Gülistane.
For what reward?
Ganem.
For this,
That, thinking I am wed, she also thinks
To call me husband—after.
Gülistane.
Who'll believe it?...
Ganem.
There long has been a woman who believes it.
Gülistane.
Thou liest: saidst thou not the plan was new?
And now thou sayst there long has been a woman.
Ganem.
There has: I meshed her in this web of lies
Before I saw the goal. Today 'tis clear.
Gülistane.
Who is't?
Ganem.
The limping daughter of a poor
Old pastrycook, who lives in the last alley
Down in the sailors' quarter.
Gülistane.
And her name?
Ganem.
What's in a name? Her eyes, with doglike fear,
Clung to me when I passed, one of those faces
That lure me, since so greedily they drink
In lies, and weave out of themselves such fancies.
And so I oft would stand and talk to her.