Arshin Mal Alan

Suleyman comes up to Askar and sings

Music plays

What is your malady, why do you ponder in thoughts? (2)
What are you thinking of, what is your care, my friend? (2)
Don’t be ashamed, young man. Tell about your grief to me! (2)
What is the torment that is alarming you, my friend (2)
There is nо such disease, not to be treated in the world (2)
Leave away grief try to enjoy your life, my dear friend! (2)
Haven’t you heard, my friend, our forefather's would say: (2)
Who has а desire for him, can be found а way. (2)

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

SULEYMAN:

Old chap, what has happened that you are sitting so buttoned up?

ASKAR:

It’s а very suitable time that you have come, Suleyman! They say that you are а wise man. I’d like to know what you could advise.

SULEYMAN:

Well, well, don’t you believe that I’m wise?

ASKAR:

I do believe! But if you give me your advice, I’ll believe more.

SULEYMAN:

Now tell me by and by what has happened?

ASKAR:

You want to know what has happened; Well, Suleyman, I’m thinking, what will be the end of it? The time flies and days pass bу; the world...

Suleyman interrupts him

SULEYMAN:

Stop, now I understand what you want.

ASKAR:

What do I want?

SULEYMAN:

Of course, you want to have а wife.

All are surprised

ASKAR:

(in amazement) Oh, how did you know it?

SULEYMAN:

I see it from the expression of your face. It’s not difficult to know it. (Hе turns to Jahan) Is it so, or not, aunt Jahan?

JAHAN:

May I fall а prey to you, of course. You are right.

SULEYMAN:

(to Vali) Is it so or not, Vali?

VALI:

Yes, bay, of course, it’s so!

SULEYMAN:

(to Askar) Do you see now that I’m wise?

ASKAR:

I understood half of it. My friend, there is one more problem. If you can guess it, then I’ll know that you are absolutely wise.

SULEYMAN:

Say one by one, I’m listening.

ASKAR:

Look here, Suleyman, I think to have а wife is like to buy goods. As goods can be good or bad...

SULEYMAN:

Stop, now I understand what you want.

ASKAR:

What do I want?

SULEYMAN:

You want to see the girl first, then to marry.

All are surprised again

ASKAR:

How did you know it, а balam*?

SULEYMAN:

As soon as you uttered the word. It’s not surprising to know it... (Hе asks Jahan) Is it so, or not, aunt?

JAHAN:

May I sacrifice myself for you, of course it is so.

SULEYMAN:

Is it so, or not Vali?

VALI:

Certainly. It’s so bay!

SULEYMAN:

(to Askar) You see now that I’m wise from top to toe, am I not?

ASKAR:

But it is not enough. If you can solve one more case, then I’ll believe completely.

SULEYMAN:

Tell one by one. We are listening.

ASKAR:

Well, clever fellow, where and how can I see the girl, if I want to know her а little bit?

SULEYMAN:

There is nothing easier than that. Change your clothes. Put on old ones. Put а roll о1 chintz under your arm. Take an arshin in your hand. Go from house to house and sell Arshin mali! Choose one of the beauties, then send me to ask marriage, arid that’s all.