WILLOW
(To HASSAN with prostration) Master!
JUNIPER
(To HASSAN with prostration) Master!
TAMARISK
(To HASSAN with prostration) Master!
(They stand, their hands in their sleeves, across the doorway.)
HASSAN But these are the slaves of the King of the Beggars, who bathed me, and anointed me, and brought back my soul into my eyes, whence a woman had all but driven it forever.
CALIPH I have rescued them from the ruin of their master's house as their polite and finished manners deserve, and I have given them to you since you are likely to need and appreciate their service.
HASSAN
And so faces not altogether strange will welcome me to my home.
(Kneels and kisses Caliph's hand.)
CALIPH
Say not a word. For the pen of happiness hath written on thy face
the ode of gratitude.
(To SLAVES) Is all ready?
ALDER
(Pompously) Ready, O Gardener of the Vale of Islam.
WILLOW
Prepared, O Lion…