94 
THE WORLD’S TRAGEDY. 
 
ALEXANDER 
 
Here come the bottle back, washed bright.  
Yes, this is certainly the seal  
Of Solomon. 
 
GOVINDA 
 
Ifeel  
That we are on the brink of some strange sight. 
 
CHAU 
 
The whole event has seemed improbable.  
Scribes, you record this well !  
Or I will have you sliced with the keen steel  
My cook keeps razor-sharp for salted swine.  
Nine thousand cuts, nine hundred cuts,  
And ninety cuts and nine 
Cut exquisitely fine,  
And the last slash in your guts  
If by an hair’s breadth your recital  
Obscure the true, omit the vital ! 
 
ALEXANDER 
 
Out springs the screw. 
Ho !  the mannikin slim and sprightly