Rose of Persia
Dialogue Following Song No. 15 — Act II

Yussuf:

Heart's Desire!

Desire:

There! I thought I heard your voice. How did you pass the gates? And where have you come from? And why are you so ragged?

Yussuf:

I have not passed the gates, for I passed the night in a rose bush in the Royal garden.

Desire:

But why?

Yussuf:

When I had seen you enter the Palace last night, out of breath, but in the nick of time — I did not leave the garden!

Desire:

Oh, that was foolish!

Yussuf:

I forgot I was in the garden, when you left it; for you took the perfume and the moonlight with you.

Enter Honey-of-Life and Scent-of-Lilies.

Desire:

And I thought I had left Fairyland outside — with you.

Honey:

Breakfast is ready!

Scent:

(to Yussuf). What are you doing here?

Yussuf:

I am waiting to see the Sultan, when he gives public audience, to ask him to give me my Heart's Desire; to tell him frankly and openly and proudly how and when I met her, that I love her, and want her for my wife.

Honey:

I wouldn't do that.

Scent:

No, I don't think that would be wise.

Desire:

Why not, pray?

Honey:

Oh, we're not jealous — don't think that.

Scent:

Some people notice us, you know.

Honey:

The Grand Vizier is quite good enough for me!

Scent:

The Royal Executioner is all I want!

Honey:

But if you blurt out how and when you met us we shall be thrown down a well. We've found that out.

Scent:

I have been sitting on the Executioner's knee, looking at his illustrated Book of Tortures. That's what happens to girls who disguise themselves and leave the Harem. A deep —

Honey:

Dark —

Desire:

Dry —

Yussuf:

Well!

Desire: (to Yussuf).

Perhaps it would be wise to disguise the facts, dear, a little, if you can — to the Sultan.

Yussuf:

I am a Story-Teller by profession — not in private life. Can you marry me if I tell deliberate falsehoods?

Desire:

Well, darling, I sha'n't be able to if you don't — that's the point.

Scent:

That's it.

Honey:

In a nutshell.

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Page created 3 April 1999