Part 107 (2/2)

Nay, I'm not cold, in truth I do not see Less gladly that which I do calmly see.

Scene IV.

(_The Hall of Audience in_ Saladin's _Palace_.)

Saladin, Sittah.

SALADIN (_giving directions_).

Bring the Jew here, as soon as he arrives.

He seems in no great haste.

SITTAH.

Nay, Saladin, Perhaps he was not found at home.

SALADIN.

Ah, sister!

SITTAH.

You look as if some contest were at hand.

SALADIN.

Ay! and with weapons I'm not used to wield.

Must I then play the hypocrite--and frame Precautions--lay a snare? Where learnt I that?

And for what end? To seek for money--money!

For money from a Jew? And to such arts Must Saladin descend, that he may win The most contemptible of paltry things?

SITTAH.

But paltry things, despised too much, are sure To find some method of revenge.

SALADIN.

'Tis true!

What, if this Jew should prove an upright man, Such as the Dervise painted him?

SITTAH.

Why, then, Your difficulty ceases; for a snare Implies an avaricious, cheating Jew, And not an upright man. Then he is ours Without a snare. 'Twill give us joy to hear How such a man will speak--with what stern strength He'll tear the net, or with what cunning skill Untangle all its meshes, one by one.

SALADIN.

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