Nathan the Wise Part 47

DAYA (anxiously breaks in).

Nathan!

NATHAN.

Well!

DAYA.

Only think, she was quite frightened at it, Poor child, a message -

NATHAN.

From the patriarch?

DAYA.

No - The sultan's sister, princess Sittah, sends.

NATHAN.

And not the patriarch?

DAYA.

Can't you hear? The princess Has sent to see your Recha.

NATHAN.

Sent for Recha Has Sittah sent for Recha? Well, if Sittah, And not the patriarch, sends.

DAYA.

Why think of him?

NATHAN.

Have you heard nothing from him lately--really Seen nothing of him--whispered nothing to him?

DAYA.

How, I to him?

NATHAN.

Where are the messengers?

DAYA.

There, just before you.

NATHAN.

I will talk with them Out of precaution. If there's nothing lurking Beneath this message of the patriarch's doing--[Goes.

DAYA.

And I--I've other fears. The only daughter, As they suppose, of such a rich, rich Jew, Would for a Mussulman be no bad thing; I bet the templar will be choused, unless I risk the second step, and to herself Discover who she is. Let me for this Employ the first short moments we're alone; And that will be--oh, as I am going with her.

A serious hint upon the road I think Can't be amiss--yes, now or never--yes.

ACT V.

SCENE.--A Room in the Palace; the Purses still in a pile.

SALADIN, and, soon after, several MAMALUKES.

SALADIN (as he comes in).

Here lies the money still, and no one finds The dervis yet--he's probably got somewhere Over a chess-board. Play would often make The man forget himself, and why not, me.

Patience--Ha! what's the matter.

SALADIN and IBRAHIM.

IBRAHIM.

Happy news - Joy, sultan, joy, the caravan from Cairo Is safe arrived and brings the seven years' tribute Of the rich Nile.

SALADIN.

Bravo, my Ibrahim, Thou always wast a welcome messenger, And now at length--at length--accept my thanks For the good tidings.

IBRAHIM (waiting).

Hither with them, sultan.

SALADIN.

What art thou waiting for? Go.

IBRAHIM.

Nothing further For my glad news?

SALADIN.