Part 97 (1/2)

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.