The Dramatic Works of G. E. Lessing Part 103

AL-HAFI.

Then it is so.

NATHAN.

What's so?

AL-HAFI.

That----I'm not guilty, G.o.d knows, I'm not to blame; 'tis not my fault.

I've done my best--belied, and slandered you-- To save you from it.

NATHAN.

Save me? and from what?

Be plain.

AL-HAFI.

From being made his Defterdar.

I pity you--I cannot stay to see it.

I fly this hour--you know the road I take.

Speak, then, if I can serve you; but your wants Must suit a wretch that's wholly dest.i.tute.

Quick, what's your pleasure?

NATHAN.

Recollect yourself-- Your words are mystery. I know of nothing.

What do you mean?

AL-HAFI.

You'll take your money--bags?

NATHAN.

My money--bags!

AL-HAFI.

Ay, bring your treasures forth-- The treasures you must shower on Saladin.

NATHAN.

And is that all?

AL-HAFI.

Ah! shall I witness it, How, day by day, he'll scoop and pare you down, Till nothing but a hollow, empty sh.e.l.l, A husk as light as film, is left behind.

Nathan, you've yet to learn how spendthrift waste From prudent bounty's never empty stores Borrows and borrows, till there's not a crumb Left to keep rats from starving. Do not think That he who wants your gold will heed advice.

When has the Sultan listened to advice?

Hear what befel me with him.

NATHAN.

Well--go on.

AL-HAFI.

He played just now at chess with Sittah. She Is a keen player. I drew near and watched.

The game which Saladin supposed was lost, Stood yet upon the board. He had given in, I marked, and cried, "The game's not lost at all!"

NATHAN.

Oh! what a grand discovery for you.

AL-HAFI.

He needed only to remove his king Behind the castle--and the check was saved.

Could I but show you----

NATHAN.

I believe it all!

AL-HAFI.

Then with the castle free, he must have won.

I saw it, and I called him to the board.

What do you think he did?

NATHAN.

He doubted you.

AL-HAFI.

Not only that--he would not hear a word-- And with contempt he overthrew the board.

NATHAN.

Indeed!

AL-HAFI.

He said he chose it--would be mate.

Is that to play the game?

NATHAN.