Chapter 25Scene 5

Bagdad. A room in the Caliph’s harem. Anice, with many slavegirls attending on her. ANICE Girls, is he passing? A SLAVEGIRL He is passing. ANICE Quick, my lute! Song The Emperor of Roum is great; The Caliph has a mighty State; But One is greater, to Whom all prayers take wing; And I, a poor and weeping slave, When the world rises from its grave, Shall stand up the accuser of my King. Girls, is he coming up? A SLAVEGIRL The Caliph enters. Enter Haroun and Jaafar. HAROUN Thou art the slavegirl, Anice-aljalice? Why chosest thou that song?

Act V, Scene 5 ANICE Caliph, for thee. Where is my lord? HAROUN A king in Bassora. ANICE Who told thee? HAROUN So it must be. ANICE Is there news? HAROUN No, strange! seven days gone by, nor yet a letter! ANICE Caliph, high Sovereign, Haroun Alrasheed, Men call thee Just, great Abbasside! I am A poor and helpless slavegirl, but my grief Is greater than a King. Lord, I demand My soul’s dear husband at thy hand, who sent him Alone, unfollowed, without guard or friend To a tyrant Sultan and more tyrant Vizier, His potent enemies. Oh, they have killed him! Give back my husband to my arms unhurt Or I will rise upon the judgment day Against thee, Caliph Haroun Alrasheed, Demanding him at that eternal throne Where names are not received, nor earthly pomps Considered. Then my frail and woman’s voice Shall ring more dreadful in thy mighty hearing Than doom’s own trumpet. Answer my demand.

The Viziers of Bassora HAROUN Anice, I do believe thy lord is well. And yet — No, by my great forefathers, no! My seal and signature were on the script And they are mightier than a thousand armies. If he has disobeyed, for him ’twere better He were a beggar’s unrespected child Than Haroun’s kin; — the Arabian simoom Shall be less devastating than my wrath. Out, Jaafar, out to Bassora, behind thee Sweeping embattled war; nor night nor tempest Delay thy march. I follow in thy steps. Take too this damsel and these fifty slavegirls, With robes and gifts for Bassora’s youthful king. I give thee power o’er Kings and Emperors To threaten, smite and seize. Go, friend; I follow As swift as thunder presses on the lightning. Exit. JAAFAR (to the slavegirls) Make ready; for we march within the hour. Exit. Curtain