ACT IV
Reading edition
PLACE: Caliph's Palace.
TIME: Half-hour later.
CALIPH: Well, my friend, did you do as I told you?
WOODCUTTER: Yes, and Ali refused to shave my donkey.
CALIPH (to Courtier): Bid Ali come to me at once and bring his razors with him.
(Courtier leaves and returns with Ali.)
CALIPH: Why did you refuse to shave this man's companion? Was not that your agreement?
ALI (kissing the ground): It is true, O caliph, such was the agreement, but who ever made a companion of a donkey before?
CALIPH: True enough, but who ever thought of saying that a pack saddle is a part of a load of wood? No, no, it is the woodcutter's turn now. Shave his donkey instantly.
(Ali lathers the beast and shaves him in the presence of the whole court, and then slips away amid the laughter of the bystanders.)
CALIPH: Now, my honest woodcutter, here is a purse of gold for you. Always remember that the caliph gladly listens to the complaints of his people, poor and rich, and will right their wrongs if he can.
WOODCUTTER: Long live the Caliph!
COURTIERS: Long live the Caliph!
—EASTERN TALE.