CALIPH
(To PERVANEH) I command thee to unveil.
PERVANEH If thou wilt tear my veil off my face, I will tear my face before thy eyes.
RAFI
Ah, no!…
PERVANEH Who art thou who dost cry, "Ah, no!"? Who art thou who dost hide thy face in fettered hands …
RAFI
A prisoner.
PERVANEH
dissembling thy voice…
RAFI
A prisoner awaiting death.
PERVANEH
trembling when I touch thee?
RAFI
A man afraid.
PERVANEH (In a voice of exaltation) For thee, Sultan, I raise my veil; and wait, thy captive, to share thy destiny.