Part 127 (1/2)

No matter, fetch it. What, if from this book I can find means to keep this precious girl, And win, to boot, a son-in-law like him!

I hardly hope--fate must decide. But who Has told the Patriarch this? I must not fail To ascertain. It surely was not Daja?

Scene VIII.

Daja _and_ Nathan.

DAJA (_rus.h.i.+ng in in agitation_).

Only think, Nathan!

NATHAN.

What?

DAJA.

Well--only think: The child was frightened when the message came!

NATHAN.

From whom? The Patriarch?

DAJA.

The Sultan's sister, The Princess Sittah--

NATHAN.

Not the Patriarch?

DAJA.

No, Sittah. Can't you hear? The Princess sends, And wishes Recha to be brought to her.

NATHAN.

Wishes for Recha! Sittah wishes thus?

'Tis Sittah, then--and not the Patriarch?

DAJA.

Why do you speak of him?

NATHAN.

Have you not heard Some tidings of him lately? Have you seen Nothing of him, and whispered nothing to him?

DAJA.

How could I so?