CALIPH
And now bring forth the King of the Beggars.
(The KING OF THE BEGGARS is brought in chained hand and foot, but still dressed in gold.)
The Salaam to my host of yesternight.
RAFI, KING OF BEGGARS The Salaam, O man of Basra. I see thy fellow-merchant in the robes of the Grand Vizier. But the negro, that most disgusting Negro, seems to be absent. To Hassan, my congratulations on his advancement.
CALIPH Thou dost speak with the impudence of a king, but thy subjects are taken from thee. They will soon be black crows in the pine-wood by the walls.
RAFI
Had I but known thee last night, thou man of Basra, whom men call
Caliph of the Faithful—O thou massacrer of good men—had I but known thee,
had I but known thee!
CHIEF OF POLICE
Shall I tear out his tongue?
CALIPH Let him talk. I have found a man who does not flatter me. Let me study the hatred in his eyes.
RAFI
It is not enough for thee to misrule a quarter of the world.
Thou art not only a fool tyrant, but a mean tradesman, thou dog-hearted spy!
JAFAR
It is not decent to let this man continue his coarse abuse, O Master.
Wilt thou not end him?