The Dramatic Works of G. E. Lessing Part 95

No, not I.

I'll act this farce no more. He must know soon.

SALADIN.

Who? what?

SITTAH.

Al-Hafi! say, is this your promise?

Is't thus you keep your word?

AL-HAFI.

Could I foresee That it would come to this?

SALADIN.

Well, tell me all.

SITTAH.

Al-Hafi! I implore you, be discreet.

SALADIN.

'Tis very strange; and what can Sittah have So earnestly to sue for, from a stranger-- A Dervise--rather than from me, her brother?

Al-Hafi, I command you. Dervise, speak.

SITTAH.

Let not a trifle touch my brother nearer Than is becoming, for you know that I Have often won as much from you at chess.

But as I stand in little need of gold, I've left the money in Al-Hafi's chest, Which is not over full; but never fear, It is not my intention to bestow My wealth on either of you.

AL-HAFI.

Were this all!

SITTAH.

Some more such trifles are perhaps unclaimed: My own allowance, which you set apart Has lain some months untouched.

AL-HAFI.

Nor is this all.

SALADIN.

Then tell the whole.

AL-HAFI.

Whilst we've been waiting for The gold from Egypt, she----

SITTAH.

Nay, hear him not.

AL-HAFI.

Not only has had nothing,----

SALADIN.

Dearest sister I-- But also has been lending it to you?

AL-HAFI.

Ay! at her sole expense maintained your state.

SALADIN (_embracing her_).

So like my sister!

SITTAH.

Who but you, my brother, Could make me rich enough to have the power?

AL-HAFI.

And soon he'll make her once again as poor As he is now.

SALADIN.

I poor! her brother poor!

When had I more--when had I less than now?

A cloak, a horse, a sabre, and my G.o.d!

What need I else? and these ne'er can I lack.

And yet, Al-Hafi, I could scold you now.

SITTAH.

Nay, brother, do not scold. I would that I Could thus also relieve our father's cares!

SALADIN.

Ah! now my joy has vanished all at once.

We can want nothing; but he's dest.i.tute.

And whilst he wants, we all are poor indeed.

What shall I do? From Egypt we can hope For nothing--though G.o.d only knows the cause.

'Tis general peace around, and as for me, I could live sparingly, reduce, retrench, If none else suffered; but 'twould not avail.