Kodama—What other pretty things do they say to swell thy vanity?
Halima—They say—thou lovest me not.
Kodama—As thou art a woman, and beautiful, I love thee ... no more ... no less. Thou art a woman. I have said it!
(Kodama puts Halima from him, and leaves abruptly R. Halima for an instant puts out her hands pleadingly to Kodama's retreating back, and then with a hopeless little gesture drops her head on the cushions. One of the women picks up her lute, and sings a plaintive song. The young slave boy of Sindibad's appears L.)
Slave Boy—The young Sheykh Sindibad leaves for his father's tent in the desert, and would say farewell to his kinsman's lady.
Halima—Let him come. (To attendants.) I would be alone! (Exeunt attendants C.)
(Sindibad enters L. and looks at Halima's despairing figure for a moment.)
Sindibad—To-night I go to my people.
Halima—Allah, the compassionate, the merciful, guide thy footsteps.
Sindibad—And thou, white rose, wouldst thou be free?