JAFAR
We give you our promise: we are men of honour.
RAFI If you were thieves, as we are, I might trust you. But, if, as you say, you are men of honour, honour will drive you panting to the Caliph's gate, and honour will swiftly break a promise made to a this and a rebel, under compulsion.
JAFAR
Sir, I pray you, no more of this, be it jest or earnest.
It will soon be morning: we must away: we have pressing business:
our clients await us.
RAFI And give me their names, O my guests, and tonight I will fling their gold and their carcasses together at your feet.
JAFAR
We insist that you let us go.
RAFI O merchants, tell me but this one thing: Do you dwell in fine houses in the port of Basra?
JAFAR
We have no mean abodes.
RAFI
Are your apartment spacious and well furnished?
JAFAR
Well enough.
RAFI
Then tell me further, have you soft carpets on the floors of those rooms?