Miss Julie and Other Plays

by Strindberg August

Biskra. Have I been singing? Look here, thou, now I put a palm leaf in my mouth. [Takes a palm leaf between her teeth. Song above.] Biskra, Biskra, Biskra, Biskra, Biskra.

Yousef.[Beneath the ground.] Simoon, Simoon.

Guimard. What hellish nightmare is this?

Biskra. I am singing now. [BISKRA and YOUSEF together.] Biskra, Biskra, Biskra, Biskra, Biskra, Biskra. Simoon.

Guimard.[Raises himself.] What devil are you that sings with two voices? Are you a man or a woman? Or both in one?

Biskra. I am Ali the guide. Thou dost not know me again, foe thy senses are wandering; but if thou wouldst save thyself from mad thoughts, and mad feelings, believe what I say and do what I bid.

Guimard. You need not bid me, for I find that all is as you say it is.

Biskra. Thou seest that it is so, thou idolater?

Guimard. Idolater?

Biskra. Yes. Take up the idol thou wearest on thy breast. [GUIMARD takes up a medallion.] Trample it under thy feet and call on God, the One, the Merciful, the Pitiful.