COV. At a thing worth laughing at, I can tell you.
DOR. What is it?
COV. You would never guess the stratagem we have invented to induce
Mr. Jourdain to give my master his daughter in marriage.
DOR. I certainly can't guess what it is, but I can guess that it will succeed since you are at the head of affairs.
COV. I know, Sir, that the animal is appreciated by you.
DOR. Tell me what you are about.
COV. Kindly go a little on one side to make room for what I see coming. You will be able to have a view of a part of the business whilst I explain the rest to you.
SCENE IX.—THE TURKISH CEREMONY. [Footnote: Lulli composed the music, and acted the part of the Mufti.]
THE MUFTI, DERVISHES, TURKS (assisting the MUFTI), SINGERS and
DANCERS.
SIX TURKS enter gravely, two and two at the sound of instruments. They carry three carpets which they lift very high as they dance several dances The TURKS pass under the carpets, singing and range themselves on each side of the stage. The MUFTI, accompanied by DERVISHES, closes the march. The TURKS then spread the carpets on the ground, and kneel down upon them. The MUFTI and the DERVISHES stand up in the middle of them; and while the MUFTI invokes Mahomet in dumb contortions and grimaces the TURKS prostrate themselves to the ground, singing Alli, raising their hands to heaven, singing Alla, and continue so alternately to the end of the invocation; after which they all rise up, singing, Alla eckber, and two DERVISHES go and fetch MR. JOURDAIN.