PERVANEH
Wilt thou have justice?
CALIPH
If I had stood bound before him, would he have listened to my prayer?
PERVANEH
Wilt thou have revenge?
CALIPH Shall I scorn reason, pervert justice, and put aside revenge— for thy dark eyes?
PERVANEH Turn thy justice, turn thy revenge on me in the name of the dark eyes of God! They say a woman suffers longer and sharper than a man.
CALIPH
Lady, dost thou mean this with all its meaning, or say it to implore pity?
Beware of thy answer! The rack and the whip are ready and near at hand.
PERVANEH (Her arms outstretched) Then give the word. Knock off those fetters before my eyes—and nail me to the wall.
RAFI
Pervaneh!
CALIPH
Ecstasy! Ecstasy! Thou art an ecstatic and wilt not suffer.
I know the thick skin of martyrs. I refuse.
PERVANEH
(To RAFI) Alas, what can I do!