ACT IV
PLACE: Caliph's Palace.
TIME: Half-hour later.
CALIPH: Well, my friend, did you do as I told you?
WOODCUTTER: Yes, and Ali refused to shave my donkey.
CALIPH (to Courtier): Bid Ali come to me at once and bring his razors with him.
(Courtier leaves and returns with Ali.)
CALIPH: Why did you refuse to shave this man's companion? Was not that your agreement?
ALI (kissing the ground): It is true, O caliph, such was the agreement, but who ever made a companion of a donkey before?