyouknowagoodmagician?

SELIMZachariah,theJew,hasbutlatelyarrivedfromAleppo:heisthetalkofallthemarketplace,andawonderfulmaniftalesbetrue.

HASSANHaveyouthetales?

SELIM

Ihavethisamongmany.TheysaythatinBokharaamancalledhimanoffensiveJewandflungastoneathishead:andhecausedthestonetobesuspendedintheairandthemantoo,sothatthemanwalkedallroundBokharaovertheheadsofthepassers-by,whowereastonished,andwasconstrainedtoenterhishousebytheupperwindow.

HASSAN(Incredulous)Mashallah!

SELIMAndstrangerthanthat.AtIspahanmensayhetookoffthedomeoftheGreatMosqueandturneditroundandhadabathinit,andputitbackagain.

HASSANMashallah!

SELIMAndstrangestofall,atCairo,fortheamusementoftheSultan,heturnedthewholepopulationintoapesforhalfanhour.

HASSANAverytriflingchangeifyouknewtheEgyptians.Idon'tbelieve


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awordofallthesetales.Yet,doubtlessheisasgoodenoughphysiciantomakealovephiltre.Butarephiltresanygood?

SELIMTherecanbenodoubtthattherearephiltreswhichdrivewomentolove,thoughtheirheartsbeasstrongandtheirheadsascoldasthemountainsofQaf.ButasforthisZachariah,Iknowhesellsphiltresattendinarsthebottle:hisshopiscrowdedwithricholdwomen.

HASSANEywallah,Salim,Iamsickoflove;butnodamselisworthtendinars.Andsageshaveremarked,"theidealisexpensive!"Andphilosophershaveobserved,"Thereareathousandfigsonthefig-treeandallaslikeaslike."

SELIMWhat!Allthesmooth,shininghillsandwell-woodedvalleysinthatcountryoflove...Allgoingfortendinars!...AndthisisthemanwhoseloveislikeMejnun's!Whatistendinarstoamaninlove?Yougavethricethatsumforthiscarpet.

HASSANAcarpetisacarpet,andawomanisisawoman.Itisnotonly

thetendinars.ButyouknowthatinthismarketIhaveacharacter."Hassan",mensay,"isasafeman.Hassanwillnotleavehisjacketonthewall,orbuypeaswithoutproddingthesack."Butiftheyhear:"AstrangercametoBagdadandnoMussulmanandsaidhewoulddothis,andHassanhaspaidhimtendinarsandgotnogain",theywillnudgeeachotherwhenIwalkabroadatevening,andsay:"Asadend";andanother"Lookathim,Saadet,myson,anddrinknowine";andanother,"Godpreservemefromthefriendsofsuchaone!"andtheywillcallouttomeastheypass,"YaHassan,givemetendinarsthatImaybuildamosque!"andIwillbeshamedwhereIwashonoured,andabasedwhereIwasexalted....

(AloudknockingontheflooroftheadjacentshopcausesHASSAN

toretirethitherhurriedly.AshedisappearsYASMINpeepsinquisitively,unveiled,throughthelittlewindowinthepartition.)

SELIMWhatanimpudentlittlebeauty....Why,shehadawidow'sscarfon.Shemustbetheprincess!(Rockswithlaughter)Theunattainableideal!AndIhaveheraddress.Itrequiresafrenziedlovertopaycashforaflaskofcolouredwater.ButIdoubtifHassan'ssweetsmingledwithcolouredwaterwilldoaughtbutcanmakehersick.Whereasacakestuffedwiththoseverydinars....Allah,thedinarswouldnotchokeher!OthoufoolHassan!

Tellnotthyshirtwhosmiledandanswered"Yes":

Dreamnothername,norfancyheraddress.

(EnterHassan,paleandstaggering.)

HASSANSelim,inthenameoffriendship,takethesetendinarsandbuymethatphiltre,andreturnwithspeed.

SELIM(Feigningirritation)Allah!AmIyourmessenger?


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GoyourselftotheJew.

HASSANImustpreparethesweetmeatsthisveryhour,tosendthemtoherbeforesunset.Inthenameoffriendship,Selim,takethedinarsandpurchasemethatphiltre.

SELIM(Risingandtakingdinars)Donotmakemechargeable,OHassan,ifthephiltreiswithouteffect.IonlyrepeatwhatIhaveheard.

HASSANNo,Iwillnotblameyou.Butgoquicklyforthemagicthatnothingmaybeleftunsampledthatmayprovebeneficial.

(ExitSELIM;HASSANmakesupthefireandprepareshiscaldron,sayingmeanwhile)

Thatyoungmanwearethoutmycarpetapace.Ibegintothinkalsohedothfraythebraidofmyaffection.ButifhebuysmeagoodphiltreIwillforgivehim.Oh,crueldestiny,thouhastmademeacommonmanwithacommontrade.Myfriendsarefellowsfromthemarket,andallmyworthlessfamilyisdead.HadIbeenrich,

ahme!howdeephadbeenmydelightinmattersofthesoul,inpoetryandmusicandpictures,andcompanionswhodonotjeerandgrin,andaboveall,andinthecoloursofrichcarpetsandexpensivesilks.Butbecontent,Oartist:thouhastonecarpet;becontent,Oconfectioner:thouhastonelove--onelove,butunattained...yethadstthoubeenrich,Oconfectioner,neverhadstthoufoundher.

NowIwillmakehersweets,suchsweets,ahme!asneverImadeinmylifebefore.Iwillmakehersweetslikeglobesofcrystal,likecubesofjade,likepolygonsofruby.Iwillmakehersweetslikeflowers.Greatredroses,passionatecarnations,rayingdaisies,violets,andcurlyhyacinths.Iwillperfumemyroses

(maytheymeltsweetlyinherlips)withtheperfumeofroses,sothatsheshallsay"arose"!andsmellbeforeshetastes.AndintheheartofeachflowerIwilldistilonedropofthemagicoflove.DidInotsay"theyshallbeflowers"?

SCENEII

Moonlight.TheStreetofFelicitybytheFountainoftheTwoPigeons.Ahousewithabalconyoneithersideofthestreet.

Infrontofoneofthehouses,HASSAN,cloaked:aPORTER.

HASSANHasshereceivedthebox,Oguardianofthedoorofseparation?

PORTERFrommyhands,Odispenserofbounty.

HASSANWhatdidthymistresssay?


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PORTERSir,thehandsofmediationareempty.

HASSAN(Givingadinar)Ihavefilledthem.Whathoneydroppedfromthatgoldenmouth?

PORTERShesaid--maythyservantfindgrace--"Cursesonthatfatsugarcookandhislove-sickeyes.Allahbepraised,hisconfectioneryisbetterthanhiscountenance!"

HASSAN(Aside)Ifshelikestheconfectionery,allmaybewell.Andwhatdidstthoureply?

PORTER:Isaid:"HissweetssparklelikediamondsandrubiesinthecrownofOURCaliph,andhissugarisaspureashisintentions."Andsheanswered--theprotectiononthyslave--"hisintentionsmaybepure,buthiscoatisgreasy."

HASSAN

Anddidsheeattheconfectionery?

PORTERIdonotknow.ButwithinthehourIremovedthebox,anditwasempty.

HASSANAh!Salaamandthanks.

PORTERAndtotheetheSalaam.

HASSAN

Buttellmewhatisthenameofthymistress?

PORTERYasminishername,Sir.

HASSANAsweetnameforamoonlightnight.Salaamaleikum.

PORTERYaHawaja,v'aleikumassalam!

(ThePORTERreturnsandshutsthegate.)

HASSAN(Tohimself)WhatiftheJewsareanolderracethanweandknowoldforgottensecrets?Alas,IbelievenomoreintheseIsraelitishsweets.Couldthosedropsofpurpleliquidcommandthespiritoflove?Andyet,whocansay?theyoungmenofthemarket-placelaughatallenchantments--butdotheyknowhowtospinthesun?Onanightlikethis,doesnottheveryfountainsingintuneandenchantthedroppingstones?Ah,Yasmin?(Takingalutefrombeneathhiscloakandatuningit.)Yasmin...Yasmin...Yasmin...Yasmin.


15/93

(Intonestotheaccompanimentofthelute.)

Howsplendidinthemorningglowsthelily;withwhatgracehethrowsHissupplicationtotherose:dorosesnodthehead,Yasmin?ButwhenthesilverdovedescendsIfindthelittlefloweroffriends,Whoseverynamethatsweetlyends,IsaywhenIhavesaid,Yasmin.Themorninglightisclearandcold;IdarenotinthatlightbeholdAwhiterlight,adeepergold,aglorytoofarshed,Yasmin.Butwhenthedeepredeyeofdayislevelwithforthelonehighway,AndsometoMeccaturntopray,andItowardthybed,Yasmin,Orwhenthewindbeneaththemoonisdriftinglikeasoulaswoon,Andharpingplanetstalklove'stunewithmilkywingsoutspread,Yasmin,Showerdownthylove,Oburningbright!foronenightortheothernightWillcometheGardenerinwhite,andgatheredfloweraredead,Yasmin!

(AsHASSANintonesthelast"Yasmin"withpassiontheshuttersopen,andYASMIN,veiled,looksout.)

YASMINAlas,Minstrel,Yasminismynamealso,butitwasforafairerYasminthanme,Ifear,youhavestrungthesepearls.

HASSAN

ThereisnoYasminbutYasmin,andyouareYasmin.

YASMINCanthisbeHassan,theConfectioner?

HASSANIamHassan,andIamaconfectioner.

YASMINMashallah,Hassan,yourwordsaresweeterthanyoursweets.

HASSANGraciouslady,youreyeslookdownthroughyourveillikeangels

throughacloud.DareIasktoseeyourface,Obrightperfection?

YASMIN(Roguishly)DoyoutakemeforaChristian,fatherofimpertinence?AndsincewhendothedaughtersofIslamunveilbeforestrangers?

HASSANItissaid:hewhospeakstotheheartisnostranger.

YASMIN(Unveilinghereyes)Areyousatisfied,Oimportunate!

HASSAN

Never,tillIhaveseenperfectiontoperfection.

YASMINYouwouldshrivel,mypoet.Whatabout"theglorytoofarshed,Yasmin"?

HASSANLetmeseeyouunveiled,Yasmin.

YASMINAnythingtoclosetheportalofyourface.


16/93

(Unveiling.)There.DoIpleasethee,mySultan?

HASSAN(Rapturously)Oh,youarebeautiful!

YASMINPrinceofpoets,isthatallyouhavetosay!Notastanza,notatrope,notaturn,notatwist,notevenahintthattheheavensareopened,orthattherearetwomoonsintheskytogether?

HASSANThereisbutone.

YASMINWellconfectioned,myconfectioner!Andnow,Good-night.

HASSANOstay,Yasmin,youaretoobeautiful,andItoobold.Iamnothing,andyouaretheQueenoftheStarsofNight.Butthethoughtofyouistwistedinthestringsofmyheart;Iburnwithloveofyou,Yasmin.Putmetotheproof,mylady;therewasnothingIcouldnotdoforyourbrighteyes.IwouldcrossthesaltdesertandwrestacupofthewateroflifefromtheJinnthatguardsit;Iwouldwalktothebarriersoftheworld

andstealtheroc'seggfromitsdiamondnest.Iwouldswimthesevenoceans,andcrossthefiveislandstorobSolomonbenDawudofhisringinthepalacewhereheliessleepinginthesilenceandmajestyofuncorruptingdeath.AndIwouldsliptheringonyourfingerandmakeyoumistressofthespiritsoftheair--butwouldyouloveme?Couldyouloveme,doyouloveme,Yasmin?

YASMINThereisloveandloveandlove.

HASSAN(Passionately)Oh,answerme!

YASMINIthinkIhavebeenenchanted,Hassan;how,Icannottell.Tillthisafternoonthethoughtofyourappearancemademyheartnarrowwithdisgust.ButsinceIateyourpresentofcomfits--andtheywereadmirablecomfits,andIatethemwithspeed--myheartischangedandinclinedtowardyou,Iknownotwhyorhow,exceptitbethroughmagic.

HASSAN(Aside)Sheismine,andmagicrulestheworld!(Aloud)Yasmin,shallIpossessyou,OYasmin?

YASMIN

AmInotthedesertwaitingfortherain?WasInotbornforpassion,Hassan?Isnotmybosomburningforkisses?Werenotthesearmsmadesmoothandhardtofightthebattleoflove?

HASSANArenotyourlipslove'sroses,yourcheekslove'slilies,youreyeslove'shyacinths?

YASMINYa,Hassan,andmyhairthenetoflove,andmygirdle


17/93

thechainoflovethatbreaksataloverstouch?

HASSANIamdrowninginawaveofmadness.Letmein,Yasmin;letmein!

YASMINAh,ifIcould!

HASSANWhynot?

YASMINAh,ifIdared!

HASSANWhatdoyoufear?Itisnight,andthestreetissilent.

YASMIN:Ah,dearHassan,butIamnotalone.

HASSAN(Whispering)Notalone?Whoisthere?Yourmother?

YASMIN

No!Onewhoyousenthere.

HASSANIsentnoone.

YASMINOneofyourfriends.

HASSANAman?

SELIM(Pokinghisheadoutofthewindow)Ya,Hassan,Salaamaleikum.

Ithankyoufordirectingmystepstothisrose-strewnbower.

HASSAN(Astonished)Selim!

SELIMThyservantalways.

HASSAN(Wildly)Selim!

SELIM

Beadvised,OHassan,goandseektheenchantedegg.

HASSANSelim,whatdoyouhere?

SELIMPlungenotthefingerofenquiryintothepieofimpertinence,Omyuncle.

HASSANSincewhenhaveIbecomeyouruncle,Selim,andhowdidIcease


18/93

tobeyourfriend?

SELIMSincewhendidyouaspiretopoetry,OHassan?ButIhaveheardtheselines:

AsfromtheeaglefliesthedoveSofriendshipfromtheclawoflove.

HASSANLove.Whatlovedoyoumean,scumofthemarket?

SELIMThis.(PutsahandonYASMIN'sshoulder.)

HASSANMayGodstriketheeblind,Selim,andshutthedoorofhiscompassionagainstthee!

SELIMWhatismycrime,Uncle?HowhaveIsinnedagainstthee,ormeritedthesolemnimprecation?

HASSAN

Donottouchher,youdog,donottouchher!

SELIMIsitacrimetotouchYasmin,myUncle?AmInottobeexcused?IsnotherneckapillarofthemarbleofYoonistan?(Putshisarmaroundherneck.)

HASSANTormentofdeath!

YASMINArenotmyarmslikeswordsofsteel,hardandcold,andthirstyforblood?(PuttingherarmsaroundtheneckofSELIM)

HASSANFireofhell!

SELIMArenothereyestwosapphiresintwopools?

HASSANWoeisme!Woeisme!

YASMINArenotmylipstworubiesdrenchedinblood?(Kisseshim)

HASSANGod,Ishallfall!

SELIM(HisfaceinYASMIN'sbosom)Couldstthoubutsee,OmyUncle,thesilverhillswiththeirpomegranategroves;orthedeepfountainintheswellingplain,ortheEthiopianwhowaterstherosesinthegarden,orthegreatlampbetweenthecolumnswheretheincenseofloveisburned.HowcanIthankthee,OmyUncle,forthenameandaddress,andhalftheoldJew'sdinars!


19/93

YASMINHowcanIthankthee,OmyUncle,forsendingmethisstrongandstraightyoungfriendofthinetoconsolemylonelinessanddesolation?Ah,itisbittertobeawidowandsoyoung!

HASSAN(Puttinguphishandstohishead)Thefountain,thefountain!Omyhead,myhead!

YASMINBenottoorash,myUncle,orthyhairwillcomeawayinthyhands.

HASSANIfIcouldbutreachyourneckswithaknife,childrenofSheitan!

YASMINIwasthesunofhisexistence,andnowIamachildofSheitan--andwhy?NeveragainwillItrusttheloveofaman.Iwasaglorytoofarshed,andnowhewantstoopenmyneck.Andalreadyhehastriedtopoisonme.Ya,Hassan,ifyoudesiremydeath,sendmesomemoreenchantedsweets!

SELIM

Beware,OHassan,ofjestingwiththeJinn.

YASMINBuy,OHassan,nomorejuicefromJews.

SELIMMuch,Ifear,Omyfriend,forthycharacterinthemarket.Nomorewillmensay:"Hassanisasafeman";buttheywillnudgeeachotherandsay,"BewareofHassan,Hassanisagreatmagician;hehastalkedwiththespirit'softheair!DealnotwithHassan,Omyson,Saadet,forhesellsenchantedsweetsthatdrivetheconsumertomadness.AndatnightHassanbecomesacat,andwalkethontheroofsafterthefemalecats.Allahpreservemefromtheevileyeofsuchaone!"

Andanotherwillsay,tappinghisforehead,"SpeaknoharmofpoorHassan,forhisbrainisverysick!"Andthesmall,guilelessboyswillsay,"BeholdHassan,whogavetendinarsforapintofindigoandwater."

HASSANAh,death!

YASMINLookathim!Heisdriftinglikeasoulaswoon!Gohome,oldfellow!

SELIMGohomeandwritepoems!

YASMINGohome,andcooksweets!

HASSANYasmin!Yasmin!Myhead!

YASMINBegone,orIwillcoolthyhead,thouwearisomeoldfool!


20/93

HASSANYasmin!Yasmin!(Standswithhisarmsoutstretched)

YASMINTakethis,mybulbul,toquenchthyaspiration.(Poursajugofwateroverhim,andslamstheshuttersto.HASSANdoesnotbudgefromhisposition.)

HASSANOthouvillainous,uncleandog,Selim.Othouunutterablewoman.Iwillhaveyoubothwhippedthroughthecityandimpaledinthemarket-place,andyourbodiesflungtorotonadung-heap.O,myheadaches!Ah,youfoulswine!Mayyouscreaminhellforever.O,myhead--myhead.Forever.ThouandthymagicandthyJew.Thereisblooddrippingfromthewall.(Bangingonthegate)Iwillbreakthehousein.Iwillkillyou.YaAllah,Iamsplittingintwain.Itismyownfaultforhavingdreamsandbelievingmagic.YaAllah,Iamdying.Oh,Yasmin,sobeautiful,sobrutal.Oburningbright;youhavekilledme!Farewell,andtheSalaam!

(Fallsundertheshadowofthefountain.Silence.Alightappearsinthenexthouse.Softmusicstarts;thefirstlightofdawnshinesinthesky.)

(EntertheCALIPHHAROUNARRASCHID,JAFAR,hisVizier,MASRUR(aNegro),hisExecutioner,andISHAK,ayoungman,hispoet,allattiredasMerchants.)

CALIPHIshak,myheartisheavyandstillthenightdragson,andstillwewanderinthecrookedstreets,andstillwefindnoentertainment,andstillthewhitemoonshines.

ISHAKOCaliphofIslam,istherenotvastentertainmentforthewiseintheshiningofthemoon,inthedrippingofthatfountain,

andintheshapeofthattallcypressthathasleaptthewalltoshootherarrowatthestars?

(Themusicwhichhadstoppedrecommences.)

CALIPHButIhearmusic,andseelights.Comeon,comeon,wewillsnatchprofitfromthiscursednightevenyet,myfriends,evenattheeleventhhour.

JAFARMaster,thenightisfaradvanced,andyouhavenotslept.Itisalatehourtoseekforentertainment.

CALIPHJafaryouareasprudentasashopkeeper.

ISHAKTherelieshismerit,Haroun!Forhekeepsthegreatshopofstate,hesellstherevenueofprovinces,andbuysinthelivesofmen.

CALIPHEnough,enough.Calltothem,Jafar,andseeiftheywillletusin.


21/93

JAFAROh,gentlefolk,inthenameofAllah!

VOICE(Fromwindow,thepersoninvisible)Whocalls?

JAFARSir,wearefourmerchantswhocameyesterdaynightfromBasra,andonourarrivalwemetinthestreetamanofBasrasettledinBagdad,whoprayedustodinewithhim.SoweacceptedandstayedlatetalkingthetalkofBasra,andlefthimbutanhourago.Andsincewewerestrangerstothecity,welostourway,andhavebeenwanderingeversinceinsearchofourKhanandhavenotfoundit.Andnowahappychancehastakenustothisstreet;forseeinglightsandhearingmusic,indeed,sir,wehopetotastethecupofthykindness,beingmenofhonour,goodcompanionsandtruebelievers.

VOICEThenyouarenotofBagdad?

JAFARNo,sir,butofBasra.

VOICEHadyoubeenaBaghdad,youshouldnothaveenteredforallthegoldintheCaliph'scoffers.

CALIPHThenwemayenter,beingofBasra?

VOICEIfyouenter,youwillbeinmypower.Andifyouannoyme,Iwillpunishyouwithdeath.Butnooneconstrainethyoutoenter.Goinpeace,OmenofBasra.

CALIPH(Aside)Arareadventure.(Aloud)Wetaketheriskofannoyingyou,Ohostofterror,andarenowlookingforthedoor.

VOICESincewhendidadoorofgoodreputationopenontothisstreet,mymasters?Ourdoorisfarfromhere,andyouarestrangersandmerry,andwillnotfindit.ButIwillcontriveameansforyourascent.

CALIPHJafar,Ineversuspectedtherewasagreathouseinthispoorquarterofthetown.Forfromtheoutsideitisahouselikeanyother,exceptthatithasnodoor;butinside,ifthisisbutthebackofit,

itisofgreatextentandholdssomesecret.Weshallmakeadiscoverytonight,OJafar.

JAFARMaster,wehavebeenwarnedofdanger!

(Abasketcomesdown.)

CALIPHDanger?WhatcareI?


22/93

(Sitsinthebasket,andisdrawnup.)

JAFAREh,Masrur,Icouldsleepalittle.

MASRURYouwouldwakeinparadiseiftheCaliphheardyou,Jafar.

(MASRURwaveshissworddexterouslynearJAFAR'sneck.)

JAFAR(Asheascendsintothebasket,pointingtoMasrur'ssword)ThepathtoParadiseisnarrowandshiny,OMasrur.

MASRUR(Withthegrimmotionofthesword)Ya,Jafar,itisashortcut.

(Jafarhavingascended,MASRURascends,andthebasketisletdownforIshak.)

ISHAK(Alone)Goonthywaywithoutme,CommanderoftheFaithful.Iwillfollowyounofurther.Findonemoreadventureifyouwill.

Formethebreakofdayisadventureenough--andwatersplashinginthefountain.Findout,Haroun,thesecretofthelightsandofthemusic,ofahousethathasnodoor,andamasterthatwilladmitnocitizen.Dragoutthemysteryofaman'sloveorloss,thenbreakyouroathandpublishhistaletoallBagdad,thenflinghimgold,andflinghimgold,anddreamyouhavemadeafriend!Thosebagsofgoldyoufling,Omygenerousmaster,toamistressfornight,toapoetforajest,toarichfriendforentertainment,toabeggarforawhim,aretheynottherevenuesofcities,wrungbytorturefromthepoor?Butthesighsofyourpeople,Haroun,donotsomuchasstirtheleavesinyourpalacegarden!

AndI--Ihavetakenyourgold,I,Ishak,whowasbornonthemountains

freeofthewoodsandwinds.Ihavemademyhomeinyourpalace,andalmostforgotitwasaprison.AndforyouIhavestrungglittering,fulsomeverses,ahundredrhymingtoonerhyme,ingeniouslywoven,mydisgraceasapoet,mydishonourasaman.AndIhaveforgottenthattherearemenwhodigandsow,andahutonthehillswhereIwasborn.(PerceivesHassan.)Ah,thereisabody,hereintheshade.Corpsesofthepoorareverycommononthestreetsthesedays.Theydieofpoisonortheknife,butmostofhunger.Mashallah,butyouhavenotdiedofhunger,myfriend,andthereisthatonyourfacethatIdonotliketosee.Byhisclothesthiswasacommonman,agrocerorabaker,hispersonill-proportionedandunseemly,butbyhisforeheadnotquiteacommonman.Ithink--

JAFAR(Fromabove)Ishak,areyoucomingup?

ISHAK(Shoutingback)Waitaminute,Iwillcome.

(Tohimself)Whathascurvedhismouthintothatbitterline?Heisanuglyman,butImaintainthereisgraceinhiscountenance.


23/93

What?Alute?Takemyhand,Obrother.Youlovedmusictoo,andyoucouldsingthesongsofthepeople,whicharebetterthanmine--thesongsIlearntfromthemotherofmymother.

(Takingthebrokenlutemechanically)Whatwasthatone?

"TheGreenBoycamefromoverthemountains,Joyofthemorning,joyofhisheart"?

Ihaveforgottenit,andtheluteisbroken.Orthatother:

"Cometothewells,thedesertwells!Thecaravanismarchingdown;Ihearthecamelbells."

(ResumesHASSAN'shand)Ah,brother,yourhandiswarmandyourheartbeating,youarenotdead.(BathingHASSAN'sforeheadwithwaterfromthefountain)Ishallknowafterallwhathastwistedyourmouthawry.

CALIPHIshak,Ishak,wewaitandwait.

ISHAKMayInotbefreeonehour,tobreathethedawnalone!Ah!...

(TakesHASSAN'sbodyanddragsittothebasket.)Icome,mymaster!(PutsHASSANinthebasket.)There,takemyplace,brother,andfindyourdestiny.Iwillbefreeto-night,freeforonedawnuponthehills!

(AsHASSANisdrawnupinthebasket,ISHAKwalksrapidlyaway.)

CURTAIN

ACTII

SCENEI

Agreatroom.TotheleftthreearchesleadoutontothebalconywherethepersonagesCALIPH,JAFARandHOSTarecollected.Theinterioroftheroomisblazingwithlights,butempty.Thearchitectureoftheroomiscuriousonaccountofthewide,lowarcheswhichcutoffasquareinthecentre.Thefurnitureoftheroomisinrich,rathervulgarOrientaltaste.

CALIPHIshak,Ishak,wearewaitingandwaiting.


24/93

JAFARIshak!Ishak!Perhapsheisfaint.

CALIPHFaint!

JAFARLetmegodownandseewhatheisdoing.IthinkIhearhimtalking.

CALIPHHeistalkingtoshadows.Hehasoneofhisevilfitstonight.Donottroubleyourheadormineabouthim.Hepresumesonourfriendship,andforgetstherespectduetous.AmItobekeptwaitinglikeaJewinacourtofjustice,ItheMaster...

JAFAR(Quickly)WearenotinBasra,Sir.Butsee,theropehastightened.(ToMASRUR.)Haul,thouwhosesouliswhite.

RAFI(HelpingwithropestoCALIPHwhostandsidle)Godrestoretoyoutheuseofyourarms,mybrotherfromBasra.(HASSANrollsoutofthebasket,filthyandtheinanimate.)

Yallah,Yallah,onwhatdunghilldidthisfowldie?Isthisyourmanofhonour?

JAFAR(Astonished)Hostofthehouse,thisisnotourcompanion,andwehaveneverseteyesonhimbefore.

RAFIThenwhatisthis?

CALIPHOurfriendhasplayedatrickonus--mayAllahseparatehimfromsalvation!--andsentupthisbodyinplaceofhimself.

Comeletustipitoutintothestreet.

RAFI(FeelingHASSAN'Spulse)Wait;thismanisbynomeansdead,andthemillofhisheartstillgrindstheflouroflife.Ho,Alder!

(EnterALDER,ayoungandprettypage.)

ALDERAthismaster'sservice.

RAFI

Ho,Willow!

WILLOW(Youngerstill)Athislord'sorder.

RAFIJuniper!

JUNIPERAthisPasha'scommand.


25/93

RAFITamarisk!

TAMARISK(Alittleboyawithasqueakyvoice)AthisSublimity'sfeet.

CALIPH(AsidetoJAFAR)Truly,thisischarming:anillustriousexampleofdecorumandgoodtaste.

RAFITransformthisintoaman,myslaves.Revivehim,bathe,soap,scent,combhim,clothehimwithaceremonialcoatandbringhimbacktous.

ALDERWehear,

WILLOWWehonour,

JUNIPERWetremble,

TAMARISKandobey.

CALIPH(Enteringthegreatroomofthehouse)Thyhouseisofgrandproportionsandeccentricarchitecture,myHost;itisastonishingthatsuchahouseshouldlookoutontosomeanastreet.

RAFIItisanoldhousewheretheManichees(thedevilroastallheretics!)onceheldtheirmeetingsbeforetheywereallflayedalive.Itiscalledthehouseofthemovingwalls.

CALIPHWhysuchaname?

RAFIIdonotknowatall.

CALIPHThemerrynoiseofmusicthatweheardissilent.

RAFIIwaitedforyourpermission,myguests,beforecontinuingmymeagreentertainment.Ho,music!Ho,dancers!(Clapshishands.)

(Musicplays.TheHOSTenterstheroomandmotionshisGUESTStobeseatedinsilence.)

CALIPHVerily,afterthisprelude,andinthissplendidpalace,weshallseedancingwomenworthyofParadise.

JAFARGodgrantit,Master.


26/93

CALIPH(ToJAFAR)Hush,Ihearthepatteringoffeet.Thewineofanticipationisdancingthroughmyveins.OJafar,whatincomparablehouriswillcharmoureyesto-night?Whatrosybreasts,whatsilvershoulders,whatshapelylegs,whatjasminearms!

(Ingoodorder,marchingtothemusic,thereenterthemostawfulselectionofEasternBEGGARStheeyecouldimagine,orthetonguedescribe.TheyareheadedbytheirCHIEF,aratherfinefellow,inindescribabletatters.HeleadstheCHORUSwithasong,halfintonedintheOrientalstyle.)

Fathersoftwofeet,advance,Dotandgoones,hopalong,Twofeetmissingneednotdance,Butwilljoinusinthesong.

CHORUSOFCULS-DE-JATTE:Butwilljoinyouinthesong.

Showyourmostrevoltingscar;Peopleneverwearyofit.

Themorenauseousyouare--Morethepityandyourprofit.

CHORUSAndyourprofit,profit,profit.

Crackedoflipandgappedoftooth,Apoplectic,maimormad,Blindofoneeye,blindofboth,Up,thebeggarsofBagdad.

CHORUSUp,thebeggarsofBaghdad.

Thereisacellar,Iamtold,

Wherealittlelampislit,Andthatcellar'sfullofgold,Sacksandsacksandsacksofit.

CHORUS(Hoarsely)Sacksandsacksandsacksofit,Stacksandstacksandstacksofit.Openeyesandstiffenbacks,Therearesacksandsacksandsacks;Andgoldforhimwholacksofit.

(TheHOSTliftshishand.TheBEGGARSallfallflatontheirfaces.Dancemusic.)

(Enterright,aBANDoffair,left,aBANDofduskybeauties.)

THEDANCINGGIRLSDaughtersofdelight,advance,Petals,petals,driftalong;Cypress,tremble!Firefly,dance!Nightingale,yoursong,yoursong!

THEFAIR


27/93

Wearepale

THEDARKasdawn,withroses,Otheroses,Odesire!Wearedark,

THEFAIR(Curtsying)butasthetwilightShootingalltheskywithfire.

CHORUSDaughtersofdelight,advance,Petals,petals,driftalong,Cypress,tremble!Firefly,dance!Nightingale,yoursong,yoursong!

(TheysurroundtheBEGGARS,dancing,andpointatthem.)

LEADEROFTHEFAIRFromwhatbasetavern,ofwhatstreetWeredraggedthesedogs,thatfoulourfeet?

LEADEROFTHEDARKOsisters,fly,weshallbehurt:

(TheLEADEROFTHEBEGGARScatchesher.)

Leavegomyankle,sonofdirt.

LEADEROFTHEBEGGARSLady,ifthedirtshouldgleam,Feel,butdonotshowsurprise:Thingsthathappenherewouldseem

(Risestohisfeet,hisragsdropoff,andheshinesingold.)

ParadoxinParadise.

(TheinfirmitiesandragsofthewholeBANDdisappearasifbymagic,astheyriseandshoutinCHORUS.)

CHORUSParadoxinParadise

(RAFIraiseshishand.ALLstandatattention.)

VOICESHush,theKingspeaks.

TheKingoftheBeggars.TheKing.

LEADEROFTHEBEGGARSTheKingoftheBeggars,theCaliphoftheFaithless.ThePeacockoftheSilverPath,theMasterofBagdad!

(TheBALLETlinetheroombehindthearches.)

JAFAR


28/93

(Aside,astonished)KingoftheBeggars?

MASRUR(Aside,astonished)MasterofBagdad?

CALIPH(Aside,astonished)CaliphoftheFaithless?Allahkerim,thisisajestindeed!

RAFI(Throwingoffhisoutergarmentanddiscoveringhimselfsuperblydressedinagoldenarmour)Subjectsandguests.Nowthatthenightbeforeourdayisending,andtheWolf'sTailisalreadybrushingtheeasternsky;nowthatourplotisready,ourconspiracyestablished,ourvictoryimminent,whatisthereleftformetotellyou,Ofaithfulband?ShallIsay,bebrave?Youarelions.Becunning?Youareserpents.Bebloody?Youarewolves.

Seenow,Bagdadisstillindreamsthatinafewminutesshallbefulloffire,andthatfireredderthanthedawn.Youhavebegged--youshallbuy:youhavefawned--youshallfight:youhaveplotted--youshallplunder:youhavecringed:youshallkill.

Howloudtheysnore,thoseswinewhosenostrilsweshallslitto-day!

Coppertheyflungtous,andsteelweshallgivethemback;goodsteelofDamascus,thatdigsanarrowholeanddeep.

ButasforthePeacockofPeacocks,thatsackofdebauch,thatCaliph,aliveinhiscoffin,Iandnoneotherwillnailhimdown,withhiseyesstaringintomine.Hisgardens,fountains,summerhouses,andpalaces;hishorses,mules,camels,andelephants,hisstatuesofYoonistan,andhiswinesofFerangistan,hiseunuchsofEgypt,andhiscarpetsofBokhara,andhisgreatsealedboxesburstingwithunbeatengold,andhisbeadsofamethyst,andhisbraceletsofsapphire,allthisandallhiswomen,hischosenflower-likewomen,areyoursforlustandlootandlechery,mychildren--allsaveherofwhomIwarnedyou--awomanwhowasmine,

andwhoshallsitunveiledwithmeonthethroneofalltheCaliphs...andwhenyouseeussittingonthatthronetogether,thenyoushallcry...

THEBEGGARS(Takingupwithashout)TheCaliphisdead!TheCaliphateisover!LonglivetheKing!

JAFAR(Inindignation)Thesewordsarenotholy,eveninjest.

RAFIOguestsofanhour,Iprayyouputthetongueofdiscretionintothecheekofpropriety.

JAFARPropriety!Thehost'sobligationsaregreaterthantheguests.Itisnotgoodtastetospeakthusbeforetheinvited.Weprayyouonlythatwemaywithdrawatonce.

RAFIThenwhowillwithdrawme,mymasters,fromthevengeanceoftheCaliph,onceyouhavetalkedatalkwiththeCaptainofhisGuard?


29/93

JAFARWegiveyouourpromise:wearemenofhonour.

RAFIIfyouwerethieves,asweare,Imighttrustyou.But,if,asyousay,youaremenofhonour,honourwilldriveyoupantingtotheCaliph'sgate,andhonourwillswiftlybreakapromisemadetoathisandarebel,undercompulsion.

JAFARSir,Iprayyou,nomoreofthis,beitjestorearnest.Itwillsoonbemorning:wemustaway:wehavepressingbusiness:ourclientsawaitus.

RAFIAndgivemetheirnames,Omyguests,andtonightIwillflingtheirgoldandtheircarcassestogetheratyourfeet.

JAFARWeinsistthatyouletusgo.

RAFIOmerchants,tellmebutthisonething:DoyoudwellinfinehousesintheportofBasra?

JAFARWehavenomeanabodes.

RAFIAreyourapartmentspaciousandwellfurnished?

JAFARWellenough.

RAFIThentellmefurther,haveyousoftcarpetsonthefloorsofthoserooms?

JAFARTherearecarpets.

RAFIGreat,rich,softcarpetsfromPersiaandAfghanistan?

JAFARYes.

RAFIItisapity.Softcarpetsmakesoftthesoleofthefoot.Andtheywhohavesoftfeetshouldeverkeepthemontheroadofmeekness.

MASRUR(Drawinghissword)Dostthoudarethreatenus,bismillah!

RAFITruly,Omostdisgustingnegro,comprehensionandthouhavebeenseparatedsinceyouryouth.ShallIthendropneedleofinsinuationandpickuptheclubofstatement?ShallItellyouthreeguestsofmine,withtheplainnessofplainnessandtheopennessofplainness,thatifyouofferonethreatmore,proposeoneevasionmore,oraskonequestionmore,Iwillthrashyourlivesheaddownwards


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fromyourfeet.

(EnterHASSANfinelydressed,andusheredinbytheFOURBOYSthroughtherowsofDANCERS.)

HASSAN(Lamenting)Eywallah,eywallah,eywah,eywah,Mashallah!Istagfurallah!

RAFIWhy,hereisthefourthguest!

ALDERWehavewashedhim:heneededit.

WILLOWCombedhim:itwasnecessary.

JUNIPERScentedhim:itwasourduty.

TAMARISKClothedhim:itwasourdelight.

HASSAN

(Asbefore)Eywallah!YallahAkbar!Y'allahkerim!Istagfurallah!Eywallah!Hassanisended!Hassanisnomore!Heisdead!Heisburied!Heisabone!Y'allahkerim!

RAFIEyyahHassan,ifthatisyourname,havemyboysnottreatedyouwell?Iftheyhavehurtyouwiththeirtricks,bytheGreatName,Iwill...

HASSANIprayyou,Iprayyou.Thrashnoone'slifeoutdownwardsfromtheirfeet,Omaster,andaboveall,notmine.

RAFI

Ah,youheardme!Takecourage.AllthatIrequireofmyguests,goodHassan,isgenteelbehaviour.

HASSANAh!Whoarealltheseterriblemen?

RAFIBeggarsofBagdad!Tenthousandmoreawaitmysignalonthestreets.InafewminutestheywillsurprisethedrowsyPalaceGuards,sackBagdad,killtheCaliphandmakemeKing.

HASSAN(Stupefied)Whathasbecomeofmethisnight!JustnowIwasinHell,

withallthefountainsrainingfireandblood.

RAFICome,Hassan,youareonlyjustintime;thecolddawnwhichendstherevellers'darkdaywillsoonbeuncurtainingtheblue.Onebowltopledgemevictory,Oguests,forImustawayandwinit,andyoushalllieheretosleepawaythedestructionofBagdad.Atleastyoushallsaythisofyourhost--hegaveussplendidwine.


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(TheFOURSLAVEShandroundthebowl;theCALIPHrefuses.)

(ToCALIPH)Sir,youdonotdrink.

CALIPHIobeytheProphet.

RAFIWhatwinedotheygrowinthedesertofMeccah,oronthesandhillsofMedina?Ah,hadtheProphettastedwineofSyriaortheislands,thebookwouldhavebeenshorterbythatuncomfortableverse.

JAFARCome,host!Iatalleventswillpledgeyou.Thereiseverfellowshipbetweenthosewhohavedrunkwinetogether,betheymurderersorthievesorChristians.

MASRURHost,onthedaywhenIshallspillyourblood,Ishalldrinkalittleinremembranceofthisbowlofwine.Tillthenyourhealth!(Drinks.)

RAFI(Sarcastically)Yearethreejollyfellowsofamiabledisposition.

(Drinks.)Ithankyou,negro,Idrinktoyours.

HASSANIdrinktoforgetawoman,butwillthislittlecupsuffice?

RAFINorten,nortenthousandlittlecupslikethese,ifyouhaveloved.TonightIshallfillmybowloftheoblivionwiththebloodoftheCaliphofBagdad.Brother,willthatgreatcupsuffice?

HASSAN(Interror)Callmenotbrother,thousavageman,whodosttalk

ofsheddingtheholiestbloodinIslam!

RAFIWhenhighofficeispolluted,whentheholyisunholy,whenjusticeisalie,whenthepeoplearestarved,andthegreatfoolsoftheworldareinhighoffice,thendaresamantalkofsheddingtheholiestbloodinIslam?

CALIPHAlsowhenonehasavengeancetowreakontheCaliphandaclaimonaladyofhishousehold.

MASRUR

Whydoyouwanttonailhiminhiscoffinalive?Tellusthetale.

JAFARTellus,ifwouldnothaveusthinkyouamadmanorabuffoon.

CALIPHTellusaboutthewoman;whatharmcandoyousinceweareinyourpower?

RAFI


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(Afterhesitation)Yes,whatharmcanitdo,ifformyownsake,torelievetheheavinessofmyheart,Itellyousomethingofmystory?

MynameisRafi.IcomefromthehillsbeyondMosul,wherethemenwalkfreeandthewomengounveiled.ThereIwasbetrothedtoPervaneh,awomanbeautifulandwise.ButtheverydaybeforeourmarriagetheGovernorofMosulrememberedmycountryandinvadeditwithathousandmen.Andlittleenoughplundertheygotfromourvillage,buttheycaughtPervanehwalkingaloneamongthepinewoodsandcarriedheraway.WhenIheardthisIleaptonmyhorseandgallopedtoMosul,preparedtoslaytheGovernorandalltheinhabitantsthereofsingle-handed,ifevilhadcometoPervaneh.ButthereIfoundshehadalreadybeensentwitharaftfullofslavesdowntheTigristoBagdad.WhereuponIhiredsixmenwithshiningmusclestorowmethere.WearrivedatBagdadattheendofthethirdnight'srowingatthegreyofdawn.Isprangoutoftheraftlikeatiger,andranlikeamadmanthroughthestreets,crying"TheSlaveMarket!Tellmetheway,Oyecitizens!TheSlaveMarket,OtheSlaveMarket!"

AndsuddenlyturningacornerIcameuponthemarket,whichwaslikeagardenfullofgirlsinsplendidclothesgroupedingroupslikeflowersingardenbedsandsomelikelilies,naked.IranaroundthemarkettofindPervanehandallthewomenlaughedatmealoud,andbeholdthereshestood;shewhohadneverwornaveilbefore,

theonlyveiledwomaninallthemarket,forshehadsworntobiteoffherlipsifhermasterwouldnotveilher:butIknewherbythebeautyofherhands,andIcried:"Odealer,theveiledwomanforathousanddinars!"Andthedealerlaughedinthewayofdealersatthepresumptionofmyofferanddemandedtwothousand,andsoIpurchasedforgoldthebloodofmyownheart,andsheliftedherveilandsangforjoyandhunguponmyneck,andalltheslavegirlsclappedtheirhands.

Butatthatmomentthereenteredintothemarketanegroeunuch,sotallandsodisgustingthatthesunwasdarkenedandthebirdswhistledforterrorinthetrees.Andallthedealersandtheslavesbowedlowbeforehim.Comingtomydealer,hecried:"Whydostthou

sellslavesbeforetheCaliphhasmadehischoice?"

ThenturningtotoPervaneh,hesaid,"Gobacktothyplace."AndIcried,"Sheismypurchase."Buttheeunuchsaid,"Holdthypeace;ItakeherfortheCaliph."

AndsuddenlytwoguardsseizedPervaneh,andIdrawingmyswordwasabouttohewtheeunuchintoathousandpieces,Pervanehmadeasigntome,andlookingupIsawIwassurroundedbymenatarms.AndPervanehcriedinthespeechofmycountry,astheycarriedherway:"Iwilldie,butIwillnotbedefiled:rescuemealiveordead,soonorlate,andavengemeonthisCaliph,maytheravenseathisentrails!"

Thatismystory,andforthisreasonIwillnailtheCaliphdowninhiscoffin,boundandlivingandwithopeneyes.

CALIPH(Inhorror)Boundandliving,withopeneyes!Thoudevil!

MASRURIsthatallthestory?


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JAFARWillyoutearuptheEmpireforthehonourofagirl?

CALIPH(Infury)AndsetyourworthlesspassioninscaleagainstthesplendourofIslam!

RAFIIsthisHarounthesplendourofIslam?Istheprosperityofthesepeople,arosyslaveinhisserai,ortheirhappiness,afishinhissilverfountain?

JAFARGodwillfrustratethee.

RAFIIfhewill.Farewell,myguests.IgotoavengePervaneh,andtowashBagdadinblood.

JAFARAndwhatofus?

RAFIItiswellbeusedthatyouaremyguests,foryouarerichandproud,

andeminentlydeservedestruction.Butyouaresafeinhisroomasinanironcage;youwillonlyhear,asinadream,thecrashofthefallofthestatueoftyranny.

CALIPH(Rushingtointercepthim)BythethicksmokeofHell'sPitandtheGhoulsthateatman'sflesh,youshallnotgo,andweshallnotstay.

RAFILooktwicebeforeyoutouchme!

(Heleapsbehindthearchway.TheBEGGARSandtheWOMENarenow

linedclosetothewalloftheroomandtheGUESTSareisolatedinthecentre.FrombehindeverypillarappearsanARCHERwithbowdrawntautdirectedonthestartledGUESTS.)

CHORUSOFBEGGARSANDDANCINGGIRLSTodaythefoolswhocatchacoldinsummerWillflyforwinterinthewindymoon.

To-daythelittlerillsofshiningwaterWillcatchthefireofmorningoversoon.

To-daythestatemusiciansandcourtpoetsWillsetnewversestoaspecialtune.

TodayHaroun,themuch-detestedCaliphWillfindhisCaliphateinopportune.

RAFI(SilencingtheSINGERSwithawaveofhishand;totheGUESTS)DidnotsomeoneaskmewhythishousewascalledtheHouseoftheMovingWalls?

CALIPH


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Iaskedthequestion.

(Sheetsofironwithacrashcoveringtheaperturesofthearches.ThefourGUESTSarecompletelywalledin.)

RAFI,BEGGARSANDWOMEN(Frombehindtheironpartitionswithashout)Answered!

JAFARThisisadisastroussituation!

(TheBEGGARSTrampouttomartialmusic.)

VOICESOFTHEBEGGARS(Retreating)

TodayHaroun,themuch-detestedCaliph,WillfindCaliphateinopportune!

JAFAR(Listeningatthewall)Theyhavealllefttheroom.Atleastwearealone.Letusshout,theymayhearusfromthestreet.

MASRUR

(Bangingonthewall)Eyyah!Help,help,menofBagdad!TheCaliphisindanger!TheCaliphisinprison!...ComeupandsavetheCaliph,theMasterofMen,theShakeroftheWorld!...(Silence.)

CALIPHTherecomesnoansweringcheer...

JAFARIhadforgottentheheightofthisroomabovethestreets:andoneithersidestretchestheemptygardenofthishouse!

(TheCALIPH,JAFARandMASRURrusharoundasthoughtryingtofind

awayoutoftheirprison,andbangingontheironwalls.HASSANtakeshisseatonthecarpet.)

CALIPHAllah!andthisroomisaboxwithinaboxlikeaChinesetoy.Andthatmanwillsurprisemysoldiersinthechillofdawn,andsackmypalaceandburnBaghdad.Hewilldiscovermyidentityandburymealive!

JAFARAlas,Master!Whatshallwedo?

CALIPH

Thoudog!Thoudirt!Thoudunghill!Thoudustheap!DidImaketheeViziertoaskcounselortogiveit?Findoutwhatweshalldo!Thouhastletmefallintoatrap,andnowdostquiverandquakeandshiverandshakelikeatubofwheyonthebackofarestivecamel:mykingdomisreducedfromtwelveprovincestotwelvesquarecubits:mysubjectsfromthirtymillionsuntothree,butBismillah!oneofmysubjectsistheExecutioner,andMashallah!anotheronemeritsexecution:andInshallah!ifthyheaddothnotimmediatelydeviseapracticalschemeofescapeitshalldiveoffmyshoulders


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andswimacrossthefloor.

JAFARWhatshallhappen,shallhappen.Buthereisonewhoisoccupiedinmeditation,andisalooffromthecircumstancesofthemoment:letusinvitehimtoCouncil.

CALIPHHo,thouHassan!Whatoccupiesthyspirit?

HASSANIamexaminingthesquareofcarpet.Itisofcheapmanufacturer,inferiordyeandunpleasantpattern.

CALIPHArtthouacarpetdealer?

HASSANNo,sir,Iamaconfectioner,

CALIPHAndIamtheCaliph.

HASSAN

Asmyheartsurmised.OCommanderoftheFaithful!(Performstheceremoniesprescribed.)

CALIPHCanstthougivemeonegleamofhopeofsalvation,HassantheConfectioner?Ifnot,Masrurshallcutoffallourheads,beginningwiththine,Idarenotfallintothatman'shandsalive.

HASSANButIdare!Ospareme,spareme!Whatofthemanwhoputmeinthebasket?Hewillknowwhereweare,andcometoourrescue.

CALIPH

Nogood--nogood.IwouldratherdependonthemercyofRafithanonthewhimofIshak.Masrur,unsheathe.Thereisnohope.

HASSANThypardononthyservant:thereishope!Beholdthelight!

(Pointstocrackbetweenbottomoftheironwallandfloor,towardsthebalcony.)

CALIPHBythesevenlakesofHell,wearenotmice!

HASSAN

Amousecouldnotpass.Butwhat,OMaster,ofamessage?

CALIPHAmessage?

HASSANWrittenoutblackonpaper,anddroppedintothestreet.

CALIPHHo,Jafar,thouartafooltothisman!Takeoutthypenandwrite.


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WarntheCaptainoftheSoldiers.WarnthePolice.Describeourposition.OfferthetheGovernmentofThreeProvincestothemanwhopicksupthepaper.Writeclearly,writequicker.Time'sflying.Write,andwearesaved.WritefortheSalvationofBagdad;writeforthesafetyofIslam!OHassan,theConfectioner,ifwearerescuedIwillfillmymouthwithgold!

(JAFARhavingwrittenonalongrollofpaper,theythrustitinthecrack.)

HASSANNo:atthecornerhere,wherethereisnobalconyandthewalldropsstraightintothestreet.

(MASRURpokesoutthepaperwithhissword.)

CALIPHAndnowhowshallweemploythetimeofwaitingforourdeliverance?

JAFARIshallmeditateuponthemutabilityofhumanaffairs.

MASRURAndIshallsharpenmysworduponmythigh.

HASSANAndIshallstudythereasonsoftheexcessiveuglinessofthepatternofthiscarpet.

CALIPHHassan,Iwilljointhee:thouartamanoftaste.

SCENEII

(SeeACTI,lastScene)

Again,thestreetoutsidethehouse--theStreetoftheFountain,withthebalconyofRAFIandthebalconyofYASMINopposite.Coldlightbeforedawn.

(OnthestepsoftheFountain,twotiredMENDICANTSasleep.Oneslowlyrubshiseyesandlooksroundhim.Apapercomesfloatingdown.OnetiredMANlazilycatchesit.)

FIRSTLOITERERHerecomesanewchapteroftheKoranfallingdownfromheaven.

SECONDLOITERERIsitwritten,Abdu?

ABDUItiswritten,Ali.

ALI


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Readwhatiswritten,Abdu.

ABDUIcannotread.AmIschoolmaster?

(Foldspaper,putsitinhisbelt,andpreparestosleepagain.SeveralinterestingORIENTALSpassby.)

ALIAbdu!

ABDUIsleep.

ALIIcanread:givemethepaper.

ABDUIamasleep:getupandtakeitfrommybeltifyouwantit,YaAli,Iamheavywithagreatsleep,likeatortoiseinNovember.

ALIYaAbdu,Iamtoolanguishingtomove.Itisapaperanditiswritten.Itdoesnotmatter.To-morroworthenextdayitwillberead.

ABDUTo-morroworthenextdayIshallwakeandpassittoyou.

(Interval:moreinterestingORIENTALSgoby.)

ALI(Withsuddeninspiration)Blowmethepaper,Abdu.

ABDUAlas,Allahsenttheetotroubletheworld!

(ABDUblowsthepaperover.ALIwithinfinitedifficultyspellsitout,

murmuring:)

ALIHa,alif,alif,rewowwow'ainjeem--ah,yeblessedonesinParadise,isitthusyewriteajeem?Nun--butartthouanun,Oletter,oradrunkard'sqaf?Verilyanapehaswrittenthiswithhistail:Ihavethesecondline.(Withastart)Ho,Abdu,whencecamethis?Donotpretendtosleep.Answerme.

ABDUFromthesky:howdoIknow?

ALI

Letmelookatthesky.(Rollsonhisbackandstaresupward)Itellyou,Abdu,amightyjokerhasflungthisfromthebalcony.

ABDUAllahplaguehimandhispenandthee!Istherenopeaceintheworld?

ALIHereitiswritten,anddothoulisten,OAbdu,forthisisthestrangestofthestrangewritingsthatarestrange:"Whoeverfindeththispaper,knowthattheCaliphisinthehouseabove,


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aprisoner,andhisfriendsprisoners,andintheextremityofdanger,heandthey,withallBagdad.Lettherescuebeswiftandsudden,butaboveallsecret.Theironwallsmustbeliftedfrombeneath.AndsendamanatoncetotheGuard,Ofortunatediscoverer,towarnthemtoprotectthepalaceagainsttheBeggarsofBagdad,andthoushaltbemadeGovernorofThreeProvinces.Signed,Jafar,theVizier."(Burstingintolaughter)ThreeProvinces,wellIknowtheirThreeProvinces!SomerichyoungrevellerhopestoplayagamewithpooroldAli,evenasagamewasplayedonthesonofAbdullah,whomtheydressedasawomanandplacedintheGrandVizier'sHarem,andhisrewardcamehailingdownonhistoes.(Inalowervoice.)AndItellyou,Abdu,whatiftheCaliphwereinthehouseandhisfriends?Whatifthisweretrue?Whowouldbelieveme?WhoamItorescuetheCaliph?Inevermeddleinpolitics.

ABDUMaythegreatgripessettleontheeandontheCaliphandthemotheroftheCaliph.ShallInotsleep?Andnowtherecomesadisturbancedowntheroad.Ya,Jehannum,thePolice!

(CHIEFOFPOLICEwithISHAK)

ISHAKItellyou,IdonotknowpreciselywhereIleftthem.Itwassomewhereinthisquarter.Itmayhavebeenthisbalconytheywenttoorthat,butthereareathousandbalconies.Itwasaboveafountain,butthereareamillionfountains.Itellyoutheyalwayscomeback.HaveyounotalreadytwentysuchscaresastheseforthesafetyoftheCaliph?

CHIEFOFPOLICENeverandonnoprecedingoccasionhashisexaltednamebeensolongdelayedinhisreturntothepalace.Thedayisdawning.

ISHAKItellyou,ifyoudofindhimyouwillgetnothanks,Omanofarms.WillyoudaretounsticktheRuleroftheMoslemWorldfromtheembraceofhislatestslavegirlordashthecupofpleasurefromhisreluctanthand?

CHIEFOFPOLICEItellyou,ifyoudonotfindhim,manofletters,Iwillhaveyouimpaleduponamonstrouspen.(Seizeshim.)

ISHAKThoubeastly,blood-drinkingbruteandbloatedbully,

takeoffthystable-reekinghands.

CHIEFOFPOLICEYallah,thesepoets.Theytalkinrhyme.

ALI(Whohasrisenandsalaamed,advancing)Iprayyou,Sirs,...

CHIEFOFPOLICEOthoumaggot!Darestthouaddressus?


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ALIIprayyouonlyregard...

CHIEFOFPOLICEIprayyouonlyremove,orIwillsplityoufromthetop.

ISHAKDoyounotseethathehasapaper,andthathismannersaresuperiortoyours,OCaptainofPolice?Letmelookatthypaper....Ah--ah.Whencecamethis,Ovirtuouswanderer?

ALIFromthatbalcony,maythyslavesbeforgiven!

CHIEFOFPOLICEThisisaveryimportantclue.Letusbreakinthedoor.

ISHAKThereisnodoor.ButfirstofallsendwordtothePalaceGuard.

CHIEFOFPOLICE(Toasoldier)Ali(TotheotherALI,whorunsandsays:Excellence,Ihearandobey)

Notthou,fool.DidAllahmakethenameAlifortheealone?WhoartthouthatIshouldaddressthee?AretherenottenthousandAlisinBagdad,andwiltthouliftupthyhead,Oworm,whenIsayAli?(ToPOLICEMAN)Hereismyring.Takethispaper,andrunwithallthymightandshowittotheCaptainofthePalaceGuard.

POLICEMANIhearandobey.(Startsoff.)

ISHAK(Stoppinghim)Wait!

CHIEFOFPOLICE

Whatrighthaveyoutostopmyman,youbastardsonofaquill-bearingbarn-fowl?

ISHAKSincewhenhadabludgeoningpolicemanthepracticalgoodsenseofathought-breathingpoet?Tellthem,Ali,tosendafewmenwithleversandladders.

CHIEFOFPOLICEItiswellordered:run,run,Ali!

ISHAKYouotherAli,whobroughtthepaper...

ALIMaster?

ISHAKHowlongisitsinceanypaperwasthrownfromthebalcony?

ALIHowdoIknowtime?Thetimetogotomarketandbuyamelon.


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CHIEFOFPOLICEBythegreatpitoftorment,thisswine-facedhashadthepaperagoodhour!Bytheredblazeofdamnation,thoumaggot,whydidstthounotrunwiththisatoncetothePalaceGuard?

ALIIhadagreatfear,andIthoughtitwasajest.

CHIEFOFPOLICEAjest!Riversofblood,ajest!ThelifeoftheCaliphofBagdad,ajest?ThesafetyoftheEmpireajest!Iknewtheeatraitorfromthyface.Iwillteachtheejesting.Iwillteachtheefear.Ho,Mahmud,Zia,Rustem,downwithhisheadandupwithhisheels.

ALI(Ashisfeetareloopedintothepoletoreceivethebastinado)Ya,Abdu,youhadtheletterfirst,itisyours.Willyounotclaimitandthereward.Alas,thattheGovernorofThreeProvincesshouldbetreatedthus!

ABDUDoImeddleinpolitics?Hithimhard,OExecutioner,forheisagreatdisturberofpeacefulcitizens.Butasforme,OAli,lestmysleepbetroubledbythygroaning,

Iwillmakemywayalittlefurtheron.(Exit)

(TheEXECUTIONERSproceedwiththeirwork,butstoponentranceofCAPTAINOFTHEMILITARYwithSOLDIERS.)

(OnthebalconyoppositehousewhereCALIPHisimprisonedappearsYASMIN.)

YASMINLook,look,Selim!there'samanbeingbeaten.

SELIMComeinquick!thisisariotorsometrouble;comeinquick,

andshuttheshuttersfast.

YASMINYouareavaliantprotectionindeedforfrail-as-a-roseladiesindanger'shour.

(Theyremainatwindow.)

CAPTAINOFMILITARY(ToCHIEFOFPOLICE)Sir.

CHIEFOFPOLICESir.

CAPTAINOFMILITARY(Saluting)CaptainoftheVictoriousArmy,atyourservice.

CHIEFOFPOLICE(Saluting)ChiefoftheAugustPolice,atyours.

CAPTAINOFMILITARY(Bowing)Iamhonoured.


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CHIEFOFPOLICE(Bowing)Iamoverwhelmed.

ISHAKCome,Sirs,brushaway,Iimploreyou,thecobwebsofceremonywiththebroomofexpedition.

CHIEFOFPOLICESir,whenmenofactionmeet,theplaceofthemanoflettersisinsidehispencase.CAPTAINOFMILITARYAmoment!Ereweproceed,ChiefofPolice,mayIaskwhythismanisundergoingpunishment?

CHIEFOFPOLICESinceyourexcellencydeignstoenquire,forurgentreasonsofpolice.

CAPTAINOFMILITARYTheymusthavebeenveryurgentindeedbeforeyouwouldpermitsuchaninopportunedisturbanceoutsidetheveryhousewhereourLordtheCaliphisimprisoned.Youhaveseriouslyimpairedourchancesofaspeedyandeffectiverescue.

CHIEFOFPOLICE

(Drawinghisswordandwhirlingitabout)Thoumelonhead,thou,thoudungpig,thoubrotherofdisaster,gettheehencewiththyknock-kneedbandoffatherlessbrigands,ereIhavetheearrestedforunnaturalcrime.

CAPTAINOFMILITARYOutwiththysword,thoubig-belliedsnatcherupofburglars,thoumanacleroflittleboys,thouterrorofthepeacefulmarket,Iwillteachtheetoinsulttheslaughterersoftheinfidelhost.

ISHAK(InterruptingtheCOMBATANTS)Isthisatimeforindecentbrawling?Quick,wherearetheladders?

ASOLDIER(Pompously)Intherear,Sir,intherear.

(Theladdersarebroughtalong.)

CHIEFOFPOLICE(ToPOLICEMAN)Placealadder.

CAPTAINOFMILITARY(ToSOLDIERS)Placealadder.

(Eachgoesuphisladderatthesametime:bangatwallandareanswered:

shoutforleverswhichareprocured,andassistancewhichspeedilyarrives.Theironwallisliftedup,andCALIPHandtheRESTdisclosedseatedpeaceablyawaitingtheirdeliverance,thelampstillburning.)

CHIEFOFPOLICEMyroyalmaster!

CAPTAINOFMILITARYAugustLord.


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CHIEFANDCAPTAIN(Together)Ihavesavedthee,Master.

(EachattemptstoseizetheCALIPH.)

CHIEFOFPOLICEHonourablePolice!...

CAPTAINOFMILITARYHonourableMilitary!...

CHIEFOFPOLICEIthasbeenthehighprivilegeofthisgrovellingslavetorescuetheLampoftheWorld!Ishallcarryhimdown.

CAPTAINOFMILITARYPermitmetoobserve,Ofire-spittingBattleCleaver,thatIwasthefirstupthisladder,andthoughItrembletoobscuretheSun'sBrilliancewithmydirtylittlehand,yetitisIwhohavethepriorclaim.

(MASRURpushesthemaside,andassiststheCALIPHdowntheladder.JAFARandHASSANfollow.Shoutsof"LonglivetheCaliph"fromallthepeoplegatheredinthestreet.TheSOLDIERSsalute.

TheCALIPHraiseshishand.Silence.)

CALIPHIsmyPalacesafe?

MASRUROLordandMaster,weprayso.

CALIPHAndmypeople?

JAFARAroundthee,OLordandMaster.

YASMIN(Fromherbalcony)BytheProphet,hereisHassanwiththeCaliph!

CALIPHAreweallsaved?

MASRURAll,bytheprovidenceofAllah.

JAFARAndthewisdomofHassan.

CALIPHAndtheGuardwarned?

CAPTAINOFMILITARYAllwarnedandattheirposts,myLord.

CALIPHAllah,deliverourenemiesintotheirhands.LetHassancometome.

HASSAN


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(Prostratinghimself)Master!

CALIPH(Raisinghim)Rise,Hassan.ThisHassan,yesterdayastranger,hasto-nightbyhisskillandinvention,savedmylifeandrescuedthiscityfromagreaterperilthanmydeath.

CROWDMayitbefar!

CALIPHThereforehereandnow,inthepresenceofall,InominateHassantomycourt,toholdrankamongmysubjectssecondtononesavetoJafar,myGrandVizier.

YASMIN(WhohasbeenatherbalconywithSELIM)OAllah!

CROWDHonourtoHassan.HonourtoHassan.

HASSANMaster,Isoldconfectionaryinthemarket.

JAFAR

Thoushaltnowconfectionthesweetsofprosperity.

ISHAK(ToHASSAN)Why,Hassan.Youarethemanwiththebrokenlute.

CALIPHIsthatthevoiceofIshak?

ISHAKItisthevoiceofIshakthathasoftensungtoyou.

CALIPHWhydidyouabandonme,Ishak,andfleeintothenight?Idonotknow

Ishallforgiveyou.

ISHAKIwaswearyofyou,Haroun-ar-Raschid.

CALIPHAndifIwearyofyou?ISHAKYouwillonedayoranother,andyouwillhavemeslain.

CALIPHAndwhatofthisdaythatdawns?

ISHAKDawnisthehourwhenmostmendie.

CALIPHYourdeathisgrantedyou,Ishak;youhavebuttokneel.

(Aredglowonthehorizon.)

ISHAK(Ashekneelscalmly)Whyhavetheypinnedthecarpetofexecution


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onthesky?

MASRURItistheCaliph'sdawn.

JAFARThydawn,OMaster!

ISHAKThydawn,OMasteroftheworld,thydawn;Thehourtheliliesopenonthelawn,Thehourthegreywingspassbeyondthemountains,Thehourofsilence,whenwehearthefountains,Thehourthatdreamsarebrighterandwindscolder,Thehourthatyounglovewakesonawhiteshoulder,OMasteroftheworld,thePersianDawn.

Thathour,OMaster,shallbebrightforthee:Thymerchantschasethemorningdownthesea,Thebraveswhofightthywarunsheathethesabre,Theslaveswhoworkthyminesarelashedtolabour,Fortheethewaggonsoftheworldaredrawn--Theebonyofnight,theredofdawn!

CALIPHSheathethysword,Masrur!Wouldyoukillmyfriend?

MASRURIhearandobey.

CALIPHImustgoswiftlytomypalace.Buttoyou,Ishak,Ileavethecareofthismanyousentuptomeinthebasket,whoprovedthesalvationofBagdad.Teachhimtheceremoniesandregulations.Ismychairready?

MASRURReady,LordandMaster.

(ExitCALIPHinchair,andJAFARandCROWD.ISHAKsignstothosewhowouldkissHASSAN'sfeettoleavehim.)

YASMIN(Onbalconyopposite.GivingSELIMagreatcloutontheear)Go,leavemysight,youfool.Ishallburstwithfury.YoumademeinsultHassan,andnowheisgoingtocourt.

SELIM(Astonished)Eh,Yasmin,YasminhowcouldIknow?

ISHAKAh,bismillah,Ihadnotforgottenyou,Omanwiththebrokenlute.

HASSANThebrokenlute?Thebrokenlute?

ISHAKHereyouwerelying,atthisfountain,likeonedead.


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HASSANWasithere?Isthatthebalcony?Whoareyou?Whatdoyouknow?

ISHAKQuietly,friend,quietly,yourheadisweakwithjoy.

HASSANWithjoy?DoIknowwhatistrueorfalse?DoIknowiftheCaliphistheCaliph?AndiftheCaliphistheCaliphmayhenotmockmetoo?Whatisjoy?Letmelookatthatbalconyforjoy.Idarenotlook,Ifearsheisthere.Ah.itisshe.

(YASMINtakestherosefromherhairandflingsitatHASSAN,thenretireswithin.)

ISHAKAreyoufortunateinloveaswellasinlife,OHassan?Butcomeaway.Thisconductillbeseemsaministerofstate;youarenotunobserved.

HASSANIamcoming.Theroseispoisoned.

ISHAKOfriend,isthistalkfortheardentlover?

HASSANAreyoumyfriend?You,Ishak,theglorioussingerofIslam?Andifyouaremyfriend,areyoulikethosewhoweremyfriendsbefore?

ISHAKLastnight,Ifoundyoulyinglikeafilthycorpsebeneaththiswindow,butIknewbyyourluteandyourcountenancethatyouwereapoet,likemyself,andIwassorrytothinkyoudead.

HASSANApoet?I?Iamaconfectioner.

ISHAKYouaremyfriend,Hassan.

HASSANThenconsiderthisrose.Thisroseismorebitterthancolocynth.For,lookyou,friend,hadshenotflungthisrose,Iwouldhavesaidshehatedmeandlovedanother;itiswell.Shehadtherighttohateandlove.Shecouldhateandshecouldlove.Butnow,ah,tellme,youwhoseemtobemyfriend,areallyoupoetsliars?

ISHAKYa,Hassan,butwetellexcellentlies.

HASSANWhydoyousaythatbeautyhasameaning?Whydoyounotsaythatbeautyishollowasadrum?Whydoyounotsaythatitissold?

ISHAKAllthisdisillusionmentbecauseafairladyflungyouarose!

HASSANLastnightIbakedsugarandsheflungmewater:thismorningIbakegoldandsheflingsmearose.


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Empty,empty,Itellyou,friend,allthebluesky.

ISHAKCome,forgetherandcomeaway.Iwillinstructyouinthepleasuresofthecourt.

HASSANForget,forget?OroseofmorningandOroseofevening,vainlyformeshallyoufadeondomesofebonyorazure.Thisrosehasfaded,andthisroseisbitter,andthisroseisnothingbuttheworld.

CURTAIN

ACTIII

SCENEI

TheGardenoftheCALIPH'spalace:infrontofapavilion.TheCALIPH:HASSANinfineraiment,aswordofhonourathisside.

CALIPHYes,whatthechiefEunuchtoldyouisalltrue,myHassan.Ourlatehost,theKingoftheBeggars,wascapturedhidinginthegutterofhisroof.ThiseveningIshalljudgehimandhiscrewinfulldivan.Andinthedivanthoushaltappear,OHassan,

clothedinthyrobeofceremony,andseatedonmyrighthand.

HASSANAlas,OSereneSplendour,thyservantisamanofhumbleoriginandlimiteddesires.Iamonewhowouldobeytheoldpoet'sbehest:

Giveallthydaytodreamingandallthynighttosleep:LetnotAmbition'sTygerdevourContentment'sSheep!

Iamnotonetoopenmymouthatdivans,ortostrutamongcourtiers


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inrobesofstate.Sir,excusemefromthesethings.Disposethyfavourlikeahighgoldenwall,andprotectthelifeofyourservantfromthewindofcomplication.Butatevening,whenGodflingsrosesthroughthesky,callmethentosomecalmpavilion,andletushearIshakplayandletushearIshaksing,tillyouforgetyouareLordofalltheWorld,andIforgetIamabase-borntradesman;tillwediscoverthespeechofthingsthathavenolife,andknowwhattheclodsofeartharesayingtotherootsofthegardentrees.

CALIPHHavenofear.YoushallinhabittheplaceIshallassignyouinuntroubledpeace,andmeditatetillyourbeardgrowsintothesoilandyoubecomewiserthanAflatun.Butinthiscaseyouareawitnessandmustbepresentatmydivan,beitbutforthisonceonly.AndyoushallcallmeEmiroftheFaithful,RedresserofWrong,theShadowofGodonEarth,andPeacockoftheWorld.ButinthisgardenyouareHassan,andIamyourfriendHaroun,andyoumustaddressmeasafriendafriend.

HASSAN(KissingtheCALIPH'shand)Omaster,youspeakgently,butImustfearyouallthemore.

CALIPHButwhy?Iambutakindlyman.Ilovesingle-heartednessinmenasIlovesimplicityinmypalace.Thereyouhaveseenfloorswithbutonecarpet--butthatcarpetlikeameadow.Youhaveseenwallswithbutonecurtain--butthatcurtainasunsetonthesea.Youhaveseenwhiteroomsallnakedmarble:buttheyawaitmycourtiers,alldressedlikeflowers.If,therefore,Iavoidcomplexityinthematterofwallsandfloors,shallInotbesimpleinthethingsofheartandsoul?ShallInot,Hassan,bejustyourfriend?

HASSANMaster,Ifindthyfriendshiplikethypalace,endowedwithallthecharmofbeautyandthemagicofsurprise.Asthouknowest,

IambutamanofthestreetsofBagdad,andtheremensay,"TheCaliph'sPalace,Mashallah!Thewallsarestiffwithgoldandtheceilingsplatedwithsilver,andtheurinalsthereofarelinedwithturquoiseblue."Andhearingmensaythis,manyatimehathHassantheConfectionerstrokedthechinofHassantheConfectionersaying,"O,Hassan,thybackparlourislessuglythanthat,withitstubforboilingsugar,anditsonegoodBokharacarpethangingonthewall.AndtwelvemonthsdidIworkatthetub,boilingsugartobuythatcarpet."

CALIPHWhatamanyouareforpoetryandcarpets!Whenyoutreadonacarpet,youdropyoureyestoearthtocatchthepattern

andwhenyouhearapoem,youraiseyoureyestoheaventohearthetune.Whoeversawaconfectionerlikethis?Whendidyoulearnpoetry,Hassanofmyheart?

HASSANInthatgreatschool,theMarketofBagdad.Forthee,MasteroftheWorld,poetryisaprincelydiversion,butforusitwasadeliverancefromHell.Allahmadepoetryacheapthingtobuyandasimplethingtounderstand.Hegavemendreamsbynightthattheymightlearntodreambyday.Menwhoworkhardhavespecialneedofthesedreams.


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AllthetownofBagdadispassionateforpoetry,OMaster.DostthounotknowwhatgreatcrowdsgathertoheartheepicofAntarisunginthestreetsatevening?Ihaveseencobblersweepandbutchersburytheirgreatfacesintheirhands!

CALIPHByEblisandthepowersofHell,shouldInotknowthis,andknowthatthereinliesthesecretofthestrengthofIslam?InpoemsandintalesaloneshalllivetheeternalmemoryofthiscitywhenIamdustandthouartdust,whentheBedouinshallbuildhishutuponmygardenanddrivehisploughbeyondtheruinsofmypalace,andallBagdadisbrokentotheground.Ah,ifthereshalleverariseanationwhosepeoplehaveforgottenpoetryorwhosepoetshaveforgottenthepeople,thoughtheysendtheirshipsaroundTaprobaneandtheirarmiesacrossthehillsofHindustan,thoughtheircitybegreaterthanBabylonofold,thoughtheyminealeagueintoearthormounttothestarsonwings--whatofthem?

HASSANTheywillbeadarkpatchupontheworld.

CALIPHWellsaid!ByyourluckyouhavesavedthelifeoftheCaliph,OHassan;butbyyourconversationyouhavewonthefriendshipofHaroun.

Indeed--butatwhatareyougazingasifenchanted?

HASSANWhatabeautifulfountain,withthesilverdolphinandthenakedboy.

CALIPHAGreekofConstantinoplemadeit,whocametravellinghitherinthedaysofmyfather,theCaliphElMadhi(mayearthbegentletohisbodyandParadiserefreshingtohissoul!).Heshowedthisfountaintomyfather,whowasexceptionallypleased,andaskedtheGreekifhecouldmakemoreasfine."Ahundred,"repliedthedelightedinfidel.Whereuponmyfathercried,"Impalethepig."Whichhavingbeendone,thisfountainremains

theloveliestintheworld.

HASSAN(Withanguish)OFountain,dostthouneverrunwithblood?

CALIPHWhy,whatisthematter,Hassan?

HASSANYouhavetoldataleofdeathandtyranny,OMasteroftheWorld.

CALIPH(Inasuddenandtoweringrage)Doyouaccusemyfatheroftyranny,

Ofellow,forslayingafilthyChristian?

HASSAN(Prostratinghimself)Imeantnooffence.Mylifeisatyourfeet.Butyoubademetalktoyouasafriend.

CALIPHNotIshak,notIshakhimself,whohasbeenmyfriendforyears,woulddareaddressmethus.(Burstingintolaughter)Rise,Hassan.Thyimpudencehasamonstrousbeauty,


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likethehindquartersofanelephant.

HASSANForgiveme,forgiveme.

CALIPHIforgiveyouwithallmyheart,but,Iadviseyou,speakinconformitywithyourcharacterandofthingsyouunderstand,andneverleavetheGardenofArtforthePalaceofAction.TroublenotyourheadwiththetyrannyofPrinces,oryoumaycatchacoldthereinfromtheWindofComplication.Keeptoyourpoetryandcarpets,Hassan,andmakenoreferencetopolitics,forwhicheventhemarketofBagdadisaninsufficientschool.

HASSAN(Dolefully)Ihearandobey.

CALIPHForgetitnow;setyourmindonpleasantthings.Haveyounoticedthislittlepavilioninfrontofwhichwehavetalkedsolong?Thisisyourlittlehouse,goodHassan,whereyoushallfindashelterfromthewindyousomuchdislikeandallallotherblaststhatharmorchill.

HASSANMylittlehouse?

CALIPHIchoseitforyou,knowingyourdisposition.HereinthisremotecornerofthegardenyouwillhearnonoiseofstreetorPalace,butenjoycompleterepose.

HASSAN(Withrapture)Mine,thislittlehouse?Mine,thissweet-scenteddoor!

CALIPHKnockonitandsee.

(HASSANknocks.AdooropensandALDER,WILLOW,JUNIPER,andTAMARISKappear.TAMARISKtheyoungest,hassomewhatofamouse'ssqueak.)

ALDER(ToCALIPHwithprostration)O,EmiroftheFaithful!

WILLOW(ToCALIPHwithprostration)O,RedresserofWrong!

JUNIPER(ToCALIPHwithprostration)O,ShadowofGodonearth!

TAMARISK(ToCALIPHwithprostration)O,PeacockoftheWorld!

ALDER(ToHASSANwithprostration)Master!

WILLOW(ToHASSANwithprostration)Master!


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JUNIPER(ToHASSANwithprostration)Master!

TAMARISK(ToHASSANwithprostration)Master!

(Theystand,theirhandsintheirsleeves,acrossthedoorway.)

HASSANButthesearetheslavesoftheKingoftheBeggars,whobathedme,andanointedme,andbroughtbackmysoulintomyeyes,whenceawomanhadallbutdrivenitforever.

CALIPHIhaverescuedthemfromtheruinoftheirmaster'shouseastheirpoliteandfinishedmannersdeserve,andIhavegiventhemtoyousinceyouarelikelytoneedandappreciatetheirservice.

HASSANAndsofacesnotaltogetherstrangewillwelcomemetomyhome.(KneelsandkissesCaliph'shand.)

CALIPHSaynotaword.Forthepenofhappinesshathwrittenonthyface

theodeofgratitude.(ToSLAVES)Isallready?

ALDER(Pompously)Ready,OGardeneroftheValeofIslam.

WILLOWPrepared,OLion...

CALIPHEnough!Conductyourmasterintohishouse,showhimallthereisinside,andservehimfaithfully.

Enterwiththem,Hassan;delicioushasbeenourconverse,butJafar,theVizierhasbeenawaitingmesometwohours.(AsHassanisabouttoprostratehimself)No,itisthusHarountakesleaveofhisfriends.(Kisseshimonbothcheeks.HASSANwatchestillheisoutofsight,pensive.Thenhegoestothefountainandobservesitamoment.ThenadvancesslowlytothefoldingdoorofthepavilionwhichALDERandWILLOWholdopenforhim.)

ALDERFortunatebethyentry!

WILLOW

Prosperousthysojourn!

JUNIPERQuietthydays!

TAMARISKAndriotousthynights!


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SCENEII

Theprivateapartmentwithinthepavilion.Abed.Finefurniture.Awindowwithaviewonthegarden.

(EnterHASSANfollowedbyhisSLAVES.)

HASSANInthatapartment,therefore,Ishallreceiveguests.Butinthisapartment,whom?

ALDERSuchladies,Master,asyoudesiretohonour.

HASSANYes,yes.Imustvisitthemarketandsee.(Staringatthefloor,withastart)Wulluhi,whatisthat?

TAMARISKThecarpet,Master.

HASSANOneofthewonderfulnewcarpetsofIspahan.Ahuntingscene.ThePrince.Hisfollowers.Leopardsandstagsandthreetigers,andanelephant--hisheadonly.Oamazingcarpet.Andeverywheregreatscarletflowers,verystiffandfine.Oexquisitecarpet.Ihaveneverseensobrightasscarlet.(Withasuddenearnestness)Tellme.Youwerehisslaves...?

ALDERMaster?

HASSAN

Well,well,wewillnottalkofit.Howclearlythatfountainsoundsoutsidewithitslittlesplash!

ALDERIprayyou,Master,theCaliphsaidyoushouldparticularlyobservethismirrorwiththecarvenframe.

HASSAN(Lookingathimself)BytheProphet,whataPhoenixIhavebecome!ProvidedIdonotstumbleonmysword.

WILLOWTheCaliphhopedyoushouldnotfailtoremarkthisexquisitely

upholsteredcouch.

JUNIPERTheCaliphhopesyouwouldadmirethesetoiletrequisitesinalabaster.

TAMARISKTheCaliphhopesyouwillmakegooduseofthisveryslenderwhipforourcorrection.

HASSAN


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Awhip?Foryourcorrection,Oslavesofcharm?AmIthemantospoilgoodalmondpastewithstreaksofcochineal?

ALDERThouartpleased,OmyMaster?

HASSANPleased?Lookattheacaciatappingatmywindow;onenightitwillcomeinsoftlyandflingitsmoonlitblossomatmyfeet.Butthisisnoplaceforamantolivealone.WithoutadoubtImustvisitthemarket.TheyhaveCircassians;IhavealwayswantedaCircassian.Shemustbeveryyoung....Ihavenotfinishedtheexcellenciesoftheroom.Thesethreechests,whatdotheycontain?

ALDERThischest,OMaster,containsyournewrobes.Oneofthemisembroideredwithredcarnationsandsilverbells.

HASSANWasthereevergenerositylikethis!

WILLOWThischest,Omaster,containscurtains,hangings,andcushionsforthesofa.Oneofthecushionsisembellishedwithfifteenpeacocks.

HASSANFifteenpeacocks!Andallthosepeacocksdumb!

JUNIPERThischestOmaster,containsfreshlinenforyourbed.Allmarkedwithyourname.

HASSANMarkedwithmyname!Andwhathaveyoutosay,Tamarisk?

TAMARISKThatbed...

HASSANThatbedisnotachest.Butdoubtlessitalsocontainsfreshlinenmarkedwithmyname.

TAMARISK(Tremulous)Thatbedcontainsamostbeautifullady.

HASSAN(Jumping)What?

TAMARISKAmostbeautifullady.Shesaidshemustseeyou,andgavemetendinars.

YASMIN(AsHASSANtearsasidethecurtainsofthebed)Hassan!(Sheisdressedinacloakandveiled.)

HASSANWhatvoice?

YASMINHassan.(Sheunveils.)


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HASSANThou!

YASMINIcame:Ihid:Iwaited.

HASSANWhy?

YASMINWhydoesawomanhideinthebedo

Hassan : the story of Hassan of Bagdad, and how he came to make the golden journey to Samarkand : a...

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