Jafar you are as prudent as a shopkeeper.

ISHAK
There lies his merit, Haroun! For he keeps the great shop of state,
he sells the revenue of provinces, and buys in the lives of men.

CALIPH
Enough, enough. Call to them, Jafar, and see if they will let us in.

JAFAR
Oh, gentlefolk, in the name of Allah!

VOICE
(From window, the person invisible) Who calls?

JAFAR
Sir, we are four merchants who came yesterday night from Basra,
and on our arrival we met in the street a man of Basra settled in Bagdad,
who prayed us to dine with him. So we accepted and stayed late
talking the talk of Basra, and left him but an hour ago.
And since we were strangers to the city, we lost our way,
and have been wandering ever since in search of our Khan
and have not found it. And now a happy chance has taken us
to this street; for seeing lights and hearing music, indeed, sir,
we hope to taste the cup of thy kindness, being men of honour,
good companions and true believers.

VOICE
Then you are not of Bagdad?