(Murmurs of horror and satisfaction fill the Court at the announcement of this savage punishment.)
RAFI
As Allah wills.
PERVANEH
(Falling at the CALIPH's feet) Spare, Spare, O Master of the World!
CALIPH
Dost thou think I will absolve him for thy "spare"?
PERVANEH
Mercy! Oh, Mercy!
CALIPH Why dost thou cry "Mercy" and clasp my feet? Is not pain a fancy and this world a cloud?
PERVANEH (Rising to her feet) This world is Hell, but those that dig Hell deeper shall find the Hell-beneath-the-Hells which they search for.
CALIPH Thou hast metaphysic, but hast thou logic? Invent me a reason— one small and subtle reason—why I should show mercy to this man.
PERVANEH
Ah—wilt thou have reasons?
CALIPH
Was not my sentence just?