Hassan; The Story of Hassan of Bagdad, and How He Came to Make the Golden Journey to Samarkand - A Play in Five Acts (Paperback)

Excerpt: ... I have rescued them from the ruin of their master's house as their polite and finished manners deserve, and I have given them to you since you are likely to need and appreciate their service. HASSAN And so faces not altogether strange will welcome me to my home. (Kneels and kisses Caliph's hand.) CALIPH Say not a word. For the pen of happiness hath written on thy face the ode of gratitude. (To SLAVES) Is all ready? ALDER (Pompously) Ready, O Gardener of the Vale of Islam. WILLOW Prepared, O Lion... CALIPH Enough Conduct your master into his house, show him all there is inside, and serve him faithfully. Enter with them, Hassan; delicious has been our converse, but Jafar, the Vizier has been awaiting me some two hours. (As Hassan is about to prostrate himself) No, it is thus Haroun takes leave of his friends. (Kisses him on both cheeks. HASSAN watches till he is out of sight, pensive. Then he goes to the fountain and observes it a moment. Then advances slowly to the folding door of the pavilion which ALDER and WILLOW hold open for him.) ALDER Fortunate be thy entry WILLOW Prosperous thy sojourn JUNIPER Quiet thy days TAMARISK And riotous thy nights SCENE II The private apartment within the pavilion. A bed. Fine furniture. A window with a view on the garden. (Enter HASSAN followed by his SLAVES.) HASSAN In that apartment, therefore, I shall receive guests. But in this apartment, whom? ALDER Such ladies, Master, as you desire to honour....