Women of the Desert

Assina and Malmama, sisters, love Giafar; he, however, loves Malmama. Assina tries to win Giafar from her sister, and failing resolves to resort to incantation. She lights a fire, casts poisonous herbs and leaves into the camp pot and prepares the potion. It fails utterly and Malmama and Giafar are happy in their love. Assino is furious and resolves to get rid of her sister-rival by having her abducted and sold at the slave market. She negotiates with a slave dealer, promising to deliver into his hands a woman so beautiful that she shall command a big price and that she, Assina, will also add fifty pieces of gold. By an arrangement with Assina, Masrond's men seize Malmama and carry her off. Assina pretends great agony and concern for the loss of her sister, but she continues to try and fascinate Giafar; he, however, being inconsolable. Malmama is sold at the market to the Caliph's eunuchs, who rejoice that they have secured so beautiful a slave for their royal master's harem. Giafar sees her dragged away but is powerless. He follows the eunuchs to the palace and bribes the chief eunuch to give him a position as gardener in the palace grounds. Malmama is dragged into the harem where Saad ibn Maad, the Caliph, endeavors to kiss her. She struggles and screams. Giafar hears her cries, leaps into the room and drags her from the Caliph's arms. Malmama pleads that they may tell their story of the abduction and their love. Saad grants permission and after hearing the narrative comforts the lovers and gives orders that they be set free.