(Rises to his feet, his rags drop off, and he shines in gold.)
Paradox in Paradise.
(The infirmities and rags of the whole BAND disappear as if by magic, as they rise and shout in CHORUS.)
CHORUS
Paradox in Paradise
(RAFI raises his hand. ALL stand at attention.)
VOICES
Hush, the King speaks.
The King of the Beggars.
The King.
LEADER OF THE BEGGARS The King of the Beggars, the Caliph of the Faithless. The Peacock of the Silver Path, the Master of Bagdad!
(The BALLET line the room behind the arches.)
JAFAR
(Aside, astonished) King of the Beggars?
MASRUR
(Aside, astonished) Master of Bagdad?