JUNIPER
We tremble,

TAMARISK
and obey.

CALIPH
(Entering the great room of the house) Thy house is of grand proportions
and eccentric architecture, my Host; it is astonishing
that such a house should look out on to so mean a street.

RAFI
It is an old house where the Manichees (the devil roast all heretics!)
once held their meetings before they were all flayed alive.
It is called the house of the moving walls.

CALIPH
Why such a name?

RAFI
I do not know at all.

CALIPH
The merry noise of music that we heard is silent.

RAFI
I waited for your permission, my guests, before continuing
my meagre entertainment. Ho, music! Ho, dancers! (Claps his hands.)

(Music plays. The HOST enters the room and motions his GUESTS