Part 23 (1/2)

Enough, my pretty slave.

I will believe. Go! Tell her: it is easy To give the contest up. And she would win Fairer renown by softening her heart, And giving of her own free will the hand He longs for to the man who loves her true.

Is this the message, haply, that you bring?

ZELIMA.

No, Prince. My message runs not so. We ask Consideration for our weaknesses.

The Princess begs you for a favour. Spare Her vanity. Help her to say those names In the Divan to-morrow. Then she herself Will from her throne descend, and reach to you Her right hand. You it costs so little. Say The names, and in this manner win her heart.

CALAF (_with a smile_).

H'm! Pretty slave, where is the speech's end?

ZELIMA.

What speech's end, your Highness?

CALAF.

”Let the earth Swallow me if I lie in this.”

ZELIMA.

You doubt it?

CALAF.

I do a little doubt it--just so much That I refuse to do what you desire.

Go, tell your mistress, if I hide the names It is because a lover must be cautious-- I do not hide them with intent to pain her.

ZELIMA (_violently_).

Fool, fool! you little know what this will cost you!

CALAF.

And if it cost my life!

ZELIMA.

You soon will see.

Good-night.

(_Aside._)