Rose of Persia
Dialogue Following Song No. 4 — Act I

Enter Yussuf.

Yussuf:

Hassan! Ho, Hassan! Hassan, I say!

Enter Heart's Desire.

Desire:

Sir, do not call so loudly! The Royal Guard might hear you and —

Yussuf:

Follow you? They would be more clever than I, for I cannot follow you, in your fear of them. But you and your friends can stay here in safety.

Desire:

Do you know the Lord of this house?

Yussuf:

By hearsay. Everyone has heard of "Mad Hassan."

Desire:

Oh, is he a mad gentleman?

Yussuf:

Nay, except that he keeps open house for all and any, and thus his charity begins at home and will end in the workhouse.

Desire:

I will call my friends. (Signals with her veil.) Oh, sir, it is kind of you to have interested yourself in a poor party of dancing and singing girls.

Yussuf:

It is in one only that I take an interest, and I shall take it wherever I go!

Desire:

Sir, I am a perfect stranger to you.

Yussuf:

Perfect you are indeed, but why should you be a stranger? Tell me your name, and whence you come and whither you go — (putting arm round waist) — and why you were frightened by meeting the Sultan and his guards?

Desire:

Do not press me, as you are a gentleman.

Yussuf:

But I am not. I am a poor devil of a Professional Tale- Teller, who makes a sorry living out of telling funny stories — and here I think I have found one in real life!

Desire:

I do not judge gentlemen by their coats.

Yussuf:

Nor do I judge all dancing girls by their petticoats, or I should deem you and your companions as bold as brass — as such girls are — while, look! your three friends are creeping hither one by one, as timid as fawns crossing a glade. You are no professional dancers!

Desire:

You mistake, sir! We are indeed all as bold as — as —

Enter Honey-of-Life, nervously.

Yussuf:

As one another?

Honey:

Is it safe to hide here?

Desire:

Hush! Why, what is there to be afraid of?

Honey:

I like that! You have led us into this, perhaps you will lead us out!

Enter Scent-of-Lilies. Drums heard.

Scent:

Hark! That is how the drums roll when they execute anybody — just like that.

Desire:

Hush! What are you afraid of?

Scent:

Of being executed, of course.

Enter Rose-in-Bloom. She runs to Heart's Desire and throws herself into her arms.

Rose:

Oh, Heart's Desire!

Yussuf: (aside).

"Heart's Desire!"

Rose:

I trust myself to you!

Desire: (aside).

Be brave, royal mistress; all will be well. (To Yussuf.) Good night, sir. We will claim this Hassan's hospitality for a little. Leave us — forget us — ask no more questions.

Yussuf:

I need ask no questions, for I know your name, Heart's Desire, and I can guess whence you come and whither you go — the Sultan's palace. You are a party of royal slaves.

Rose:

A slave — I!

Honey:

Did she tell you that?

Scent:

How did you guess that?

Desire:

Yes; how did you make such a silly guess as that?

Yussuf:

Fear not. I do not tell tales out of school. (Looks earnestly at Heart's Desire, who returns the look.)

Desire:

I thank you with all my heart.

Yussuf:

All thy heart would be a greater gift than I could ever deserve. Yet some day I may ask for it. (Goes to exit, and then turns before leaving.) Do not fear. The Sultan and his guard will not return to the palace yet awhile. I know their ways. And when they have gone their ways I will return and tell you. Peace be on you!

Exit Yussuf.

Desire:

And on you Peace! (Stands watching him off.)

Scent:

He is going to betray us. I am sure of it.

Desire:

Oh, no!

Rose:

(to Heart's Desire). Run after him and watch!

Desire:

Let me wait here, Rose-in-Bloom. When the coast is clear he will return.

Scent:

Look!

Rose:

Good gracious! What?

Scent:

Your ring! You are wearing your royal signet! That is more than enough to betray us!

Desire:

Give it to me. (Takes ring from Rose-in-Bloom.) There is nothing to fear. He said so. This is an experience. We are seeing life — let us enjoy it while we can.

Scent: (very gloomily).

Yes, while we can. It won't be long, mark my words.

---

Page created 31 January 1999