Hajj monologue (Act 1) — Kismet : $b An "Arabian night" in three acts

Alms for a starving brother. Bind a body and soul together!—O master! Thy large brow proclaims an open heart. A danik! A fils! (_The MAN gives a coin and passes on._) Heaven hath seen this, O my master. In the name of the Compassionating, the Compassionate! A blessing on thy white beard. Thou art nearing thy grave! Buy thy salvation from thy slave. (_The MAN passes on murmuring “Allah will give it thee.”_) Nothing. May’st thou burn for it, O thou dog! (_To another._) O brother, mine eyes have failed me! (_He rolls up his eyes._) Hast thou a blind father or one dearest to thee groping in darkness? (_The MAN gives a coin and passes on._) A dirham! The Bestower requite it thee, O my lord. (_To another._) O Azir, my master, I see thee well, though it scarce be day. Is he better, thy son, the light of thy house? Be his fever abated? (_The MAN passes on muttering “Allah will provide.”_) Nought? May the Ghuls suck away thy bastard’s breath. (_To another._) O stranger! Not so quickly. Haste is from Hell; Heaven will wait for thee. (_To a young man._) O fair youth, a trifle. On my knees have I lain here these endless years. (_The MAN gives him a coin._) The Protector increase thy weal. (_To the MUFTI, an old man._) O Mufti—a word. Thou knowest the bitterness of a long life and a weary. I am young, alas. All my sad days stretch before me.