TAMARISK The Caliph hopes you will make good use of this very slender whip for our correction.
HASSAN A whip? For your correction, O slaves of charm? Am I the man to spoil good almond paste with streaks of cochineal?
ALDER
Thou art pleased, O my Master?
HASSAN Pleased? Look at the acacia tapping at my window; one night it will come in softly and fling its moonlit blossom at my feet. But this is no place for a man to live alone. Without a doubt I must visit the market. They have Circassians; I have always wanted a Circassian. She must be very young…. I have not finished the excellencies of the room. These three chests, what do they contain?
ALDER This chest, O Master, contains your new robes. One of them is embroidered with red carnations and silver bells.
HASSAN
Was there ever generosity like this!
WILLOW This chest, O master, contains curtains, hangings, and cushions for the sofa. One of the cushions is embellished with fifteen peacocks.
HASSAN
Fifteen peacocks! And all those peacocks dumb!
JUNIPER
This chest O master, contains fresh linen for your bed.
All marked with your name.
HASSAN
Marked with my name! And what have you to say, Tamarisk?