ALDER
Such ladies, Master, as you desire to honour.
HASSAN
Yes, yes. I must visit the market and see.
(Staring at the floor, with a start) Wulluhi, what is that?
TAMARISK
The carpet, Master.
HASSAN
One of the wonderful new carpets of Ispahan. A hunting scene.
The Prince. His followers. Leopards and stags and three tigers,
and an elephant—his head only. O amazing carpet.
And everywhere great scarlet flowers, very stiff and fine.
O exquisite carpet. I have never seen so bright as scarlet.
(With a sudden earnestness)
Tell me. You were his slaves…?
ALDER
Master?
HASSAN Well, well, we will not talk of it. How clearly that fountain sounds outside with its little splash!
ALDER I pray you, Master, the Caliph said you should particularly observe this mirror with the carven frame.
HASSAN
(Looking at himself) By the Prophet, what a Phoenix I have become!
Provided I do not stumble on my sword.
WILLOW The Caliph hoped you should not fail to remark this exquisitely upholstered couch.
JUNIPER
The Caliph hopes you would admire these toilet requisites in alabaster.