greasy grey dress.

SELIM, his friend, young, vulgarly handsome, gaudily clothed.

HASSAN
(Rocking on his mat) Eywallah, Eywallah!

SELIM
Thirty-seven times have you made the same remark, O father
of repetition.

HASSAN
(More dolefully than ever) Eywallah, Eywallah!

SELIM
Have you caught fever? Is your chest narrow, or your belly
thunderous?

HASSAN
(With a ponderous sigh) Eywallah!

SELIM
Is that the merchant of sweetmeats, that sour face? O poisoner
of children, surely it would be better to cut the knot of reluctance
and uncord the casket of explanation. And the poet Antari
has justly remarked:

Divide your sorrow and impart your grief, O fool.
That good man comforteth beyond belief, O fool.