JOHN

I will not.

[He walks up and down in front of the two Nubians in silence.  She plucks petulantly at a pillow.  She suddenly calms herself.  A light comes into her eyes.  The Nubians go on fanning.  John goes on pacing.]

 Miralda

John, John, I have forgotten my foolish fancies.

JOHN

I am glad of it.

MIRALDA

I do not really wish you to kill Daoud.

John [same voice]

I’m glad you don’t.

MIRALDA

I have only one fancy now, John.

JOHN

Well, what is it?

MIRALDA

Give a banquet, John.  I want you to give a banquet.

JOHN

A banquet?  Why?

MIRALDA

Is there any harm in my fancy?

JOHN

No.

MIRALDA

Then if I may not be a queen, and if you will not kill Daoud for me, give a banquet, John.  There is no harm in a banquet.

JOHN

Very well.  When do you want it?

MIRALDA

To-morrow, John.  Bid all the great ones to it, all the illustrious ones in Al Shaldomir.

JOHN

Very well.

MIRALDA

And bid Daoud come.

JOHN

Daoud?  You asked me to kill him.

MIRALDA

I do not wish that any longer, John.

JOHN

You have queer moods, Miralda.

MIRALDA

May I not change my moods, John?

JOHN

I don’t know.  I don’t understand them.

MIRALDA

And ask Hafiz el Alcolahn, John.

JOHN

Hafiz?  Why?

MIRALDA

I don’t know, John.  It was just my fancy.

JOHN

Your fancy, eh?

MIRALDA