(Enter Hassan, pale and staggering.)

HASSAN
Selim, in the name of friendship, take these ten dinars and buy me
that philtre, and return with speed.

SELIM
(Feigning irritation) Allah! Am I your messenger?
Go yourself to the Jew.

HASSAN
I must prepare the sweetmeats this very hour, to send them to her
before sunset. In the name of friendship, Selim, take the dinars
and purchase me that philtre.

SELIM
(Rising and taking dinars) Do not make me chargeable, O Hassan,
if the philtre is without effect. I only repeat what I have heard.


HASSAN
No, I will not blame you. But go quickly for the magic that nothing
may be left unsampled that may prove beneficial.

(Exit SELIM; HASSAN makes up the fire and prepares his caldron,
saying meanwhile)

That young man weareth out my carpet apace. I begin to think also
he doth fray the braid of my affection. But if he buys me a
good philtre I will forgive him. Oh, cruel destiny, thou hast made