The Dramatic Works of G. E. Lessing Part 127

No matter, fetch it. What, if from this book I can find means to keep this precious girl, And win, to boot, a son-in-law like him!

I hardly hope--fate must decide. But who Has told the Patriarch this? I must not fail To ascertain. It surely was not Daja?

Scene VIII.

Daja _and_ Nathan.

DAJA (_rus.h.i.+ng in in agitation_).

Only think, Nathan!

NATHAN.

What?

DAJA.

Well--only think: The child was frightened when the message came!

NATHAN.

From whom? The Patriarch?

DAJA.

The Sultan's sister, The Princess Sittah--

NATHAN.

Not the Patriarch?

DAJA.

No, Sittah. Can't you hear? The Princess sends, And wishes Recha to be brought to her.

NATHAN.

Wishes for Recha! Sittah wishes thus?

'Tis Sittah, then--and not the Patriarch?

DAJA.

Why do you speak of him?

NATHAN.

Have you not heard Some tidings of him lately? Have you seen Nothing of him, and whispered nothing to him?

DAJA.

How could I so?

NATHAN.

Where are the messengers?

DAJA.

They stand without.

NATHAN.

I'll speak to them myself-- 'Tis prudent; I shall see if nothing lurks Behind this message, from the Patriarch. (_Exit_.)

DAJA.

Well, I have other fears. The only child, As they suppose, of such a wealthy Jew, Would for a Mussulman be no bad thing.

I'll wager that the Templar loses her, Unless I risk a second step, and state Plainly to Recha who she is. So, courage!

And to do this I must at once employ The first brief moments when we are alone.

Chance serves: she waits for me, and on the way An earnest hint will never prove amiss.

So now or never. All will soon be well. (_Follows Nathan_.)

ACT V.

Scene I.--_The room in_ Saladin's _Palace. The treasure still piled up_.

(Saladin, _and several Mamelukes_.)

SALADIN (_as he enters_).

There lies the gold--and no one yet has seen The Dervise. He will probably be found Over the chess-board. Play can often make A man forget himself. Then why not me?

But patience. What's the matter?

1ST MAMELUKE.

Oh, good news!

Joy, Sultan! joy. The Cairo caravan Is safe arrived, and from the Nile it brings The seven years' tribute.

SALADIN.

Bravo, Ibrahim!

You always were a welcome messenger, And now at length--accept my heartfelt thanks For the good tidings.

1ST MAMELUKE (_waiting_).