Well said! By your luck you have saved the life of the Caliph,
O Hassan; but by your conversation you have won the friendship of Haroun.
Indeed--but at what are you gazing as if enchanted?

HASSAN
What a beautiful fountain, with the silver dolphin and the naked boy.

CALIPH
A Greek of Constantinople made it, who came travelling hither
in the days of my father, the Caliph El Madhi (may earth be gentle
to his body and Paradise refreshing to his soul!).
He showed this fountain to my father, who was exceptionally pleased,
and asked the Greek if he could make more as fine. "A hundred,"
replied the delighted infidel. Whereupon my father cried,
"Impale the pig." Which having been done, this fountain remains
the loveliest in the world.

HASSAN
(With anguish) O Fountain, dost thou never run with blood?

CALIPH
Why, what is the matter, Hassan?

HASSAN
You have told a tale of death and tyranny, O Master of the World.

CALIPH
(In a sudden and towering rage) Do you accuse my father of tyranny,
O fellow, for slaying a filthy Christian?