HASSAN
Has she received the box, O guardian of the door of separation?

PORTER
From my hands, O dispenser of bounty.

HASSAN
What did thy mistress say?

PORTER
Sir, the hands of mediation are empty.

HASSAN
(Giving a dinar) I have filled them.
What honey dropped from that golden mouth?

PORTER
She said--may thy servant find grace--"Curses on that fat sugar
cook and his love-sick eyes. Allah be praised, his confectionery
is better than his countenance!"

HASSAN
(Aside) If she likes the confectionery, all may be well.
And what didst thou reply?

PORTER:
I said: "His sweets sparkle like diamonds and rubies in the crown
of OUR Caliph, and his sugar is as pure as his intentions."
And she answered--the protection on thy slave--"his intentions may
be pure, but his coat is greasy."