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 Book.ll43jii 
 
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 COPYRIGHT DEPOSm 
 
American Dramatists Series 
 
 HAFED THE PERSIAN 
 
 A PLAY IN 
 FOUR ACTS BY 
 
 NANNIE SUTTON PURDY 
 
 BOSTON 
 
 RICHARD G. BADGER 
 
 THE GORHAM PRESS 
 
Copyright, 1920, by Nannie S. Purdy 
 
 All Rights Reserved 
 
 Made in the United States of America 
 
 The Gorham Press, Boston, U. S. A. 
 
 MAi 27 I92U 
 ©a.D 5 4 OS 7 
 
HAFED THE PERSIAN 
 
CAST OF CHARACTERS 
 
 Prominent in the Gheber band. 
 
 Hafed^ Chief of the Ghebers 
 
 Amidar, 
 
 Serjus, 
 
 ROBIER, 
 
 Jafez, 
 
 Alzarman, 
 HujiR, 
 
 GUDARZ, 
 
 Omar, Cah'ph of Arabia. 
 
 Ahmed Ramah^ A Persian Deserter, now General 
 
 in the Arabian forces. 
 Haschem, 
 
 HiLLAL, J 
 
 Abdallah^ et al., Arabian captives of the Ghebers. 
 Buffoon, A Persian at the Cah'ph 's Palace. 
 Darilla, Daughter of Algeddin. 
 Zenna, Waiting-woman to Darilla. 
 Ilya, a Singing-Girl at the Court of Arabia. 
 Chamberlains, Dance-Girls, Musicians, A Body of 
 Ghebers, Arabian Soldiers, etc. 
 
Time: The Seventh Century. 
 
 Act I. A Persian sea coast. 
 Act II. 
 
 Scene I. A room in a dilapidated Persian fort. 
 
 Scene II. The Gheber Fort — as in Scene I. 
 Act III. An apartment in the Caliph's palace. 
 Act IV. The Caliph's Court-yard. 
 
HAFED THE PERSIAN 
 
 ACT I 
 
 Scene: A Persian sea coast. In the foreground, 
 extending back, L., the rocky summit of a 
 mighty wall-like cliff, beetling ovef Lake 
 Oman, that stretching reatward below, R., re- 
 flects a sky of oriental splendor. Far away 
 on the cliff, L., a glimpse of an ancient fort, 
 almost hidden by boulders. In the background, 
 bordering the deep-dyed horizon, a hazy, 
 jagged coast-line, gleaming like mother-of- 
 pearl, fronted by a sombre purple-bronze crag 
 sprung sheerly up from the sea, and flushed 
 at the top pale flame-color, as with a crown 
 of innumerable tiny fires. The whole scene 
 steeped rich in color. 
 
 At the rise of the curtain, a band of Ghebers, 
 headed by Amidar, Serjus and Robier, all 
 equipped with bows and scimitars, appear 
 climbing toilsomely by means of lassoes over 
 the cliff side. Scrambling to the top, Amidar 
 springs to his feet, and snatching from his back 
 a flagstaff with folded banner, unfurls and 
 swings it aloft, displaying a standard of Per- 
 
8 HAFED THE PERSIAN 
 
 sia, patterned after the jewel-studded leather 
 apron of Kaweh. 
 
 Time : Sunset. 
 
 Amidar {Exultantlyj waving his banner) — 
 Thus shall our Bird of Victory flap his wings in 
 the eyes of Arabian Vultures! Vain is their stolen 
 high perch 'twixt the sea and the sky ! By Kaweh ! 
 this night they should fall, had they crawled to the 
 sun for a roosting! 
 
 Serjus {Nodding to the flag) — ^Ay, but hood 
 the Bird yet — lest the Vultures harry him mean- 
 while; — yonder they huddle! 
 
 {Points to the fort.) 
 
 Amidar — Fit quarry for Persian hawks — and the 
 fiend, after! In an hour, every road will be 
 blocked, and yon shackle surrounded: On! On! 
 
 Serjus — On with good-will! But I, being 
 squeezed of my wind, will wait here for Hafed. 
 {Sinks on rock.) 
 
 Robier — ^And I, out of pure preference. {Reclines 
 near Serjus.) 
 
 Amidar {Scornfully) — Ha! Our Leader found 
 lagging?— 
 
 Serjus — Ay, — he who nods not on duty found 
 Algeddin and Ramah were not, as ye thought, ar- 
 rived from Medina! As for yonder — {Indicating 
 the fort) I think on mine oath, Al Hafed disdains 
 them, and for very pride of his arms forbids us to 
 strike till the Arabic Cock-buzzard comes with the 
 fierce-beaked Ramah! 
 
 Amidar {Contemptuously, turning to the rest) 
 — By the bones of your sires! — all that plod not 
 
i ACT I 9 
 
 like camels, but speed to the goal all-conquerors, — - 
 follow! and stay for no man! (Hurries on.) {All 
 follow save Serjus and Robier.) 
 
 Serjus {Rising and pointing after the band dis' 
 appearing) — Beware of the Winged Victory! 
 
 Robier (PFith a jerk of his thumb) — ^Amidar? 
 Wherefore ? 
 
 Serjus — In that, being born a cock-sparrow with 
 tricks of aping his biggers that dangerously swell 
 him, he aims to make plumes of his pin-feathers! 
 
 Robier — ^He shall but fall as he flies — and no 
 hurt to me! 
 
 Serjus — Thee! Atom of Paltriness! — art thou 
 the Hope of lost Persia? The Sword that shall 
 lead her to liberty? — Who thought of thee? 
 
 Robier — How! — The Sword is afraid of a cock- 
 sparrow ? — 
 
 Serjus {Seizing him hotly) — Trifler! Gibest at 
 Hafed? 
 
 Robier {Springing up, hand on weapon) — Be 
 less touchy, or jest shall bear earnest, friend! 
 
 Serjus {Moodily, — releasing his hold) — Peace! 
 — I trust you, — and therefore, watch with me! Al 
 Hafed, eyes front to the foe, overcomes the raised 
 weapons of Hate, but sees not behind him the bows 
 of Ambition and Jealousy, — nor reckons that he 
 who with ease fells an ox, may die by the dart of 
 the puniest! 
 
 Robier — What ! — ^Amidar ! — traitor? — Assassin? 
 
 Serjus — Traitor — ^Assassin — are wide words, Ro- 
 bier; there are treacheries black as the pit, before 
 which no banner is lowered; there are more ways 
 to kill than by the mere thrust into Nothingness, 
 fewer dead men would be walking the world 
 
lo HAFED THE PERSIAN 
 
 with full five senses. {Vehemently, — his face work- 
 ing with emotion) I say again, — Watch! 
 
 Robier — Ay, but what is my lord Prince to thee, 
 to kindle such fears? 
 
 Serjus {Wheeling and flinging out his arms 
 passionately) — The Sun and Moon of my Universe! 
 — Breath in the nostrils — pulse in the veins^ — Life 
 — and all with it ! Yea, he is Youth to mine Age — 
 Spring in my Winter — Child of the Childless — my 
 friend! {Sinks down on the rock again, his head 
 bowed on his bosom.) 
 
 Robier — Man! {Stepping to him, lays a hand 
 on his shoulder) I press you not — ^yet, ere I sink 
 in this quicksand of mysterj-, know — Trifler I may 
 be — Light-Head I am, — but False-Heart never one 
 found me, — and I swear what doth menace our 
 general strikes also at me. If it ease thee to name 
 it, — speak ! 
 
 Serjus {Rising hurriedly) — I speak! that to- 
 night, should I lie dumb yonder — {Points to fort) 
 thou, True-Hand, mayst still balk the trickster who 
 grasps at the Helmet of Hafed! 
 
 Robier — No ass hopes to hide ears under it? — 
 
 Serjus — ^Asses hope anything. {His gaze broad- 
 ening) I look back some seasons, Robier, to a 
 desert fainting at noonday. The yellow breast 
 of the plain seems darkly streaked as a tiger, for 
 the King and his noblest of Persia, betrayed — over- 
 powered, fled here to the holes in the hills, to rally 
 and die for this land, and their flight was written 
 in blood. . . . Like a star shot out of the West, 
 a horseman darts in the open: the sun leaps from 
 his lance to fondle his mailed breast with a million 
 kisses — for he whose steed spurns the earth as though 
 
ACT I II 
 
 it would sully him, comes as a lord among men, 
 or the wraith of a Centaur. , . . Nearer and 
 nearer, unslacked, though jaded and dust-blind, he 
 sweeps like a wind to the North, bearing good 
 news to his master, — the brave — the ill-fated Isdi- 
 gerd. Khorassin — Hamadan — Rhe — crushed un- 
 der heel by Arabia, have risen out of their death- 
 throes to strike a last blow for their country, to 
 break the base bondage of Islam, — to rescue the 
 throne of their King, — to free him or perish! . . . 
 Suddenly, out on the sands, horse and rider pitch 
 flat in the dust. The proud beast that went as if 
 winged lies senseless and prone, — dying for faith 
 to his master, — even as he shall for his . . . King 
 of All Heaven! — Why should the noble end thus? 
 
 Robier {Impulsively) — You knew him — ^you 
 loved him? — 
 
 Serjus {With emotion) — I knew him — I loved 
 him — well. . . . The soldier, quick up, distraught 
 scans the waste; a trickle of water may stay the 
 life that is flitting, — when lo, nigh at hand, a green 
 fringe shadows the rocks ! He dashes toward them, 
 — he glimpses Earth's emerald goblet filled full of 
 Heaven's own life-wine, — and the light leaves for- 
 ever his eyes, his scull cloven through by three 
 out-springing Arabs, — blood-lecherous spies of the 
 Caliph. . . . He was my son, Robier, and I saw 
 his slaughter! . . . 
 
 Robier {With a sympathetic movement) — 
 Alas! — poor Serjus. — 
 
 Serjus — I had followed, unseen, round-about, lest 
 some peril undo him who scoffed at all danger. 
 But the empty space cheated me, and lest I be 
 mocked in the beard for a craven beldam, I halted 
 
12 HAFED THE PERSIAN 
 
 back of the open till he should pass over. Fool 
 that I was, — half a league lay between us! ... I 
 saw, — and was gripped with a palsy; ere my horse 
 could leap forth, another sprung over the slope, 
 and charged on the Arabs. Uprooted, I spurred 
 madly forw^ard — the earth swayed around me, — 
 forms mingled — blades flashed — one glittering shape 
 
 in a river of blood wavered everyw^here Then 
 
 I knew nothing. . . . When I looked next, a 
 stranger kneeled by me. My lips touched water. 
 A-nigh, two Arabs stretched dead, with their horses 
 whinnying by them; the third, mounted, was fast 
 disappearing. What matter? — my world had 
 crumbled. I looked from its splendid ruin, back 
 to him who had succored me. ... His mien and 
 dress were not ours, and as he bent down, a jewel 
 hid in his vest swung loose on a ribbon of France. 
 Enough! // was Hafed. 
 
 Robier {Aghast) — Hafed! 
 
 Serjus — Born Henri de Rohan — Frenchman and 
 Christian 
 
 Robier — You dream! — or grief hath wrought 
 madness — 
 
 Serjus {With a zvide deprecating gesture) — The 
 old answer when Truths have mastery ! What time 
 was there for a frenzy? My all was slain — The 
 King in jeopardy — Persia a shambles. Vengeance 
 — Justice^ — Loyalty — sounding their clarions, si- 
 lenced the whines of Creed and Custom. ... I 
 crawled to my knees, and besought the Frenchman 
 and Christian, in the name of God and Oppression, 
 to forward our fight for life and liberty. Say that 
 I raved — or that Heaven had sent us a liberator. — 
 Not twice I prayed, ere he lifted his sword, and 
 
ACT I 13 
 
 swore by its graven cross to wield it for Persia! 
 . . . We bore my hero's body to the hiding-place 
 of his King, — finished his errand — and spurred to 
 the front at Hamadan . . . Rohan the Frenchman 
 rode there Hafed the Persian, — unconquerable 
 leader of our cause. 
 
 Robier — 'Tis the strangest news ever reached 
 these ears! And now? 
 
 Serjus (Wheels, intensely) — Now — The King 
 for whom we dared much is dead at the hands of 
 a hired traitor; jealousy creeps — and the path of 
 Hafed grows perilous! 
 
 Robier — It leads through the hearts of all Per- 
 sians 
 
 Serjus — We are hot-heads, all: — One breath of 
 this matter would start yonder — {Pointing to the 
 flame-tipped crag in the distance) — such fires as 
 never kindled in worship! He whose Tri-une re- 
 ligion polluted the altars he saved, — though be- 
 fore them he kneel to our Deity, — the infidel 
 stranger — dog of the street, — usurping the lead of 
 our patriots — (though God knows none there con- 
 tended him!) — What were his portion but death 
 — by the fires he outraged ! 
 
 Robier — 'Never! I swear 
 
 Serjus {With a forbidding gesture) — Be not 
 fooled Swear but to shield him ! — 
 
 Robier {Raising his hand) — ^That too, and 
 
 Serjus {Catching his arm and pointing) — Look! 
 — By the Lord above — women 
 
 Robier — Arabians! strayed from the fort 
 
 Quick! — to the cock-sparrovv^ ! 
 
 {They disappear around the rocks as Darilla 
 appears with Zenna, R.) 
 
14 HAFED THE PERSIAN 
 
 Zenna {As Darilla lingers , gazing seaward) — 
 La, la! — stopped again, Mistress? If you see 
 aught strange in the face o' sea-water, dip a bowl- 
 ful tomorrow and bend elbows a-top till it sprout 
 coral and flying-fish; but get now within! {Mo- 
 tioning to the ruins,) 
 
 Darilla — In! {Looks toward the ruins, shudder- 
 ing) — To vaults, where dark walls stifle the body 
 and dark thoughts stifle the heart ! Let me breathe 
 God's air a little longer 1 
 
 Ze?ina — Hoity-toity! This finnicky mood comes 
 from the sun-glamor yonder; 'tis next to a moon; 
 rise for making young folks fools. — By the bones 
 of my grand-dam! — outdoors or in, / am as sound 
 o' wind as a yearling filly! 'Tis time you were 
 housed, say I; what if your father should meet us? 
 
 Darilla — 'Tis a far road to Medina . . . my 
 
 father comes not till night, — and tonight 
 
 {Looks again at the water and shudders) — I think 
 he will not chide me. {Approaching the waiting- 
 woman) Zenna! dear, good Zenna — think you my 
 father would ever take me back to his heart if 
 I were patient, and sought hard to please him? 
 
 Zenna {With a passionate gesture) — Please him! 
 and thou turned infidel? Since thou hast shut ears 
 to the voice of our holy Mohammed — may his 
 power redeem thee! — to worship with Christian 
 outcasts, thou hast plunged into that father's heart 
 a dagger which each day thy conduct turns! 
 
 Darilla {Imploringly ) — Zenna! 
 
 Zenna {Hotly) — 'Twere not enough — God de- 
 fend him! — his old age should be vexed with this 
 strife in the land — that he must leave the lap of 
 
ACT I 15 
 
 Ease in his own home to smother forever the fires 
 of these heathen idolaters; a sorer strife tears his 
 breast, since the pearl of his bosom hath dropped 
 from his heart to the mire of the Nazarene swine! 
 — Heaven scatter them! 
 
 Darilla — Zenna! Zenna! — So bitter against 
 me? Have you forgotten the babe that lay on 
 
 your bosom, having no mother beside ? When 
 
 my father was wroth, hid I not in your arms? 
 You shut them against me? 
 
 Zenna — Not till you pray and pipe blasphemous- 
 ly. What ! — shall I mock the beard of the prophet 
 by listing to hymns of one you call "Holy Virgin" 
 and "Mother of God"? Go to — ^you should pil- 
 grimage to Mecca a-barefoot! 
 
 Darilla — Then I have lost you, and am all alone! 
 
 Zenna {Caressing her) — There, there! — Put 
 up lip like that, and I am beat again. Scold thee 
 I will, w^eep for thee I do, — but set me down for 
 a blockhead Vv^hom Allah pardon ! — love you I must, 
 — ^willy-nilly. So — {Coaxingly) — come along 
 and taste of his Highness' supper. A good meal, 
 saith the adage, is a weapon against care; which is 
 sense never got into a sunset. Come! 
 
 Darilla {Embracing her) — I love you — oh, dear- 
 ly I love you! — but I cannot return — yonder — yet! 
 
 I should suffocate! If you knew {Chokes back 
 
 a sob) When my father comes back tonight with 
 the Emir, Ramah, 
 
 Zenna {Interrupting) — ^We shall see a pair that 
 show by other men as roaring lions beside wild 
 asses! 
 
 Darilla — Ay — for lions rend the helpless! — 
 
i6 HAFED THE PERSIAN 
 
 God forgive me to speak it of my father! When 
 they come, — do you know what my father demands 
 of me? 
 
 Zenna — I know what / should, in his place; that 
 you show forth radiantly prankt, — fresh from the 
 musk-box, and spangled with jewels like a new-burst 
 rose, as becomes the daughter of Araby's mightiest 
 satrap, and — {Courtesying low) — the most beauti- 
 ful Princess on earth. Then, when you came to 
 your senses, and knelt at the altars of Islam, you 
 should straightway espouse the noble Prince 
 Ram ah 
 
 Darilla {Vehemently) — Oh, no! no! You have 
 been as my mother, almost, — you could not force 
 me to the arms of a man whom I fear! — whom I 
 loathe ! 
 
 Zenna — Allah save us! — an evil spell is upon you! 
 Had I such a lover, I warrant there'd be no airs! 
 Stands he not as a cypress steepling the hill-top, — 
 his eyes twin eagles cleaving an amber cloud, — his 
 beard, both Night and Moon-bow? Yea, — dressed 
 and trapped, withal, like a sultan! . . . Bah! Let 
 a maid be comely, straight turns she a ninny! Well, 
 — and what did your gracious father deign to require 
 of you? 
 
 Darilla — That I renounce the Christian faith 
 
 Zenna — Fatherly desired! Shall he see you in 
 the pit and plan no rescue? 
 
 Darilla (Chokingly) — And pledge myself to wed, 
 as soon as this strife is over, with Ahmed Ramah! 
 
 Zenna — Excellently considered ! Why should the 
 handsome Emir's love grow baldheaded before mar- 
 riage? 
 
ACT I 17 
 
 Darilla — Oh, Nurse! — Nurse! — Soften your 
 heart to me! I must promise all this, or tomorrow 
 be sent away, — ay, you have said it, — an outcast! 
 I shall lose my own father ! — God help me, — I shall 
 lose even you ! My father has sworn he will harbor 
 no infidel, nor a daughter who thwarts him! 
 
 Xenna {With renewed caresses) — Tut, tut, 
 Chit! Disobey your kind father? — Flout so mag- 
 nificent a suitor? What are you thinking of? 
 
 Darilla {Passionately) — Of the Emir! — and how 
 I abhor him! 
 
 Xenna {Starting away from her) — You are mad! 
 
 Darilla {Smiling faintly) — Nay, only nearly so! 
 {Turning away despairingly) It is as I feared, — 
 you cannot help me. Leave me, then, here, while 
 you go about supper ; — a bursting heart is better out 
 of doors. 
 
 Xenna — heave you! 
 
 Darilla {In a low strained tone) — If you have 
 mercy ! 
 
 Xenna — If! If I have a liver! {Going) Take 
 your way; could any but our own people happen 
 here, I'd not be such a fool. {Pauses) Let thinking 
 turn you less stubborn, mistress; salt your discre- 
 tion with this: you have two to reckon with, and 
 methinks it were better for a maid that she died 
 than live to scorn Ahmed Ramah! {Goes.) 
 
 Darilla {To herself, looking after Zenna) — I 
 know! I know! — it wefe better that she died! 
 { When the nurse disappears, Darilla stretches he? 
 arms entreatingly , as if' to embrace her, then drops 
 them hopelessly, glances shudderingly at the sea, and 
 turning her back to it, draws from her bosom a small 
 
i8 HAFED THE PERSIAN 
 
 gold cross, which she kisses and replaces; then, 
 kneeling down on the rocks, she prays low and 
 tremulously. — ) 
 
 Mother of Mercy! — Lamp of Love — 
 
 Tho' winds and darkness hide from me 
 
 All stars of Hope, I cry to thee^ — 
 
 And grope through Night to Light above! 
 
 I pray thy pure eyes may not see 
 
 How scarred and dust-defiled come I, — 
 
 But lead, O Virgin of the Sky, 
 
 Where thy Sweet Son waits pityingly ; — 
 
 Then, Shepherd of all Sheep that roam, 
 
 Stretch out Thy Hand, and draw me home! 
 
 {As she rises, her face shows set and colorless. 
 With a hurried glance around, she springs to the 
 topmost rock, raises her arms in mute appeal to 
 Heaven, shuts her eyes and casts herself over the 
 cliff. Almost as her scream rings out, Hafed, hear- 
 ing her in his arms, climbs over the rocks. Darilla 
 has swooned, hut appears unhurt. Bearing her to 
 a smooth bit of gr*ound, he snatches off his scarf-belt, 
 spreads it down, and lays Darilla upon it. Draw- 
 ing from his bosom a tiny vial, he pours some drops 
 through her lips, replaces the bottle, and moving 
 off, watches her. Darilla revives, half-rises, sees 
 him, utters a faint shriek, and falls back.) 
 
 Hafed {Quietly, not moving) — ^Why did you do 
 that? Have I a dragon's-head ? 
 
 Darilla {Sitting up, agitated) — Nay, but 
 
 {Stops.) 
 
 Hafed — Horns, perhaps? 
 
 Darilla {Breathlessly) — The peak is impassable 
 
ACT I 19 
 
 yonder — my father has said so. How came you 
 there? 
 
 Hafed {Showing his hands and the lasso he car- 
 ries) — Mainly by these and this. 
 
 Darilla {Her voice sinking) — I — I thought you 
 — a demon! — a Gheber! 
 
 Hafed {Smiling grimly) — ^You preferred to be 
 saved by the Angel Rizvan? He was not here! — 
 {As she attempts to stand, he steps forward, and 
 lifts her to a large rock, where she may rest com- 
 fortably) — But Devils are ever at hand. 
 
 Darilla {Impetuously) — Why — oh, why — did 
 you save me? 
 
 Hafed — I had no time to think. 
 
 Darilla {Astounded) — ^What! — Had there been 
 time ! 
 
 Hafed — ^Ay, even then, perchance, — seeing you 
 are a woman, 
 
 Darilla— Ah!— 
 
 Hafed {Calmly) — No more than a scratching 
 cat, — not worth while drowning. 
 
 Darilla — Oh! — {Stepping down from the rock, 
 and drawing herself up, proudly) Sir! — {Her man- 
 ner suddenly changing) Nay, though you speak 
 rudely, you have meant to be kind ; — I wish I might 
 thank you, — but, had you only known ! — I am 
 fainer to die than to live. {Turning away wearily) 
 You have but delayed me; I must die! 
 
 Hafed — ^AU the blooms of the garden must fall. — 
 {Approaching her, — more gently) But for you, the 
 buds are still sheathed ; the sun is new-risen, and the 
 birds in your heart should be singing. Why are 
 you miserable? 
 
 Darilla — I? — {Clasping her hands in anguish) 
 
20 HAFED THE PERSIAN 
 
 Oh, Heaven! — how help it? — when my father can- 
 not love me, and my lover, 1 cannot love! 
 
 Hafed {Starting, frowns) — Love? Heaven and 
 Earth! — 'tis the curse of the world: the scourge of 
 a thousand thongs! You reach for the lash? 
 
 Darilla — I detest Ahmed Ramah! — (Hafed 
 starts) — He is cruel and vengeful; but my father 
 is — my life; losing him, there is nothing for me but 
 to die. (Goino) Farewell, sir! 
 
 Hafed {Overtaking her) — By Mithras! — you 
 go not thus — a wounded hare to the hunters! Let 
 me speak with these two! — It will go hard with me, 
 but your gods of good and evil shall swear peace 
 with you ! 
 
 Darilla (Hurriedly) — Never! You little know 
 them My father. Prince Said Algeddin, war- 
 ring now with the Ghebers, — you have heard of 
 his valor? — 
 
 Hafed {A light flashing into his eyes) — Ay, — 
 latterly, much! 
 
 Darilla — 'riien you know 'twere but vain to 
 clash with him; as for the Emir — he is a monster 
 nigh dread as — (Looking around fearfully, lowers 
 her voice) Hafed himself/ 
 
 Hafed (Forcibly)— As Hafed!— 
 
 Darilla (Raising her hand warningly) — The 
 Ghcher-chief, — a human tiger, called Fire-Fiend. 
 (Without seeing his change of expression, shudder- 
 ing, crosses herself) Ah, hush ! — I am like the chil- 
 dren who cry at his name 
 
 JIafrd (Loudly)— What? 
 
 Darilla (Creeping nearer) — Hush, pray! — 'Tis 
 whispered his fathers were genii! — that he passes un- 
 known, save his steps sear the grass 
 
ACT I 21 
 
 Hafed {Involuntarily glancing behind him) — 
 Ha! 
 
 D aril la (In a half-whisper, clutching his arm) — 
 You see f 
 
 Hafed — A ficldful of lilies! (As she draws back 
 puzzled) Ay, more: — that the babbling of fools and 
 burrowing of moles crack the best ground! (Ab- 
 ruptly) Can you trust me, or no? 
 
 Darilla (Tiinidly) — I think so, — there are no lies 
 in your face. 
 
 Hafed (Bitterly, half -turning away) — You are 
 fresh in the world ; 1 have known a woman's eyes 
 speak such as would gainsay the writ of prophets, 
 and shove Truth herself in a corner; — falsehoods 
 a false tongue choked on, — yet the face was the face 
 of a vestal! (Facing her) Still, for your sake, — 
 (Gives her a scrutinizing look) — despite you look 
 somewhat vestalic, — I'll speak with Algcddin 
 
 Darilla (Retreating) — Nay, I pray you! You 
 cannot, and — hark! — (Voices are heard in ap- 
 proach) Oh, go! — they arc coming! — My father — 
 the Emir! 
 
 Hafed (Hand on sabre, advancing) — Fortune 
 smiles; I will meet them. 
 
 (Darilla sinks down in despair by the rocks, — 
 being hid, as Algeddin and Ramah, with several 
 armed attendants emerge 'round a boulder.) 
 
 Algeddin (Stopping at sight of Hafkd so?ne paces 
 off, waiting) — Ha! (Clutches the Emirs arm) By 
 all fiends — the Gheber! 
 
 Ra?nah (Snatching out his sword) — Then, demon 
 or man, I'll at him! (He rushes at Hafed, zuho, 
 with a powerful swoop of his sword, at one blow, 
 disarms him.) 
 
22 HAFED THE PERSIAN 
 
 (Darilla starts up with a scream, Algeddin, 
 amazed J springs to her.) 
 
 Hafed {As Raiviah leaps to his weapon) — Re- 
 member the words of Rustem: {Points down with 
 his sword, significantly) ''The earth is dry and cold: 
 the air of Heaven is soft and balmy T' 
 
 Algeddin (Hastily) — Hold! {Low to the Emir) 
 Forget you the Master? {Motioning Darilla aside, 
 — with ill-suppressed fury to Hafed) A father s 
 wrath waits on the word of his sovereign! By su- 
 preme command, know then, Infidel, — the King of 
 Kings, Omar of Arabia and Persia 
 
 Hafed {Imperturbably) — The King of Thieves — 
 Robber let loose on Persia: — straighten his titles! 
 
 Algeddin (As Ram ah makes a violent gesture) — 
 Forbear! ( To Hafed) But that we carry the word 
 of our august ruler, our blades, insolent Heretic, 
 ere now had stilled thee! In the name of the most 
 illustrious Caliph, we demand fair hearing. 
 
 Hafed {While Darilla, amazed, looks from 
 one to the other) — In whose name ye will, — by 
 Sun and Moon! — no shifty palaver shall cover his 
 villainous deeds, — whether the open spoiling of Per- 
 sia or the secret murder of King Isdigerd! 
 
 Algeddin {Trembling with rage, to Ramah) — 
 Speak on! Shall this chewer of worm-wood smear 
 me with spittle forever? 
 
 Ramah {Struggling for control) — His Mighti- 
 ness, the Supreme Emperor of the Faithful, — whose 
 shadow endure! — deploring his subjects' bloodshed, 
 has charged us with certain commands, to be on 
 sight delivered to you. We, therefore, as proxy 
 for his most illustrious Majesty, warn you all re- 
 bellion must cease, or be crushed out most direly. 
 
ACT I 23 
 
 Hafed {Leaning quietly on his sword) — Say to 
 His Mightiness — and his entire sum of magnificence: 
 — If it be rebellion for men of unquellable courage 
 to battle against hopeless odds for the peace of their 
 homes, the freedom of their lives, the faith of their 
 fathers, their country's happiness and their soul's 
 honor, — we are, and will be to our last breaths — 
 rebels! 
 
 Ramah {Contemptuously) — A fool's bravado! 
 What is your handful to the hosts of Omar? A 
 dust in the whirlwind ! 
 
 Hafed — Ay, patriots are few in Persia, since 
 some over-cautious souls turned traitor! 
 
 Ramah {Flushing — and exasperated) — ^What 
 then hope ye, rebelling? 
 
 Hafed — Freedom! — Or along her last march 
 from this land to the sky, to follow her banner! 
 For, by the Monarch that reigns there! — we are 
 well agreed, — rather than live in chains, to die in 
 liberty ! 
 
 {The Emir motions impatiently to Algeddin, 
 and receives from him a parchment bearing the seal 
 of Arabia.) 
 
 Ramah {Brandishing the paper-) — Behold! Our 
 ever-glorious Emperor, with incredible magnanimity, 
 offers you life in his favor, — your past forgotten in 
 a future allegiance to the true faith and its De- 
 fender; for all that kneel with you, free amnesty! 
 What say you now? 
 
 Hafed {Erect and strongly) — I say Caliph Omar 
 is a crowned Brigand who drove millions of rogues 
 to seize a King's throne, and bought the King's life 
 of traitors by jingling of coin! {The Emir, winc- 
 ing j looks down. Hafed advances a step) I say, 
 
24 HAFED THE PERSIAN 
 
 Black Raven of Persia, — or with your changed 
 feathers, mayhap. White Owl of Arabia! — I'll not 
 be one of the sleek slaves to stoop to the Moslem 
 while a sun shines in the heavens, or the earth holds 
 room for a handful of ashes! 
 
 Alffeddin {Thrusting forward and pointing to 
 Hafed's cap) — Then pluck down your Simurgh- 
 plume, and cast it in some fiend's fire, — for without 
 magic, you die! {With an arm-sweep toward 
 Hafed — to his attendants, loudly) Allah Acbar! 
 
 {With raised scimitars, they rush, shouting, at 
 Hafed. In the same instant, Hafed, blowing a 
 loud whistle, a body of armed Ghebers leap over 
 the rocks, and confront them. The Arabs recoil 
 in dismay.) 
 
 Algeddin {Aside to an Arab) — Quick! — Masud 
 with the troops! 
 
 {The Arab speeds out unnoticed.) 
 
 Hafed {Having signed his men to draw back) — 
 My lords, such magic is ominous: return to your 
 capital! Arabia sits at her feast, draining the red 
 wine of Persia and deeming her stronghold impreg- 
 nable : — let her watch the Omnipotent Writing, lest 
 under the walls of her Babylon a river be turned ! 
 
 Algeddin {Disdainfully) — Your Persian parables 
 are flimsy fabric, much tinseled 
 
 Hafed — For the maid's sake, I warn you plainer: 
 — start with her now for Medina! You shall have 
 escort ; — here — at this moment — is danger ! 
 
 Algeddifi {Wheeling, derisively) — Ay, — when I 
 sucked mother's milk, there was danger of choking! 
 
 Darilla {Falling at the feet of Algeddin) — 
 Dear father — believe him! Let us get Zenna and 
 go! 
 
ACT I 25 
 
 Algeddin {As the Emir bends to raise her and she 
 shrinks from him with aversion) — Up, Moon-Face! 
 — Know you what you say? 
 
 Darilla {hnploringly) — I know — I feel — this 
 man would befriend us! — that he speaks as a true 
 man and soldier 
 
 A Igeddin ( Menacingly ) — Silence ! 
 
 Hafed {Sternly — interposing) — Softly! — for her 
 sake you live! — 
 
 Algeddin {Fingering the hilt of his dagger, — to 
 Darilla) — Now by God the Creator! — how ye 
 met — ^what's between you — I know not, — but you 
 hold not us both by the hand ! ( Grasping Darilla's 
 wrist) Is it me, girl, or himf 
 
 Darilla {Striving to throw herself on his breast) 
 — Thee! Thee! Oh, when was it other? 
 
 Hafed {Aside, folding his arms) — Never, one of 
 my mind! 
 
 Algeddin {Keeping her at arm's length) — ^Wait! 
 Choose your ways here : — ^You accept the true faith, 
 and — {Glances meaningly at the Emir) — good for- 
 tune that waits you? 
 
 Darilla {Blanching) — I accept — Heaven help 
 me! — the faith — I believe to be true — {Draws from 
 her bosom the cross, and holds it up, tremblingly) 
 — but not — {With a shuddering glance at Ramah) 
 — the good fortune, you mean ! 
 
 Algeddin {Hurling her violently toward Hafed) 
 — Then back to your infidel lover! You mock me 
 no more! {The Ghebers start threateningly.) 
 
 Hafed {Who barely saves her from falling — half- 
 drawing his sword) — By Heaven! — you goad me! 
 Think you we crawled there — {Points to the preci- 
 
26 HAFED THE PERSIAN 
 
 pice) — like beetles and hung there like bats for a 
 love-tryst? Our work was with >;om/ 
 
 A Gheber {Fiercely flourishing^ his sword) — Ay! 
 — Vengeance for Persia and Isdigerd! Why hold 
 we back? 
 
 Others {Fiercely flourishing their swords)-^ 
 Death to the Moslems! Death to Assassins! 
 
 Hafed — One moment. Comrades! {To Alged- 
 DIn) — Your child's love for you was a lily shot up 
 in our war-path ; to spare it, I held off a battle 
 
 Ramah {Mockingly) — Battle, — ha ! 
 
 Hafed {Disregarding him — to Algeddin) — 
 Swear to treat the maid well, and still you shall 
 go hence to safety. 
 
 Algeddin — Swear terms to thee, impious brag- 
 gart? Then, may the fiend's arrow strike me! 
 Lead on thy troop against seven! 
 
 Hafed — You are numbered and trapped like 
 foxes', the troops now hid in your hold — (Alged- 
 din and Ramah start and change color) — are 
 surrounded: mine wait but a signal 
 
 Algeddin and Ramah {Springing forward al- 
 most together) — 'Tis false! 
 
 Algeddin {Trying to reach Hafed) — Save your- 
 self. Boaster! 
 
 Hafed {Fencing him off) — Back, Arab! Why 
 tempt me? 
 
 Darilla {Frantically, clasping the arm of her 
 father) — Father! Father! — for my sake! 
 
 Algeddin {Frenziedly, aiming a thrust at her) — 
 Thou, again? — 
 
 Hafed {Who strikes up Algeddin's dagger, frus- 
 trating the blow) — Madman! — Shame! Shame! — 
 (Algeddin, reeling back from the shock, falls on 
 
ACT I 27 
 
 the sword of Ramah, who has aimed at Hafed. 
 Groans mingle with cries.) 
 
 Algeddin {Writhing in the arms of Emir, — 
 to the same) — Avenge me! 
 
 Ramah (Lifting his arm) — I swear by the Lord 
 of the Kaaba! 
 
 Darilla {Wildly, leaning to her father) — Strike! 
 Strike! Would you leave mef {As Algeddin 
 motions her off, a vast tumult sounds in the dis- 
 tance. The Arab dispatched by Algeddin runs up 
 breathless. ) 
 
 The Arab— Fly \ Fly! All is lost here!— The 
 Persians {Sees Algeddin and breaks off, ter- 
 rified. The Ghebers spring forward shouting tri- 
 umphantly.) 
 
 Hafed {Ringingly, over their cries and the dis- 
 tant clamor) — Men! — By your manhood, put the 
 maid safe! Man a boat! — {Several Ghebers 
 spring over the rocks, — others turn to assist him.) 
 
 Hafed {To Darilla) — Come! — Courage! — we'll 
 save you ! — 
 
 Darilla {Motioning to her father) — Never! — 
 Never! — from him! 
 
 Hafed {Imperiously, as the clamor increases) — 
 Come, I say! — 'Twere your death — I'll not leave 
 you here! 
 
 Ramah {To Darilla) — ^Why shrink from such 
 gracious protection? No other is left you! 
 
 Hafed {As Darilla seems stunned) — For Life 
 and Honor's sake, — hasten! 
 
 Algeddin {Summoning a ghastly strength, — to 
 Darilla) — Ay, go with your Beast, silly Beauty! 
 {Points to the Ghebers.) Your Guard of Honor 
 is waiting — Jackals — Leopards — Hyenas ! Go — 
 
28 HAFED THE PERSIAN 
 
 light a new blaze to his fire-god! {Slips from the 
 Emir's arms, heavily,) 
 
 Hafed {Despei-ately to Darilla, — the noise ever 
 swelling) — For the God you believe in, come! 
 
 Darilla {Heedlessly, — flinging herself in an agony 
 down by Algeddin) — Oh, live! live!! — and — what 
 
 mean you? — These Persians {Lifts her hand 
 
 to her brow confusedly.) 
 
 Algeddin {With a last effort, raising himself) — 
 
 I mean {Points with a look of hatred to 
 
 Hafed) — he, — your new hero — has killed me! 
 
 (Hafed, starting, dumbfounded, meets the horrified 
 stare of Darilla.) 
 
 Algeddin {His voice hollow and gasping) — That 
 your Israfil, — silver-tongued angel — and henceforth 
 — your only — protector — {Grins horribly) — is your 
 country's — arch-foe; the world's — arch-devil! . . . 
 Cut-throat — butcher — fire-fiend — Reaper — of Hate 
 
 — and curses — God ! — 'tis my daughter s — lover 
 
 He— Hafed— the Gheber! {Dies.) 
 
 (Darilla, with a cry of terror, falls swooning 
 across his body. The din in the distance deepening, 
 Persians and Arabs rush shouting together, — save 
 the Emir, bent over the dead man, and Hafed, who 
 standing an instant, as if paralyzed by the sight of 
 Darilla, suddenly snatches her up in his arms, and 
 hurrying to the cliff-side, begins, thus burdened, its 
 perilous descent.) 
 
 CURTAIN 
 
ACT II 
 
 Scene I 
 
 Scene : A room in a dilapidated Persian fort. In 
 a niche, L., a stone altar, studded with dim- 
 burning torches. On the right, gathered around 
 a small table bearing a platter of fruit and a 
 wine-jug, a dozen or more Ghebers, loung- 
 ing on rude stools and benches, are munching 
 or drinking. At the right, left, and center- 
 rear are entrances. At right-rear, two small 
 windows give glimpses, as from a great height, 
 of blue low-lying water and a far, bright coast- 
 line. 
 
 Time: The next day. 
 
 First Soldier (Flourishing in one hand the plat- 
 ter; in the other, the jug) — Figs, and scant meed 
 of Moscalla! — But he that remains then unfilled, 
 may surfeit on Conquest! (Raising a goblet) 
 Drink — to the Despot's down-fall! — (Cheers: 
 they drink) — Drink — Confusion to Islam! — 
 (Cheers: they drink) — Drink — to last night's vic- 
 tory! — (Cheers: they drink) — Drink — To Persia 
 and Hafed ! — (Cheers: all drink.) 
 
 Second Soldier (Springing up) — Now, by the 
 29 
 
30 HAFED THE PERSIAN 
 
 immortal Hydarnes! — he that pledges lord Hafed 
 drinks to the despot's dowTi-fall, — Islam's confu- 
 sion — Persia and Victory! Gods of the Greeks! — 
 when he had put the girl safe, the thieves sprawled 
 down in his path till earth showed redder than 
 heaven where the sun died! 
 
 Third Soldier {As their cups are refilled) — Ay, 
 twine for our Lady o' Victory necklets of rubies ! — 
 whose diadem goldenly flames with the fall of Al- 
 geddin, — the capture of Ahmed Ramah ! 
 
 Fourth Soldier — And what, O Sirouz, concerning 
 the gem of the diadem ? — the Arabic maid who was 
 smuggled from sight at the first din of battle? 
 
 First Soldier — A fitting reward for the conqueror : 
 covet her not — she is Hafed's. 
 
 Fourth Soldier — Nay, by this hand ! — Such treas- 
 ure is settled by lot 
 
 Third Soldier—Your lot would be settled full 
 
 soon did you carry this further (There is a 
 
 burst of rude laughter.) 
 
 Foui^th Soldier {Springing up, — hotly) — By 
 Ahramazd ! — I yield her not dumbly — I have heard 
 her speak, and the nightingales do but mock her; 
 she herself shall decide us! {Starts to go.) 
 
 First Soldier — Soft, soft, O too-ready lover ! The 
 maid's door is held by he-dragons without and a 
 she-one within! {More laughter and gibes at the 
 Fourth Soldier.) 
 
 Fourth Soldier — By whose order? 
 
 First Soldier — Prince Hafed's. 
 
 Fourth Soldier — Destruction! The bird was caged 
 
 quickly Has no sugar passed through the 
 
 bars? 
 
 First Soldier — Thou knowest, most scurrilous 
 
. ACT II 31 
 
 Fowler, Al Hafed has ne'er crossed his threshold 
 since we returned hither; that Hujir and Gudarz 
 have been constantly with him in conference: that 
 for thee or any man the guards of her door are 
 quite incorruptible^ — {Springing up and whack- 
 ing the Fourth Soldier on the head with the 
 empty platter) — that the figs are all eaten, — thy 
 betters half-starved, — and except thou go forage for 
 food thou shalt die like a slave of a cudgeling! 
 {All spring up, and with laughter and shoutSj be- 
 labor hi?n with goblets and platters, cleai- out of 
 the room. At the door, R., they are met by Serjus 
 and RoBlER, leading in Ramah, bound and blind- 
 folded,) 
 
 The Guards — Way for him summoned by 
 Hafed! 
 
 A Soldier {Mockingly, — to his comrades) — 
 Way! — Way! for the Owl to the gallows-tree! 
 Hal— Hal— Ha! Ha!— Ha!— Ha!— Ha! {They 
 hustle past, jeering as the trio enter.) 
 
 Serjus { Unbandaging the Emir's eyes and mo- 
 tioning, with mock ceremony, to a bench, pushed 
 up by Robier) — Repose is sweet: — Will the il- 
 lustrious Emir, — Past Prince of Persia, Now of 
 Arabia, and Would-Be of any Country that paid 
 more, — rest, and digest his incomparably — new — 
 Koran ? 
 
 Ramah {Ignoring the motion) — Dog! Free me 
 of these — {With a tug at his bonds) — lend me a 
 stave — and you shall have rest forever ! 
 
 Serjus {While Robier takes up his post at the 
 door) — My lord jingles the keys of Paradise, but 
 I and this blade have more work to do ere we come 
 there! {Feels of his weapons edge reflectively.) 
 
32 HAFED THE PERSIAN 
 
 Ramah — Then to it, hound! I am tightly tied, 
 and I fear not the devil! 
 
 Hafed {Entering, R.) — The better fortune; he 
 suffers twice who anticipates — and you — may not 
 go to your due directly. {Motions the Guards to 
 retire. ) 
 
 Ramah {Fiercely) — ^Your wit is well-weaponed, 
 Sir Gheber; had I the dagger your villains last 
 night snatched from me, I would answer you 
 pointedly! 
 
 Hafed {Drawing a dagger from his belt) — Let 
 this replace it, when it unbinds you — thus! {Cuts 
 the cords from the Emir's arjns, and offers the 
 dagger.) 
 
 Ramah {A mazed j snatching the weapon and 
 drawing back suspiciously) — I am taken — why set 
 a trap ? 
 
 Hafed — To draw the truth from you, Ramah, 
 without any compulsion. {As the Emir stands, 
 hand on dagger, watching him) — ^Will your Ex- 
 cellence sit ? 
 
 Ramah {Sitting guardedly, while Hafed seats 
 himself opposite) — Compulsion or no, 'tis useless 
 to speak of our plans or resources; I am still Mus- 
 sulman ! 
 
 Hafed — If it teaches you honor, the conversion 
 is fortunate. {As Ramah starts savagely) — Pray, 
 O Excellence, sit! {The Emir hesitates, then dog- 
 gedly reseats himself). Could you for once, and 
 to save your head, act honestly? {The Emir half 
 rises.) Nay, remain seated, / beg! 
 
 Ramah {Thrusting the half -drawn dagger back 
 in his belt, sarcastically) — Do me the honor to 
 think so ! What then ? 
 
, ACT II 33 
 
 Hafed {Smiling slightly) — Then — instead of the 
 fate deserved of all traitors, and decreed by the 
 stars for you finally, you would go back free to 
 your Emperor, — with even some color of credit. 
 
 Ramah — Proceed, O Rewarder of Virtue! 
 
 Hafed {Gravely) — I shall seek your Caliph's pro- 
 tection at once for the daughter of his dead gen- 
 eral: also, — my men being prejudiced against en- 
 tering His Majesty's capitol, — I must ask of him a 
 suitable escort — not more than six persons — for the 
 maid and her woman from hence to Medina. 
 
 Ramah — You are mad ! — or you mock me ! — 
 Fling away the prize in your grasp? — Darillaf 
 
 Hafed {Coldly) — These two must go quickly 
 to safety. He whose right hand was Algeddin 
 would seem their best guardian, — and you whose 
 life, twice forfeit, is sworn to Algeddin's cause, — '• 
 570U shall be my ambassador. 
 
 Ramah — l! But if I decline, O self-crowned 
 Lord of the Universe? 
 
 Hafed — ^You will not, O Prince of Discretion! 
 In fact, you live but for this. Prove worthy the 
 charge, and j'^our life will be saved, though it sprout 
 for the Mower fresh villainies: — swerve from faith 
 but a hair's breadth, and vengeance shall find you, 
 though you hide in the mantle of Omar! 
 
 Ramah — He shall earn life, indeed, who un- 
 scathed sues favors for Omar's defier! {Suddenly 
 approaching Hafed) O, Blind to your Interests! 
 — kneel with me — say only^ La Ilaha 
 
 Hafed {Rising quickly) — Save breath! Is your 
 monarch so base you need more than tell him Alged- 
 din is dead and his daughter the Ghebers captive? 
 But mark well, O Emir, — he that blots by a breath 
 
34 HAFED THE PERSIAN 
 
 the scroll where the maid's name is written, shall 
 soon cease to breathe, though he lie on the Caliph's 
 bosom! 
 
 Ramah {Springing up, — Scornfully) — ^Yet you 
 love her not! Bah! — the sun never shone on your 
 
 birth You dropped from a waning moon and 
 
 froze in mid-air! {Meaningly) Strange chance 
 for a Persian ! 
 
 Ha fed {Suppressing a start — firmly) — Not 
 stranger, great Emir, than that of the Persian who 
 lately turned Arab! Less strange than this chance 
 for his life. . . . You accept it? 
 
 Ramah — What else? At needs, I should pay the 
 fiend's price : Life is Life ! Let me out of this hole, 
 — give me boat or horse, and point my direction, — 
 since we got here the devil knows how ! 
 
 Hafed — So be it: your guides will explain how 
 the Caliph's envoys may reach us. ( Giving a ring) 
 This insures their safety. On the day the two 
 women leave here with Omar's pledge of protec- 
 tion I release all Arabian captives, provided — the 
 Caliph's escort includes not Prince Ahmed Ramah! 
 
 Ramah {Going) — Scorpion! — why not he? 
 
 Hafed {Bowing low, and again half siniling) — 
 Your excellence will appreciate, the best of us have 
 our whims! {Steps to the door and raps. The 
 two Guards re-enter.) 
 
 Hafed — The Emir will start for Medina: — 
 show him the pass, see him safely off, and report 
 to me. 
 
 Ramah {Stopping on his way out) — Grant me 
 first, three words with my sister's husband, Abdal- 
 lah, — that I bear her some message of comfort. 
 
 Hafed {To the Guards) — Let them speak brief- 
 
ACT II 35 
 
 ly and privily, — ye and the door-keepers in sight. 
 {To Ramah) And you, noble Emir, would bet- 
 ter not finger the dagger; your guides are some 
 prone to be hasty. ( The Emir slowly lets fall his 
 hand from the weapon, darting a look full of venom 
 at Hafed. As the trio go out, Serjus contrives 
 to pass Hafed.) 
 
 Serjus {Low) — Forbid! — he means mischief I 
 
 Hafed {Low) — Let him do none: — hasten! {As 
 they pass out, Hafed ope?ts a door, R.) Lustam! — 
 {A guard enters.) 
 
 Hafed — What of the maid? 
 
 Guard — She is even at hand, with her w^oman. 
 
 Hafed — Lead them in. {The Guard retires, to 
 reappear with Darilla and Zenna. Darilla 
 looks pale and grief -stricken: Zenna, terrified, 
 sobbing, resentful.) 
 
 Hafed {Pointing the Guard to rear door) — 
 Stand yonder! (Guard moves.) 
 
 Zenna {Dropping hysterically on her knees and 
 clinging to Darilla) — Allah save us! — here we 
 are, in the lions' den! Mercy!! — What will be, 
 will be! 
 
 Hafed {Approaching Darilla, gently) — When 
 you are free of the water-spout, I pray a word with 
 you. 
 
 Darilla {To Zenna) — Rise! — Calm yourself, my 
 poor Zenna — {To Hafed, — her voice all a-quiver) 
 — Sir, I am ready to listen, but since — ^since last 
 night, — my ears seem cracking with sounds that 
 fill my sick brain to bursting; — I crave all your 
 patience- 
 
 Hafed {Unconsciously moving toward her, with 
 great gentleness) — And all my patience is yours! 
 
36 HAFED THE PERSIAN 
 
 (Darilla, raising her eyes to look at him, drops 
 them quickly to cover her tears,) 
 
 Hafed {As though touched by the sight of her) — 
 I would gladly bring you some balm of magical 
 soothing, but this side the stars, he called the Heart- 
 Healer is winged like a bird, and they travel far 
 who find him. . . . {As she makes a despairing 
 gesture) Yet be not so wretched! — Even now 
 means are shaping to render your state less intoler- 
 able ; you shall soon be returned to your people 
 
 Zenna {Shrilly) — Yah — ah-ah! — Then / shall be 
 butchered! — Mohammed! — he parts us! 
 
 Hafed {Beckoning the Guard at the door) — 
 Take this person out until summoned. {She is led 
 away, shrieking in terror.) 
 
 Hafed {As before to Darilla) — ^Your kindred 
 will tenderly care for you 
 
 Darilla {Low and hopelessly) — ^You forget I am 
 Christian; my people — my kindred — all died last 
 night ! 
 
 Hafed — ^You have powerful friends at Me- 
 dina 
 
 Darilla {Smiling sorrowfully) — Nay, sir, I think 
 — the last of my friends went yonder! {Motions 
 after Zenna.) 
 
 Hafed {With sudden warmth) — ^You still have 
 another, believe me, who will find you proper pro- 
 tection. It seems years ago, yet the bloom is not 
 
 sped that had blown when you trusted me 
 
 Trust me again? 
 
 Darilla {Struggling for control, as she turns 
 from him) — Yesterday — I was weak and sinful — 
 may Heaven forgive me! — but my eyes were still 
 shut to the world's last mockery — ^when men in 
 
ACT II 37 
 
 Truth's image — speaking Truth's tongue, — did 
 murder! 
 
 Hafed — By all that is sacred, you wrong me ! ! 
 At the cost of my life this hand would have shielded 
 your father — as it only strove to save you! 
 
 Darilla {With a passionate gesture of misery) 
 — Ah, whom — whom shall I trust? My father 
 said all you deny 
 
 Hafed {Earnestly) — I swear by no oath ever tar- 
 nished — I pledge you across the sepulchre of my 
 Mother, — as to his death and your safety .[ 
 
 Darilla {Half stretching her hands to him) — I 
 would trust you! — I could — but — {Shrinks back) — 
 when I think what men call you — {Shudders) — 
 And now to be here! — {Glances around fearfully,) 
 
 Hafed — The casket is rough for the pearl, but 
 from the moment you entered your purity reared 
 here a Mecca of inviolable sanctity; I guard it as 
 distant as Araf a ! 
 
 Darilla {With a sudden outburst) — I shall go 
 mad if I stay here! — for I know now I must not 
 kill myself. . . . All night I have sat at the win- 
 dow looking down — down — down — into chasms of 
 blackness leaping with spectral fires — roaring v/itR 
 hidden waters — empty of ground or pathway: as 
 though some spirit of Evil had snatched me up 
 from sweet earth to a sunless eyrie I ... If you are 
 not — what they say — why do you live here ? 
 
 Hafed {Half-smiling^ and loiuering his voice) — 
 'Tis whispered my fathers were genii! {In a nat- 
 ural tone, leaning nearer her) See you not, — I, 
 who in Arabic fables become every beast in the jun- 
 gle, am — God help us! — but a poor half-demon in 
 Persia? You remain here only till {A hub- 
 
38 HAFED THE PERSIAN 
 
 bub without interrupts him. Loud laughter from the 
 Ghebers mingles with shrill scolding from Zenna 
 as the men surge in, pushing and dragging her 
 amongst them with airs of mock gallantry, while 
 one, affecting a love-lorn look, picks on a blue- 
 ribboned lute. As Darilla shrinks back away 
 from them, Hafed steps in front of her.) 
 
 A Gheber {Offering Zenna grapes) — Sorceress 
 of Love! — but taste — that the vine and the rose 
 may commingle their precious perfumes! {All laugh 
 derisively.) 
 
 Zenna {Turning on him fiercely) — Adder of 
 Earth — away! (Hafed, about to interfere, is 
 stopped by the reappearance of Serjus and Robier, 
 who engage him aside.) 
 
 Another Gheber {Proffering Zenna some olives) 
 — Nay, Enchantress — vi^ith honeyed lips touch w^hat 
 is tart, and sweetmeats shall lie on the dish! 
 {More laughter.) 
 
 Zenna — Vermin! would they were poisoned! 
 {Knocks the platter out of his hand.) 
 
 Darilla {Low and protestingly) — Zenna! 
 
 Another Gheber {Drowning her words — to 
 Zenna, as the men fall to at the table) — Thy voice, 
 O Peri flown out of Paradise ! — is music that makes 
 the heart drunken ! 
 
 Zenna {Aiming a blow at him) — Dog! — thou 
 wert drunken already! 
 
 Darilla { Pleadingly ) — Zenna ! ! 
 
 Gheber {With the lute, ere joining the rest, — to 
 Zenna) — ^Ah! those hands — like gentle oysters, 
 soft homes for pearls — shall give us who feast a 
 new Anahita and a new Heaven. ( With a low rev- 
 erence, presenting the lute.) 
 
ACT II 39 
 
 Zenna {Snatching the lute and cuffing him 
 soundly) — A drubbing, villain, they'd gladly give 
 thee for stealing! — and a cleansing w^ill I give this 
 ere Mistress touch it! {While Darilla with dif- 
 ficulty silences Zenna, aside, a Guard enters.) 
 
 Guard {Saluting Hafed) — My lord, the captive 
 who spake w^ith the Emir, Ramah, asks to ac- 
 quaint you and your company with weighty news. 
 
 Hafed — Bring him in. (Serjus and Robier draw 
 aside. ) 
 
 Darilla {With a gesture toward Zenna) — Sir, 
 shall we not go? 
 
 Hafed — Nay, a moment wait yondtr— {Leads 
 the women aside to an embrasure covered with leop- 
 ard-skins. Unobserved, they see and hear what 
 passes as the Guard ushers in the prisoner, an 
 Arabian of striking appearance, whom the Ghebers, 
 turning, eye attentively. The Guard retires.) 
 
 Hafed {To the Arab) — ^You would speak with 
 us? 
 
 The Arab {Impressively) — I would change with 
 you — {By a gesture including the rest) — ^vital ser- 
 vices. For life and freedom, I will point, O simple 
 Persians, to one amongst ye whose patriot form, 
 plucked of his cloak of hypocrisy, shall stand forth 
 blackly a traitor! {There is an instant of conster- 
 nated silence. The Ghebers^ amazed, look one at 
 another.) 
 
 Hafed {Solemnly, amid great stillness) — I think 
 you lie; for I should stake my own life blindly on 
 the faith of these — {Indicating his men) — and their 
 brethren. Your word will never blacken them. 
 
 The Arab — And what if I offer proof that, 
 tongueless, lies not? By Mohammed! — {Looking 
 
40 HAFED THE PERSIAN 
 
 around scornfully) — I counted not ye would shield 
 him! 
 
 Hafed — You mistake: j^ou shall be free, thrice- 
 fold, when you prove here a traitor! 
 
 The Arab {To the others) — ^And ye, by your 
 honor, hold to this pact? 
 
 The Ghebers {Scoffingly)— Ay —Oh, ay! 
 
 The Arab — Then here I denounce him whose 
 messenger just sped to Omar with treacherous over- 
 tures! The terms of your sale were easy: Protec- 
 tion for a beautiful Princess till she be called for — 
 (Darilla in her shelter starts up excitedly) — and 
 a lieutenancy over your southwest provinces! For 
 these, you would be delivered at once to the power 
 of his Majesty, as witness — the ring of Hafed! 
 {Holds it up. With a choked cry of rage, Hafed 
 wrests the ring from him. The Ghebers leap to 
 their feet. Serjus^ with the spring of a wolf, has 
 his blade at the Arab's throat when Hafed seizes 
 
 it.) 
 
 Hafed {Tapping Serjus' weapon) — Soil it not! 
 {To the Arab^ scathingly) — Your Emperor sinks 
 low, indeed, to litter his army with perjurers! {To 
 his followers) — Men! — I have sent a proposal to 
 Omar — {General amazement) — this ring was Its 
 surety, — still, I am honest! (Serjus and Robier 
 cheer: the rest look astonished.) Protection — the 
 only fitting protection — I sought in the name of our 
 common manhood, for the orphaned Arabian 
 princess ; yet, that a general of Persians stoop not to 
 beg of an enemy, I pledged in return the release of 
 our captives. That the ring lent for safety of 
 OmaT^s envoys, — six or less persons — should be 
 
ACT II 41 
 
 given this man to buy life with, was an easy trick 
 for his juggling kinsman, Ahmed Ramah my mes- 
 senger ! 
 
 Serjus {Fiercely — to the Arab) — And hadst thou 
 six lives, Spitter of Perfidies, thou shouldst lose all 
 for this calumny! 
 
 Robier {Menacingly) — Let him now choke on 
 it! 
 
 Others — Choke him! — Flay him!! 
 
 The Arab {Raising his hand for silence) — ^You 
 doubt me and the ring: let Omar's answer con- 
 firm me: wait it — and judge for yourselves! 
 
 Jabez — Shameless one ! — freedom for insult ? 
 Rather be chained to the rocks till vultures tear out 
 the tongue that would blast this, Persia's chief pa- 
 triot ! 
 
 The Arab {With folded arms and a slight sneer , 
 pointing a finger at Hafed) — He there spake lately 
 of jugglers; what think you of juggling that makes 
 of an infidel stranger Persia's chief patriot? 
 
 Serjus {Drawing a weapon) — Viper! — not donef 
 {There are angry murmurs among the Ghebers, 
 who, scowling or derisive, seem in doubt how to 
 act.) 
 
 Amidar — By the Lord! — here is something cov- 
 ered! What mean you, man? 
 
 The Arab {Boldly) — That your general is 
 doubly a cheat ! Neither Hafed nor Persian — I 
 swear by the soul of our prophet, a foreign adven- 
 turer has, with greed of ambition, gulled you and 
 seized on your leadership ! {The Ghebers, im- 
 pressed against their own wills, stand mutely, breath- 
 lessly staring.) 
 
42 HAFED THE PERSIAN 
 
 Serjus ( S?notheredly ) — Devil !- 
 
 Robier {Forcing a smile) — Nay, he is utterly 
 mad — the man has illusions 
 
 The Arab — Ask your chief whether this be illu- 
 sion! {Snatching jrom his breast a linen kerchief, 
 he holds it up.) It fell from his bosom one day by 
 a desert spring. . . . Two Arabs lay dead at his 
 hand, but the third rode away with this keepsake. 
 . . . Henri de Rohan is wrought here under a 
 coronet. . . . Will he deny it is his ? 
 
 A Gheber {Forestalling Hafed) — Infamous 
 Moslem! — who would debase him to answer? 
 
 Another {Ouicklyj as Hafed would speak) — 
 We know, O Vender of Wisdom, we others are 
 dolts and crackbrains ; but tell us in pity if we are 
 Fins or Hindoos — English or Esquimaux — Mon- 
 keys or Apes? 
 
 Hafed {Calmly motioning them aside) — I thank 
 you all, friends, but he that is Hafed the Persian 
 was born in truth Henri de Rohan; that is my 
 kerchief. {All look dumbfounded — Serjus, ghast- 
 ly.) 
 
 Hafed — Guilty of this name I am, and of shar- 
 ing your struggles, a stranger, — but of naught else 
 the Arab has charged. Ambition! — Ye were bowed 
 in the dust when Sympathy lent you this sword — 
 Was I ambitious of Ruin? Such as I am, I ran 
 to your rescue, and since I have held your cause 
 sacred — broken no vow — betrayed no trust — plotted 
 no treason — why should I yield up my birthright? 
 I own it with joy, that under the vest of a Persian — 
 even as a lock from the head of a Mother dead to me 
 — I hug to my heart, unspotted, the colors of France 
 
ACT II 43 
 
 and the badge of Our Lady of Bethlehem. ( Throws 
 open his vest^ displaying them. There is a muf- 
 fled cry from Serjus, an exultant one from the 
 Arab — a gasp, as of joy, from Darilla, which 
 passes unnoticed.) 
 
 Serjus (Raising his arm passio?iately, as the rest 
 stand consternated) — Of France — yet more Persian 
 than Persians! 
 
 Hafed {Signing him to be silent) — Nevertheless, 
 your country is mine! In her midnight hour of mis- 
 fortunes, I chose her, dowerless, the worthy bride 
 of my sword. Despoiled of her jewels, — half-life- 
 less with blows of assassins, — her beauty washed 
 out with tears — she called to my heart for defence; 
 — whether it answered her truly — whether, French- 
 man or Persian, for her I have held my life cheap, — 
 ye are witness. To say mere would discredit your 
 honesty. 
 
 Robier — Ay ! — The Savior of Persia needs no de- 
 fence to her people! — But for him — {Points to the 
 Arab) — let his blood wash out quickly his lies! 
 
 Hafed — Pah ! — A swallow of wine will drown 
 them — {Pours out a goblet and raises it) — Fill your 
 cups, comrades! — ^As I trust in her truth, I pledge 
 you Our Lady of Persia: 
 
 "Others may find another love as fair; 
 Upon her threshold I have laid my head, — 
 The dust shall cover me, still lying there. 
 When from my body life and love have fled !" 
 
 ( The men have mechanically filled their glasses but 
 they are left untouched.) 
 
44 HAFED THE PERSIAN 
 
 Amidar {Setting down his goblet) — ^With my 
 lord's pardon, the wine is low — I have had my 
 portion. {Bows himself out.) 
 
 Another {Setting down his goblet) — And I, re- 
 membering a wound, pray my lord excuse me. 
 {Goes.) 
 
 Another — The toast of Hafed is echoed by every 
 Persian; I would feast on it privately. {Goes.) 
 
 Another — And I say straightly, this coil confuses 
 a plain man; I must ponder it ere I drink further. 
 {Goes.) 
 
 Another {Stiffly) — When Truth and Error lock 
 arms, 'tis dangerous company; let us look closer, 
 lords! {Goes.) 
 
 Another {Going) — Methinks, indeed, our lord- 
 general hath troubled incredibly much for this 
 maiden — our enemy ! 
 
 Another {Vehemently, joining him in the door- 
 way) — Maiden! — Prate not of wenches, with 
 Heaven's own altars defiled! — Before the Immacu- 
 late Symbol of One Supreme Sovereign, Hafed our 
 leader hath knelt to a Three-Headed God! The 
 breath of idolatry steeps in its foul miasma your 
 holiest prayers, — God is mocked and the Crown of 
 Isdigerd desecrate — {Points at arm's length to 
 Hafed) — Ye follow a Frenchman! — Infidel! 
 {Passes out. The rest, with show of clearing 
 the table, hurry after, save Serjus and Robier. 
 Hafed has stonily watched his mens withdrawal.) 
 
 Serjus {His face drawn with anguish, — falling 
 at Hafed's feet) — Hafed! — Noblest of Earth !-^ 
 Why didst thou stop my defence of thee? 
 
 Hafed {Bitterly, raising him) — Because, in his 
 blindness, Hafed thought not to need it, — nor 
 
ACT II 45 
 
 wished thine own compromise. {Turning to the 
 Arab) — We may dispense with your honorable pres- 
 ence! {To Serjus and Robier) — Set him loose! 
 — Let him taint the air here no longer, lest we die 
 of the poison ! ( The Arab is led out. Rear. Hafed, 
 as though unconsciously following to the door, 
 stands gazing out, lost in reverie. Darilla, — who 
 in the shade of the embrasure has watched all, 
 spell-bound, — half -hesitating, starts toward Hafed, 
 but is plucked back by Zenna. ) 
 
 Zenna {In a fierce whisper) — Miserable! — fol- 
 low a traitor f 
 
 Darilla {Low) — Nay! — Nay! — I believe it 
 not! 
 
 Zenna {In a fierce whisper) — Thy would-be be- 
 trayer! 
 
 Darilla {Low, putting up her hands, piteously) — 
 ISlayH 
 
 Zenna {Hissingly, snatching from her bosom a 
 small dagger) — Then will I kill myself! 
 
 Darilla {Clasping her, — scarce audibly) — God! 
 — I go with you ! 
 
 {With a lingering, passionate look at Hafed, she 
 yields Zenna her hand, and they pass out unno- 
 ticed. After some instants, Hafed, rousing him- 
 self, turns and with cleared brow approaches the 
 embrasure, but stops short with a fresh look of bit- 
 terness on finding it empty.) 
 
 CURTAIN 
 
ACT II 
 
 Scene II 
 
 Scene: The Gheber Fort, — as in Scene I. Be- 
 fore the altar J now ablaze with torches, a great 
 company of Ghebers in reverential attitudes, 
 chanting a hymn of worship. Slant sun-rays 
 piercing the windows wrap the figures in faint- 
 colored mists, painting their raiment softly. 
 Above and beyotid, the altar lights burn bril- 
 liantly. 
 
 Time: The following morning. 
 
 The Ghebers {Chanting) — 
 
 Ere yet in formless void was raised 
 
 His Tent of white and blue, 
 
 The Light-of-All — His power be praised! — 
 
 Smote the all-darkness through. 
 
 Dread night His flaming lance did flee, 
 And by that primal pyre 
 The immortal Was — Am — Is-to-be 
 Proclaimed Himself in Fire. 
 
 Wherefore, O blazing Symbol, hail! — 
 
 Sole t3^pe of Purity — 
 
 Thy holy portent ne'er shall fail 
 
 While faithful bend 
 
 46 
 
ACT II 47 
 
 Amidar {Bursting in wildly) — Up! — Up from 
 your whining! — The way is open — save yourselves! 
 
 All {Starting w/)) — Ha! . . . What!! . . . 
 The enemy / 
 
 Amidar {Feverishly) — Ene?nies! — Persian and 
 Arab! — By heaven, enemies! {Rocks with sudden 
 fierce laughter.) 
 
 Jafez {Shaking him roughly) — Crack your nut 
 soon, for God's sake! 
 
 Amidar {More controlled, — rapidly) — Ay, here's 
 the meat of it! . . . For reasons mine own, I 
 chanced out ere the day robed, — say, for a whiff of 
 the sea! . . . But nearing those portals of Para- 
 dise, my Lady of Araby's w^indov^^, I glimpsed there- 
 trelliced a Moon-Flower this Bulbul fain would 
 have piped to. Good! — I hop to a buttress, and am 
 casting about for a hearing, when lo ! — up the water- 
 front, dilly-dally, comes my Lord Hafed. No mar- 
 vel — just two of us sea-sick! — so, while he doubled 
 my tracks to the wall, I hugged it, waiting his trick 
 to the window. . . . He showed not; I peeped 
 through a cranny — no inch of him anywhere; — 
 easing up, I craned over the buttress. . . . Below, 
 in the old altar-niche, by these eyes! — knelt Al 
 Hafed, — praying by neither the red lips of Love nor 
 holier symbol than the Cross on a heretic's sword! 
 And then — then, as the fiend lives to laugh at us ! — 
 chanced a prettier trick than I looked for! . . . 
 Gripping the stones, my hand slipped — struck a bolt 
 — something slid in the wall and went THUD! 
 ... I looked down and pummeled my eyes, — but 
 a stone door, at least, is no moon-shine matter, 
 and that one had trapped my lord neatly! {Hugs 
 himself with another burst of harsh laughter.) 
 
48 HAFED THE PERSIAN 
 
 The Rest {In a breath — consternated) — Trapped 
 him! — You left himf . . . Ha fed f 
 
 Amidar {Shrugging — defiantly) — ^Why should I 
 undo Fate's fastenings? — ^What is written, will 
 be {Cries of rage stop him.) 
 
 Jafez {To the rest) — Quick, to his rescue! — 
 {To Amidar) — By Eblis! — if thou have killed 
 him 
 
 Amidar {Barring the way) — Fools ! — hear me! — 
 Al Haf ed will last, but your Hour of Omen passes ! 
 Have ye thought on his walk by the water? { They 
 pause J with atte?ition arrested,) 
 
 A?nidar — 'Twas no Light o' Love tryst, — though 
 as secret; he watched for the sail that should waft 
 here the Caliph's cur with his message of com- 
 promise! Ill had it fallen in your hands ere it 
 reached Hafed's! — And ne'er might it chance, but 
 that — saith the adage — the prayer of the wicked con- 
 founds him. While he prayed, the boat landed ; in 
 a moment the Arab will be here. . . . Consult 
 him! — then rescue your traitor! 
 
 The Ghebers {At variance) — So be it! . . . 
 Well said! . . . Nay, traitor when proven! — You 
 out-run the warrant! . . . 
 
 Amidar {Raising his arm, vehemently) — ^Weak 
 Flounderers all ! — ye have come to the Rock of De- 
 cision, betwixt the two Seas! One way 3^ou must 
 choose — with this Turncoat or no ! Learn the mes- 
 sage of Omar unmeddled with; if Hafed show 
 honest, release him! If not, — spare your qualms; 
 his doom is of Azrail ! . . . But hasten ! 
 
 Several Voices — Spoke justly! — The Arab! — See 
 first the Arab! 
 
ACT II 49 
 
 Jafez— But after? — Who'd ward off the Mos- 
 lem? 
 
 Amidar {Proudly) — I, Son of Al Hassam! 
 {They burst out in ridicule.) Yea, by the womb 
 that bore me! — in Hafed's own steps, save my faith 
 be clothed in one color! 
 
 Jafez {Smiling grimly) — The Shoes of Hafed 
 
 are large. . . . Do we coax, or compel this 
 
 (Amidar signs warning as Serjus enters with the 
 Arabian.) 
 
 Serjus {Presenting the visitor) — Ye that honor a 
 valiant foe, salute him ! — for a flaming sword sleeps 
 now in the belt of Ad Vakass ! ( The company and 
 the Arab exchange profound salutations.) 
 
 Amidar {Stepping out, quickly) — I speak for 
 all — {By a gesture including them) — who, know- 
 ing the bold Ad Vakass, show wonder-struck; — 
 why sleeps the swordf 
 
 The Arab {With a grave smile) — That would I 
 say to your Chief! 
 
 Serjus — ^Ay! — where's Prince Hafed? {As no 
 one speaks) — Herjil! — Ammas! 
 
 Herjil {With averted eyes) — I — have not yet 
 seen him 
 
 Ammas {With averted eyes) — Nor I 
 
 Another {As Serjus looks wonderingly at him) 
 — I neither 
 
 Serjus { Suspiciously ) — What ! 
 
 Amidar {Meaningly) — The Lord Hafed had 
 early business out by the water-front — {Grins sar- 
 donically) — doubtless to welcome our guest there, — 
 and is not returned. 
 
 Serjus — 'Tis strange — {Eyes them keenly) — 
 
50 HAFED THE PERSIAN 
 
 Why look ye, lords, to be chewing a mystery? — 
 {Clutches the arm of Amidar, his voice trembling) 
 — Is — aught wrong with Al Hafed? 
 
 Amidar {Shaki?iff loose) — We shall know when 
 we hear his message! — {Signifyirig the Arab. To 
 the rest) — Come! — Let us find Hafed! — he should 
 be this way — {Leads out, R. As they all hurry 
 out, Serjus Tuoodily following, Darilla peers in 
 at the back mid-entrance, — her face showing white 
 and excited. When all are gone but Serjus, she 
 steals in, and, finger on lip, signals him. Surprised, 
 he lags till the other's are out of heari?ig, then turns 
 to her.) 
 
 Darilla {Low) — You love Lord Hafed f 
 
 Serjus { Eagerly ) — Ay ! — Ay ! ! 
 
 Darilla {Low — hurriedly) — I think — I am sure, 
 — there is something strange here ! — At dawn, I was 
 by the window, watching the first sun-spangles, 
 when, glimpsing Amidar opposite, I sprung back 
 till he should pass. . . . When I peeped out again 
 he was gone, and Lord Hafed coming that way, 
 seeming most pale and troubled. I — I know not 
 how 'twas, but his look so drew me, I watched 
 him come up to the parapet; then I sudden caught 
 sight of a figure crouched on it under a buttress, 
 peering down evilly. . . . {Leaning close and whis- 
 pering ) — A m idarl 
 
 Serjus {Almost grasping her) — Thenf — and 
 then f 
 
 Darilla — I was so startled, I shrank down in ter- 
 ror — for Zenna was sleeping, — when something be- 
 low crashed heavily. ... I sprung up and looked 
 — it was like black magic! — Hafed was nowhere — 
 nothing had fallen — only Amidar hung over the 
 
ACT II 51 
 
 parapet, leering! Next moment he sprung down 
 and seemingly felt of the wall with — (Shuddering) 
 — Holy Mother! — what looks of triumphing mal- 
 ice ! Then ran — ran like a hare out of sight — 
 
 even as I spied your boat landing! . . . And in all 
 the time since Lord Hafed has never 
 
 Serjus {Seizing her arm half-frenziedly) — Come! 
 — Treachery! — treachery ! ! {As he dashes out, urg- 
 ing her on with him, a confusion of voices and bois- 
 terous laughter sounds without, from the Ghebers, 
 returning. They enter, Amidar assuming to jest of 
 Hafed with the Arab,) 
 
 Amidar — Pah! — leave this genius his vagary! — 
 'Tis the vanishing trick of his forbears, the Genii! 
 {Suddenly fronts the Arab, — his manner changed 
 sharply.) But, by the Lord! — though Hafed ab- 
 sent him, we others stand eager; — if it be not his 
 secret, give us quickly your tidings! 
 
 The Company — Ay! — to the point! — Come! 
 Come! ! 
 
 The Arab (Proudly) — The word of my Master, 
 I, Ad Vakass, betray not; I am sent to your 
 Chief ! ( There are groans and derisive mutter- 
 ing s. ) 
 
 Amidar (With a significant glance at the rest) — 
 So ! . . . And were there a paper, — some slight go- 
 between from your humane Emperor to a graceless 
 Fire-Fiend, — worth our considering? . . . (Fierce- 
 ly) — Should we not rightly seize it? 
 
 Ad Vakass (Calmly) — Perchance — but I should 
 be dead first ; and my Emperor — ( With a deep rev- 
 erence) — May his shadow lengthen! — has millions 
 more to avenge him. 
 
 Amidar (Springing forth with drawn scimitar) — 
 
52 HAFED THE PERSIAN 
 
 Spy! — you acknowledge it? — {At his gesture every 
 blade flashes out) — Then look you — we made no 
 truce! — we have pawned no pledge! — our swords 
 are awake! — {He presses close on the cool, half- 
 contemptuous Arab, — his blade raised and menac- 
 ing) — Quick now, with your message I {The 
 Arab, laying finger on lip, and gripping the hilt of 
 his sword, steps back, shaking his head disdainfully ; 
 the Ghebers, with howls of rage and aimed weap- 
 ons, spring toward him.) 
 
 Amidar {Barely holding their blows with a sign, 
 — his own sword near touching Ad Vakass, — his 
 face livid with rage) — Fool! — See you not? — the 
 message! — or nothing can save you! {The Arab 
 has been pressed back near the doorway, which, in 
 the last instant, Hafed, pale and half -fainting, — 
 helped by Serjus and Darilla, — has, unnoticed, 
 reached. Ere one is aware, thrusting forward he 
 slips on the Arab's hand the ring first pledged for 
 his safety.) 
 
 Hafed {Imperiously, — lifting the hand of Ad 
 Vakass) — But the ring of Hafed! {There is in- 
 stant recoil. The Ghebers, amazed, fall back, loit- 
 ering their weapons.) 
 
 Hafed {Now erect and ringingly) — He that, be- 
 traying an envoy, shames here Persia and the dead 
 Isdigerd, lays down sword in their service ! ( There 
 is silence. The men stand abashed; Amidar, hand 
 on blade, fingers it sullenly. Zenna peeps in and 
 draws back terrified.) 
 
 Hafed {Turning to the Arab) — Forget this, my 
 lord; — misfortune is salt on the heart, — oppression, 
 a goad in the sore. — You have news for us ? 
 
 Ad Vakass {Bowing profoundly) — Ay, Prince! 
 
ACT II 53 
 
 (Draws from his bosom a packet.) The Most 
 High and Excellent Lord of the Earth, — The Axis 
 of the Revolution of Time — Successor of Abubeker 
 — Defender of the People of the True Faith — The 
 puissant King of Kings, great Omar Ebn Al Khat- 
 tab, — God's Shadow on Earth — on whom be the 
 blessing of Heaven! — sends this, — {Offers the 
 packet) — v/herein, as a cup heaped with jewels, lies 
 garnered wisdom. 
 
 Hafed {Taking the packet) — We thank him. 
 {Turns to Darilla in the doorway) — Lady, this 
 matter is yours, — pray enter! (Serjus leads her 
 forward, — Zenna^ with pursed lips, following.) 
 
 Hafed {Handing packet to Amidar) — You have 
 been anxious: read it! 
 
 Amidar {Half-sha?ne-facedly tearing open the 
 packet, reads:) 
 
 In the Name of the Most Merciful God: — 
 
 His servant, Omar Ebn Al Khattab, greeteth 
 Hafed the Persian: — 
 
 Our faithful Ramah brings us your fair propos- 
 als, which have our favor; yet as somewhat remains 
 for our common interests requiring a personal set- 
 tlement, we name you our chosen escort for Prin- 
 cess Darilla and her servant here to our residence, 
 pledging our word for your safety, coming and go- 
 ing. On this small condition, proving to us your 
 good faith, we will receive and provide for both 
 women as becometh the Princess' dignit}^ Other- 
 wise we cannot negotiate. Praised be Allah, who 
 ordereth all things! 
 
 (Signed) Omar, the Caliph. 
 
 { The first sentence blanches all faces; — as, Ami- 
 dar, hot and elated, reads on, hands clap to weap- 
 
54 HAFED THE PERSIAN 
 
 onSj — eyes flash, and forms stiffen, — tillj finishing, 
 Amidar passionately crashes the letter and flings it 
 at Hafed's feet, — who, deathly pale, stands as 
 though carved out of granite, Darilla, as pale, 
 has grasped the arm of Serjus, and unconsciously 
 clings to it. For a tense instant no word is spoken.) 
 
 Jafez (To Hafed^ — in a dulled tone) — fVhat 
 make you of thisf 
 
 Hafed {Speaking as a corpse might, — his eyes 
 fixed before him) — That the spider, Ramah, hath 
 spun a wide web. . . . Nevertheless — {With a 
 mighty effort rousing himself, — to the Arab) — 1 
 will go to your Caliph ! 
 
 Amidar {Fiercely, as his comrades show stupe- 
 fied) — You would not attempt it ? 
 
 Hafed — What should hinder me ? Frenchmen do 
 not leave women defenceless — and in sooth there — 
 {Points to the Caliph's letter) — is matter for per- 
 sonal settlement. {To Robier) — Come! Have 
 the captives led out — the boats and the horses 
 ready ! 
 
 Jafez {hitercepting Robier, to Hafed, chok- 
 ingly) — Stop! — You flee from suspicion? 
 
 Hafed {Flashing a look around) — Let him stand 
 forth that suspects me! {As they hesitate) — Is faith 
 a matter of neighborhood ? I am everywhere Hafed 
 the Persian till Persia forswear me, but the fate 
 of this girl is my care, and by my own honor! — 
 hers shall not be tossed like a bauble amongst ye! 
 {To Robier) — Go! (Hafed approaches Daril- 
 la.) 
 
 Another {Thrusting forward and pointing vin- 
 dictively to the girl) — For her sake, mark! — For a 
 mincing jade sprung of her bloodiest enemy, Persia 
 
ACT II 55 
 
 is perilled! {There are mutterings and some 
 hisses. ) 
 
 Hafed {With a shrug j — putting him aside) — Ex- 
 tol me not, friend ! For a woman's honor there are 
 everyday men who would gladly peril the world! 
 {To Darilla, while the men scowl darkly) — Will 
 you make ready? 
 
 Darilla {Falteringly) — We are ready, my lord, 
 — but — since these take it ill, give us another escort! 
 We — we shall be safe, indeed! The Caliph loved 
 — my father. . . . Stay, — {Suddenly lifting her 
 head, she looks around proudly) — aiid refute their 
 calumny! 
 
 Hafed {Amazed, taking her by the hand, gently) 
 — I shall refute it, doubt not, — but I must go with 
 you. {Inclines to Ad Vakass) — Precede us! 
 {The Arab salaams profoundly and goes. As 
 Hafed follows with the women, Amidar starts up 
 furiously.) 
 
 Amidar — Persians! — will you suffer itf 
 
 Several Voices — Never! . . . This seals his 
 guilt! . . . He defies us! . . . {With hands on 
 their weapons, they leap to prevent him.) 
 
 Hafed {Towering over them) — What! 
 
 {Scornfully, his eyes on their weapons) — You 
 dare not, my lords! ... By the laws of all coun- 
 tries men are innocent till proven guilty. You 
 have tried, it seems, to fasten some treachery on me, 
 but no atom sticks to my shoulders. . . . Mark ye 
 more — without formal court-martial, my rank is un- 
 scathed as your general, and by the bright Day and 
 dark Night! — he that draws on his chief shall be 
 strung to a tree for his venture ! ( They pause ir- 
 resolute. ) 
 
56 HAFED THE PERSIAN 
 
 Hafed {One hand on his sword j the other held 
 
 out to Darilla, — blandly) — ^Will you come? 
 
 (Darilla, trembling with terror j lays her hand in 
 his own and is led toward the door, — Zenna, stum- 
 bling with frightj close behind. When they have 
 taken some steps, the Ghebers, surging together 
 with furious cries, block the way.) 
 
 Amidar {At their head, — half beside himself) — 
 Hafed, or Henri of France! — General or 
 crowned Arch-Angel ! — from the moment you enter 
 Medina, we brand you a traitor to Persia, — so to be 
 dealt with on sight ! 
 
 Hafed {Coldly) — 'Twill not be the first time 
 that Justice, led blind-fold, has stumbled. {His 
 glance covering them all) Lords! — in my philos- 
 ophy, we weave at our looms as the stars color our 
 threads, but no man may finger my pattern ! {Draws 
 and raises his sword determinedly, — his voice stern 
 with command) — Let us pass! 
 
 {There is some hesi- 
 tation, then slowly and sullenly, as though stupefied, 
 the crowd about him gives way. Between them, — 
 sword up and head high, looking neither to right nor 
 left, — Hafed leads out the women. With a wild 
 cry, Serjus flings up his arms, with clenched fists 
 beating the air.) 
 
 CURTAIN 
 
ACT III 
 
 Scene: An apartment in the Caliph's palace. 
 Ceiling inlaid with rare woods, supported on 
 pillars of silver. Walls hung with tapestry. 
 On the right J a curtained alcove. To left, a 
 high and curving throne-chair, covered with 
 tapestry of scarlet, flowered with gold. Enter 
 dance-girls led by Ilya^ playiiig softly on musi- 
 cal instruments. They seat themselves grace- 
 fully on banks of cushions, and continue their 
 music. They are followed by court-chamber- 
 lains, nobles, Magians, wise men, etc., preced- 
 ing the Caliph and his attendant generals, — 
 HiLLAL, Haschem, Ad Vakass and Ramah. 
 Between their sumptuous uniforms, the 
 Caliph^ — fniddle-aged, tall, dark, and robed 
 in plain white, — is a striking figure. 
 
 Time: Two days later. 
 
 Caliph {Seating himself, while the music stops) — 
 Let our Princess-guest and the Gheber, Hafed, 
 attend us! (Two chamberlains, making low rever- 
 ences, withdraw.) {To the musicians) — Proceed, 
 O Joy-makers ! ( The music continues. To 
 Ramah) — ^You have fetched the ore from the 
 quarry; help me cast one die in this metal, and 
 we've coin to pass us through Persia! 
 57 
 
58 HAFED THE PERSIAN 
 
 Ramah {Bowing profoundly) — Pardon, O Great 
 One! — the metal is rarely unmalleable ; I may in- 
 deed heat it, — thou, only, can'st beat it! 
 
 Caliph — He comes! — {Points to the entrance) — 
 By Mohammed! — I would he were of us! Our 
 flags would fly higher — Just Allah! {Breaks off, 
 staring, as from the opposite side Darilla enters 
 with Zenna and other attendants. She is richly 
 apparelled, and sadly beautiful.) 
 
 Ramah {Dryly, aside to the Caliph) — ^You re- 
 pent your protection f 
 
 Caliph {Unheeding, — his eyes fixed on Darilla) 
 — Pearl of the Seal — Rose of the Dawn! . . . 
 {Sharply catching Ramah's arm) — Why had you 
 not told me sooner? 
 
 Ramah { Stam m eringly ) — My lord ! — I 
 
 Caliph {Low, — as Darilla and Hafed ap- 
 proach ) — Present them ! 
 
 Ramah {Advancing, as Darilla kneels with her 
 women) — King of all Kings! — the daughter of Said 
 Algeddin offers her homage. 
 
 Caliph {Motioning Darilla to rise, — with 
 wa?'mth) — The daughter of that brave soldier hath 
 our love and friendship. Welcome! {Motions her 
 near to a seat, piled with cushions.) 
 
 Ramah {Turning to Hafed) — And here, O 
 Chief of the Faithful, the Chief of Ghebers waits 
 your will and pleasure. 
 
 Hafed {With fervor)— Th^ Lord forbid it! 
 Heaven's will, and a bit of my own pleasure, is all 
 that I wait here, believe me! 
 
 Caliph {With dignity) — Heaven's will is our 
 will, and our pleasure may yet prove yours; where- 
 fore, and for the return of our subjects, — welcome! 
 
ACT III 59 
 
 {With a liffht gesture he turns off. Hafed, bow- 
 ing with scant-veiled irony, flings himself at the feet 
 of Darilla.) 
 
 Caliph {His glance sweeping over the group of 
 dance-girls) — Among these blossoms, where's our 
 dainty thrush? 
 
 Ramah {Motioning toward Ilya) — Yonder, O 
 Graciousness 
 
 Caliph — Hither, sweet Bird! — -and tune our 
 minds harmonious. {She glides to the Caliph's 
 feet J and, posing gracefully, sings to her lute.) 
 
 SONG 
 
 The Night-Lily swings on a silver wave, a-top of 
 
 the turquoise Sea, — 
 And Love is a swift gull cleaving space for a home 
 
 in the heart of me. 
 Ah, Love! — find rest in another breast, till the 
 
 winds of the Sidrah-tree 
 Shall waft him hither, who ne'er passed yet yon 
 
 hill's blue boundary! 
 
 Oh, Dove of the soft-tuned song ! — full long have I 
 
 mocked and railed at you, — 
 But the roses suddenly rocked today, in my yard 
 
 where a light breeze blew — 
 And I saw One there with Sun-bright hair, who 
 
 unto mine arbor drew — 
 And his locks were wreathed with musk-dewed 
 
 leaves that out of the Sidrah flew ! 
 
 {The song finished, the girl, at a kindly nod from 
 Omar, returns to her place.) 
 
6o HAFED THE PERSIAN 
 
 Caliph {Turning to Darilla) — First to the 
 lady: — ^Princess, approach! {She obeys.) For thy 
 father's valor, and thine own virtues, — nested in 
 beauty as lilies in priceless porphyry, — we hold no 
 honor above thee; and our bounty is boundless. 
 Our care we offered, — {Leans down graciously ^ his 
 hands extended) — and our kingdom give, — so far 
 as wife may share it 
 
 Hafed {Springing up as Darilla reels back, 
 aghast) — Never!! 
 
 Caliph {Coldly) — Your guardianship has ceased I 
 (Hafed starts, disconcerted. To Darilla) — 
 Speak, Shy One! — Shall the bosom of Omar not 
 shelter his chosen jewel? (Hafed, straining for- 
 wardj hangs on her answer.) 
 
 Darilla {Pale and trembling, — brokenly) — Par- 
 don, Your Majesty! — I — I am not worthy 
 
 (Hafed, with an air of relief, straightens.) 
 
 Caliph {With ardor)— Tht Sun gilds that 
 which it shines on 
 
 Darilla {Shrinking back, — wildly) — Nay, — Nay 
 — I pray you ! — I cannot! 
 
 Caliph {Angrily) — Is the girl mad? — Or is it a 
 sicklied coyness? 
 
 Ramah {Hissingly) — She has been incited to 
 this ! 
 
 Hafed {With the bound of a tiger) — To this! 
 — To what, my lord Ramah? — The resistance of 
 virtue to force? — The defence against craft of in- 
 nocence? Or if coyness, — by Heaven! — well were 
 she coy of one-sixth a man's heart, — seeing how 
 five wives might scratch her! 
 
 Caliph {Sfnotheredly, as his officers clap hands 
 to weapons) — Stop! ... {To Hafed^ his face 
 
ACT III 6i 
 
 wrinkled with wrath) — We spare you yet, for our 
 purposes! {To Darilla, his aspect softening) — 
 Cannot! — saidst thou: and wherefore? Thou art 
 now thine own mistress, — fairest of women, — and 
 chosen bride of an Emperor! 
 
 Darilla {Looking down^ — cheeks scarlet , and fin- 
 gers twisting desperately) — My lord, — you know 
 not! — I am Christian! 
 
 Caliph {Drawing back, horrified) — Christian! — 
 {Suddenly smiling, he again extends a hand to her.) 
 A casket of gems, the day thou confessest to Islam! 
 
 Darilla {Sinking to her knees) — Forgive me, O 
 friend of my father ! — not even his love could avail, 
 — my faith I must keep! 
 
 Caliph {With an abhorrent gesture) — Moham- 
 med in heaven ! — The wench is a shrew of iniquity ! 
 {In rage — thunderingly) — Why art thou here? 
 
 Hafed {Lifting her, and standing as tho^ he 
 would shield her) — For a broken faith, — a refuge 
 denied, — hospitality shamed! You have much to 
 learn of the Ghebers! 
 
 Caliph — And something to teach them! . . . 
 {Quickly, to Ramah, — pointing a lean forefinger 
 at Darilla.) She hath spurned both ourself and 
 our holy religion; how punish her? 
 
 Ramah {Vindictively eyeing her) — A hundred 
 stripes on the soles of her feet (Darilla ut- 
 tering a cry, — Zenna leaps to her; Hafed, snatch- 
 ing at his sword, sees a dozen blades bar it, — a dozen 
 bent forms over-matching him, and stands fairly 
 at bay.) 
 
 Ramah {Continuing — his gaze shifted to Hafed) 
 — ^And if she persist, — banishment to some island 
 tending to foster repentance! 
 
62' HAFED THE PERSIAN 
 
 Caliph {Doubtfully) — ^Ay — 'twere merited! 
 
 Ramah — Else Mohammed were sunk to a by- 
 word, — the Caliph mocked in his Court! 
 
 Caliph {Looking up, piously) — 'Tis the will of 
 Allah! — So be it. (Darilla, wild-eyed, stands 
 motionless.) 
 
 Hafed {Ringingly) — What! — you forswear your- 
 self? {Raises his arm with a gesture so ter- 
 rible, the Caliph, instinctively, shrinks.) Honor- 
 less hypocrite! — have you no shame of the world? 
 Our mission is known, — betrayal means blood on 
 your head — blood on your hands — and a blot on 
 your fame neither legions nor time may wipe out! 
 
 You dare not! {Again flash the officers' 
 
 weapons, — again they are stayed by Omar, even as 
 he chokes with anger.) 
 
 Ramah {Thickly) — Let him be the scourger! 
 
 Hafed — Not though my body be burned! {The 
 Caliph, shaken ivith rage, motions Darilla back 
 to her seat.) 
 
 Caliph — We rest the maid's sentence. . . . To 
 you, now! 
 
 Hafed — "Our common interests" still hold 
 me! 
 
 Caliph {On the verge of another outbreak) — 
 You! — Chief and abettor of rebels — you should be 
 torn limb from limb and tortured of devils ! ( With 
 effort controls himself.) A lesser mind had so sen- 
 tenced you, — but the good of our empire, — the 
 wreath of our greater glory — the spread of our 
 faith, — forbid it, if you may serve us. {As Hafed 
 starts) Listen! Our business in Syria languishes, 
 — the Grecian dog lacks muzzling, — the fangs of 
 Egypt drip rank, — while you waste our patience. 
 
ACT III 63 
 
 Your cause is hopeless; you there — {Pointing) — in 
 this instant are helpless; — for love of your coun- 
 try, join us ! Say the creed — consent to be our lieu- 
 tenant there! Your past and your people's for- 
 given, — your future made golden, — this maid shall 
 then go unwhipped — (Hafed winces) — and Persia 
 shall rise from her ashes, a radiant phoenix! 
 {Pauses.) Refuse, — {His brows bend darkly) — 
 and your hand in this matter — {With a gesture to 
 Darilla) — ^more than cancels our guaranty; — 
 Surel}^ you die ! ( While he speaks, the face of 
 Hafed is swept with desperate emotions, under 
 which his very form sways. He looks to Darilla, 
 and meeting her eyes, looks off in agony. The 
 Caliph's gaze widens with hope. A moment he 
 watches the quivering figure turned fro?n him, — 
 then, as Hafed wheels toward him, he bends for- 
 ward expectantly.) 
 
 Hafed {With a motion, as though shaking a load 
 from his shoulders — his face transcendent with pas- 
 sion) — Not for the vi^orld! — nor for all worlds, — 
 with the sky for a carpet — the sun my crown, and 
 the moon for a foot-ball! {The Caliph falls 
 back, blankly. With heaving breast, stretching 
 his hand toward Darilla, bitterly) — Honor and 
 faith against yon poor maid I pushed in your trap — 
 and Honor first under Heaven ! . . . Yet I am not 
 torn limbless; — O merciful Caliph, to wring 
 merely body from soul I 
 
 Caliph {Sardonically) — When you sue for mercy, 
 we shall know to be merciful 
 
 Hafed {Dropping to his knee) — Then for her, 
 I pray merc>" and gratitude! — In the name of the 
 deeds of her Sire! 
 
64 HAFED THE PERSIAN 
 
 Caliph {Frowningly) — Ha! — and yourself? 
 
 Hafed {Springing up, — proudly) — I belong, as 
 ever, to Persia! 
 
 Caliph {Hotly — looking around helplessly) — By 
 Heaven! — must I fight for him? Live for your 
 Persia ! — live, I say, as we showed you ! 
 
 Hafed — Nay, I love death better! 
 
 Caliph {Exasperated) — Then have your love! — 
 seize him! {fVith a siuift leap, Hafed grapples 
 the unprepared monarch, and making his body a 
 shield, bends it back, till the throat lies under his 
 sword-blade.) 
 
 Hafed {To the Caliph's officers) — Over your 
 Emperor! — Come! {Spell-bound with horror, not 
 a soul stirs. Side and back, the high curving throne 
 rears its barricade; in front, the monarch's own 
 body hangs, hazarded by a movement. With eyes 
 half-starting the Court stares, breathless.) 
 
 Hafed {His sword at the throat of Omar) — 
 Swear before Heaven whether your message was 
 justified! 
 
 Caliph {Quivering under the steel) — Nay! — be- 
 fore Heaven! 
 
 Hafed — Whether, as far as you know, I go to 
 death true man or traitor! 
 
 Caliph {Agonized) — True! True! — by Mo- 
 hammed I 
 
 Hafed {Raising his sword and flinging off the 
 Caliph) — Persia! — my sword is wiped clean! 
 ( There is, instantly, deafening tumult; a dozen men 
 seize him.) 
 
 Caliph {Frenziedly, over the uproar, — stagger- 
 ing in the arms of his officers) — Slay not! — He 
 shall be burned! {A piercing scream from Daril- 
 
ACT III 65 
 
 LA ririgs over hoarse shouts of Allah Acbar! . . . 
 Fire for the Fire-Fiend! — Burn him! . . , As the 
 guards are hurrying him out, Darilla, half- 
 swooning, falls on her knees in their way.) 
 
 Darilla (/^f/J/>0— Mercy!— Mercy !!— Ye that 
 fought with Algeddin, see! — flesh of his flesh I 
 
 kneel to you ! — Save him who saved me ! ( The 
 
 Guards, with a glance half -compassionate, seek to 
 pass by.) 
 
 Hafed (Falteringly) — Sweet Princess, rise! — 
 
 it is useless (As her women tremblingly raise 
 
 her, Darilla, with open arms, again bars the way, 
 — now facing Omar, but with changed aspect; — 
 white and stern-faced, — her slim figure straight and 
 austere in its misty draperies, she suddenly appears 
 like a beauteous, avenging angel.) 
 
 Darilla {Her voice high and clear, as in ecstasy) 
 — King of Arabia! — I only am blamable — burn me 
 in place of this man ! — He hath saved both my life 
 
 and my honor To rescue the child of your 
 
 general, he laid his life on your word, and risked 
 all his credit of loyalty! . . . I — I, only — ^have tres- 
 passed ! — for, Caliph or Clovv^n, no man can hold 
 faulty he that is true to himself! {A hush falls 
 over the room.) 
 
 Caliph {Embarrassed and awkward) — ^You see 
 through favor's spectacles — ^we, with clear eyes. 
 {To her women, pointing) — Take her yonder and 
 calm her! 
 
 Hafed {Brokenly, as Darilla sinks, crushed, in 
 their arms) — With all of my heart, I thank you! 
 {Meeting her look of dumb anguish, he looks down, 
 shuddering. She is led aside, and he moves on 
 firmly.) 
 
66 HAFED THE PERSIAN 
 
 Caliph {Hurriedly, — to Ram ah) — He fears not 
 the fire — will nothing humble him? 
 
 Ramah {Between his teeth, — looking after 
 Hafed) — ^Ay! — methinks I could reach him! 
 
 Caliph {Low) — A thousand gold dinars! {To 
 the Guards with Hafed) — Halt there! {The trio 
 halt in the doorway.) 
 
 Caliph — Good Ramah repairs our oversight; 
 {Waving his hand to Ramah) Speak! 
 
 Ramah {Stepping forward) — Lest the Persians, 
 in spite to His Majesty, hereafter pretend this a 
 martyrdom, the Sword of God — {Inclining to 
 Omar) — stays his hand till the Ghebers them- 
 selves pronounce sentence! {Dramatically.) His 
 own men charge Hafed with treachery! To es- 
 cape trial he came, — more than to safeguard this 
 lady — {Motions to Darilla) — a truce shall be 
 sent to his captains, inviting them here to hold 
 trial! To prove his good will for his future sub- 
 jects, our magnanimous Emperor hands over their 
 traitor redhanded. 
 
 Caliph {With folded hands — piously) — In the 
 hope of converting infidels: ever our purpose! 
 
 Ad Vakass {Stepping out) — I am ready: the 
 passport! 
 
 Caliph {Hastily drawing off and handing a brace- 
 let, marked with a jeweled signet) — Fail not, and 
 keep it! Bring Gudarz, Hujir, — {Turns inquir- 
 ingly to Ramah.) 
 
 Ramah — Firouz, Alzarman, Jafez, Amidar, — all 
 honorable judges! 
 
 Hafed {Dryly) — Ay! — trap the six and you 
 have us! {To the Caliph) — I beseech your 
 friendliness, rather send me back with what escort 
 
ACT III 67 
 
 you like, to die at their hands as you please, 
 burn me now out of good will and send them my 
 cinders for amulets — they should work quick con- 
 versions, — I will bless your piety if so this maid 
 and her woman be sent free and unscathed from 
 your borders! 
 
 Caliph {Tu7-ning off haughtily, — to Ad Vakass, 
 imperiously) — Go!! {The Arab, with a low 
 salaam J hurries out. To a chajnberlain) — Hang the 
 Gheber's weapons in yonder — {Indicating the al- 
 cove) — and guard him. {They divest Hafed of 
 arms. ) 
 
 Caliph {His eyes on Darilla) — The maid 
 
 {StopSj gnawing his beard.) 
 
 Ramah {In his ear) — Joint guilt — joint punish- 
 ment! 
 
 Caliph {Stei'uly) — Without full repentance, will 
 at the same ti?ne be disciplined. {To her attend- 
 ants) — See to her! {Touching his robe, with a 
 sinister glance at Hafed — to Ramah) — Come! — 
 to cleansing and prayer! 
 
 Hafed {With a sudden, supplicating movement — 
 his voice half -stifled) — As you hope Heaven's an- 
 swer, hear me! {The Caliph, astonished, turns.) 
 
 Hafed — ^You have wreaked your will, — no mat- 
 ter how, — to the fool, his folly! — but the dying have 
 sometimes a privilege. . . . My fault recoils on 
 this maid, — hedge us round column-thick, but in 
 God's name, give me one moment to privately speak 
 with her! 
 
 Ramah {Quickly, — seeing the Caliph hesitate) 
 — Your Majesty will not countenance 
 
 Caliph {Unctuously) — God's Vicar is generous! 
 — {Picking up an hour-glass, in which the sands 
 
68 HAFED THE PERSIAN 
 
 have run low, he gives it to Hafed's guards.) 
 Take this out, and while the sands run, let them 
 be! 
 
 Ramah — But, Majesty {The call of the 
 
 muezzin resounding without, the Caliph turns 
 suddenly.) 
 
 Caliph — To prayer! — To prayer!! {He leads 
 out, loftily, the rest of the company following. 
 The Guards, last, retire by the several entrances, 
 leaving only Darilla and Hafed. She, white- 
 cheeked and motionless, regards him dazedly. He 
 takes a step forward and stops, his eyes searching 
 hers: — twice he attempts to speak, but the words 
 stick in his throat, and he turns his quivering face 
 from her. Then, desperately, he approaches her.) 
 
 Hafed {Low, — voice and gesture full of en- 
 treaty) — Darilla! — I am to blame. . . . Forgive 
 me! 
 
 Darilla {With a sobbing breath, half wildly) — 
 You! — ^You are to die for me! 
 
 Hafed {Passionately) — I could ask no death 
 
 sweeter, if so you were safe {His hands drop, 
 
 clenched, to his sides.) 
 
 Darilla {Moving nearer, amazed) — ^What! — 
 You — who hate women 
 
 Hafed {With deep emotion) — I knew not a 
 woman so brave and so guileless had sweetened the 
 world! . . . Before you came, I thought of Love 
 as an evil, mischievous bird, sharp of beak and claW, 
 — safe only when leashed to Reason and handled by 
 its tamer, Time. ... I lay on a desert, afar from 
 the palms and the water-founts, deeming Truth lost, 
 because I had followed a mirage. . . . {Leans to 
 her, passionately.) Then, in your face shone all 
 
ACT III 69 
 
 the dear quest of my dreams! — ^your voice called 
 like a thrush, and my heart knew its mate, and 
 shook with its songs of ecstasy. ... By a magic 
 as old as the universe my desert bloomed out more 
 fair than Delight's silver gardens, — more sweet than 
 with leaves of the jasmine. . . . Except for these 
 walls, 'twere as though you and I had drifted 
 through sapphire seas to islands of Paradise, 
 breathing the perfumes of Heaven and drinking the 
 Peris' music. . . . For I know that I love you! — 
 and I pray — Oh, I feel — that you love me! 
 
 Darilla — I love you! — yes ! yes ! — I love you 
 
 {She falls on his breast, weeping wildly.) 
 
 Hafed — Courage, love! — listen! — {Lowering his 
 voice) — I shall think of a way — there must be a 
 way — for our rescue ! I am hard to get rid of — ^you 
 were made for good fortune — There's always a way 
 — and ril find it! 
 
 Darilla {Looking up tearfully) — Ay, {She 
 
 starts aside at a rustling of tapestries. The cur- 
 tains parting, the Guards and the women enter.) 
 
 Hafed {Meeting Barilla's look with a forced 
 air of confidence as he is led off) — Remember! 
 {With brimming eyes, she nods dumbly; Zenna, 
 weeping bitterly, folds an arm around the girl, as 
 they follow the waiting-women, — Darilla looking 
 back miserably till Hafed is gone. Turning, she 
 shrinks back on confronting Ramah, entering.) 
 
 Ramah {Stepping in front of her, — peremptorily 
 to the women) — ^Wait without — I would speak 
 with Her Highness! {While they obsequiously 
 withdraw, the song-girl, Ilya, peers in a side en- 
 trance, and glimpsing Ramah, unseen, slips within, 
 hiding behind the great tapestry.) 
 
70 HAFED THE PERSIAN 
 
 Ramah {Motioninff ironically, where* Hafed 
 went out) — Thafs ended! 
 
 Darilla {Icily, while her voice trembles) — The 
 worse for your honor, my lord. 
 
 Ramah — My honor's sum is, — to love you! — 
 So that, pride in the dust, I crawl back to plead 
 like a slave for your rescue ! I — I, only, — can save 
 you from mortal disgrace, — and — great God! — 
 {Seeing her look) — am I a pestilence? — Then, turn 
 me by love! As the horns of the moon to her star, 
 I will reach to your liking! Make me in what 
 mould you will — I will kiss your hands! . . . Let 
 these arms but defend you, — this breast be your 
 shelter — Shame shall pass from you, and the wife of 
 Ramah laugh overmore at fear! 
 
 {With arms folded tight on her bosom, Darilla 
 draws back, shuddering.) 
 
 Darilla — God save me from love that mingles its 
 kisses with scourging! — Could I ever have loved 
 you — as He knows I never could ! — ^your knout had 
 beaten love out. I will die by scourging — by axe — 
 gibbet — poison! — rather than enter your life, — for 
 I loathe you, — even as I love Hafed, the Gheber! 
 {Her voice rises passionately.) Ay, if he die, I'll 
 joy to die with him — nor Caliph nor Vizir nor 
 any fiend on earth shall stay me from his doom! 
 And so I go to my women. {As he stands stupe- 
 fied, she passes him swiftly, and is gaining the door, 
 when, with a cry of rage, he springs after her. 
 The curtain swings back, and Ilya stands in his 
 way.) 
 
 Ilya {In a low, thrilling tone) — Ahmed! {He 
 starts back with clenched fists, biting his lip. 
 Darilla goes out.) 
 
ACT III 71 
 
 Ilya {Reaching both hands to him, — softly) — 
 She stabbed you, — I wait to bind up the wounds! 
 {With a muttered imprecation, he turns away sul- 
 lenly. Dropping her hands, her head sinks de- 
 spondently; then, looking up, she timidly moves a 
 pace nearer.) 
 
 Ilya {With great sweetness) — I mind the time 
 well — though it seems in some other life, for you 
 were both little and kind — when, not a thorn in 
 your thumb, but you crept through the hedge that 
 this hand might pluck it! . . . Not an early fig, 
 or choice comfit, was yours, but I had the half — 
 {Stops, with breast heaving.) What flower but 
 love hath gratitude f — It is long since then — I am 
 woman grown, — and my heart holds a thousand 
 blooms — only — for you! {Starting, and still turned 
 away, he shrugs his shoulders in silence.) 
 
 Ilya {Her voice intensified) — I have looked to 
 your love as poppi^ wait for the sun, — while indif- 
 ference whipped me like wind-swept stubble! For 
 you I have lived — ^without you I die, — though near 
 
 you my joy is torment. . . . But she / {Shud- 
 
 deringly points to the door.) Oh, we are women 
 both, but like — as fire and ice! {He drums with 
 his fingers impatiently.) Though her beauty were 
 moulded in Paradise, what should it profit you ? As 
 soon might blood run — the heart leap — in shapes of 
 hewn marble, as you win a smile of her! Justice, 
 O Pitiless! measures you scorn for scorn! {Stretch- 
 ing out her arms, appealingly, — her voice low and 
 bi-oken) — Learn then to pity me! 
 
 Ramah { Wheeling round, raging and scornful) — 
 Women are ye both — but you, by that one, — {Point- 
 ing after Darilla) — hideous! {She shrinks as if 
 
72 HAFED THE PERSIAN 
 
 from a blow.) Have you no glass? She — is a rose 
 in the dew! — ThoUj — shrunken and swarth as a 
 dried apricot. . . . Your bones might serve for nut- 
 picking — not kisses ! ( With a cry of anguish she 
 buries her head in her arms, hiding her face in hef 
 hair. ) 
 
 Ramah {Making to pass her) — Away! — ^Away! 
 — thou baleful, bellowing screech-owl! {Reaching 
 the door, turns.) And take for thy need, that a round 
 cheek and a roguish eye are conquering weapons 
 where angels would w^eep and fail ! {He strides out.) 
 
 Ilya {Sweeping back her long locks, gaspingly) 
 
 — Prince of Cruelty! {With a shriek she falls 
 
 headlong, tearing at her black hair wildly. As 
 she lies weeping and prone, the curtains move 
 stealthily, admitting the large head and misshapen 
 shoulder of the Court-Buffoon, Ismiel. His in- 
 quisitive look changes instantly to one of distress 
 and compassion. Closing the curtains behind him, 
 he softly steps in.) 
 
 Buffoon {Standing beside her, — gently) — 
 Princess ! — ^Why are you grieved ? 
 
 Ilya {Raising her storm-swept face to look at 
 him, — bitterly) — Mock me not with dead titles! 
 Child of Prince Sohrab I was, but now — Scorn's 
 daughter! {Dropping her head on her arms, she 
 falls once more a-weeping.) 
 
 Buffoon {With feeling) — Behold then, thy fos- 
 ter-brother ! — for if Scorn be not mine own Mother, 
 — I was early put to nurse with her ; — cuffed awake 
 o' mornings, — kicked to bed o' nights, — and jeered 
 at all day long; till I grew bold enough to return 
 her some stray licks and pinches. What can I do 
 for thee, Sister? 
 
ACT III 73 
 
 Ilya {Sitting up suddenly and speaking slowly) — 
 What wilt thou do for me? 
 
 Buffoon — ^Ask and see! Life, with this twisted 
 body, costs many pangs, — Death but one; and for 
 you, I'll not be particular. Say on! 
 
 Ilya {Springing up, — low and guardedly) — 
 Ismiel! Thou knowest full well why I left Per- 
 sia; that I gave up home — friends — rank, — my 
 world I — for the lot even of singing-girl in the 
 enemy's court, — {Her voice breaks) — and the hope 
 of touching a heart that was already flint ! I fol- 
 lowed Ramah, and he despises me, — Oh, mockery 
 of Love! . . . But thou — {Glances about hurried- 
 ly and speaks yet lower) — once staunchest of Per- 
 sians, now apostate to Omar, — where is thy heartf 
 
 Buffoon {Kneeling, with arms outstretched, — 
 softly) — Here! 
 
 {She recoils, dismayed.) 
 
 Buffoon {Rising hastily) — Nay, I hope — ask — • 
 nothing of thee! — to whom I, worthless within and 
 without, may nothing offer! I craved but the light 
 of your face^ — and followed to find it! 
 
 Ilya {After a swift look about, — as before) — 
 Then turn with me, Ismiel! — for, by the Grod 
 above — though my body be prisoned, heart and soul 
 I fly this hour to my countrjM {Searchingly) 
 You are with mef 
 
 Buffoon — Forever ! 
 
 Ilya {In a whisper, — breathlessly) — Prove it! 
 Since the entrance-guards have been doubled, one 
 Arab, only, stands at the door of Hafed ! 'Tis 
 Geshem — who loves me, I think — since Fate jests 
 with us all! Whisper him that I wait him in the 
 west arbor: take his place — unbar the door, or 
 
74 HAFED THE PERSIAN 
 
 force it — free Hafed — and — Stay! — ^When Kaled 
 has lit the lamps here, no one else will pass shortly. 
 Bring Hafed here, — take the weapons yonder — 
 {Points to the alcove) — Back of that door is an 
 unused passage with a low end-window — one bound 
 puts j^ou over the hedge — there's an old fountain- 
 basin gone dry, with a pipe a big man could crawl 
 through 
 
 Buffoon {Eafferly) — And the pipe runs under the 
 wall! 
 
 Ilya — Ay ! — get without quickly and fly for some 
 spot out of Persia, till the toils of Ramah be loos- 
 ened. Geshem shall hold his discovery, — and 
 Heaven help ye both! . . . Save Hafed! — Save 
 him to our country, Ismiel! — wipe out our recre- 
 ance — and be first in this poor heart — {Falteringly) 
 — while my life — lasts! 
 
 Buffoon {Joyfully) — For that, I would roll the 
 world from its axis, had I way, and thou bade me! 
 I fly for thee, Ilya! {Going.) 
 
 Ilya — Victory! Victory, Ismiel! {They hurry 
 out in opposite directions. They have scarcely gone 
 when Kaled, humming a rude air and bearing a lit 
 taper, enters and goes slowly lighting the lamps.) 
 
 Kaled {Singing) — 
 
 We earth-worms grovelling in the dust, 
 Blindly a-grope for drink or crust, 
 
 Great Allah own: 
 Since not King Mahmud on his throne 
 May bind .^e softest breeze that sings. 
 Nor fold again the flow'ret's wings 
 
 From Summer flown. 
 
ACT III 75 
 
 {Being old and halt, several moments elapse ere 
 the spacious room is ablaze with radiance from the 
 many precious hangirig-lamps. Near the end of his 
 ditty Hafed and the Buffoon peer in from the 
 shadow of the entrance, R. When Kaled has gone 
 they hasten in, a-tiptoe.) 
 
 Hafed {Loiu, — hurrying Buffoon to the al- 
 cove) — Quick! — Arm and fly 
 
 Buffoon (Halting, astounded) — What!! 
 
 Hafed {Dragging out weapons from amongst the 
 Mussuhnan uniforms) — The troops! — Persia — and 
 more — depends on it! 
 
 Buffoon — Are you mad? — Meet those six with 
 
 Ad Vakass {Motions as though cutting his 
 
 throat. ) 
 
 Hafed {Arming and thrusting other weapons on 
 Buffoon) — ^We'll take a road round 
 
 Buffoon {Dolefully) — Ay, — and those left be- 
 hind will asli you in to the fire! 
 
 Hafed — Not till they follow me here 
 
 Buffoon {Falling back, open-mouthed) — Om- 
 niscient Allah! — Back here? 
 
 Hafed — Dolt! — show the way! — the maid must 
 be rescued — my comrades must have fair play I 
 
 Buffoon {Backing against the door) — But — your 
 head, when your comrades condemn you? 
 
 Hafed {Exasperated) — Bury it. Come! 
 
 Buffoon {Squatting, legs crossed, on the floor) — 
 Nay, if our noddles be lost, let us e'en save our 
 legs 
 
 Hafed {Half-frenziedly, tapping him smartly 
 with his sword) — Rogue! — there are times on this 
 old topsy-turvy, when to lose means to pluck from 
 
76 HAFED THE PERSIAN 
 
 the peaks of Glory laurels immortal; to bear to the 
 shrine of the stars rich banners of conquest; to 
 carve on the pillars of Fame a tablet eternal! 
 {Wrenches open the door) Follow me! {Rushes 
 out The Buffoon, thi-own to his feet, close 
 after.) 
 
 CURTAIN 
 
ACT IV 
 
 Scene: The Caliph's Court-yard. In the fore- 
 ground, R,, a splendid pavilion, its canopy of 
 crimson brocade, wrought with gold, is sup- 
 ported by pillars of silver. On the ground 
 beneath is a priceless carpet of Persia, scat- 
 tered about with silk and tapestry cushions. 
 On the right stands a resplendent throne-chair, 
 over-hung with the captured standard of Per- 
 sia, — the much-jewelled Apron of Kawek, — 
 surmounted by the flag of Arabia. Conspicu- 
 ous on the left is a brazen pedestal, topped by a 
 carven lions paw, upholding a translucent stone 
 sphere, glowing at its center dull-red, shading 
 outward red-copper. 
 
 In the background, encircling the pavilion, 
 a terrace set with flowering pomegranates and 
 lilies. To the left a fountain. Beyond the 
 grove, far away against the horizon, like a 
 plume in the cap of Heaven, the silver and 
 azure top of Mount Ohod. The Caliph, clad 
 simply as ever in white, is seen with Ramah, 
 Haschem, Hillal and others, approaching 
 the pavilion at rear. In the act of entering, the 
 Caliph turns. 
 
 Time: Three days later. 
 77 
 
78 HAFED THE PERSIAN 
 
 Caliph — Friends, leave us here and watch, even 
 against hope, for poor Ad Vakass; — since it would 
 seem this project trips, we must take thought alone. 
 {As they withdraw, he touches Ramah's shoulder, 
 beckoning him within, and the two enter hastily.) 
 
 Ramah — Shadow of God, fear not ; I would stake 
 this hand Ad Vakass comes 
 
 Caliph {With a quick glance about, drawing him 
 further) — Think you such fancies fret me? This 
 head — {Clasping it) — for Vakass' surety! — and 
 that he hath the Persians fast by the rope of sus- 
 picion. . . . Shall they trust Hafed, who doubt 
 their dead mothers? — {Smiling wryly) — haply re- 
 membering their lives! Ad Vakass is safe, — 
 {Gloomily) — But a raven croaks in our bosom. 
 Look yonder! {Glowering, he points to the stone 
 on the pedestal.) 
 
 Ramah {Glancing, — vaguely) — The Sun- 
 ball f 
 
 Caliph {Anxiously) — See you naught strange 
 there ? 
 
 Ramah {Staring) — Nothing, Sublimity; unless 
 —long looking dulls it 
 
 Caliph {Excitedly) — It pales each hour since sun- 
 rise ! ( Ramah, starting, whitens. ) 
 
 Caliph — From its own blood-color, — like these 
 rubies — {Thrusts out a hand be-ringed) — this! 
 
 Ramah {Slowly, — in a forced tone) — Ay, — 'tis 
 altered! . . . What saith the magian, Behwar? 
 
 Caliph {Moodily) — That were it a star, he 
 could read it; or a moon, he might prate wisdom 
 wisely; but it being — ^you Persians claim — a sun- 
 stone, — of mystic influence, and, in sort. Destiny's 
 weather-vane 
 
ACT IV 79 
 
 Ramah {Somewhat haughtily) — It was so held 
 by the whole Sassan dynasty 
 
 Caliph (Dryly) — Ay! — we need your Persian 
 diviner. 'Twas ill-judged, killing him! {Ap- 
 proaching the pedestal, stares down at the stone, 
 perplexedly.) 
 
 Ramah {Following, uneasily) — Tortures, 
 Majesty, could not open his lips but to the King 
 
 Caliph {Turning], searchingly)^ — He never 
 raved ? 
 
 Ramah {Evasively) — Nay, only once mum- 
 bled 
 
 Caliph {Clutching his arm) — Praise Allah! — 
 Whatf 
 
 Ramah {Hesitating, then forced to it, desperate- 
 ly) — ''Beware the changed {Instinctively both 
 glance to the Sun-ball, which shoius even paler. For 
 an instant their eyes meet, consternated.) 
 
 Caliph {Lifting his arms toward heaven as he 
 strides away) — Soul of Mohammed! — {His arms 
 drop despairingly.) Must we, like bound and gap- 
 ing fools, watch while this poison-bloom swells into 
 fruit, — then eat it? I am not so moon-mad as to 
 cheapen the power yonder, — {Points without to the 
 Sun) — and strangely since dawn — {Striking his 
 breast) — hath my raven croaked of the 
 Gheber {A trumpet signals without.) 
 
 Ramah — ^Ad Vakass! {Another trump an- 
 swers, amid shouts of rejoicing.) 
 
 Caliph {As the noise approaches, — motioning to 
 
 the Sphere) — No word of this! (Ad Vakass 
 
 enters, with six Persians, escorted by many of the 
 Caliph's officers.) 
 
8o HAFED THE PERSIAN 
 
 Ad Vakass {Throwing himself at the Caliph's 
 feet) — Great Omar! — late, but here! 
 
 Caliph {Motioning him to rise) — Valor, not 
 Vakass, is thy name with Omar! . . . {Turns to 
 the Persians) And ye, O generous Guests, shall 
 find your trust repaid. {By a gesture including all, 
 who have paused at some distance) Be welcome! 
 
 Amidar {Stepping forth, haughtily) — ^We come 
 not, O king of Arabia, to sup of your courtly 
 sweets, — for our festal robes have been torn into 
 swaths and shrouds! We come at your whim, se- 
 cured by your sacred pledge, from a weeping Moth- 
 erland, — to wipe from her page of heroes the name 
 of a curst Arch-Traitor. Say no more, but produce 
 him! 
 
 Caliph {Smoothly, to Ad Vakass) — ^Who is this 
 pepper-pot ? 
 
 Jafez {As eldest, advancing proudly) — One who 
 has seasoned your dishes, — whose faith burns 
 true. . . . {Beckons his other comrades.) 
 
 Caliph {Smiling gri?nly, to Ramah) — They 
 cling to the fire! 
 
 Jafez {Presenting all five) — Amidar, Firouz, 
 Alzarman, Gudarz, Hujir, — of whom, not vaunt- 
 ing, you have heard ere now: — {Laying his hand on 
 his breast and bowing profoundly) — ^Jafez, your 
 servant, — not your subject! 
 
 Caliph {Fervently) — I would to Heaven ye 
 knew my heart toward you ! — Ye might disclaim me 
 less harshly. I would not only give you this traitor, 
 but cure your sick country through honorable 
 peace 
 
 Amidar {Quickly) — She chooses more honorable 
 death ! 
 
ACT IV 8i 
 
 Caliph {Blandly J to the rest) — I appeal to you, 
 — cool him, lest we all smoke ! 
 
 Gudarz {Half-derisivelyj slapping Amidar on 
 the back) — Ha! — Take you, and give not? 
 
 Caliph {As Amidar turns off sullenly) — ^Twere 
 Kinfflier to give all! — and so would I 
 
 Hujir {Determinedly) — Just give us Hafed! 
 
 Caliph — Ay, — Ay — only first hear me: — You 
 think we have bled our people — braved your hatred 
 — for some alms of conquest? — ^We need not nor 
 want them, save to spread the Stream of True 
 Waters 
 
 Alzarman — Hafed first, and talk after! 
 
 His comrades {In chorus) — Hafed first! . . . 
 He shuffles! . . . Where s Hafedf 
 
 Caliph {Vexedly, to an officer) — Go fetch the 
 
 Gheber — Ha! {At a sound of commotion 
 
 all turn; from the rear, Geshem rushes in, breath- 
 less. ) 
 
 Geshem {Wildly, — dropping at Omar's feet) — 
 Slay — slay me! — The Gheber! — {His voice fail- 
 ing) — gone! {A very howl of rage rises; every 
 blade leaps forth, threatening.) 
 
 Caliph {Hoarsely) — Gone! — and thou livestf — 
 
 Geshem {Beseechingly) — Hear me — then slay! 
 ... At sunset yesterday,— I still on guard — 
 Ismiel, thy fool, ran up — in thy name took my 
 place — bidding me mount and speed as wind to halt 
 Ad Vakass, and turn back these Persians. . . 
 Flying to thy will, — from road to road, within a 
 half-league of the Gheber camp, distraught I tore 
 — to find at last he'd passed me ! . . . Rushing back 
 and up the passage — {Gasps, shuddering) — ^Allah 
 
82 HAFED THE PERSIAN 
 
 receive me! — Ismiel was vanished! — Hafed gone! 
 {As though overcome, falls prostrate.) 
 
 The Persians {Stormilyj ovef the prostrate Arab) 
 — Treason! A treason!! 
 
 Caliph (Fiercely) — Treason — ? Treason — / 
 Haroot and Maroot! — Devil's magic, say! — Or — 
 
 stop! {To Ramah) — The fool — this 
 
 Ismiel 
 
 Ramah — A Persian convert of the Devil's 
 own! 
 
 Caliph {Trembling with rage, — to the Ghebers) 
 — ^Ay! — there's your treachery! — the Persian brand 
 — that sells a sovereign — turns again and sells 
 
 The Ghebers {Springing toward him) — Dog! — 
 Villain ! !— Demon !!! 
 
 The Arabs { Turbulently, while those nearest the 
 Ghebers clutch with them) — A plot! . . . 'Way 
 with the truce! — a plot!! {In the ensuing up- 
 roar, while the Persians maJ^e desperate defence, 
 Geshem, unnoticed, crawls off.) 
 
 Caliph {Shouting over the din, to his men) — 
 The truce is dead! — your honor lives! — Lay on! 
 {The frenzy quickens. By force of numbers, the 
 Persians are overpowered). 
 
 Caliph {Hastily) — Bind them and hear me! 
 
 {The prisojiers, more or less wounded and bleed- 
 ing, are quickly shackled together, save Amidar, 
 who, at the Caliph's feet, lies mortally hurt and 
 expiring.) 
 
 Caliph {Scathingly, to the Ghebers) — O, 
 spawn of Treachery! — ^With your lep'rous tricks, 
 thought ye to fool us? We gave you honest truce 
 to gain your traitor, — but, by the fiend! — 'tis ye, — 
 ye, only, stole him and pushed here, bent upon death 
 
ACT IV 83 
 
 and slaughter! Your game is lost. . . . {Waves 
 his hand to the Guards) Behead them! {As 
 amidst loud cries of approval^ the guards start out 
 with the Persians, a shadow falls in the pavilion.) 
 
 Caliph {To Ramah) — Even the day seems 
 
 darker for these swine {A startled cry, and, 
 
 in the same breath, excited exclamations, cause the 
 Caliph and Ramah to turn; — a sudden dimness 
 of the sun is discernible without, while everywhere 
 spreads a cold shadow.) 
 
 Caliph {^s though by an inexplicable impulse 
 looking to the Sun-ball and finding it colorless 
 gray) — Allah! — {Catching Ramah's arm, points) 
 — See you it? What 
 
 Several Voices {In awe-stricken tones) — The 
 Sun!— The Sun!— Allah Ilallah!—the sky!! 
 
 { They are echoed without by the screaming and 
 shrieking of women. As though withdrawn from 
 the heavens, the Sun has faded from sight and a 
 shadow of twilight fallen, which gradually deep- 
 ens. Terrified and groaning, the company falls on 
 its knees, save the Ghebers in bonds, whom the 
 guards, fleeing to the feet of the Caliph, leave 
 standing apart. The screams without growing near- 
 er, the darkness is filled with shrieking figures of 
 women rushing, frantic, in the pavilion. Then over 
 all settles a mid-night Darkness. Into the murky 
 sky, glimpsed beyond, a star here and there trem- 
 bles palely. The pavilion resounds with groaning. 
 Suddenly, dread as thunder, from the Court-walls 
 beyond, sounds deafening crash after crash, fol- 
 lowed by a terrible tumult of noise, like the crum- 
 bling of mighty stones and the fury of drums in 
 battle. All other sounds drown; — only in the black- 
 
84 HAFED THE PERSIAN 
 
 ness of the pavilion the crouchiiig forms show 
 vaguely^ swaying like souls in torture. The pande- 
 monium grows nearer; the pavilion fills with a noise 
 of trampling and clank of metal; then, the noise 
 suddenly ceasing^ there is a moment heavy with si- 
 lence, while the darkness gradually lifts, and, amid 
 a loud blare of trumpets, the sun shines forth un- 
 obscured. The noonlight streams through the win- 
 dow on a strange scene. Sternly facing the half- 
 prostrate Caliph, in front of the shackled Per- 
 sians, stands Hafed, sword drawn, at the head of 
 a large body of Ghebers, armed to the teeth. At 
 Hafed's right hand stands Serjus, next him. 
 Rosier. Trapped and surrounded, the bewildered 
 AlL4BS show quite overwhelmed, and with eye- 
 balls starting, men and women stare horror-struck. 
 In a corner aside, clasped in each other s arms, kneel 
 Darilla and Zenna, — the girl hugging tight to 
 her bosom the cross. The Sun-ball shows utterly 
 dark. For one hushed and motionless instant all 
 seems a fantastic picture. Then the Caliph, cow- 
 ering, raises himself and stretches a shaking hand 
 toward Hafed.) 
 
 Caliph {Faltering, — as one in a dream) — What 
 — wouldst — thou ? 
 
 Hafed {Roundly) — Everything! (Baril- 
 la, springing up, leans forward, her face luminous, 
 expectant. The Caliph draws back, shrunken to- 
 gether. The Arabs with a feint of protection rise to 
 their feet.) 
 
 Hafed — But, by your admirable example, — "first 
 to the ladyT 
 
 Darilla {Impetuously meeting him as he strides 
 
ACT IV 85 
 
 toward her^ — her voice between lauffhter and sob) 
 
 —Hafedl—Hero ! 
 
 {Radiantly he leads her back to his former place. 
 Motioning his men^ they cut the bonds of their com- 
 rades. The Caliph regards him shudderingly, as, 
 stooping to feel of Amidar's heart and finding it 
 still, he rises, once more stern-faced.) 
 
 Hafed {JVith a pitying gesture, as, at his sign, 
 the body is gently borne out) — Such losses are dearly 
 bought with even a nation's peace, — and we, — are a 
 handful! But, praise Heaven! — the time is past 
 for a barter. We demand — not plead, — and you, 
 O Caliph, may no more deny us! Much of Per- 
 sia lies dead, — more writhes in your clutch, — but 
 from this hour on, a moiety of her bruised borders 
 is free of your heel and Mohammed's! {The 
 Ghebers cheer loudly. The Caliph shrinks fur- 
 ther.) Our unconquered remnant shall live as they 
 list — pray as they please — and swear by what proph- 
 et they fancy — {Raising his sword) — so help me 
 Heaven! {The Ghebers, whirling high their 
 weapons, cheer wildly. Darilla softly kisses her 
 cross — while her eyes, jnisty, yet a-light, shine upon 
 Hafed.) 
 
 Caliph {Tremblingly) — We would not deny 
 you 
 
 Hafed {Snatching from his bosom a parchment 
 and thrusting it before the eyes of the Caliph) — 
 On my soul you will not ! — For reminder — there at 
 the bottom is a little space — ^write in it, *'Omar" ! 
 {Thrusts into the Caliph's hands a reed dipped in 
 ink, proffered by the Buffoon, who has held it 
 and the ink-vessel, ready. The Caliph, after a des- 
 
86 HAFED THE PERSIAN 
 
 perate look around him, takes the paper, and shak- 
 ingly signs.) 
 
 Caliph {With an effort at composure, to his peo- 
 ple, as Hafed receives back the parchment) — 
 Friends all, — in yon late-blackened sky methought 
 we saw great Allah's frown; — {Points to the still- 
 darkened Sun-ball) — that sacred sign confirms us; 
 — {Spreads out his hands, unctuously) — Bend to 
 Heaven! . . . {The Ghebers, with significant 
 looks at their weapons, smile grimly; the Arabs 
 bow low in submission.) For ourself, — {Looks up- 
 ward piously) — weary and war-sick, we crave no 
 other than this cup of Peace! {Seeming suddenly 
 aged and ghastly, he sinks into the throne-chair, a 
 helpless huddle,) 
 
 Ramah {Defiantly) — But I, — will cleanse the 
 Cup! {Lunges furiously at Hafed's throat. 
 Darilla, with a cry of terror, springs forward.) 
 
 Hafed {Putting her back, and with wondrous 
 agility parrying, — to Ramah) — Beware my proph- 
 ecy! 
 
 Ramah {His eyes grown murderous, thrusting 
 with lightning swiftness) — False prophet! — 
 Ah-h-h! (Hafed, being forced to strike out, 
 Ramah is pierced to the heart, and, groaning, falls 
 dead at the feet of Omar, — his face being hid in 
 the Caliph's mantle. With a shriek, Ilya bounds 
 forward and frenziedly clasps him.) 
 
 Ilya {Frantically) — Ah?ned! — Ahmed!! 
 {Snatching at a tiny scent-bottle hung on her bosom, 
 even as the Buffoon and Darilla^ with startled 
 cries, spring to her, she swallows its contents.) 
 
 Ilya {Gaspingly, — her form, supported by the 
 Buffoon and Geshem, growing rigid, — her face 
 
ACT IV 87 
 
 wildly seeking the dead man) — ^Ahmed! — we drink 
 — the Cup — of Peace! {Lifeless, her head falls 
 back on the Buffoon's bosom.) 
 
 (Darilla tearfully kisses her brow as the Buf- 
 foon, groaning in anguish, is assisted by Geshem 
 to bear out his woeful burden, amid the sobs of the 
 women and the pitying glances of all.) 
 
 Hafed {Half -compassionately, as others follow 
 with the body of Ramah) — Poor wretch! — Fate 
 would not be juggled! {Stepping to the side of 
 Darilla, he turns gravely to the Ghebers.) 
 
 Hafed {Raising his hand, solemnly) — Comrades 
 who touch hands with Freedom, — all is not finished ! 
 When ye followed me here, I was under your ban, 
 and I swore when our business was through to abide 
 by your sentence 
 
 The Ghebers {PFith mighty shouts drowning his 
 voice) — Lead us! Lead us still! Hero!! , . . 
 Hafed forever! 
 
 Hafed {His head high with a look of proud joy, 
 — his voice a-thrill with emotion) — Brothers-in- 
 arms, in my dreams I shall always lead you, — all my 
 days I shall love you, — but the march is done, and 
 home beckons. ... In your ears are the hymns of 
 Victory; in mine, — song-sweet down the distance, 
 the voice of my Mother, France ! . . . Long has 
 she called me unheeded, but today I yearn for her 
 face, — and tomorrow, please God! I shall turn to 
 her bloom-bright shores with the orient-treasure — 
 {Lifting Darilla's hand, he clasps it firmly, smil- 
 ing the while at her blushes) — ordained of the 
 stars for the Gheber! 
 
 CURTAIN