Part 87 (2/2)
”Escape that way!
When I was young many a time my lover came through that window.”
Hajji off through window.
_More knocking at door.
Old Woman opens._
_Sultan. Sultan enters, splendidly attired.
Vizier Has come to claim his bride.
and a Guard. Old Woman amazed.
Old Woman._ Is he not the Sultan?
She has seen him the day of his entry into the town.
Sultan: ”You have guessed. Bring forth Zira!”
Alas! Zira not here.
At Executioner's house.
Her father has destined her for Executioner.
Sultan furious.
When was she taken there?
Not an hour ago.
Sultan will go to Executioner's house.
The Old Woman I is to lead the way and show the entrance she took the girl to.
_Curtain._
SCENE 2
[In the play Act III begins here.]
_The Bath in the Executioner's house. (Large set.)_
_Up five marble steps (almost fifteen feet up stage) a colonnade.
Beyond it a courtyard, with a large swimming bath. The front part of the stage, couches and pierced screens. Door right to women's apartments, door left to men's apartments._
_Early moonlight in the courtyard beyond the columns. Hanging lamps in the front part of the bath._
_Women are robing and disrobing. Some are swimming in the tank.
Laughter and chatter._
_Princ.i.p.al Wife. Wife at her toilet.
Old Woman II (Miskah.)_ Old Woman helping.
Has Hajji not come back yet?
”No sign,” says Old Woman.
Has been to outer gate twice.
Only person there a young woman Guarded by two soldiers (eunuchs).
Weeping this last half hour.
They say she has been brought by Executioner's orders.
”Another woman?
Have her brought here!”
Old Woman takes order to doorkeeper at door L.
_Princ.i.p.al Wife goes to top of steps and orders the other women to dress and retire._
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