The Dramatic Works of G. E. Lessing Part 97

SITTAH.

And such a man as this----

SALADIN.

How comes it, then, I never heard of him?

SITTAH.

Can he refuse to lend to Saladin, Who wants for others--never for himself.

AL-HAFI.

Ay, there peeps out the Jew--the vulgar Jew: Believe me, he is jealous, envious Of generosity. It seems as though To earn G.o.d's favour were his special mission.

And that he may possess wherewith to give, He never lends. The law he serves, commands That he show mercy, but not complaisance.

Thus him has mercy made the rudest churl In all the world. 'Tis true I have not been This long time past on friendly terms with him, But do not think that I would do him wrong, He's good in all things else, but not in that; Therefore I'll go and knock at other doors.

I recollect this instant an old Moor, Who's rich and covetous: I'll go to him. (_Exit_.)

SITTAH.

Why in such haste, Al-Hafi?

SALADIN.

Let him go.

Scene III.

Sittah, Saladin.

SITTAH.

He speeds away, as though he would escape.

Why so? Is he indeed himself deceived, Or would he now mislead me?

SALADIN.

Can I guess?

I scarcely know the man of whom you speak, And, for the first time, hear to-day of him.

SITTAH.

Can it be possible you know him not Who, it is said, has visited the Of Solomon and David; knows the spell To ope their marble lids, and thence obtain The boundless stores that claim no lesser source.

SALADIN.

Were this man's wealth by miracle procured, 'Tis not at Solomon's or David's tomb That it is found. Mere mortal fools lie there.

SITTAH.

Or knaves!--But still his source of opulence Is more productive, more exhaustless than A cave of Mammon.

SALADIN.

For he trades, I'm told.

SITTAH.

His caravans through every desert toil, His laden camels throng the public roads, His s.h.i.+ps in every harbour furl their sails.

Al-Hafi long ago has told me this, Adding, with pride, how Nathan gives away, What he esteems it n.o.ble to have earned By patient industry, for others' wants; How free from bias is his lofty soul, His heart to every virtue how unlocked, To every lovely feeling how allied!

SALADIN.

And yet Al-Hafi spoke with coldness of him.

SITTAH.

Not coldness, but unwillingness, as if He deemed it dangerous to praise too much, Yet knew not how to blame without a cause.

Or can it be, in truth, that e'en the best Amongst a tribe can never quite escape The foibles of their race, and that, in fact, Al-Hafi has in this to blush for Nathan?

But come what may, let him be Jew or not, If he be rich, that is enough for me.

SALADIN.

You would not, sister, take his--wealth by force?

SITTAH.

By force? What mean you? Fire and sword? Oh, no!

What force is necessary with the weak But their own weakness? Come awhile with me, Into my harem. I have bought a songstress You have not heard--she came but yesterday.

Meanwhile I'll think upon a subtle plan For this same Nathan. Follow, Saladin!

Scene IV.

_The Place of Palms, near_ Nathan's _house, from which_ Recha _and_ Nathan _are coming_; Daja, _meeting them_.

RECHA.

Dear father! you have been so slow, that you Will scarcely meet him now.

NATHAN.

Well, well, my child; If not beneath the palms, be sure that we Shall meet him somewhere else. Be satisfied.

Is not that Daja whom I see approaching?

RECHA.