hassan : the story of hassan of bagdad, and how he came to make the golden journey to samarkand : a...
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Title:Hassan:TheStoryofHassanofBaghdadandHowHeCametoMaketheGoldenJourneytoSamarkand
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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.
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(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.
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(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
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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
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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?
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(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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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(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?
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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