Chapter 11Scene 2

The same. Anice, Nureddene. ANICE And they all left? NUREDDENE Cafoor crept down and heard The clamorous creditors; and they all left. Ghaneem’s dear mother’s sick; for my sweet love Only he came, leaving her sad bedside; Friend Ayoob’s uncle leaves today for Mecca: In Cafoor’s house there is a burial toward; Zeb’s father, Omar’s brother, Hussan’s wife Are piteously struck down. There never was So sudden an epidemic witnessed yet In Bassora, and all with various ailments. ANICE This is their friendship! NUREDDENE We will not judge so harshly. It may be that a generous kindly shame Or half-remorseful delicacy had pricked them. I’ve sent Harkoos to each of them in turn For loans to help me. We shall see. Who’s here? Enter Ajebe. Ajebe, you have come back, you only? Yes, You were my friend and checked me always. Man Is not ignoble, but has angel soarings,

Act III, Scene 2 Howe’er the nether devil plucks him down. Still we have souls nor is the mould quite broken Of that original and faultless plan Which Adam spoilt. AJEBE I am your ruin’s author. If you have still a sword, use it upon me. NUREDDENE What’s this? AJEBE Incited by the Vizier, promised Greatness, I in my turn incited these To hurry you to ruin. Will you slay me? NUREDDENE (after a silence) Return and tell the Vizier that work’s done. Be great with him. AJEBE Are you entirely ruined? NUREDDENE Doubt not your work’s well done; you can assure The uncle. Came you back for that? AJEBE If all I have, — NUREDDENE No more! return alive. AJEBE You punish home. Exit.

The Viziers of Bassora NUREDDENE The eunuch lingers. Enter Harkoos. Well, sir, your success? HARKOOS I went first to Ayoob. He has had losses, very suddenly, and is dolorous that he cannot help you. NUREDDENE Ghaneem? HARKOOS Has broken his leg for the present and cannot see anyone for a long fortnight. NUREDDENE Cafoor? HARKOOS Has gone into the country — upstairs. NUREDDENE Zeb? HARKOOS Wept sobbingly. Every time I mentioned money, he drowned the subject in tears. I might have reached his purse at last, but I cannot swim. NUREDDENE Omar? HARKOOS Will burn his books sooner than lend you money.

Act III, Scene 2 NUREDDENE Did all fail me? HARKOOS Some had dry eyes and some wet, but none a purse. NUREDDENE Go. Exit Harkoos. What next? Shall I, like him of Athens, change And hate my kind? Then should I hate myself, Who ne’er had known their faults, if my own sins Pursued me not like most unnatural hounds Into their screened and evil parts of nature. God made them; what He made, is doubtless good. ANICE You still have me. NUREDDENE That’s much. ANICE No, everything. NUREDDENE ’Tis true and I shall feel it soon. ANICE My jewels And dresses will fill up quite half the void. NUREDDENE Shall I take back my gifts? ANICE If they are mine,

The Viziers of Bassora I choose to sell them. NUREDDENE Do it. I forgot; Let Cafoor have the vase I promised him. Come, Anice. I will ask Murad for help. Exeunt.