Original subtitles

( dramatic music playing )

( tools clanging )

( people shouting )

( shouting continues )

( clanging )

( panting )

( grunts )

( people chattering )

( man speaking loudly )

BACK AND FORTH AND UP AND DOWN,

LEFT TO RIGHT FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS.

BUT NOWHERE HAVE I HAD THE PLEASURE

OF LOOKING OUT UPON A CROWD WITH PRETTIER GIRLS...

( laughter )

...THAN HERE IN YOUR WONDERFUL ROUGHDOVENDER.

( scattered cheers )

WHY DO I ESPECIALLY LIKE IT HERE?

BECAUSE I ALWAYS LAY ME BEST EGGS HERE.

( mimics clucking )

- ( chicken clucks ) - ( laughter )

( applause )

LADIES, LORDS, FROM BROKEN BONES

TO TEETH ROTTING DOWN IN YOUR JAWBONE

TO USELESS STUMPS,

FROM PUSTULES ON THE BACKSIDE

TO THICK, BLACK FLUID IN YOUR LUNGS,

NO MATTER THE AILMENT CONJURED UP BY THE DEVIL

TO PLAGUE US POOR CHRISTIAN FOLK,

ME AND ME ALONE

HAS THE CURE.

ME AND ME ALONE

HAS THE CURE.

- RUN! COME ON, LET’S GO! - HEY, THAT’S MY BREAD!

- OVER THERE... - GIVE IT!

- ...COME UP. YOU’RE UP FOR TREATMENT INSIDE. - GIVE IT BACK!

DEAR LORD JESUS,

HAVE MERCY UPON US, YOUR POOREST CHILDREN.

PROTECT MY SWEET ROB FROM THE ERROR

THAT HE’S A MATCH FOR FISTS OF BIGGER BOYS.

TURN BACK THE STINKY FINGER MY SAMUEL USES

TO PULL SNOT FROM HIS NOSE AT THE TABLE,

AND LET MY BABY ANNE WAIT UNTIL I’VE FINISHED GRACE

BEFORE SHE PUTS SO MUCH OF A CRUMB OF BREAD

- IN HER GREEDY LITTLE MOUTH. - ( all laugh )

- AMEN. - Kids: AMEN.

( grunts, snorts )

- MA? - IT’S NOTHING.

( grunts, breathing hard )

MA.

( grunts )

- MA? - GOD.

( moans ) OH DEAR GOD, MAKE IT STOP.

- ( breathing hard ) - MA?

( screams )

( distorted breathing )

( breathing hard )

- ( Barber moans ) - COME QUICK! MY MA NEEDS HELP!

GO AWAY. I’M NOT HERE.

- PLEASE, BARBER. - TO HELL WITH "PLEASE, BARBER"!

WHAT DO I CARE ABOUT ANOTHER WHEEZING WHORE

IN THIS DUNG HOLE OF A SHITHEAP? GO HOME!

COME BACK TOMORROW IF SHE AIN’T DEAD BY THEN.

GET OUT OF MY WAGON!

I CLEANSE THIS SINFUL HEART

WITH THIS SACRED OIL.

IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER,

THE SON AND THE HOLY GHOST.

- All: AMEN. - HURRY!

- MA, I’VE BROUGHT THE BARBER TO HEAL YOU. - Barber: OH!

Woman: OH!

Woman #2: WHAT’S HE DOING HERE?

IF YOU GOT HIM...

IT’S TOO LATE...

FOR ME.

THERE IS NO CURE FOR WHAT AILS THIS WOMAN

BUT THE GRACE OF GOD.

ANYTHING ELSE WOULD BE CALLED WITCHCRAFT.

( laughs )

AMEN, FATHER.

YOU’VE TAKEN THE WORDS OUT OF ME MOUTH.

- NO, BARBER. PLEASE! - IS THERE SOMEONE HERE

WHO DISPUTES THE AUTHORITY OF THE HOLY CHURCH?

FATHER...

NOT ME.

DEAR GOD AND LORD JESUS,

HAVE MERCY ON US THREE CHILDREN.

RETURN OUR MOTHER TO US.

WE NEED HER MORE THAN YOU.

( crying )

PLEASE, LORD JESUS.

PLEASE, GOD.

- ( chattering ) - Woman: WHAT’S THAT THERE?

THE UTENSILS GO TO WHOEVER TAKES THE YOUNGEST.

Man: WE CAN TAKE THE TWO YOUNGEST.

Woman: THEY CAN SLEEP IN THE STABLE.

IF YOU CAN TAKE TWO, WHY NOT THREE?

THE OLDEST IS TOO GROWN UP.

WE CAN’T FILL HIS HUNGRY MOUTH.

DON’T CRY, SAMUEL.

REMEMBER, SHE’S ALWAYS WITH US.

- LET’S GO. - ( Anne crying )

COME ON. COME ON.

Samuel: ROB!

Man: COME ON.

- Samuel: ROB. - Man: COME ON.

Priest: I’VE TAKEN THESE FOR THE PENNY OWED

FOR THE SACRED OIL.

WHERE SHALL I GO?

PRAY TO THE ALMIGHTY GOD FOR GUIDANCE.

( people chattering )

I COULD LOOK AFTER THE HORSE.

- I KNOW HORSES. - MY HEART BLEEDS FOR YOU, RAT.

- HO! - ( snorts, neighs )

( clatters )

WHO’S THERE?

SHOW YOURSELF...

BEFORE THE THREE OF US COME UP AND RIP YOU APART!

( clatters )

HOW DID YOU GET HERE?

YOU NEED A FASTER HORSE.

- DOWN. - PLEASE. JUST TONIGHT.

NO.

GET YOUR FILTHY RUMP OUT OF HERE.

- PLEASE. - NO!

COULD YOU HAVE SAVED HER, BARBER?

Barber: THERE’S NO CURE FOR SIDE SICKNESS.

IS YOUR MA STILL ALIVE?

NO. DIED PUSHING ME OUT.

DO YOU HAVE A FAMILY?

- NO. - SO WHO DO YOU TALK TO WHEN YOU’RE ALL ALONE?

I DON’T. I SLEEP, RIGHT NOW,

IF YOU’D ONLY SHUT YOUR HOLE.

( birds chirping )

( people chattering )

( Barber soliciting indiscernibly )

I’VE SEEN EVERYTHING THE GOOD LORD PUT

ON THE EARTH FOR US TO SEE

AND SOME TERRIFYING THINGS

NO MAN WAS SUPPOSED TO WITNESS IN HIS LIFE.

FRESH... COME ON NOW, LADIES AND GENTS.

THAT’S WHY I CAN STAND HERE BEFORE YOU AND SAY THAT.

- ( grunts ) - Man: I’M GONNA TEAR OFF YOUR HANDS,

AND THEN I’M GONNA KILL YOU!

I WAS JUST DRESSING HER WOUND.

NOWHERE HAVE I HAD THE PLEASURE

OF LOOKING OUT UPON A CROWD WITH PRETTIER GIRLS.

- ( laughter ) - ( yells )

NOR ONE LESS BLIGHTED BY FILTHY JEWS...

THAN HERE IN BEAUTIFUL ETHELWELLER.

( man groans )

THAT LOOKS BROKEN.

FOR THREEPENCE, I COULD FIX IT FOR YOU.

COME SEE US AT THE MARKETPLACE.

- ( grunts ) - NOWHERE ARE THE GIRLS PRETTIER.

- Man: YOU SAID THAT ALREADY! - Barber: OH, SHUT UP!

HEY! MY JUGGLER!

I FOUND HIM AT THE BOTTOM OF A WELL.

HO, HO!

THE SHOW IS FOR FREE,

AND THE TREATMENT IS ALMOST FOR FREE!

- WHERE THE BLOODY HELL WERE YOU? - HOUSE VISIT.

Barber: A SPOONFUL OF KIDNEY ASH EVERY MORNING

GETS YOUR KIDNEY PROBLEMS OUT OF THE WAY.

FOR FORGETFULNESS, TIE THE DRIED TONGUE

OF A HOOPOE BIRD AROUND YOUR NECK.

- AND HERE IS A VERY SPECIAL POTION. - Man #2: THIS IS WITCHCRAFT!

- I PICKED THE HERBS MYSELF UNDER A FULL MOON. - YOU’LL END UP IN HELL!

IT WILL STOP YOUR WIFE FROM BRINGING MORE BRATS TO THE WORLD,

- WHETHER THEY’RE YOURS OR YOUR NEIGHBOR’S. - IT’S BLACK MAGIC!

OH, SHUT UP. COME AND GET HEALED!

( distant chatter )

CAN’T THE YOUNG BARBER DO IT?

THERE’S NO YOUNG BARBER HERE,

JUST THE IGNORANT APPRENTICE OF AN ANCIENT MASTER.

( grunts )

( screams )

IF YOU DON’T LIKE THE LOOKS OF ME,

YOU SHOULDN’T HAVE FALLEN OFF YOUR BROOMSTICK, HAG.

- ( screams ) - ( crowd gasps )

WHO’S NEXT?

- ( Barber moaning ) - ( woman shouting )

Woman: THAT’LL BE THREE PENNIES, DEAR.

- GOOD NIGHT, LITTLE BOY. - NIGHT.

- HOW WAS IT? - OH, I’M IN LOVE.

YOU SHOULD STICK TO WHORES TOO.

MUCH LESS STRESS...

- THAN OTHER MEN’S... - Both: WIVES AND DAUGHTERS.

( chuckles )

OH, ROB.

- ( grunts ) - NEED A HAND, OLD MAN?

ACH! DON’T YOU DARE!

( clattering )

OH! JESUS!

BOLLOCKS!

Rob: HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHAT’S INSIDE?

IN HERE.

FLESH, BLOOD, BONES...

YOUR SOUL, IF YOU HAVE ONE.

AND DOWN HERE.

MORE FLESH, MORE BLOOD.

SO... DOES SIDE SICKNESS COME FROM BAD BLOOD?

I DON’T CARE IF IT COMES FROM MY ASS!

CAN’T CURE IT, CAN’T CHARGE FOR IT!

HAVE YOU NEVER WONDERED WHAT’S INSIDE?

- YOU’VE NEVER LOOKED? - I CAN SLICE YOU UP AFTER BREAKFAST.

NO, I MEAN LIKE IN DEAD PEOPLE?

( bird cawing )

DON’T YOU EVER TALK ABOUT THAT AGAIN.

NEVER.

DO YOU KNOW WHAT THE CHURCH DOES TO NECROMANCERS?

BURN THEM AT THE STAKE.

SO STOP TALKING ABOUT THE SIDE SICKNESS.

IT WON’T BRING YOUR MOTHER BACK.

NOT ANOTHER WORD.

NEVER.

PLIERS!

OPEN YOUR MOUTH.

( moans )

MORE LIGHT.

- PUSH DOWN ON HIM. - ( man moaning )

( distorted breathing )

( moaning )

( breathes heavily )

Barber: HOLY EARTH FROM THE MOUNT OF OLIVES.

STIR IT IN YOUR MEAD, SWALLOW IN ONE GULP.

( chattering, laughter )

Barber: HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN HOW TO DRINK, LAD?

I’LL REMIND YOU.

AH!

LIKE THAT, BOY.

LIKE THAT.

THE FARMER WITH THE TOOTH...

DEATH IS COMING FOR HIM.

BUT DEATH IS COMING FOR ALL OF US, BOY.

NO. I FELT IT.

YOU FELT DEATH?

YES.

( scoffs )

DEATH WON’T TROUBLE HIM OVER A TOOTHACHE.

MY APPRENTICE THINKS HE’S A SOOTHSAYER!

- ( man laughs ) - Woman: REALLY?

SO WHEN IS ME HUSBAND COMING BACK FROM WAR?

OH, NOT TOO SOON, I HOPE.

WHAT’S THE HARVEST GOING TO BE LIKE THIS YEAR?

( laughter )

Man: THAT’S THEM!

- Man #2: THE DEVILS. - Man #3: YOU THERE!

- Man #4: MURDERERS! - Man #3: YOU NEED TO GIVE US SOME ANSWERS!

IN THE MORNING, THIS POUR SOUL WENT

TO WORK IN THE FIELD.

AT NOON, HE WENT TO SEE YOU TO CURE HIS ACHING TOOTH.

- BY EVENING... - TRUTH.

- ...HE BREATHED HIS LAST. - ( whispers ) RUN AWAY.

YOU BEWITCHED THIS POOR MAN WITH BLACK MAGIC.

- ( Barber whispers ) RUN AWAY. - Monk: YOU TRESPASS

- AGAINST THE LORD AND THE CHURCH! - ( grunts )

YOU OWE MY SISTER A HUSBAND.

( sighs ) THAT MIGHT BE HARD

IF SHE’S AS UGLY AS YOU ARE.

OI, GET HIM!

- ( grunting ) - ( shouting )

- ( breathing hard ) - ( fire crackling )

( grunting )

( birds chirping )

( sniffles )

( grunts )

( heart beating )

I THINK YOU’LL LIVE ANOTHER HUNDRED YEARS.

( sighs )

I TOLD YOU TO RUN.

( both laughing )

I’LL START ON THE ROOF TOMORROW.

THEN WHAT?

- THEY’LL HEAL. - NOT BEFORE WE STARVE.

- YOU SHOULD GO. - AND LEAVE YOU TO THE WOLVES?

I COULD ALWAYS BEG FOR ALMS OUTSIDE THE CHURCH.

YEAH. AND IN WINTER?

I’LL MAKE A NICE MEAL FOR THE CROWS.

AT LEAST THEN, THIS MISERABLE LIFE OF MINE WOULD BE OVER.

AND THE WORLD WOULD MISS A GREAT BARBER.

YOU’RE NOT LISTENING, BOY!

I CAN’T EVEN HOLD A PAIR OF TOOTH PLIERS.

I COULD HOLD THEM FOR YOU.

I’VE BEEN WATCHING YOU ALL THESE YEARS.

YOU’VE ALSO BEEN WATCHING THE CLOUDS.

DOESN’T MEAN YOU CAN MAKE IT RAIN.

Barber: ...AND SOME TERRIFYING THINGS

NO MAN WAS MEANT TO WITNESS IN HIS LIFE.

I’VE SEEN UGLY GIANTS,

I’VE SEEN GREEDY DWARVES,

AND JUST THE OTHER DAY

I HAD TO FIGHT A FIRE-SPITTING DRAGON

WITH ME OWN TWO HANDS.

BUT NOWHERE--

NOWHERE HAVE I HAD THE PLEASURE

OF LOOKING OUT UPON A CROWD

- OF PRETTIER GIRLS. - ( laughter )

THIS WOULD STOP YOUR WIFE FROM BRINGING

MORE BRATS TO THE WORLD.

- LORD, HAVE MERCY ME. - SO, WHO WANTS TO BE HEALED?

SAVE ME FROM SOILING MYSELF WITH FEAR.

Barber: COME INTO THE HOUSE OF WONDERS.

- ( chuckles ) - Barber: COME IN.

- ( grunts ) - PUT THE LAD ON THE TABLE.

- ( grunts ) - Rob: GOOD. YEAH.

( sniffs ) BONE SAW.

OH. BONE SAW.

- YES. - WHOLE TOE’S GOT TO COME OFF...

- WHOLE TOE. - ...OR HE’LL LOSE HIS LEG.

- ( chuckles ) - RIGHT. ( clears throat )

HERE. PUT THIS IN YOUR MOUTH, LAD.

BITE DOWN ON IT.

( Barber clears throat )

IRON.

- IRON. - IRON!

WE’RE TALKING ABOUT THE IRON. IS IT HOT?

- HOW MANY TIMES HAS YOUR APPRENTICE DONE THIS? - YES.

THOUSANDS! SHUT UP!

( whispering ) DEEP BREATH AND THEN GO ON.

SWIFT MOVEMENTS.

GO ON TILL YOU’RE DONE WITH IT.

LOOK, THE HOLY MARY!

( gasps, screaming )

( sizzling )

WOW. MY FIRST AMPUTATION.

MINE TOO.

SO WHAT’S THIS POTION CALLED?

TEARS OF THE HOLY VIRGIN.

I THOUGHT YOU BOUGHT THEM FROM A MONK IN JERUSALEM?

( laughs ) HE STOPPED CRYING A WHILE BACK.

KEEP STIRRING!

- ( yelps ) - IT HAS BITTEN.

( pops )

REMEMBER, BOY, THE MORE PAINFUL THE TREATMENT,

THE MORE THEY RESPECT THE BARBER.

( moans )

( hawks )

- ( coin clinks ) - ( spits )

- NEXT! - ( hawks, spits )

FOR THE SAME PAY THE MERCENARY HAS TO SELL HIS SOUL,

AND THE FARMER HAS TO WORK HIMSELF TO THE BONE.

SO THANK THE LORD FOR YOUR PROFESSION...

EVERY BLOODY DAY.

THANK THE LORD.

- ( sizzles ) - ( groans )

AH. YOU LOOK VERY HEALTHY TO ME.

( chattering, laughter )

( man moaning )

- ( yells ) - ( grunts, laughs )

ROB!

ROB, COME HERE!

SHUT UP!

ROB.

( laughs )

I HEREBY CHRISTEN ROB COLE...

- Woman: WELL DONE! A BARBER! - ...A BARBER.

- ( cheers, whistling ) - YOU’RE AN APPRENTICE NO MORE.

YOU SERVE NO MASTER BUT YOURSELF.

- ( laughing ) - MMM-MWAH!

( cheering )

REWARD THIS BARBER, VENUS.

HEY, HEY, HEY, I’M HERE, YOU BLIND OLD SOD.

THE MOANING END IS THE TOP.

NOW HOLD YOUR YAP. I HAVE EYES LIKE A HAWK.

YES, A DEAD ONE.

( Barber growls )

YOUR MASTER SHOULD SEE THE JEW.

THE JEW CAN HEAL THE BLIND.

- NO ONE CAN HEAL THE BLIND. - THE JEW CAN.

AYE, HE ALSO RAISES THE DEAD AND MAKES THE LAME WALK ON WATER.

I THINK YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT JESUS CHRIST, OUR SAVIOR,

AND HE AIN’T NO BLOODY JEW.

HERE. LET ME DO IT.

I NEED THE PRACTICE.

( chattering )

( speaking foreign language )

THESE PEOPLE MUTILATE THEIR CHILDREN.

THEY CUT OFF THEIR COCKS.

THEY’LL GOUGE MY EYES OUT.

SO WHAT?

YOU CAN’T BE ANY MORE BLIND.

HOW IS IT DONE?

MY MASTER KEEPS HIS SECRET TO HIMSELF.

I’M A BARBER TOO.

A BARBER? ( scoffs )

EXCELLENT.

MY HAIR COULD DO WITH A TRIM.

SO I MAKE NO PROMISES.

YOUR OPERATION IS A DIFFICULT ONE.

30 PENNIES, IN ADVANCE.

30 PENNIES!

THAT’S HIGHWAY ROBBERY.

NEVER!

( groans )

- PLEASE. - Barber: ROB!

DO YOUR BEST.

( men praying in Hebrew )

( Barber moaning loudly )

- ( metal clinking ) - ( moaning continues )

- WHAT’S YOUR NAME? - ( people chattering )

ROB. WHAT’S YOURS?

I’M BENJAMIN. HE’S JESSE.

ARE YOU A CHRISTIAN, ROB?

- YES. - IS IT TRUE THAT YOU’RE NOT EVEN CIRCUMCISED?

OUR GOD DOES NOT WANT US TO DO SO.

( praying in Hebrew )

ONCE YOU HAVE EATEN THE BREAD, YOU CAN TALK.

( laughter )

( people chattering )

- Merlin: WHY DON’T YOU TAKE OFF HIS BANDAGE? - Rob: ME?

A BARBER CAN UNWIND A BANDAGE,

CAN HE NOT?

( Barber moaning )

( grunts )

ROB. IS IT YOU?

YEAH, IT’S ME.

Merlin: DON’T OPEN YOUR EYES YET.

NOW MOISTEN THE SCABS.

CAN YOU SEE?

LIKE A CHILD.

Merlin: HE NEEDS TO REST NOW.

( Barber laughs )

OH, BLOODY RAT.

( both laugh )

( soft chattering )

Merlin: HEY, LOOK AT YOUR FINGERS. THEY’RE FILTHY.

DO YOU EAT DINNER WITH THESE FILTHY FINGERS?

( Benjamin speaks softly )

WHAT YOU’VE DONE TO MY MASTER’S EYES...

WHERE DID YOU LEARN IT?

IN A PLACE CALLED ISFAHAN.

ISFAHAN.

- IS THAT BEYOND LONDON? - ( laughter )

"IS THAT BEYOND LONDON?" IS HE SERIOUS?

( creaks )

( chuckles )

AND THEN...

Rob: WHAT IS IT?

THE WORLD.

THE WORLD.

LOOK.

WE ARE HERE. THIS IS LONDON.

AND HERE...

HERE IS ISFAHAN.

THE GREATEST PHYSICIAN THE WORLD HAS EVER SEEN TEACHES THERE.

IBN SINA. THERE IS NO ONE ON EARTH

WHO CAN MATCH HIM FOR KNOWLEDGE AND WISDOM.

- IBN... - IBN SINA.

IBN SINA.

CAN HE CURE THE SIDE SICKNESS?

Merlin: IBN SINA CAN CURE MANY ILLNESSES.

HOW LONG WOULD IT TAKE ME TO GET THERE?

OVER A YEAR.

FIRST YOU WILL HAVE TO GO TO THE SOUTH COAST OF ENGLAND,

THEN YOU CROSS THE CHANNEL,

THEN YOU WALK THROUGH FRANCE.

YOU TAKE A SAILBOAT ALONG THE COAST OF AFRICA,

AND THEN YOU’LL ARRIVE IN EGYPT,

AND HERE...

YOU WILL BE KILLED.

WHY?

FROM THIS POINT, THE MUSLIM WORLD BEGINS.

ARABIA, PERSIA.

THE CHRISTIANS HAVE BEEN BANISHED FROM EVERYWHERE.

ONLY WE JEWS ARE TOLERATED.

MY CONDOLENCES.

YOU WORSHIP THE WRONG GOD.

HMM.

Barber: I DON’T REMEMBER THE WORLD SO BEAUTIFUL.

I TAKE THE MEN, YOU TAKE THE WOMEN.

WE SHARE THE EARNINGS FAIR AND SQUARE.

YOU TAKE ONE-THIRD, AND I TAKE TWO-THIRDS.

NO, TWO-FIFTHS FOR YOU...

( laughs ) AND THREE-FIFTHS FOR ME.

NO. THAT’S TOO COMPLICATED.

( woman chattering )

Man: GET OUT OF HERE, HAG.

THE JEW SAID IBN SINA CAN CURE LEPROSY,

CONSUMPTION AND TYPHOID.

- FOR HOW MUCH? - I DON’T KNOW.

BUT HE’S GOT THIS HUGE PALACE

WHERE HE TREATS HIS PATIENTS

AND THEY STAY THERE UNTIL THEY’RE WELL.

HOW MUCH IS HE CHARGING?

AND HE’S GOT ANOTHER PALACE CALLED MADRASSA,

WHERE HE TEACHES HIS STUDENTS.

- HE’S GOT TWO PALACES? - YEAH.

- AND I WANT TO GO THERE AND STUDY. - ( laughs )

A BARBER WITH TWO PALACES!

NO! I WANT TO BECOME A HAKIM.

THE SARACENS, THEY CALL THEIR HEALERS "HAKIMS."

I DON’T CARE WHAT THEY CALL THEM.

THAT JEW HAS BEEN FEEDING YOU A STORY.

WE SHOULD TRAVEL TO THE ORIENT.

- WE? - YES.

IN THE ORIENT?

YEAH, AND WE’LL COME BACK AS GREAT HEALERS.

CURE OUR PATIENTS MUCH BETTER.

HERE’S YOUR SHARE.

( Rob sighing )

RISE AND SHINE, MR. HAKIM!

ROB?

ROB!

ROB!

( horse snorts )

BLOODY HELL. WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

I DON’T WANT TO TREAT WARTS ALL MY LIFE.

I DON’T WANT TO PULL TEETH

AND SELL COLORED HORSE PISS AS A MIRACLE TONIC!

I WANT TO LEARN HOW TO CURE THE CATARACT.

I WANT TO LEARN HOW TO CURE THE SIDE SICKNESS

AND ALL THE OTHER DISEASES.

YOU TOLD ME IT COULDN’T BE DONE,

BUT NOW YOU CAN SEE AGAIN.

THERE’S SO MUCH THAT YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT.

( neighs )

( waves crashing )

( gulls cawing )

IT’S HUGE.

YEAH. THAT’S DOVER.

BEST PLACE TO GET A BOAT.

NOW GET OFF MY WAGON.

( sighs )

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

GO AND DROWN. GET EATEN BY SEA CREATURES.

WHAT DO I CARE?

HERE.

THANK YOU.

PISS OFF, RAT.

( both laugh )

PISS OFF.

Rob’s voice: LORD HAVE MERCY UPON ME.

BLESS ME ON MY LONG AND DANGEROUS JOURNEY.

LET NOT THE WAVES ENGULF ME OR SEA MONSTERS DEVOUR ME.

LET NOT BANDITS SLIT MY THROAT

OR WOLVES EAT ME ALIVE.

LET ME NOT STARVE OR GET LOST

IN THE DARK WOODS AND COLD MOUNTAINS.

AND PLEASE, LORD JESUS,

FORGIVE ME THAT I SHALL DENY MY FAITH

AND SOIL MYSELF WITH SIN...

TO SERVE YOUR CREATION AND GLORY.

( people shouting )

( banging, creaks )

( people chattering )

( camel groaning )

( people chattering )

THE CARAVAN TO ISFAHAN LEAVES IN FOUR DAYS.

BEFORE YOU GO, I’LL BRING YOU TO MY BROTHER.

HE HAS NICE JEWISH ROBES, PRAYING STRAP.

HE MAKE A GOOD PRICE.

( wind blowing )

( exhales )

- ( groaning ) - ( slices )

- ( knife clatters ) - ( blood pattering )

- SHALOM. - SHALOM.

HOW LONG TO ISFAHAN?

- Man: TWO MONTHS. - Rob: JUST TWO MONTHS?

Man: THAT’S GOOD ENOUGH, JEW.

MAKE SURE THESE ARE FILLED WITH WATER BY SUNRISE.

Man: STOP READING AND SLEEP.

YOU’RE WASTING OIL.

THAT GIRL IS AS OBSESSED WITH HER BOOK

AS AN OPIUM SMOKER IS WITH HIS PIPE.

Man #2: IT MUST BE GOOD MONEY TO BRING HER TO PERSIA.

MORE THAN ENOUGH.

SOME WEALTHY MAN FROM DOWN THERE IS PAYING.

( men praying )

LIKE THIS.

CLOSE TO THE HEART.

WHAT IS YOUR NAME?

JESSE.

SON OF?

BENJAMIN.

WELL, I DON’T KNOW HOW JEWS PRAY IN ENGLAND,

JESSE BEN BENJAMIN,

BUT HERE WE OBSERVE THE RULES. YES?

YES.

( men speaking Arabic )

DAYAK, LOOK.

( distant hoofbeats )

- Man: SELJUKS. - Rob: WHO ARE THEY?

Man: NOMADIC TRIBES FROM UP NORTH.

GRUESOME HORSE PEOPLE.

THEY TREK ACROSS THIS LAND

AND LEAVE A PATH FULL OF BLOOD EVERYWHERE.

( wings flutter )

( birds squawking )

Dayak: BY ALLAH.

THEY LOOK LIKE THEY ARE PRAYING.

WHAT THIEVES LEAVE RICHES LIKE THIS BEHIND?

THE SELJUKS BELIEVE ALLAH HAS CHOSEN THEM

TO PUNISH ALL SINNERS.

THEY DESPISE POSSESSIONS AND PLEASURE IN EQUAL MEASURE.

( girl muttering, crying )

SHH. IT’S ALL RIGHT.

WE SHOULD TAKE HER WITH US.

I DON’T HAVE ROOM ON MY CAMEL,

AND YOU DON’T EVEN HAVE ONE.

I HAVE ROOM IN MY SEDAN.

WITH ALL DUE RESPECT, SHE’S NOT YOUR BUSINESS.

I’M MAKING HER MY BUSINESS.

SHH.

HOW IS SHE?

SHE’S SLEEPING.

DON’T FORGET TO MAKE HER DRINK.

HOW COME YOU KNOW SO MUCH ABOUT FEVER?

IN ENGLAND, I WAS A BARBER.

- A BARBER. - ENGLISHMAN!

WALK SOMEWHERE ELSE...

OR DO YOU FIND THE DESERT TOO CRAMPED FOR YOUR LIKING?

( chattering )

JESSE!

JESSE!

COME! THE LITTLE GIRL.

SHE’S GETTING WORSE.

SHE WAS SHIVERING WITH COLD BEFORE.

NOW SHE’S ON FIRE.

( girl moaning )

( heart beating )

WE NEED TO LOWER HER TEMPERATURE.

DO YOU HAVE ANY WATER?

HERE.

"AND ALADDIN WAS STARTLED BY THE LAMP,

"WHICH BEGAN TO HISS AND SMOKE.

"A GHOSTLY FOG AROSE FROM IT,

"FROM WHICH A GIANT SHAPE EMERGED

"WITH EYES THE SIZE OF CART WHEELS.

"’WHO ARE YOU?’ ASKED ALADDIN.

"’I AM A GENIE AT YOUR SERVICE,’

"A BOOMING VOICE... ANSWERED."

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

THE GENIE GRANTS ALADDIN’S WISHES,

WHICH MAKES HIM UNBELIEVABLY WEALTHY,

AND THIS HELPS HIM WIN THE HAND

OF THE SULTAN’S DAUGHTER.

( scoffs )

I WISH I HAD A LAMP LIKE THAT.

( chuckles )

MY FAVORITE STORY

IS ABOUT SINBAD THE SAILOR.

HE MEETS CANNIBALS AND GIANTS ON HIS VOYAGES,

BUT HE ISN’T SCARED OF ANYTHING.

ALL THESE STORIES ARE IN THIS ONE BOOK?

MM-HMM. YEAH, AND MANY MORE.

IT’S THE MOST BEAUTIFUL THING...

I’VE EVER SEEN.

I CAN TAKE CARE OF HER NOW.

( tent flap rustles )

- ( wind blowing ) - ( camel bellowing )

SO WHAT ARE YOU DOING SO FAR AWAY FROM HOME, MR. BARBER?

I’M GOING TO STUDY WITH THE GREATEST HEALER IN ALL THE WORLD.

WHERE I COME FROM, ALL THE BOYS,

THEY WANT TO BE RABBIS OR MERCHANTS.

I JUST WANT TO HELP PEOPLE.

I CAN SEE THAT.

WHAT TAKES YOU TO ISFAHAN?

A BUSINESS DEAL.

WHAT KIND OF BUSINESS DEAL?

Man: A SANDSTORM IS COMING!

( people shouting )

Dayak: ENGLISHMAN!

TIE THE CAMELS TOGETHER!

( wind howling )

JESSE!

THE OTHERS! WE LOST THE OTHERS!

I’LL FIND THEM.

HELP! COME ON, HELP ME!

GET THE ROPE!

I CAN’T HOLD IT!

( camel bellows )

( coughing )

( man coughs )

Rob: REBECCA!

REBECCA!

SAVE YOUR STRENGTH.

THEY’RE ALL DEAD.

KEEP MOVING.

KEEP MOVING.

Rob: ...DELIVER US FROM EVIL.

FOR THINE IS THE KINGDOM,

THE POWER, AND THE GLORY.

FOREVER AND EVER.

AMEN.

( exhales )

WHO ARE YOU?

( fly buzzing )

( distant booming )

( distant booming )

- ( distant cheering ) - ( fireworks exploding )

( bleating )

( chattering )

( singing )

( speaking Arabic )

( ululating )

( fireworks whooshes, explodes )

( man shouts in Arabic )

- ( guards shouting ) - ALLAHU AKBAR!

( singing )

( man chanting in Arabic )

- ( chanting continues ) - ( people chattering )

THIS MAN WANTS TO SPEAK WITH YOU.

YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO CHASE THE BEGGARS AWAY FROM THE GATE,

NOT TO DRAG THEM INTO MY ROOM.

OH. PLEASE, SIR, I’M NO BEGGAR.

I’VE COME TO STUDY WITH THE GREAT HEALER, IBN SINA.

I SEE.

SO, YOU HAVE LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

FROM RENOWNED SCHOLARS OF SCIENCE

PRAISING YOUR INTELLECTUAL QUALITIES,

HERALDING YOU AS MANKIND’S GREATEST HOPE?

I HAVEN’T, NO. ( chuckles )

THEN I CAN ONLY ASSUME

YOU ARE FABULOUSLY RICH... ( chuckles )

AND WISH TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL WING TO OUR LIBRARY.

( laughs )

NO, I HAVE ONLY A POCKET FULL OF SAND.

THEN WHY SHOULD I TAKE YOU IN HERE?

THE LAST THING WE NEED

IS ANOTHER POOR, STINKING JEW.

- THROW HIM OUT. - NO, PLEASE.

- GIVE HIM A BEATING. - PLEASE. NO, PLEASE.

I’VE-- I’VE COME FROM THE OTHER END OF THE WORLD!

YOU FOOL.

( groans )

Man: YOU CAN’T TOUCH THOSE.

WHY DON’T I FEEL ANY PAIN?

YOUR WOUND WAS MADE NUMB,

SO IT COULD BE SEWED TOGETHER WITHOUT PAIN.

HOW?

POPPY SEED OINTMENT.

POPPY SEED OINTMENT.

WE’VE USED IT FOR CENTURIES.

WHAT DO THEY... USE IN YOUR LAND?

( chuckles ) MEAD.

LOTS OF MEAD.

YOU SEEM...

MORE INTERESTED IN MEDICINE THAN MY OTHER PATIENTS.

I’VE COME TO BE A STUDENT OF IBN SINA.

HAVE YOU NOW?

I’VE BEEN TOLD HE’S THE GREATEST HEALER IN ALL THE WHOLE WORLD.

NO, HE’S NOT THAT GREAT.

HE’S QUITE ORDINARY REALLY.

- DO YOU KNOW HIM? - A LITTLE BETTER EACH DAY.

COULD YOU SPEAK TO HIM FOR ME?

YOU REST NOW.

- ( clanging, bangs ) - ( footsteps approaching )

JEW. JEW!

- ( groans ) - WAKE UP.

YOUR CLASS IS ABOUT TO START.

YOU MAY HAVE TRICKED THE MASTER

INTO GIVING YOU A SEAT IN HIS CLASS,

YOU HAVEN’T TRICKED ME.

I’VE BEEN ACCEPTED?

MY EYES ARE PATIENT.

THEY SHALL LIVE TO SEE YOU FAIL AND LEAVE.

( soft recitations )

( sighs ) BY ALLAH, NOT ANOTHER JEW.

BETTER A STUDIOUS JEW

THAN A LAZY, OVER-PRIVILEGED PERSIAN LOUDMOUTH.

BE CAREFUL WHOM YOU INSULT, MIRDIN.

MY FATHER DONATED 30 VOLUMES TO THE LIBRARY,

AND I CAN ARRANGE IT SO YOU HAVE ACCESS TO NONE OF THEM!

KARIM. MIRDIN.

I DO HOPE THAT YOUR HEATED EXCHANGE

IS IN THE NAME OF SCIENTIFIC PROGRESS.

YES, MASTER.

AND HOW IS THE HEAD OF OUR NEW ARRIVAL

FROM ACROSS THE EARTH?

VERY MUCH BETTER.

- THANK YOU, SIR. - OH, THANK YOUR YOUTH.

IT WORKS MIRACLES NO PHYSICIAN CAN MATCH.

NO, I MEANT THANK YOU FOR SPEAKING

- TO IBN SINA ON MY BEHALF. - ( scoffs )

THAT WAS FAR LESS TROUBLE THAN YOU MIGHT IMAGINE.

( students laugh )

Ibn Sina: YESTERDAY, I DISCOVERED SOMETHING.

- THOSE OF YOU WHO PLAY... - THIS IS IBN SINA’S PHYSICS CLASS.

Ibn Sina: ...TO A PATIENT, MUSIC.

AND I WISH US TO INCORPORATE THIS INTO OUR HEALING.

IN MY LAST PHYSICS CLASS, WE DISCUSSED SOUND.

I DEMONSTRATED HARMONY AND RESONANCE,

AND I DISCOVERED THAT CERTAIN SOUNDS

CAN RESONATE WITH ORGANS OF THE HUMAN BODY.

Rob: WON’T YOUR PARENTS MIND

A STRANGER STAYING IN THEIR HOME?

IF THEY FOUND OUT THAT I LET A FELLOW STUDENT

SLEEP ON THE STREET, THEY’D DISOWN ME. ( chuckles )

- Woman: THIS IS JACOB AND THIS IS SARAH. - HELLO.

JESSE...

WOULD YOU DO US THE HONOR OF SAYING GRACE?

UH... YES.

OF COURSE.

UM...

LET US THANK THE LORD FOR WHEAT AND...

LET US THANK THE LORD FOR THE WHEAT

THAT... UH, HE... HAS BORN

FROM THE EARTH WITH HIS OWN TWO HANDS,

SO THAT WE WHO EAT BREAD

HAVE A LOT OF BREAD TO EAT.

THIS IS HOW YOU SAY IT IN ENGLAND?

MMM. MMM!

- MMM. - ( chuckling )

( men shouting )

- CRIMINALS? - WORSE.

YOU SHOULDN’T PITY THEM TOO MUCH.

- WHY? WHAT HAVE THEY DONE? - THEY’RE ZEALOTS.

THEY BELIEVE OUR SHAH IS VIOLATING THE LAWS OF ALLAH.

TOLERANCE TOWARDS OTHER RELIGIONS,

HIS SUPPORT FOR SCIENCE AND THE ARTS--

ALL DEADLY SINS IN THE EYES OF THE MULLAHS.

DOES THAT DESERVE SUCH HARSH TREATMENT?

JESSE, IF THESE PEOPLE COME TO POWER,

THE MADRASSA WILL BE CLOSED,

AND WE JEWS WILL BE DRIVEN OUT OF THE CITY.

WE MUST BE THANKFUL TO THE SHAH.

UP IN TIME FOR CLASS, KARIM?

WHAT’S WRONG?

DID YOU FATHER REALIZE THERE IS MORE TO STUDYING

THAN JUST BUYING BOOKS?

ONE CANNOT BE UP IN TIME FOR CLASS

IF ONE NEVER WENT TO BED.

- ( grunts ) - ( laughter )

Davout: SHAME ON YOU, KARIM.

A TRUE MUSLIM AVOIDS WINE AND BAD COMPANY.

Karim: A TRUE MUSLIM AVOIDS THE ADVICE

OF A FAKE STUDENT WHO ONLY MADE IT TO JANITOR.

...EXISTS DUE TO EXISTENCE.

EXISTENCE IS NOT THE CONSEQUENCE

OF EXISTING! ( claps )

- THE FORMER IS THE SINE-- - ( Karim whispers ) ENGLISHMAN,

DO YOU UNDERSTAND A WORD OF THIS?

NOT YET.

ARISTOTLE?

WE DON’T TREAT DISEASES.

WE TREAT THE PEOPLE WHO SUFFER FROM DISEASES.

GOOD DAY TO YOU, SIR.

MY NAME IS IBN SINA, AND THESE ARE MY STUDENTS.

WITH YOUR PERMISSION, WE WOULD LIKE TO TREAT YOU.

WHAT IS YOUR NAME?

MY NAME IS ABOLQUASEM.

IT IS A GREAT HONOR TO PLACE MY WELL-BEING...

IBN SINA WOULD LIKE A REPORT ON EAR INFECTIONS.

DO YOU HAVE A BOOK ON THE TOPIC?

- UP THERE. - Rob: THANK YOU.

UH, WHICH ONE IS ON EAR INFECTIONS?

ALL OF THEM.

GENTLEMEN, THIS IS LAMP OIL

WHILE THAT IS VINEGAR FOR PURIFICATION.

- PURIFICATION. - TO THE BACK ARE BLOCKS OF ICE

FOR COOLING PATIENTS WITH FEVER.

SO, GENTLEMEN, IDEAS? ( claps )

( students murmuring )

- THE ICE? - Ibn Sina: ICE.

- MAYBE SOME REST? - Ibn Sina: HE’S IN PAIN.

AH! AH!

- ( cracks ) - ( students gasp )

THAT’S HOW WE DO IT...

IN ENGLAND.

Ibn Sina: IMAGINE, THE SPHERES OF THE UNIVERSE

AS A SERIES OF CONCENTRIC CIRCLES

- MOVING WITHIN ONE ANOTHER. - ( clicks )

THE GREAT ARISTOTLE CLAIMED...

- ( clicks ) - ...THAT THE FRICTION CREATED BY THIS MOTION

GENERATES A SOUND

WHICH HE TERMED...

"THE MUSIC OF THE SPHERES."

AND SOMETIMES, ON A REALLY QUIET NIGHT,

IF YOU LISTEN REALLY HARD,

THE SOUND IS APPARENT TO THE HUMAN EAR.

( high-pitched tone )

Man: MASTER.

I HEAR IT.

( tone continues )

( laughing )

Karim: ARE THE GIRLS IN ENGLAND AS PRETTY AS THIS?

- PRETTIER. - PRETTIER?

- SHALOM, KARIM. - HELLO.

ARE THEIR BODIES LIKE CYPRESSES?

IS THERE HAIR LIKE-- LIKE WATERFALLS?

SOME OF THEM EVEN HAVE RED HAIR.

( incredulously ) RED?

I-- I DO NOT BELIEVE YOU.

UH! ALL OVER?

YEAH.

PRAISE BE UNTO ALLAH

FOR THE PLENTITUDE OF CREATION!

I PRAY THAT SOME RED-HAIRED ENGLISH VIRGINS

AWAIT ME IN PARADISE!

DID YOU LEAVE A GIRL BEHIND TO COME HERE?

ACTUALLY... I DID.

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GIRL I EVER MET.

CLEVER AND GENTLE...

CLEVER.

- YOU ALREADY SAID CLEVER. - YEAH, AND BEAUTIFUL.

YOU ALREADY SAID BEAUTIFUL TOO.

I WOULD HAVE STOLEN THIS GIRL FROM YOU.

I WOULD HAVE KILLED YOU FIRST.

( laughs )

( chanting ) ALLAHU AKBAR.

ALLAHU AKBAR.

Imam: TODAY WE PRAY FOR OUR BROTHERS

WHO LIE IN CHAINS

DEEP DOWN IN THE TYRANT’S DUNGEONS.

BUT WHAT MISDEED DID THEY COMMIT?

DID THEY MURDER SOMEONE?

- NO. - Men: NO.

DID THEY DISHONOR A WOMAN?

NO.

THEIR ONLY CRIME

WAS TO FOLLOW THE LAWS OF THE HOLY QU’RAN, ALLAH.

ALLAH, WE KNEEL HUMBLY IN THE DUST

BEFORE YOU AND ASK YOU,

HOW LONG DO YOU WANT US TO BEAR THIS INJUSTICE?

- Man: YEAH, YEAH. - Man #2: YEAH.

( trumpeting )

( men praying in Hebrew )

WE CALL ON THE RIGHTEOUS AND GENEROUS BAR KAPPARA.

( praying in Hebrew )

- AH! MIRDIN! - HONORABLE BAR KAPPARA.

PLEASE LET ME INTRODUCE

MY FRIEND AND FELLOW STUDENT,

JESSE BEN BENJAMIN,

FROM ENGLAND.

FROM ENGLAND!

WE ARE PROUD OF EVERY JEW

WHO GETS ACCEPTED TO THE MADRASSA.

AND MY FUTURE BRIDE IS FROM SPAIN!

ALLOW ME TO INTRODUCE HER.

REBECCA?

COME.

YOU MAY GREET THEM.

- SH-- SHALOM. - SHALOM.

SHALOM.

I HOPE YOU WILL EACH DO ME THE HONOR

OF ATTENDING OUR WEDDING.

OH, YOU ARE TOO GENEROUS.

OH, WE HAVE MUCH TO CELEBRATE.

IT IS A MIRACLE

REBECCA SURVIVED HER PASSAGE TO ISFAHAN.

HER CARAVAN WAS SWALLOWED BY THE MOST FEROCIOUS SANDSTORM.

Rebecca: A BRAVE GUIDE SAVED ME...

AND A LITTLE GIRL.

- THANK GOD. - MY FRIEND! THIS DAY OF DAYS...

- ( folk music playing ) - ( cheering )

- ( man singing ) - ( cheering fades )

( cheering )

( shouts )

NOW YOU KNOW WHAT THE BUSINESS DEAL IS.

MAY YOUR MARRIAGE BE BLESSED AND HAPPY.

Bar Kappara: AND NOW BEFORE WE TAKE OUR LEAVE...

- THANK YOU. - ...I WANT TO THANK YOU ALL FOR JOINING US HERE.

( woman ululating )

HEY.

- ( laughter ) - ( woman ululating )

YOU SEEM SAD.

I LOST SOMEONE I CARED FOR VERY MUCH.

WELL, NOW YOU HAVE FOUND ME.

WE MUST TAKE WHAT WE CAN FIND IN THIS LIFE,

SO WHY DON’T WE SEE WHAT WE CAN FIND... HERE?

( gasp echoes )

( distorted breathing )

Woman: NOW LISTEN TO ME.

I NEVER LIE DOWN FOR ANYONE FOR FREE.

PLEASE, BE QUIET.

- ( laughing ) - DOES THIS HURT?

WHAT’S HER AILMENT?

I HAVEN’T YET DIAGNOSED IT, MASTER.

MASTER! IF YOU ARE THE MASTER,

TELL THIS MANIAC TO LET ME GO.

THE NIGHT IS NEARLY OVER, AND MY PURSE IS EMPTY.

PLEASE MODERATE YOUR TONGUE, MY CHILD.

IF THIS YOUNG MAN HAS BROUGHT YOU HERE,

IT WILL BE FOR A GOOD REASON.

( whispers ) YOUR GOOD REASON IS?

( whispers ) SHE WON’T SURVIVE THE NIGHT.

( chuckles ) SHE LOOKS AND SOUNDS IN PERFECT HEALTH TO ME.

IT’S SOMETHING I CAN’T EXPLAIN.

- I NEED TO GO! - MY BEAUTIFUL ROSE...

AS A PERSONAL FAVOR TO ME,

GRANT MY STUDENT HERE A MOMENT MORE

OF YOUR VALUABLE TIME.

( sighs ) NOW THAT’S HOW TO TALK TO A LADY.

HEY, PEOPLE PAY GOOD MONEY TO TAKE THOSE OFF.

MASTER, LOOK.

( sighs )

WAKE THE PHARMACIST.

FETCH HENBANE. RUN.

WHERE IS HE GOING?

TO SAVE YOUR LIFE.

LIKE A PREMONITION, IS IT?

IT’S AS IF...

TIME STANDS STILL FOR A MOMENT.

THE FABRIC OF REALITY IS PULLED ASIDE

LIKE A VEIL FOR ME TO SEE THROUGH.

AND WHAT IS IT YOU SEE?

( sighs ) I SEE NOTHING.

I JUST... FEEL...

AND KNOW THAT DEATH IS COMING.

THE FIRST TIME WAS WITH MY MOTHER.

SHE DIED OF SIDE SICKNESS.

- IT’S A CURSE. - IT’S A GIFT.

YOU SAVED THAT GIRL’S LIFE TONIGHT.

ONE SUCCESS FOR MANY FAILURES.

WELL...

THIS IS THE BURDEN

EVERY PHYSICIAN MUST LEARN TO BEAR.

YOU CAN’T LOOK UPON DEATH AS THE ENEMY.

THEN WHAT? A FRIEND?

I’VE CALCULATED THE ORBITS...

OF ALL THESE STARS AND PLANETS.

I’VE FILLED VOLUMES WITH CALCULATIONS.

I’VE BARELY SCRATCHED

AT THE REAL SECRETS OF CREATION.

DOESN’T IT FRUSTRATE YOU THERE’S SO MUCH THAT WE DON’T KNOW?

NO.

IT FILLS ME WITH AWE.

HOW PALE AND TEDIOUS WOULD THIS WORLD BE WITHOUT MYSTERY?

( chuckles )

MASTER, COULD YOU HAVE CURED MY MOTHER’S SIDE SICKNESS?

IT’S BEYOND OUR REACH.

MAYBE IN A HUNDRED YEARS.

MAYBE IN A THOUSAND.

- ( hoofbeats approach ) - ( horse neighs )

- HYAH! HYAH! - ( speaking Arabic )

IBN SINA!

- IT APPEARS I’M ABOUT TO BE SUMMONED. - IBN SINA!

Ibn Sina: NEVER APPROACH MORE THAN FIVE STEPS.

NEVER LOOK HIM IN THE EYE.

SHOULD HE ADDRESS YOU,

ANSWER IN SHORT SENTENCES

AND ALWAYS END WITH ONE OF HIS HONORIFICS.

JESSE.

Rob: UH... ANSWER IN SHORT SENTENCES

AND END IN ONE OF HIS HONORIFICS.

I SPRAINED MY WRIST.

IF YOU’D COME EARLIER...

YOU WOULD HAVE SEEN ME DEFTLY SEPARATE

THIS SELJUK’S HEAD FROM HIS BODY.

I’M SO SORRY I MISSED IT.

I’M SURE THE SELJUK DESERVED THE DISSECTION.

HE WAS SENT WITH MESSAGE OF A PEACE TREATY.

Ibn Sina: AND THIS PROMPTED HIS IMMEDIATE DECAPITATION?

Shah: OF COURSE. THE SELJUKS ARE CONSTANTLY VIOLATING OUR BORDERS.

WE NEED TO WHIP THESE WILD ANIMALS,

OR THEY WILL SLAUGHTER US LIKE A SICK GOAT.

Ibn Sina: DO YOU SO LONG FOR WAR, O PERFECT ONE?

THE SELJUKS HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE

BUT THE BEASTS BENEATH THEIR SADDLES.

YOU HAVE AN ENTIRE CIVILIZATION.

IS THAT SO?

BUT WHICH GREAT ARTIST EVER GLORIFIED A PEACEFUL KING?

WAR ALONE WILL BESTOW IMMORTAL GLORY UPON MY NAME.

DON’T YOU AGREE?

I STUDY THE HEALING ARTS, O SUBLIME ONE.

I KNOW NOTHING OF THE ROUTE TO IMMORTALITY.

( laughs )

DID YOU HEAR THAT?

HE DARES SPEAK OPENLY IN MY PRESENCE.

- ( people laughing ) - Shah: I PRAY MY PALACE

DOES NOT COLLAPSE FROM SUCH AUDACITY.

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

HE HAILS FROM ENGLAND, O SUBLIME ONE.

I’VE READ OF IT.

A BARBARIC ISLAND AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD

WHERE HALF-NAKED PAGANS RESISTED CAESAR’S LEGIONS.

MY COUNTRYMEN WEAR CLOTHES NOW.

- O PROTECTOR OF THE PEOPLE. - O PROTECTOR OF THE PEOPLE.

TELL ME...

HAVE YOU SEEN STRANGE COUNTRIES

- ON YOUR JOURNEY EAST? - MORE THAN I CAN COUNT.

OH.

EVEN A HUMBLE STUDENT

HAS SEEN MORE OF THE WORLD THAN THE SHAH.

SEND THAT STINKING HEAD BACK TO THE SELJUKS.

( men speaking Arabic )

MY SON SHALL HAVE A HERO’S BURIAL.

Man: WHAT MESSAGE MAY I BRING TO MY LORD THE SHAH

FROM THE LORD OF THE SELJUKS?

DO NOT TROUBLE YOURSELF.

I’LL SEND MY OWN MESSAGE.

- ( squelches ) - ( grunts )

GET ONE OF OUR BROTHERS

WHO IS SUFFERING FROM THE BLACK DEATH.

( children playing )

- ( speaks Arabic ) - ( screams )

( crowd quiets )

( people screaming, shouting )

SO THE NEEDLE...

PIERCES THE MIDDLE OF THE EYE

PUSHING THE DIMMED LENS

TO THE BACK OF THE EYEBALL.

THIS ALLOWS SUNLIGHT

TO REACH THE PATIENT’S EYES UNDIMINISHED.

( whispers ) MASTER, SOMEBODY DIED IN THE MARKET.

HE HAD BLACK BOILS ALL OVER.

( clamoring )

( man shouting )

( people chattering )

( door opens )

A FALCON’S BEAK CAN PIERCE A MAN’S SKULL.

DID YOU KNOW THAT, ENGLISHMAN?

- ( door closes ) - Ibn Sina: PLEASE, SUBLIME ONE.

WE’VE HEARD ABOUT THE PUSTULATED CORPSE

WHO EXPIRED WITHIN THE CITY WALLS.

WE MUST EVACUATE THE CITY IMMEDIATELY.

THE CITY HAS BEEN SPARED

THE PLAGUE FOR OVER A CENTURY.

EVEN MY FATHER ONLY EVER HEARD SPEAK OF IT.

BUT HIS SON...

MAY LIVE TO SEE IT WITH HIS OWN EYES.

THE IMAM AND HIS MULLAHS

HAVE BEEN PRAYING FOR GOD’S VENGEANCE

TO PUNISH MY EXTRAVAGANCE.

I CANNOT DO THEM THAT FAVOR.

MY LORD, HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS

OF YOUR SUBJECTS COULD DIE.

( angrily ) MY PEOPLE ARE FRUITFUL!

THEY WILL SURVIVE!

( falcon shrieks )

SHH.

YOU HAVE DISTURBED MY FALCON.

THIS AUDIENCE IS OVER.

THE PLAGUE DOESN’T CARE IF YOU’RE RICH OR POOR,

COMMON MAN OR NOBLEMAN, SUN OF THE STATE.

IF IT’S REACHED ISFAHAN, NO WALL, HOWEVER THICK, WILL STOP IT.

ARE YOU THREATENING ME, ENGLISHMAN?

NOT A THREAT, MY LORD.

A PROMISE.

( chattering )

Rob: GALEN BELIEVED THAT THE PLAGUE WAS DUE

TO A DISPROPORTION OF THE FOUR HUMORS.

HIPPOCRATES BLAMED IT ON THE RELEASE OF BAD AIR

FROM THE GROUND DURING EARTHQUAKES,

- CAUSED BY A DISEASE-BRINGING CONSTELLATION... - OVER THERE.

...OF MARS, JUPITER AND SATURN.

THE ONLY THING THE SCHOLARS AGREE ON

IS THAT THERE IS APPROXIMATELY 12 HOURS

FROM CONTAGION TO ERUPTION.

- Ibn Sina: 12 HOURS, GENTLEMEN. - ( chattering stops )

12 HOURS.

( chattering resumes )

( horse neighs )

( shouting in Arabic )

( footsteps approach )

LISTEN! ON HIS MAJESTY’S ORDERS,

THE MADRASSA WILL BE HONORED TO ACCOMPANY

THE SHAH ON HIS HUNTING TRIP.

PLEASE EXPRESS OUR REGRETS TO THE SHAH,

BUT WE CANNOT JOIN HIM.

YOU REFUSE TO OBEY?

WE ARE HAKIMS, NOT HUNTERS.

I WILL CONVEY YOUR ANSWER.

I KNOW.

EACH OF US IS THINKING,

"WHY SHOULD I STAY AND RISK MY LIFE

"FIGHTING A PESTILENCE THAT HAS NO CURE?"

WELL...

WE MUST EACH FIND OUR OWN ANSWER.

SO...

THOSE WHO WISH TO LEAVE,

GO NOW WITH MY BLESSING.

THE REST WILL BATTLE DEATH BY MY SIDE

UNTIL WE DEFEAT IT...

OR IT DEFEATS US.

SINCE WHEN DO WE HAVE FLEAS HERE?

12 HOURS ARE ALMOST GONE.

MAYBE THE ALL-MERCIFUL SPARES US.

SHOULDN’T YOU BE OUT HUNTING WITH THE SHAH

INSTEAD OF RISKING YOUR LIFE HERE?

SURE, TO HEAR FROM MIRDIN AND YOU

TILL THE END OF MY DAYS WHAT A BAD DOCTOR

- AND INFAMOUS COWARD I AM? - ( scoffs )

WHAT? IS IT SO IMPORTANT WHAT A BUNCH OF JEWS THINK OF YOU?

NO.

IT’S ONLY IMPORTANT WHAT MY FRIENDS THINK OF ME.

HELP! HELP!

- Ibn Sina: LAY HER DOWN. - Hakim: THE WOMAN SAYS

THE SELJUK SPIT ON HER BEFORE HE DIED.

( speaks Arabic )

( woman crying )

( gasps, distorted breathing )

( chattering, coughing )

( sighs )

( mutters )

( mumbles ) HAKIM...

MASTER, THE PLAGUE DOESN’T KILL EVERYONE.

THE BOY WILL LIVE.

THE WOMAN, THE TWO MEN--

STOP.

THEY’RE GOING TO DIE.

WE WILL FIGHT FOR EACH AND EVERY LIFE.

DO YOU HEAR ME?

EACH AND EVERY ONE.

YES, HAKIM.

THE SOLDIERS ARE CLOSING THE GATES!

WE’RE BEING LOCKED IN WITH THE PLAGUE.

( clamoring )

YES, YOU-- YOU CAN GO THROUGH.

HOLD BACK! HOLD THEM BACK!

GET BACK! HOLD THEM BACK!

ONLY MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL COURT

ARE PERMITTED TO LEAVE THE CITY.

BUT I AM A MEMBER OF THE COURT.

GO.

CLOSE THE DOORS!

HOLD THEM BACK!

( door rattles )

( sighs )

ABBA, IMA, PLEASE, DON’T WORRY.

IT WILL ALL BE OVER IN A FEW DAYS.

WATCH OUT FOR YOURSELVES.

YOU TOO.

MIRDIN...

HURRY TO YOUR SPONSOR’S HOUSE.

HASN’T BAR KAPPARA LEFT TOWN?

HE HAS, YES.

( grunts )

JESSE.

( grunts )

THE WATER COOLS DOWN MY FEVER. NO?

( chuckles )

YOU’D MAKE A GOOD HAKIM.

- Rob: SO THIS IS YOUR GOOD JEW? - ( rats squeaking )

Mirdin: I AGREE THAT’S WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE.

WOULD YOU HAVE LEFT HER LIKE THAT?

- NO. - NEITHER WOULD ANY HUSBAND WORTH THE NAME.

( people coughing, moaning )

( Mirdin and Rob grunt )

( breathing hard, moaning )

( clatters )

Ibn Sina: TIE HER DOWN.

SHE MUSTN’T SCRATCH THE BOILS.

THEY MUST BURST BY THEMSELVES.

WHY CAN’T WE JUST CUT THEM OUT?

THEIR ROOTS ARE TOO DEEP.

ACCORDING TO WHICH AUTHORITY?

Ibn Sina: HIPPOCRATES HIMSELF.

HE COMPARES THEM TO THE ROOTS OF A TREE.

DID HE SEE THEM WITH HIS OWN EYES?

DO YOU QUESTION HIPPOCRATES?

YOU TOLD ME TO QUESTION ALL CERTAINTIES, HAKIM!

WHATEVER THEIR SOURCE.

DEEPER.

WHAT IF HUMANS ARE DIFFERENT TO DOGS?

WHAT IF THE THE BOILS DON’T BRANCH OUT INSIDE OF US?

NO.

HAKIM, WE HAVE

MORE THAN ENOUGH CORPSES AT OUR DISPOSAL.

WHAT YOU ARE PROPOSING, ALLAH FORBIDS.

AS DOES YAHWEH,

AS DOES JESUS CHRIST.

PEOPLE ARE DYING, AND WE CAN ONLY WATCH.

HOW CAN THAT BE THE WILL OF ANY GOD?

( squeaking )

113.

TODAY’S BODY COUNT ALONE.

IF WE EXTRAPOLATE FOR THE ENTIRE CITY,

THERE ARE PROBABLY MORE THAN A THOUSAND DEATHS PER DAY.

( murmuring )

WE’RE BAILING OUT AN OCEAN WITH A THIMBLE.

BUT WE ARE BAILING, NEVERTHELESS.

( soft conversation )

"THIS SINBAD THE SAILOR HAS A STORY TO TELL,

"THE STORY OF HIS LIFE.

"FOR LONG SEASONS, HE KEPT OPEN HOUSE,

"AND HIS ENTERTAINMENTS WERE THE MOST MAGNIFICENT OF ALL.

"ALL THAT RICHES COULD BUY SEEMED AT HIS DISPOSAL,

"AND HE LAVISHED THE GOOD THINGS

"OF THIS LIFE UPON HIS GUESTS.

"PAGES, SLAVES AND ATTENDANTS THERE WERE IN GREAT NUMBER.

"HIS GARDEN WAS SPACIOUS AND BEAUTIFUL."

- ( breathing hard ) - ( people chattering )

Rob: SHH.

( speaking Arabic )

- IT’S THE FLEAS, MASTER! - WHAT?

THE SHROUDS OF THE DEAD ARE CRAWLING WITH THEM.

I BELIEVE THE PLAGUE MIGHT BE CARRIED BY THEIR BITE.

WHEN THE HOST DIES, THE BODY COOLS,

AND THE FLEAS LEAVE TO FIND A NEW VICTIM.

SO EVERY CORPSE IS A THREAT.

( speaking Arabic )

OVER HERE, QUICKLY!

YES, ALL OF THEM.

GREAT. NOW WE LOOK LIKE WOMEN.

- ( laughter ) - IT’S BETTER THAN DYING.

HE WON’T BE SATISFIED UNTIL WE’RE ALL DEAD.

Rob: BUT YOU HAVE ALL THESE VIRGINS WAITING FOR YOU.

- HOW MANY WAS IT AGAIN? - SOME SAY 99. SOME SAY 20.

- WHAT ABOUT YOURS? - NONE.

NONE? THEN WHAT’S THE POINT IN DYING?

TO WALK WITH GOD.

MASTER, LOOK.

GUST FLEA.

COMMONLY FOUND IN RATS.

GENTLEMEN!

WE MIX A STRONG POISON.

- YES, SIR. - YES, HAKIM.

( squeaking )

( both grunt )

( sighs ) PRAISED BE ALLAH.

110. THREE LESS THAN YESTERDAY.

THE RATE OF DEATH IS DECLINING.

( chattering )

YOU HEARD ME! GET TO WORK.

STOP LOAFING!

( coughing )

YOU LOOK BETTER.

DON’T THE OTHER PATIENTS COMPLAIN THAT YOU’RE NEGLECTING THEM?

I TREAT EVERY PATIENT EQUALLY.

SO DO YOU ALSO READ TO THEM FOR HOURS?

IF IT HELPS.

WILL YOU GRANT ME ONE MORE WISH, GENIE?

OR ARE THEY ALL GONE?

( grunts, breathing hard )

Rebecca: IT’S SO BEAUTIFUL.

YOU CAN EVEN SEE THE SNOW ON THE MOUNTAINS.

Rob: IT HELPS YOU FORGET EVERYTHING DOWN THERE.

WHAT SIN HAS ISFAHAN COMMITTED

THAT GOD MUST PUNISH IT SO?

I’M JUST THANKFUL HE SPARED YOU.

IN MY FEVER, I DREAMT THAT WE WERE MAN AND WIFE.

WE HAD CHILDREN.

FOUR.

AND DID WE ROAM AROUND IN A BARBER’S CART?

NO.

NO, WE LIVED IN A GREAT CITY...

WHERE YOU BUILT A MADRASSA.

ALL BY MYSELF?

I HELPED.

( running footsteps )

JESSE.

YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS.

( people shouting )

- ( music playing ) - ( chattering )

Man: BAR KAPPARA!

BAR KAPPARA, YOU’RE ALIVE!

( man #2 shouting )

( music playing )

( singing )

( laughing )

( gasps )

JESSE, DID YOU SEE THAT?

- ( both laugh ) - Man: HAKIM! HAKIM!

QUICK, QUICK! HURRY! THERE!

KARIM.

( gasps )

DON’T LOOK AT ME LIKE THAT.

( sighs )

WHERE I’M GOING,

THE RIVERS ARE MADE OF WINE...

AND THE WOMEN...

THE WOMEN ARE MORE BEAUTIFUL

THAN IN THE SHAH’S HAREM.

ONE MIGHT EVEN HAVE RED HAIR.

GOD GIVES US LIFE...

AND GOD TAKES IT BACK.

( inhales sharply )

WHY DOES HE ALWAYS TAKE MORE THAN HE GIVES?

( chalk clatters )

JUST LOOKING FOR REASONS NOT TO GO HOME.

JESSE, I WISH YOU A LONG AND HAPPY LIFE.

YOU DESERVE IT.

( breathing hard )

BLESSED ARE YOU, LORD,

SOVEREIGN OF THE UNIVERSE,

WHO HAS SANCTIFIED US WITH HIS COMMANDMENT...

...AND SAVED US FROM THE PLAGUE.

AMEN.

AMEN.

All: AMEN.

Bar Kappara: TO SURVIVAL.

IF THE WORLD WERE JUST...

I SHOULD BOW TO YOU.

BUT IT IS NOT. ( chuckles )

ARISE.

ARISE, HEROES OF ISFAHAN.

WE HAVE A CELEBRATION TO ATTEND.

- ( music playing ) - ( laughter, chatter )

WOULD YOU LIKE SOME WINE?

WHAT A SHAME.

( music continues, muffled )

Shah: WHY SO GLUM?

YOU HAVE SAVED US.

YOU SHOULD BE DRUNK ON OUR GRATITUDE.

FAILING THAT...

ON MY WINE.

SUN OF THE STATE.

ENJOY YOURSELF, ENGLISHMAN.

MY FATHER BELIEVED...

FEELINGS AND EMOTIONS...

WERE BENEATH A TRUE RULER.

WHEN I WAS A CHILD, TO DRIVE THEM FROM MY HEART,

HE WOULD TAKE ME TO WITNESS EXECUTIONS.

I WATCHED CONDEMNED MEN

BEG FOR THEIR LIVES.

I WATCHED THE SWARMS OF FLIES

FEASTING ON TWITCHING CORPSES.

BUT THEN, OVER TIME...

I BECAME USED TO THE SIGHT,

THE SMELL...

AND THE SCREAMS.

IN TIME, I FELT NOTHING.

MY FATHER HAD SUCCEEDED IN TURNING DEATH

INTO A SUBJECT FOR OBJECTIVE STUDY.

AND NOW I AM THE SHAH...

RULER OF ALL WE SEE.

A KING OF FEELING NOTHING.

WHAT WAS THE NAME OF YOUR HEROIC FRIEND?

KARIM.

I SHALL BE YOUR NEW FRIEND,

JESSE BEN BENJAMIN.

AND PERHAPS ONE DAY,

I SHALL MOURN YOUR PASSING.

Ibn Sina: WHEN ARISTOTLE CLAIMED

THAT THE WORLD HAD NO BEGINNING,

HE WAS NOT SAYING THERE WAS NO CREATOR.

NO. HE SIMPLY WISHED

TO ABSOLVE THE CREATOR

OF THE CHARGE OF EVER HAVING BEEN IDLE.

( students laughing )

- ( Ibn Sina laughs ) - ( chattering )

Ibn Sina: I MUST APOLOGIZE, JESSE.

- FOR WHAT? - FOR NOT ENGAGING YOU WITH ARISTOTLE.

WHEN THE PLAGUE CAME,

WE WERE AS HELPLESS

AS A BEACH IS TO THE ADVANCE OF THE SEA.

THE TIDE WASHED OVER US AND DRAGGED OUR PEOPLE AWAY,

AND WE COULD DO NOTHING TO STOP IT.

YOU ASK OF MEDICINE WHAT ONLY ALLAH CAN PERFORM...

OR YAHWEH.

DO YOU NEVER DOUBT YOUR CALLING?

EVERY MORNING AND EVERY EVENING.

IN BETWEEN, I WORK TOO HARD TO THINK ABOUT IT.

WE’VE JUST RECEIVED NEW PATIENTS.

I CAN OFFER YOU A BROKEN HIP, WORMS,

OR A TERMINAL CASE OF ACUTE SIDE SICKNESS.

GOOD DAY, SIR.

MY NAME IS JESSE BEN BENJAMIN,

AND WITH YOUR PERMISSION, I’D LIKE TO TREAT YOU TODAY.

( weakly ) CALL ME QUASIM.

CAN I GIVE YOU SOMETHING FOR THE PAIN, QUASIM?

- CAN I STILL TALK TO YOU THEN? - ( tapping )

NO, THE OPIUM DOES DULL THE SENSES.

THEN I MUST GRATEFULLY DECLINE

YOUR GENEROUS OFFER.

I MIGHT FALL OFF THE LADDER.

LADDER?

THE LADDER MY SOUL MUST ASCEND TO PARADISE.

IT IS VERY NARROW. IT IS EASY TO FALL OFF.

MAY I NEVERTHELESS EXAMINE YOU AND ASK YOU SOME QUESTIONS?

IT WILL SHORTEN THE TIME BEFORE I...

( scratching )

JESSE, YOU KNOW I AM DYING,

DON’T YOU, JESSE?

YES.

I DIDN’T WANT TO FRIGHTEN YOU.

WOULD YOU DO ME A FAVOR?

WHEN I AM GONE...

TAKE MY CORPSE TO THE TOWER

AND LEAVE IT FOR THE BIRDS.

YOU DON’T WANT TO BE BURIED OR CREMATED?

WE ZOROASTRIANS GIVE OUR BODIES

TO THE VULTURES.

THEY CLEANSE OUR SOULS

OF EARTHLY REMAINS.

WHAT ABOUT RESURRECTION?

MUSLIMS, JEWS...

CHRISTIANS

DOUBT THE IMMORTALITY OF THE SOUL

AND WANT TO TAKE THEIR BONES WITH THEM,

JUST IN CASE.

SO YOU CARE NOTHING FOR YOUR BODY?

WHY SHOULD GOD WORRY ABOUT THE HUSK...

WHEN HE CAN HARVEST...

THE FRUIT INSIDE?

( moaning )

JESSE.

JESSE.

( speaking Arabic )

THANK YOU.

I HOPE YOU FOUND YOUR PARADISE, MY FRIEND.

OH, MAY THE LORD HAVE MERCY ON ME.

( scalpel zings )

( clatters )

( squelches )

( breathing shakily )

( scratching )

( clatters )

- ( distant chattering ) - ( dogs barking )

IT’S BEEN A LONG TIME SINCE WE HAVE LAIN TOGETHER.

IT WILL HAVE TO WAIT A LITTLE WHILE LONGER.

WHY?

I HAVE MY IMPURITY.

MY HUSBAND WOULD DEFILE HIMSELF.

YOU STILL HAVE IT?

- I’M SORRY. - NO MATTER.

I WILL TELL THE SERVANT

TO PREPARE A BED FOR YOU IN ANOTHER ROOM.

THE LUNGS ARE A LARGE CIRCLE

IN WHICH THE HEART RESIDES

WITH THE STOMACH IN FRONT.

A TUBE RUNS FROM THE THROAT

TO BOTH THE LUNGS AND THE STOMACH.

- SO, GENTLEMEN, LUNGS. - Students: LUNGS.

- Ibn Sina: HEART. - Students: HEART.

- Ibn Sina: STOMACH. - Students: STOMACH.

- Ibn Sina: TUBE. - Students: TUBE.

Imam: FOR WHAT SIN DID ALLAH STRIKE US WITH THE PLAGUE?

WHY DID OUR WOMEN AND CHILDREN HAVE TO DIE?

( chattering )

AND I SAY UNTO YOU,

IT IS THE SINS COMMITTED EACH AND EVERY DAY

IN THE UNIVERSITY WHOSE GODLESS PHILOSOPHY CORRUPTS OUR CITY!

- ( clamoring ) - Imam: ALLAH WISHES

THAT WE FINALLY OPEN OUR EYES

AND LOOK THE ENEMY IN THE FACE.

HE GIVES US THE INSIGHT AND THE WISDOM.

HIS MERCY ALLOWS US TO RECOGNIZE

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR OUR MISERY!

- ALLAHU AKBAR! - ( clamoring continues )

ALLAHU AKBAR!

- ALLAHU AKBAR! - Men: ALLAHU AKBAR!

( chanting ) ALLAHU AKBAR! ALLAHU AKBAR!

ALLAHU AKBAR!

ALLAHU AKBAR! ALLAHU AKBAR!

( chanting continues )

( distant chanting )

( whispering )

MIRDIN.

- WHAT’S GOING ON? - WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL NIGHT?

WORKING IN THE LIBRARY.

THE WHOLE CITY IS UP IN ARMS.

THE MULLAHS HAVE TAKEN TO THE STREETS.

( chanting ) ALLAHU AKBAR! ALLAHU AKBAR!

YOU’RE ON THE WRONG SIDE, DAVOUT.

MAYBE.

ONE DAY, A GREAT QU’RAN SCHOOL

WILL ARISE WITHIN THE WALLS OF THIS GODLESS UNIVERSITY.

- AND ALLAH WILLING, I WILL BE ITS DEAN. - Man: GET BACK!

( distant whinny, shouting )

( speaking Arabic )

I BRING YOU THE WORD OF GOD,

FATHER OF ALL SELJUKS.

I GIVE YOU HIS SWORD, KEEPER OF THE FAITH.

Imam: THE FAITHFUL OF ISFAHAN NEED YOUR HELP.

YOU PROMISE ME A CITY IN CHAOS,

YEARNING FOR A STRONG RULER.

AS A MAN DYING OF THIRST YEARNS FOR WATER.

UNDER THE SHAH, THE CITY OF ISFAHAN

IS ADRIFT IN THE DESERT,

DECAYING FROM VICE AND APOSTASY.

BUT WHEN THE SELJUKS HAVE DRIVEN OUT

BOTH THE SHAH AND HIS JEWS,

WE CAN TETHER ISFAHAN TO OUR FAITH

AND REBUILD IT CLEAN.

- AND THE SELJUKS? - COULD CONQUER ALL PERSIA.

ISFAHAN IS YOUR FIRST STEP.

EXPECT MY ARMY IN 10 DAYS.

IT WOULD BE MY GREATEST HONOR.

( men crying out )

JESSE BEN BENJAMIN,

YOU ARE TO COME WITH US.

Shah: HE HAS ATTACKED AND KILLED COUNTLESS PEOPLE.

ALL THE VILLAGES AROUND HERE

HAVE BEEN DESERTED FOR FEAR OF IT.

FINALLY, MY BOREDOM ENDS.

THE BLOOD IS STILL WET.

- ( man speaking Arabic ) - ( lion roars )

( growling )

HE’S BEAUTIFUL.

YOU SHOULD CAPTURE HIM, MY LORD.

TAKE HIM BACK TO YOUR PALACE FOR COMPANY.

WHERE HE WILL GROW OLD AND FAT IN A GILDED CAGE?

NO, HE DESERVES A GLORIOUS DEATH.

- I SHAN’T DENY HIM. - MY LORD, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

- DO NOT WORRY, ENGLISHMAN. - ( lion snarls )

WE MAN-EATING BEASTS

HAVE THE GREATEST OF RESPECT FOR ONE ANOTHER.

( snarls )

DID ALLAH EVER CREATE

A MORE LONELY BEAST THAN YOU?

- ( arrows whooshing ) - ( lion grunting )

( man shouts )

( stringed instrument playing )

YOUR EYES ARE STILL OF THIS WORLD, JESSE BEN BENJAMIN.

THE OTHER WORLD IS SO MUCH BETTER.

ONLY THE ROAD OF EXCESS

CAN LEAD TO THE PALACE OF WISDOM.

- ( coughs ) - ( laughing )

- ( coughs ) - OH, YOU’RE IN PAIN.

I SHOULD EXAM...

OUR LORD IS THE VERY BLOSSOM OF HEALTH,

AND IF ANYTHING, ILLNESS FEARS HIM.

GO AHEAD. QUENCH YOUR DESIRE.

THEY’RE VERY BEAUTIFUL, SIRE, BUT...

BUT... ( chuckling )

THE FEMALE BODY

HOLDS NO ATTRACTION FOR YOU.

AM I RIGHT?

WE SHOULD GET BACK SOON.

ONLY THE SHAH MAY END AN AUDIENCE.

ARE YOU THE SHAH?

( sighs ) NO.

BORE ME AFTER ONLY ONE DAY.

( man speaks Arabic )

WOULD YOU PERMIT ME TO EXAMINE

- YOUR WIFE IN PRIVATE? - OF COURSE.

- ( bell jingles ) - ( chirping )

( breathes shakily )

( sniffles )

I’D LIKE TO CONGRATULATE YOUR HUSBAND.

THERE IS NO REASON TO, IS THERE?

YOU KNOW WHO TO CONGRATULATE.

YOUR HUSBAND WILL CAST YOU OUT.

I COULD NOT WISH FOR MORE.

- DON’T BE NAIVE. - ( both grunt )

HE WILL HAVE TO HAND YOU OVER TO THE ELDERS,

AND THEY WILL PASS JUDGMENT ON YOU,

AND WE BOTH KNOW WHAT THAT JUDGMENT WILL BE.

I WANT TO GO HOME.

THIS IS YOUR ONLY CHANCE.

YOU MUST LIE WITH YOUR HUSBAND TONIGHT.

( Rob sighs ) I’M BACK, MY OLD FRIEND.

LET’S WORK.

( clatters )

( footsteps approaching )

( clattering )

( footsteps departing )

( sighs )

REBECCA?

REBECCA?

- REBECCA? - ( chirping )

( people chattering )

( sniffles )

( breathes deeply )

Davout: I’VE ALWAYS KNOWN YOU WERE A FRAUD,

BUT NEVER IN MY WILDEST DREAMS

DID I SEE YOU AS A FRAUD AND NECROMANCER.

TAKE HIM.

- ( man speaking Arabic ) - ( crowd murmuring )

HEY, HEY.

JESSE!

REBECCA.

IT’S TIME FOR YOU TO TELL YOUR SECRETS TO YOUR HUSBAND.

YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO ARREST ME.

THE SHAH WILL PUNISH YOU FOR THIS.

THE SHAH’S TIME IS OVER.

NOW THERE’S ONLY GOD.

( distant shouting )

Bar Kappara: IT CANNOT BE GOD’S WILL TO KILL AN UNBORN.

IS THERE NO OTHER SOLUTION?

- CAN’T I JUST CAST HER OUT? - Man: THE CHILD IS NOT YOURS!

- ( crying ) - Bar Kappara: IT’S INNOCENT. IT’S AN INNOCENT CHILD.

Man: WHAT DO YOU CARE ABOUT AN ENGLISHMAN’S BASTARD?

- ( clamoring ) - Rob: MIRDIN!

REBECCA HAS BEEN FOUND GUILTY OF ADULTERY!

SHE WILL BE DEAD BY TOMORROW!

YOU PROMISED ME YOU’D BE A GOOD JEW.

YOU PROMISED THAT YOU’D STAY AWAY FROM HER!

BUT YOU DISHONORED HER, AND NOW SHE IS WITH CHILD!

( man shouts in Arabic )

- ( clamoring stops ) - ( whispering )

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE, JESSE?

MAY THE WITNESS DAVOUT HOSEIN ARISE?

THESE MEN HAVE TRESPASSED AGAINST ALLAH.

THEY HAVE DESECRATED AND DEFILED A CORPSE,

COMMITTING THE SIN OF NECROMANCY.

( angry murmuring )

WHAT PROOF DO YOU HAVE FOR YOUR ACCUSATION?

THEY RECORDED THEIR MISDEEDS.

DRAWINGS DEPICTING THE INSIDE OF A CORPSE...

( clamoring )

...WHICH HAKIM IBN SINA AND HIS JEWISH STUDENT

- CUT OPEN EXPRESSLY FOR THIS PURPOSE. - ( clamoring stops )

WHERE DID YOU GET THESE DRAWINGS?

IN IBN SINA’S HOUSE, WHICH I SEARCHED AFTER HIS ARREST.

YOU LIAR! I MADE THOSE DRAWINGS.

- YOU TOOK THEM FROM ME-- - ( crowd muttering )

ARE YOU CERTAIN THEY ARE NOT THE RESULT

OF A DERANGED IMAGINATION

OR AN OPIUM HALLUCINATION?

- SEE FOR YOURSELF. - ( gate opens )

- ( crowd muttering ) - UGH.

Davout: THIS IS THE FACE OF THE GODLESS MADRASSA.

THIS IS THE FACE OF THE GODLESS JEWS WHO STUDY THERE.

THIS IS THE FACE OF THEIR GODLESS TEACHER!

NO.

I ALONE DISSECTED THAT BODY.

Davout: YOU COULD NOT HAVE UNDERTAKEN

SUCH ACTIVITIES WITHOUT HIS PERMISSION.

WHETHER OR NOT IBN SINA HELD THE KNIFE OR THE PEN...

IBN SINA WAS INVOLVED.

THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE VERDICT

FOR SUCH A HEINOUS CRIME.

- THE COURT SENTENCES BOTH OF THEM TO DEATH. - ( shouting in Arabic )

NO! YOU’RE MAKING A TERRIBLE MISTAKE!

THIS IS THE MOST ENLIGHTENED MAN OF OUR TIME!

THIS IS WHAT BECOMES OF LETTING JEWS IN OUR CITY!

THEY POISON THE SPIRIT!

( clamoring )

I AM NO JEW! I AM NO JEW!

- I AM NO JEW! - SHH!

I AM NO JEW!

WHAT DID YOU SAY?

I AM NO JEW!

THE JEWISH COMMUNITY DOES NOT DESERVE YOUR WRATH.

MY NAME IS NOT JESSE BEN BENJAMIN.

( chattering )

IT’S ROB COLE.

I’M A CHRISTIAN.

BAPTIZED IN AN ENGLISH CHURCH...

IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER,

THE SON...

AND THE HOLY GHOST.

( Davout claps slowly )

A FINE PERFORMANCE.

IT’S TRUE.

SHALL WE SEE?

LOOKS LIKE A JEW TO ME.

( laughter, chattering )

ENOUGH OF THIS FARCE.

TAKE THEM AWAY.

- ( distant bang ) - ( chattering )

FORGIVE ME.

Ibn Sina: HOW CAN YOU EXPECT ME TO FORGIVE YOU,

MY GREATEST STUDENT, TO WHOM GOD GAVE

SUCH TALENTS AND A UNIQUE GIFT?

( sniffles )

YOU OWED IT...

TO THE SCIENCE OF HEALING...

TO GROW OLD AND GRAY, ROB COLE.

IT WAS YOUR DUTY TO LIVE LONG AND HEAL MANY,

BUT YOU WERE RECKLESS...

AND NOW YOU WILL DIE FOR IT.

( breathes deeply )

( sniffles )

( sighs )

WHAT IS IT LIKE?

INSIDE?

( sighs )

IT’S BOTH...

BEAUTIFUL...

AND FRIGHTENING.

GO ON.

- I SAW THE HEART. - DESCRIBE IT.

IT HAS TWO CHAMBERS

WITH AN IMPASSABLE WALL IN BETWEEN.

SO HOW DOES THE BLOOD GET FROM ONE SIDE TO THE OTHER?

- BY WAY OF THE LUNGS, I THINK. - SO ALL OUR THEORIES

ABOUT HUMAN CIRCULATION WOULD BE... WRONG.

( laughs )

MASTER...

NOTHING IS AS IT IS IN THE BOOKS.

- NOTHING. - CONTINUE.

DON’T SKIP A SINGLE DETAIL.

...WHICH SEEMINGLY HAD BECOME INFECTED LIKE A--

LIKE A TOE OR SOMETHING, ONLY IT WAS INSIDE,

AND I BELIEVE THAT’S WHAT KILLED HIM.

( grunts )

YOU SENT FOR ME.

A TRIAL DETAINED ME.

( breathing heavily ) I HEARD.

FIRST PREACHER...

NOW JUDGE.

WHAT’S YOUR NEXT STEP?

I SERVE ALLAH WHEREVER HE SENDS ME.

( chuckles )

SO MUCH PRIDE

IN SUCH A HUMBLE SERVANT.

I SHOULD LAY YOUR HEAD IN FRONT OF YOUR FEET!

BUT I... DO NOT GRANT YOU

THE FAME OF A MARTYR.

DID YOU BRING ME HERE TO TELL ME EVERYTHING

YOU DON’T WANT TO DO BECAUSE OF YOUR FEAR?

SET IBN SINA FREE...

IMMEDIATELY.

RESCINDING ALLAH’S JUDGMENT

WOULD BE A BLASPHEMY.

IT WOULD REQUIRE SOMEONE

WITH GREATER COURAGE THAN I POSSESS.

SOMEONE WITH NO FEAR OF THE WRATH OF GOD...

OR THE SELJUK ARMY THAT ARRIVES IN FRONT OF THE CITY WALLS

AS WE SPEAK TO FREE US FROM TYRANNY.

( men speaking Arabic )

CLEAR THE GATES! EVERYONE INSIDE!

- SELJUKS! SELJUKS! - ( crowd shouting )

- ( distant rumbling ) - ( shouts )

( horses whinnying )

( distant shouting )

THANK YOU, MASTER...

FOR ALL THAT YOU HAVE TAUGHT ME.

THANK YOU...

ROB COLE, FOR ALL THAT YOU HAVE LEARNED.

- ( arrows whooshing ) - ( screaming )

( clamoring )

COME WITH ME.

( breathing hard )

THE HAKIMS...

HAVE REACHED A CONSENSUS.

I HAVE SIDE SICKNESS...

AND SHALL NOT LIVE TO ANOTHER SUNRISE.

ONLY YOU...

HAVE SEEN THE CAUSE OF THIS ILLNESS

WITH YOUR OWN EYES.

YOU WILL CUT ME OPEN... AND REMOVE IT.

- IMPOSSIBLE. - YOU’VE DONE IT BEFORE.

ON A DEAD MAN, SUN OF THE STATE.

IF THE SUN OF THE STATE...

SETS TONIGHT,

THE ARMY WILL SURRENDER TO THE SELJUKS

AND THE MULLAHS WILL WIPE OUT EVERYONE

WHO STANDS IN THEIR WAY,

ESPECIALLY THE JEWS.

OR DOES A CHRISTIAN CARE NOTHING

FOR THE FATE OF JEWS?

BUT YOU MUST HELP ME FIRST.

( men chattering )

NO.

( whimpers )

( guards shouting )

- STOP THIS! - ( crowd murmuring )

THIS WOMAN IS UNDER THE PERSONAL PROTECTION OF THE SHAH!

RELEASE HER IMMEDIATELY. WHICH ONE OF YOU IS MIRDIN ASKARI?

RIGHT HERE.

MIRDIN, WHERE’S REBECCA?

SHE’S WITH MY MOTHER.

- WE NEED YOUR HELP. - I CANNOT THINK OF A REASON

TO HELP A LIAR AND A TRAITOR LIKE YOU.

THE SHAH HAS SIDE SICKNESS.

THEN YOU DON’T NEED MY HELP OR ANYONE ELSE’S,

BECAUSE HE’S GOING TO DIE.

MASTER.

WE’RE GOING TO CUT THE SHAH OPEN

AND REMOVE THE SICKNESS.

- ARE YOU MAD? - Ibn Sina: YES.

I THINK WE’VE ALL GONE A LITTLE MAD. YOU’RE NEXT.

( breathing heavily )

SEND YOUR MEN AWAY NOW.

SOMEONE...

HAS TO PUNISH YOU...

IF YOU FAIL.

YOU WOULDN’T WANT TO OUTLIVE YOUR BELOVED SHAH.

- Ibn Sina: LIKE THAT. - Rob: MM-HMM. I SEE.

THE ENGLISHMAN.

TONIGHT, YOU ARE THE SHAH

AND I AM YOUR SUBJECT.

( sighs )

WE DON’T HAVE MUCH TIME.

( shouting )

( banging )

WE WILL TAKE OUR MEN AND ALL OUR SOLDIERS

AND PLACE THEM ON THAT RIDGE TO GO AND WAIT...

HERE.

IT IS THE SINS OF THE JEWS,

WHO TAKE EVERY ADVANTAGE WHILE THEY SHELTER

UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THAT MAN

WHO PERMITS ALL OTHER SINS.

OUR FRIENDS, THE SELJUKS, THEY NEED OUR HELP NOW.

AS THEY TRY TO BREAK DOWN THE WALLS OF OUR PRISON FROM THE OUTSIDE,

WE NEED TO CLEAN IT WITH FIRE FROM THE INSIDE!

MAY HASHEM BE WITH US

IN TIME OF DISTRESS...

AND DANGER.

AS OUR ENEMIES RISE AGAINST US...

LEND OUR CONGREGATION STRENGTH, LORD...

AND HELP YOUR CHILDREN

TO STAND TOGETHER AS ONE.

HASHEM YAHSU!

Men: HASHEM YAHSU!

- Rabbi: HASHEM YAHSU! - Men: HASHEM YAHSU!

NOW...

WE CAN THROW STONES AT THE RIGHT PEOPLE.

Rob: MASTER, HAND ME THE SCALPEL.

( murmuring )

( heart beating )

( breathing heavily )

HOLD THE WOUND OPEN.

( metal clinking )

CAN YOU SEE IT?

THERE’S TOO MUCH BLOOD.

HOW’S THE HEART?

Mirdin: STRONG ENOUGH.

( groaning )

- ( yells ) - MIRDIN, PUT HIM OUT.

- ( yells ) - ( shushing )

WAIT. I THINK...

( gasps )

MASTER, I NEED THE SCALPEL.

JUST... HOLD IT.

- ( grunts ) - ( murmuring )

( breathing excitedly )

- ( clamoring ) - ALLAHU AKBAR!

- ALLAHU AKBAR! - ( shouting )

- ( people screaming ) - Man: HURRY, EVERYONE!

THEY ARE BEHIND US! QUICK, GET INSIDE!

INSIDE!

( chattering )

INSIDE! GO INSIDE!

- EVERYONE GET INSIDE! - ( grunting )

COME ONE, EVERYONE, GET INSIDE NOW!

BURN THEM LIKE RATS! SMOKE THEM OUT!

- ( baby crying ) - ALLAHU AKBAR!

WE SHOULD BANDAGE HIM NOW.

MY LORD, IF YOU STAND ANY CHANCE OF SURVIVING, YOU MUST REST.

THE HOUR OF MY DEMISE...

IS ALREADY WRITTEN.

THANKS TO YOU...

THE ANGEL OF DEATH...

WILL NOT FIND ME IN BED

LIKE A SIMPERING OLD MAN,

BUT ON THE BATTLEFIELD,

LIKE A KING.

YOU GAVE ME A GIFT.

NOW I GIVE ONE TO YOU.

LEAD YOUR PEOPLE TO THE EAST GATE.

MY GUARDS WILL ESCORT YOU.

FROM THERE THE PATH IS CLEAR TO THE MOUNTAINS.

WHAT WILL YOU REMEMBER ME AS, ENGLISHMAN?

FRIEND OR TYRANT?

BOTH.

( wood creaking )

- ( screaming ) - Man: SHH!

( men shouting in Arabic )

- HYAH! - ( horse neighs )

( soldiers shouting )

- THE SHAH! - THE SHAH!

THE SHAH!

- THE SHAH! - THE SHAH!

( grunting, shouting )

HURRY, THE MULLAHS ARE GONE.

- THE WAY OUT IS SAFE NOW. - Rob: THIS WAY.

- ( coughing ) - Mirdin: COME, WE MUST MOVE.

QUICKLY. QUICKLY.

- ( coughing ) - ( chattering )

THIS IS EVERYTHING, MASTER. WHAT SHALL WE DO NOW?

TO THE EAST GATE. DON’T STOP.

DON’T STOP UNTIL THE CITY IS BUT A PINPRICK BEHIND YOU.

GO TO THE EAST GATE!

PERFECT ONE?

LET US WRITE SOME LINES IN A POEM.

LET US CONQUER A PLACE IN A PAINTING.

( men shouting )

- WHERE’S IBN SINA? - I SAW HIM AT THE MADRASSA.

- ( shouting ) - ALLAHU AKBAR!

ALLAHU AKBAR!

( shouting )

IBN SINA?

IN MY DREAMS...

I HAD HOPED THAT STUDENTS

WOULD STILL STUDY HERE IN A THOUSAND YEARS...

( emotionally ) AND... HONOR MY MEMORY.

SUCH VANITY DESERVES TO GO UP IN FLAMES.

ANOTHER RULER WILL BUILD YOU A UNIVERSITY.

I AM TOO OLD TO SCRAPE AND BOW.

( clatters )

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?

( heart beating )

( heartbeat slowing )

CALL IT...

YOUR FINAL EXAM, ROB COLE...

BECAUSE THERE’S NOTHING TO BE AFRAID OF.

DEATH IS MERELY A THRESHOLD...

WE MUST ALL CROSS...

INTO THE SILENCE AFTER THE FINAL HEARTBEAT,

DRIFTING AWAY...

WITH OUR FINAL EXHALATION

INTO ETERNAL PEACE.

CORRECT MY MISTAKES,

ADD YOUR DIAGRAMS

AND SHOW THE WORLD WHAT WE’VE LEARNED IN THIS PLACE.

HAKIM...

ROBERT COLE.

MASTER.

NOW DO AS I SAY FOR ONCE...

AND LEAVE.

( birds squawking )

( horses snort )

( men shouting )

( clanks )

( horses neighing )

( fire crackling )

( people chattering )

CAN YOU TAKE US HOME NOW?

WHERE TO?

WHEREVER.

OUR HOME IS WITH YOU NOW.

Rob: I ALREADY MISS HIM.

Rebecca: NO. NO ONE IS DEAD...

AS LONG AS WE REMEMBER THEM.

HIS SPIRIT WILL LIVE ON.

BUT IT IS IN YOUR HANDS TO KEEP IT ALIVE.

HOW CAN I DO THAT?

BE A GREAT PHYSICIAN.

Barber: THOSE TWO EYES HAVE SEEN EVERYTHING

THE GOOD LORD PUT ON THIS EARTH FOR US TO SEE

AND SOME TERRIFYING THINGS

NO MAN WAS MEANT TO WITNESS IN HIS LIFE.

BUT NOWHERE HAVE I SEEN

MORE BEAUTIFUL GIRLS THAN HERE IN--

IN BEAUTIFUL LONDON.

SO ROLL UP!

LISTEN UP AND SHUT UP!

( sighs )

( distant shouting )

WHAT’S WRONG?

NOBODY’S SICK IN THIS DUMP ANYMORE?

ALL THE SICK ARE AT THE HOSPITAL.

- THE WHAT? - THE HOSPITAL...

BUILT BY THE PHYSICIAN FROM THE ORIENT.

WHAT PHYSICIAN FROM THE ORIENT?

PHYSICIAN COLE!

COLE?

HIM, HIS WIFE AND A BUNCH OF JEWS.

THEY CAN CURE ANYTHING.

( dramatic music playing )

- THE RAT! - ( coins clinking )

HERE. LEAD THE WAY.

TELL ME ABOUT IT.

I WENT FOR A FEVER.

YOU GET A SOFT BED TO LIE IN,

HOT MEALS AND MAGIC MEDICINE.

AND SOMEONE’S PLAYING MUSIC.

AND THEN WHAT?

PHYSICIAN COLE COMES TO SEE YOU EVERY EVENING,

AND IF YOU ASK, HE JUGGLES FOR YOU

AND TELLS YOU AMAZING STORIES

WITH LIONS AND HORSES WITH BIG HUMPS ON THEIR BACKS

AND FALCONS THAT CAN BREAK A MAN’S SKULL WITH ITS BEAK.

Barber: NOW THIS WIFE OF HIS, WHAT’S SHE LIKE?

- Boy: DELICIOUS. - Barber: WHAT DO YOU KNOW? WHAT ARE YOU NINE?

BLOODY CHEEK! I’M 10.

( music continues )

( distant shouting )

( dramatic music playing )

( music continues )

( man singing in Arabic )

( classical score playing )

( music continues )