BISKRA. Have I been singing? Look here—now I'll put a palm-leaf in my mouth. [She puts a piece of leaf between her teeth; the song seems to be coming from above] Biskra-biskra, Biskra-biskra, Biskra-biskra!
YUSUF. [From below] Simoom! Simoom!
GUIMARD. What an infernal jugglery!
BISKRA. Now I'll sing!
BISKRA and YUSUF. [Together] Biskra-biskra, Biskra-biskra, Biskra-biskra! Simoom!
GUIMARD. [Rising] What are you, you devil who are singing with two voices? Are you man or woman? Or both?
BISKRA. I am Ali, the guide. You don't recognise me because your senses are confused. But if you want to be saved from the tricks played by sight and thought, you must believe in me—believe what I say and do what I tell you.
GUIMARD. You don't need to ask me, for I find everything to be as you say it is.
BISKRA. There you see, you worshipper of idols!
GUIMARD. I, a worshipper of idols?