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SCENE V
The slave-market.
Muazzim with Anice-Aljalice exposed for sale.
Who bids?
Four thousand.
She went for ten when she was here first. Will you not raise your bid nearer her value?
She was new then and untouched. 'Tis the way with goods, broker; they lose value by time and purchase, use and soiling.
Oh, sir, the kissed mouth has always honey. But this is a Peri and immortal lips have an immortal sweetness.
Five hundred to that bid. Enter Almuene with slaves.
Ah, it is true! All things come round at last (aloud) Broker, who sells the girl and what's her rate ? Page – 659
All's lost.
Nureddene bin Alfazzal bin Sawy sells her and your nephew has bid for her .four thousand and five hundred.
My nephew bids for me. Who bids against?
Uncle —
Go, find out other slave-girls, Ajebe,
I'll not be sold to you.
What, dar'st thou speak, young harlot? Fear the whip.
Vizier, I fear you not; there's law in Islam.
Thy master
Had I a whip, you should not say it twice.
Vizier, Vizier, by law the owner's acceptance only is final Page – 660 for the sale.
It is a form, but get it. I am impatient
Well, here he comes. Enter Nureddene and Ajebe.
Shall we go, shall we go?
Stand by! Tis noble Ibn Sawy's son.
She goes for a trifle, sir, and even that little you will not get. You will weary your feet with journeyings, only to be put off by his villains, and when you grow clamorous they will demand your order and tear it before your eyes. That's your payment.
That's nothing. The wolf's cub, hunchback Fareed!
Be advised by me. Catch the girl by the hair and cuff her soundly, abusing her with the harshest terms your heart can consent to, then off with her quickly as if you had brought her to market only to execute an oath made in anger. So he loses his hold on her.
I'll tell the lie. One fine, pure seeming falsehood, Page – 661
And leprous family; in, in, they throng
The Vizier wants her.
'Tis nothing. Girl, I keep my oath. Suffice it
This is a trick to cheat the law. Thou ruffian! He draws his scimitar.
Pause, Vizier.
Be patient, Nureddene.
I yet shall kill him.
He has abused me filthily, my lord, Page – 662
Abuse thee, rag ? Hast thou
Stand by, you merchants; let none interfere
Help, help! Hew him in pieces. The slaves are rushing forward.
What do you, fellows?
Oh! Oh! Will you then kill me?
If thou wouldst live, crave pardon of the star
Pardon, oh, pardon!
Live then, in thy gutter. Exit with Anice.
Go, slaves, lift up your master, lead him off. Page – 663 Exeunt slaves with Almuene. He is well punished.
What will come of this ?
No good to Nureddene. Let's go and warn him;
He's bold and proud, may think to face it out,
I pray on us This falls not. Exeunt merchants.
Here was ill-luck!
Nor ends with this. Exeunt. Page – 664 |
