[Aisha opens the curtains in the left arch. Seeing that Zoraya is
alone, she descends into the scene.]
AISHA. He is gone?
ZORAYA. (Going back to the right) Yes, and let us hope safely. He
will not return until many days have passed.
AISHA. I have turned away the poor men who came at their usual hour
seeking aid from you.
ZORAYA. Ah! I am in a fine state of mind to console others!
AISHA. I have again given Al Mansour's wife that black liquor which
lessens her husband's sufferings. I also gave a purse of gold to
Farizade. Poor Saada is here again. She is discouraged. Her sister
suffers more than ever from that malady.
ZORAYA. Alas! And there is no remedy!
AISHA. She begs you to have pity on this unfortunate woman, who asks
that death relieve her and who implores you to send her a beverage
which will put her into a sweet and everlasting sleep. (The bells
stop ringing.)
ZORAYA. Ah! that is the right kind of charity. They give that to a
diseased dog, but they condemn human beings whom they love to suffer
useless tortures--it is barbarous and stupid!
AISHA. Saada will return tomorrow.
ZORAYA. Prepare for her bitter almond essence in a covering of pure
wax the size of a muscat grain. That will take away the poor girl in
less time than one can say: "There is no other God but Allah!" If it
is a crime to do this, I am ready to face the charge. Is that all?
AISHA. (With hesitation) No!--there is another whom I did not want to
send away. It is an urgent case, she said. She is anxiously waiting
out there.
ZORAYA. Do I know her?
AISHA. (The same) She is an old friend of your mother's--Fatoum.
ZORAYA. (Quickly) That wretched woman who was converted! I will not
see her!
AISHA. She assures me she has been faithful to the Prophet's law.
ZORAYA. Well, what does she want?
AISHA. She is accompanied by a young girl in a litter.
ZORAYA. Ill?
AISHA. Probably.
ZORAYA. Let Fatoum alone enter.