Scene 2

Zira’s home. Same scene as Scene 3, Act I. Small courtyard.

Zira sits with her guitar singing a love song.

Zira. Old Woman. [Cut when play was written.]	Zira tries to get the Old Woman to go out that night. Old woman suspicious. Zira calms her fears. Coaxes her, pets her.
	Hajji arrives.
Hajji. Zira. Old Woman.	Hajji has come to break news to Zira. Great news! He is going to give her to Executioner as wife. Zira dumb with horror. Violent scene of cursing and cajoling. Finally she rebels. The Old Woman agrees with Hajji whenever he appeals to her. He finally calls in the Guard, and makes them guard door.
[Altered during rehearsal. The guard,—eunuchs of Mansur—take the daughter away at once. Hajji remains on the scene, smiling in a self-satisfied fashion.]	At sundown they are to take the girl to Executioner’s house. Ungrateful child! Zira in tears. Hajji off.
	Curtain