Part 96 (2/2)

What could I mean

When I said so?

SITTAH.

The least of good things--wealth.

The greatest--wisdom!

AL-HAFI.

How! and of a Jew Did I say that?

SITTAH.

Ay, that you did--of Nathan.

AL-HAFI.

Oh, true! of Nathan--yes! He did not now Occur to me. But he's returned at last, Then do not doubt that he's well off. He's called The Wise, the Rich, by all the Jewish folk.

SITTAH.

Now more than ever is he named the Rich.

The town resounds with news of costly stuffs And priceless treasures he has brought with him.

AL-HAFI.

Is he the Rich once more? Then, do not fear, He'll be the Wise again.

SITTAH.

What think you? Will You visit him, Al-Hafi?

AL-HAFI.

What, to borrow?

You know him, surely! Think you he will lend?

His very wisdom lies in this--that he Will lend to no one.

SITTAH.

Formerly you gave A picture very different of him.

AL-HAFI.

In case of need he'll lend you merchandise; But money--money--never! He's a Jew, Who has not many equals 'mongst his tribe.

He's wise, knows how to live, can play at chess; Excels in evil, too, as well as good.

Rely not on him. To the poor, indeed, He vies with Saladin himself in gifts; And if not quite so much, he gives as freely, To Jew, and Christian, and Mahometan-- To all alike.

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