ACT I
PLACE: Ali's barber shop.
TIME: Morning.
WOODCUTTER: I have a load of wood which I have just brought in on my donkey. Would you like to buy it, good barber?
ALI: Well, let me see. Is it good wood?
WOODCUTTER: The best in the country.
ALI: I'll give you five shekels for all the wood upon the donkey.
WOODCUTTER: Agreed. I'll put the wood here by your door.
(Lays wood at door.)
Now, good sir, give me the silver.
ALI: Not so fast, my good friend. I must have your wooden pack saddle, too. That was the bargain. I said, "All the wood upon your donkey." Truly, the saddle is wood.
WOODCUTTER: Who ever heard of such a bargain? Surely you cannot mean what you say? You would not treat a poor woodcutter so. It is impossible.
ALI: Give me the saddle, or I'll have you put in prison. And take that—and that—and that!
(Ali strikes the woodcutter.)
WOODCUTTER: Ah, me, what shall I do? What shall I do? I know. I'll go to the caliph himself.