HASSAN
As my heart surmised. O Commander of the Faithful!
(Performs the ceremonies prescribed.)

CALIPH
Canst thou give me one gleam of hope of salvation,
Hassan the Confectioner? If not, Masrur shall cut off all our heads,
beginning with thine, I dare not fall into that man's hands alive.

HASSAN
But I dare! O spare me, spare me! What of the man who put me
in the basket? He will know where we are, and come to our rescue.

CALIPH
No good--no good. I would rather depend on the mercy of Rafi
than on the whim of Ishak. Masrur, unsheathe. There is no hope.

HASSAN
Thy pardon on thy servant: there is hope! Behold the light!

(Points to crack between bottom of the iron wall and floor,
towards the balcony.)

CALIPH
By the seven lakes of Hell, we are not mice!

HASSAN
A mouse could not pass. But what, O Master, of a message?