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SCENE IV
Ibn Sawy's house.
If Murad fails him, what is left ? He has No other thing to sell but only me. A thought of horror! Is my love then strong Only for joy, only to share his heaven? Can it not enter Hell for his dear sake ? How shall I follow him then after death, If Heaven reject him? For the path's so narrow Footing that judgment blade, to slip's so easy. Avert the need, O Heaven. Enter Nureddene. Has Murad failed him?
Murad refuses. This load of debt's a torture!
The dresses and the gems you made me keep —
Keep them; they are your own.
I am your slave-girl.
Girl, would you have me strip you then quite bare ?
What does it matter ? The coarsest rag ten dirhams Page – 653 Might buy, would be enough, if you'ld still love me.
These would not meet one half of what I owe.
Master, you bought me for ten thousand pieces.
Be silent.
Has my value lessened since ?
No more! You'll make me hate you.
If you do,
Have you the heart to speak of this ?
Had I
I swore to my father that I would not sell you.
But there was a condition.
If you desired it! Page – 654
Do I not ask you?
Speak truth! Do you desire it ?
How could I desire it? Forgive his fault.
Anice, my own sins are
I'll call him then. Exit.
Let me absolve these debts, Anice returns with Ajebe, Balkis, Mymoona.
Am I forgiven ?
Ajebe, let the past Page – 655
You are Ibn Sawy's son.
Give me your counsel, Ajebe. I have nothing
Nothing else?
Only myself Whom he'll not sell.
He must.
Never, Mymoona.
Fear not the sale which shall be in name alone.
O now there's light. Blessed Mymoona!
It must not be. My oath! Page – 656
But I desire it now, yes, I desire it.
And is my pride then nothing ? Shall I sell her
Too fine, too fine!
To serve awhile my sister!
Serve only in name.
She will be safe while you rebuild your fortunes.
I do not like it.
Nor does any one
Oh, you're wrong, Mymoona,
You look at it too finely. Page – 657
Have it your way, then.
Call the broker here.
'Twould be the plague.
I fear it will not prosper. Exeunt. Page – 658 |
