Steward. Look at them—
Satni. The tree that was bent from its birth, not in one day can you make it straight?
Steward. We must leave it what it is, or tear it down?
Satni. No, we must seek patiently to straighten it. [With feeling] And above all we must keep straight those that are young.
Cries are heard outside.
Steward. What cries are those?
Satni. Women in distress.
Yaouma enters, leading Mieris. Both are agitated.
Yaouma. Come, mistress—come—We are at the house of the potter, the father of Satni—Satni help—quick! quick! Run! your father, Satni!