Part 111 (2/2)

NATHAN.

Has Saladin Aught else to say?

SALADIN.

No.

NATHAN.

Nothing?

SALADIN.

Truly nothing.

But why this eagerness?

NATHAN.

I could have wished An opportunity to ask a boon.

SALADIN.

Wait not for opportunity. Speak now.

NATHAN.

I have been traveling, and am just returned From a long journey, from collecting debts.

Hard cash is troublesome these perilous times, I know not where I may bestow it safely.

These coming wars need money; and, perchance, You can employ it for me, Saladin?

SALADIN (_fixing his eyes upon_ Nathan).

I ask not, Nathan, have you seen Al-Hafi?

Nor if some shrewd suspicion of your own Moves you to make this offer.

NATHAN.

What suspicion?

SALADIN.

I do not ask--forgive me,--it is just, For what avails concealment? I confess I was about----

NATHAN.

To ask this very thing?

SALADIN.

Yes!

<script>