CALIPH
I doubt it!
HASSAN They chose so well! They are so young. So terribly in love. I have not slept, I have not eaten, Master! I take no pleasure in my house and garden. I see blood on my walls, blood on my carpet, blood in the fountain, blood in the sky!
CALIPH
Well, well, I will leave you to these agreeable delusions.
Abu Nawas has found me a young Kurdish girl who can dance
with one leg round her neck, and knows by heart the song of Alexander.
I perceive you will be no fit companion for an evening's sport.
HASSAN
It is only for the torture I speak: it is only for the woman I implore.
Say but one word: the sun will set so soon.
CALIPH
(Angrily) If thou and Ishak, and Jafar and the Governors
of all the provinces were prostrate with supplication before me,
I would not spare her one caress of Masrur's black hand.
HASSAN (Springing to his feet and making at the CALIPH) Hideous tyrant, torturer from Hell!
CALIPH (Coolly, as GUARDS seize HASSAN) You surprise me. Since when have confectioners become so tigerish in their deportment?
HASSAN
(Terrfied) What have I said! What have I done!
CALIPH
There speaks the old confectioner again.
HASSAN
I am not ashamed to be a confectioner, but I am ashamed to be a coward.