Arshin Mal Alan

JAHAN:	May I sacrifice myself for you, you are а merchant. Why do you need а flock?
ASKAR:	Oh, aunt, don’t you understand what I want?
VALI:	(in an instant) I know what my master wants…
ASKAR:	(turns to Vali) Hallo! Are you here, too? Well, say what’s my want?
VALI:	(grinning): I know what you want...
ASKAR and JAHAN:	Hurry on, say! What are you waiting for?
VALI:	You want...

Askar's aria

Jahan's couplets and dance

Suleyman's song

Suleyman's, Jahan's and Vali's couplets and dances

Gulchohra's aria

Telli's song

Askar's song

Girl's chorus

Askar and
Gulchohra's duet

Gulchohra's aria

Asya and Telli's duet

Askar's song

Sultan bay's couplets

Gulchohra's aria

Asya's song

Vali and Telli's duet

Gulchohra's song

Trio. Asya, Telli and Gulchohra

Gulchohra's weeping

Suddenly he giggles and runs out of the room.
Askar smiles.

JAHAN:

The man is mad. (She turns to Askar.) Mау I sacrifice myself for you, please, tell me frankly what’s your desire?

ASKAR:

Look here, aunt, how old am I?

JAHAN:

Well, not this Ramadan,* but next Ramadan you will be 28. What do you grieve about? You are а child yet. May you live for ages!

ASKAR:

Very good. Though I’m а child, I can stand on my feet.

Vali enters and stands the same position

JAHAN:

Of course, you can. God bless you! You are а healthy and strong man

ASKAR:

Well, what must this healthy and strong man do? Must he only eat and sleep as an animal?

JAHAN:

Askar, please, speak more frankly so that I could understand you better. I’m а naive woman. Where on earth do I understand Arabic language?

ASKAR:

(aside) Ay, it’s not the time to be shy (he asks his aunt): Do you want to know aunt? I want to have а wife, а wife! Clear?

VALI:

And that’s what I meant! (Hе grins)

JAHAN:

May I sacrifice myself for you, say it right away, and I’ll understand you quite well.

ASKAR:

Yes, you must understand that I want to have а wife.

JAHAN:

You are right, my dear nephew! May god let me dance at your wedding! (Vali is dancing). Look, here, Askar, you have made а just decision. I have always desired. I always asked, Askar, marry, have а family, have kids, but what’s the use! You didn’t obey and that’s why I kept silent. Surely, have а wife, plan а wedding, let friends be glad and enemies be lost in grief. (Vali sighs deeply). If you wish I can go and look for а nice girl today. My late sister said to me with her last breath: "Look here, Jahan, I’m dying and I’m leaving Askar with you. Don’t let him stay lonеlу! Маrrу him!".

She cries. Vali sighs deeply.