ACT III
PLACE: The barber's shop.
TIME: A few days later.
ALI: Ah! here comes my stupid friend the woodcutter. I suppose he has come to quarrel about the wood. No, he is smiling.
WOODCUTTER: Good day to you, friend Ali. I have come to ask if you will be so kind as to shave me and a companion from the country.
ALI: Oh, yes, I suppose so.
WOODCUTTER: How much will you charge?
ALI: A shekel for the two.
(To himself.)
The poor fool cannot pay that sum.
WOODCUTTER. Very good. Shave me first.
(Ali shaves him.)
ALI: Now you are shaved. Where is your companion?
WOODCUTTER: He is standing outside. He will come in at once.
(He goes out and returns leading his donkey.)
This is my companion. Shave him.
ALI (in a rage): Shave him! Shave a donkey, indeed! Is it not enough that I should lower myself by touching you? And then you insult me by asking me to shave your donkey! Away with you!