The Rose of Persia Web Opera

ACT I

Introduction & No. 1: Chorus and Song (Hassan)

MIDI File [28KB, 6' 09"]

SCENE. — Court of Hassan's house. Entrance to house on left. At back and on right view of streets.

Hassan is seated contemplating the view over the city. He is surrounded by his wives, who are lying on divans. It is a beautiful moonlit night.

CHORUS OF WIVES.

As we lie in languor lazy,
	Lounging on a low divan,
Flood of interesting chatter
	Flows behind each dainty fan:
"Is our husband going crazy?
	Neighbours call him "Mad Hassan!"
Not an unimportant matter
	For the wives of any man!

(addressing Hassan.)

Hassan! Hassan! Hassan! Inform us if you can!
	Irresponsible and hazy, Unconventional and mazy Seem your actions — are you crazy?
Are you crazy, O Hassan?

Hassan turns round on his seat, and faces the audience.

SONG. — Hassan.

I'm Abu'l Hassan;
	I'm neither sick nor sad:
A most contented man,
	Though foolish persons think me mad!
The laziest of lives
	I live in peace and plenty,
Surrounded by my wives
	Who number only five-and-twenty! You'll find that five-and-twenty Are practically plenty,
		If you've a craze To make your days
	A dolce far niente!
		Another wife Might spoil my life, Because you see ('Twixt you and me), She might have tricks That would not mix
	With dolce far niente!

Chorus (to one another).
		Another wife, Might spoil his life, Because you see ('Twixt you and me), She might have tricks That would not mix
	With dolce far niente!

Hassan.
	It may occur to you
		That only twenty-five
	Are singularly few —
		To that, of course, I'm quite alive!
	My wealth is so immense
		Their number I could double;
	I do not fear expense
		So much, you see, as extra trouble!
		I smoke my hubble-bubble, And calculate the trouble;
			The trouble I've With twenty-five
		Twice twenty-five would double!
			A simple thumb And finger sum — It's rule of three It seems to me; Our Arabic Arithmetic
		Would prove the trouble double!

Chorus (to one another).
		A simple thumb, And finger sum It's rule of three It seems to me; Our Arabic Arithmetic
	Would prove the trouble double!

Page modified 7 June 2008