CALIPH And however much you sunder perfection from desire, from desire your perfection is not sundered.
PERVANEH I am the slave of thy household to come or go, to fetch or to carry, to be struck or slain; but my perfection is not the slave of your desire.
CALIPH
(Softly) Yet if you return to my household…
PERVANEH
(In fury) To die.
CALIPH You would not be forgotten or neglected…and your presence would be a consolation and a charm….
PERVANEH
Not to you, frigid tyrant, not to you!
CALIPH
(Softly) Nor yet to the one who let your lover go in peace?
PERVANEH Is there no shame in the world of Islam? Will you unclothe your lust in full Divan?
CALIPH
You have already given the example. Come, shall I set your lover free?
PERVANEH I would choke if you touched me, I would choke. Oh, the shame on me, the shame! You are smiling. It is not me you want but my shame! Is there a God in heaven that lets you sit and smile! But you can set him free. Ah, will you set him free? I am your slave—I am your slave. You can rob me of rope and knife—the very means of death. If you will set him free! I am your slave, what choice have I?