Zoraya. (Standing in the middle of the path) “No one,” says an Arabic proverb,—“no one in the world today has seen the dawn of tomorrow.”
Enrique. (To his men, who have rejoined him at right, while he still watches Zoraya) Let us hasten away from here!
(Curtain)
ACT TWO
Scene—A Moorish chamber with three arches. Beyond is seen a garden similar to that of the Generalife of Granada, with a fountain and a narrow canal bordered with trimmed yew trees and pots of red sandstone containing flowers. The arch at the right gives access to a terrace beyond which Toledo rises in the distance beneath a burning sunlight. At the right of the arcade is the entrance to Zoraya’s sleeping chamber. On the same side is a small door. In contrast with the spreading blue of the heavens and the great heat on the fields and garden, the room conveys an impression of coolness. On the floor are tiles laid in mosaic. In the center of the scene is an elaborate fountain basin surrounded with cushions. On the ceiling are beams and panels of cedar. To a height of about six feet, an ivory-colored border surmounted with a blue earthenware moulding extends about the room. The three arches are closed at will with heavy and rich portières. To the right is a little low table inlaid with ivory and nacre. There are several cushions on it. Against the wall stands an Arabian coffer. Here and there are large Moresque vases containing palms and bouquets of flowers. It is morning. There are sounds of distant bells, which shortly cease to ring.
Scene One
Aisha, Zaguir
Aisha draws open the curtains in the right arch. Zaguir appears at the foot in the garden and cautiously calls Aisha.
Zaguir. My aunt!—My aunt!
Aisha. (In an undertone, turning) What?—Who?—Who is calling me out there?