The Dramatic Works of G. E. Lessing Part 92

SITTAH.

Well, well! I see that I to-day Shall win my thousand dinars and no more.

SALADIN.

Why so?

SITTAH.

Why so? Because designedly You lose the game! You vex me, Saladin!

I find no pleasure in a game like this.

And even when I lose, I come off well; For, to console me for the games you win, You force me to accept a double stake.

SALADIN.

In that case, then, it may be by design That you have sometimes lost. Is that the truth?

SITTAH.

At least your generosity's to blame That I improve so little in my play.

SALADIN.

But we forget the game; come, finish it.

SITTAH.

Well, 'tis my move; now, check to king and queen!

SALADIN.

Indeed! I did not see the double check.

I lose my queen.

SITTAH.

Let's see! Can it be helped?

SALADIN.

No, take the queen--I have no luck with her.

SITTAH.

Only with her?

SALADIN.

Remove her from the board, I shall not miss her. Now I am right again.

SITTAH.

I know from lessons which yourself have taught How courteously we should behave to queens.

(_Offering to restore the piece_.)

SALADIN.

Take her or not, I shall not move her more.

SITTAH.

Why need I take her? Check, and check!

SALADIN.

Go on.

SITTAH.

Check, check, and check again!

SALADIN.

'Tis checkmate now.

SITTAH.

Hold!--no, not yet. You may advance the knight, And ward the danger. But 'twill be the same.

SALADIN.

You are the winner, and Al-Hafi pays.

Let him be called, Sittah! You were not wrong.

My thoughts were wandering--were not in the game, But who gives us so oft these shapeless bits Of wood? which speak of naught--suggest no thought.

Was it with Iman that I've played--Well, well, Ill-luck is ever wont to seek excuse.

Not the unmeaning squares or shapeless men Have made me heedless; your dexterity, Your calm, sharp eye, dear Sittah!

SITTAH.

What of that?

Is that to blunt the sting of your defeat?

Enough--your thoughts were wandering more than mine.

SALADIN.

Than yours? What subject could engage your thoughts?

SITTAH.

Far different cares than those which trouble you.

But, Saladin, say, when shall we again Resume this pleasant pastime?