Part 104 (1/2)

Most surely not.

'Twas rather playing with the game.

AL-HAFI.

And yet The stakes were high.

NATHAN.

A trifle to the Sultan!

Money is nought to him. It is not that Which galls, but not to hear Al-Hafi out-- Not to admire his comprehensive glance, His eagle eye--'tis that demands revenge.

Say, am I right?

AL-HAFI.

I only tell this tale That you may know how much his head is worth.

But I am weary of him. All the day I am running round to every wretched Moor To borrow--money for him--I who ne'er Ask for myself, am now obliged to sue For others--and, according to my creed, To borrow is to beg, as, when you lend Your money upon usury, you steal.

Among my Ghebers on the Ganges' sh.o.r.es I shall need neither; there I shall not be The tool or pimp of any; there alone Upon the Ganges honest men are found.

You, Nathan, you alone of all I see Are worthy on the Ganges' banks to live.

Then come with me; leave him the wretched gold That he would strip you of--'tis all he wants.

Little by little he will ruin you; 'Tis better to be quit of all at once; Come, then, and I'll provide you with a staff.

NATHAN.

Nay, that resource will still remain for us As a last refuge. But I'll think of it.

AL-HAFI.

Nay, ponder not upon a thing like this.

NATHAN.

Then stay till I have seen the Sultan. Stay Till I have bid farewell.

AL-HAFI.

The man who stays To hunt for motives, to search reasons out, Who cannot boldly and at once resolve To live a free man's life, must be the slave Of others till his death. But as you please.

Farewell! my path is here, and yours is there!

NATHAN.

But stay, Al-Hafi! till you have arranged The state accounts.

AL-HAFI.

Pah! Nathan, there's no need; The balance in the chest is quickly told, And my account, Sittah, or you, will vouch.

Farewell! (_Exit_.)