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SCENE III
The Slave-market.
Muazzim and his man; Balkis and Mymoona, Ajebe, Aziz,
Well, gentlemen, the biddings, the biddings! Will you begin, sir, for an example now?
Who is the handsome youth in that rich dress?
It is Ajebe, the Vizier's nephew, a good fellow with a bad uncle.
Praise me to them poetically, broker.
I promise you for the poetry. Biddings, gentlemen.
Three thousand for the pretty one.
Why, sir, I protest! Three thousand pieces! Look at her! Allah be good to me! You shall not find her equal from China to Frangistan. Seven thousand, say I.
The goods are good goods, broker, but the price heavy.
Didst thou say heavy? Allah avert the punishment from thee, Page – 574
Will you not bid for me ? My mirror tells me
And wherefore do you choose me
I cannot say
I bid, Muazzim,
Five!
Well, well, six thousand, not a dirham more.
Does any bid beyond?
Let me see, let me see.
Fie, leave them, man! You'll have no luck with her, Page – 575 Crossing her wishes.
Let her go, let her go.
To you, sir, she belongs.
But if you'll have me,
She's fair, but not like you.
If we are parted, I shall sicken and die
They make a single lot.
Two thousand more then.
That's giving her away. Well, take her, take her.
I'll send the money. Exit with Balkis and Mymoona.
What, a bargain, broker? Page – 576
Not much, not much; the owner'll have some profit.
The Vizier! Enter Ibn Sawy.
Noble Alfazzal! There will be
Welcome, welcome, noble Vizier.
The peace be on you all. I thank you, sirs,
My brother's failed, sir.
Make me your treasurer.
Admired Vizier, Page – 577
If there's an honest broker,
I have the very marvel.
Song, motion, music and calligraphy Yet learning less than wit; and either lost In the mere sweetness of her speech and beauty. You'll hardly have her within fifteen thousand; She is a nonpareil.
It is a sum.
Nay, see her only. Khalid, bring the girl. Exit Khalid.
I should not ask you, sir, but has your son
A necklet!
A costly trifle. "Send it to such a house," Page – 578
As high as Elburz, you old swindler. Fleece him!"
Fleece me! The rogue!
Well, sir, it is
No doubt, no doubt. The rogue! quite conscienceless.
He adds no meaner vices, fear or lying, Exit.
The son repeats the father, Enter Khalid with Anice-Aljalice.
Khalid, run Exit Khalid. Enter Almuene, Fareed and slaves.
There she is, father; there, there, there!
You deal, sir? I know you well. Today be more honest than is Page – 579 your wont. Is she bid for?
Iblis straight out of Hell with his hobgoblin! (aloud) Sir, we are waiting for the good Vizier, who is to bid for her.
Here is the Vizier and he bids for her.
Vizier Almuene, you are too great to find any opposers, and you
know it; but as you are great, I pray you bid greatly. Her least
Ten thousand, swindler! Do you dare to cheat
It is not the rule of these sales. I appeal to you, gentlemen. What, do you all steal off from my neighbourhood? Vizier, she is already bespoken by your elder, Ibn Sawy.
I know your broking tricks, you shallow rascal.
Abuse me not, Almuene bin Khakan! There is justice in Bassora and the good Ibn Sawy will decide between us.
Us! Between us! Thou dirty broking cheat, Page – 580
But if he boggle, seize him, have him flat
Father, let me get behind her with my horse-tickler. I will trot her home in a twinkling.
This is flat tyranny. I will appeal
Impudent thief! have first thy punishment Enter Khalid with Ibn Sawy.
Protect me, Vizier, from this unjust man,
What is this?
He takes by force
Then, when I named you, fell to tyrant rage,
Is this true, Vizier?
Someone beat out my foggy brains ? Page – 581 I took it for a trick, a broker's trick. What, you bespoke the girl ? You know Fid lose My hand and tongue rather than they should hurt you. Well, well, begin the bidding.
First, a
word.
'Tis for the King. I deem you far too loyal
He baulks me everywhere, (aloud) The perfect slave-girl?
I grieve that he must be so disappointed,
Quite first.
State business, brother?
Our states and how to join Page – 582
I understand you. We will talk of it.
It is the wildness of his youth. Provide him
I hope so. Well, we'll talk.
Fareed, come with me.
I'll have my girl! I'll beat them all and have her!
Wagtail, your uncle takes her.
Break his head then,
Madcap, she's for the King, be quiet.
Oh! Page – 583
Come, I will buy you prettier girls than this
She has such hair! such legs! Exit in a rage, followed by Almuene and slaves.
This is a budding Vizier!
You, mistress! Does the earth contain such beauty?
Did I not tell you so ?
'Tis marvellous,
Anice-Aljalice they call me.
What is your history?
My parents sold me
What, is your mould indeed a thing of earth ? Page – 584
Peri, have you not come disguised from heaven
I am a slave and mortal.
Prove me that.
A peri, sir, has wings, but I have none.
I see that difference only. Well now, her price?
She is a gift to thee, 0 Vizier.
Ceremony?
It is the price expected at your hands, Though from a private purse we'ld have full value. Keep her ten days with you; her beauty's worn With journeying and its harsh fatigues. Give rest, Give baths, give food, then shade your eyes to gaze at her.
You counsel wisely. There's my poaching rascal,—
Peace, thou good Vizier, loaded with our blessings. Exeunt. Page – 585 |
