The Dramatic Works of G. E. Lessing Part 128

(Let me have them, then!)

SALADIN.

What are you waiting for? Go.

1ST MAMELUKE.

Nothing more For my good news?

 

SALADIN.

What further?

1ST MAMELUKE.

Messengers Of good are paid. Am I to be the first Whom Saladin has learnt to pay with words?

The first to whom he proves ungenerous?

SALADIN.

Go, take a purse.

1ST MAMELUKE.

No, no--not now. Not if You'd give them all to me.

SALADIN.

All? Hold, young man!

Come hither. Take these purses--take these two.

What, going? And shall I be conquered thus In generosity? for surely 'tis More difficult for this man to refuse Than for the Sultan to bestow. Then, here Here, Ibrahim! Shall I be tempted, just Before my death, to be a different man?

Shall Saladin not die like Saladin?

Then wherefore has he lived like Saladin?

(_Enter a second Mameluke_.)

2ND MAMELUKE.

Hail, Sultan!

SALADIN.

If you come and bring the news----

2ND MAMELUKE.

That the Egyptian convoy is arrived.

SALADIN.

I know it.

2ND MAMELUKE.

Then I come too late.

SALADIN.

Too late?

Wherefore too late? There, for your tidings take A purse or two.

2ND MAMELUKE.

Say three.

SALADIN.

You reckon well; But take them.

2ND MAMELUKE.

A third messenger will come Ere long, if he be able.

SALADIN.

Wherefore so?

2ND MAMELUKE.

He may perhaps, ere this, have brok'n his neck.

We three, when we had heard of the approach Of the rich caravan, mounted our steeds, And galloped hitherward. The foremost fell, Then I was first, and I continued so Into the town; but that sly fellow there, Who knew the streets----

SALADIN.

But where is he who fell?

Go seek him out.

2ND MAMELUKE.

That I will quickly do, And if he lives, one half of this is his. (_Exit_.)

SALADIN.

Oh, what a n.o.ble fellow! who can boast Such Mamelukes as these? And may I not, Without conceit, imagine that my life Has helped to make them so? Avaunt the thought!

That I should ever teach them otherwise.

3RD MAMELUKE.

Sultan!

SALADIN.