Tharmia: 

There are no shops.

Arolind: 

We cannot buy new hair.

Tharmia: 

We cannot buy [sobs] gold-dust to put upon our hair.

Arolind: 

There are no [sobs] neighbouring princes.

    [Carolyx bursts bitterly into tears and continues to weep.]

Tharmia: 

Barbul-el-Sharnak, Barbul-el-Sharnak.  O why did the King leave
Barbul-el-Sharnak?

Arolind: 

Barbul-el-Sharnak.  Its streets were all of agate.

Tharmia: 

And there were shops where one bought beautiful hair.

Carolyx: 

The King must go at once.

Tharmia:  [calmer now.]

He shall go tomorrow.  My husband shall speak to him.

Arolind: 

Perhaps my husband might have more influence.

Tharmia and Arolind: 

My husband brought him here.

Tharmia: 

What!

Arolind: 

Nothing.  What did you say?

Tharmia: 

I said nothing.  I thought you spoke.

Carolyx: 

It may be better for my husband to persuade him, for he was ever opposed to his coming to Thek.

Tharmia:  [To Arolind]

He could have but little influence with His Majesty since the King has come to Thek.

Arolind: 

No.  It will be better for our husbands to arrange it.

Carolyx: 

I myself have some influence with the Queen.

Tharmia: 

It is of no use.  Her nerves are all a-quiver.  She weeps if you speak with her.  If you argue a matter with her she cries aloud and maidens must come and fan her and put scent on her hands.

Arolind: 

She never leaves her chamber and the King would not listen to her.

Tharmia: 

Hark, they are coming back.  They are singing a hunting song.... why, they have killed a beast.  All four of the men are bringing it on two branches.

Arolind:  [bored]

What kind of beast is it?

Tharmia: 

I do not know.  It seems to have barbed horns.

Carolyx: 

We must go and meet them.

    [The song is loud and joyous.]

    [Exeunt by the way that the Sentries went.]

    [Enter Sentries.]

1st Sentry: 

Whatever it is has passed away again for they were smiling.

2nd Sentry: 

They feared that their husbands were lost and now they return in safety.

1st Sentry: 

You do not know, for you do not understand women.

2nd Sentry: 

I understand them quite as well as you.

1st Sentry: 

That is what I say.  You do not understand them.  I do not understand them.

2nd Sentry: 

......Oh. [A pause.]

1st Sentry: 

We shall never leave Thek now.