Part 128 (1/2)

(Let me have them, then!)

SALADIN.

What are you waiting for? Go.

1ST MAMELUKE.

Nothing more For my good news?

SALADIN.

What further?

1ST MAMELUKE.

Messengers Of good are paid. Am I to be the first Whom Saladin has learnt to pay with words?

The first to whom he proves ungenerous?

SALADIN.

Go, take a purse.

1ST MAMELUKE.

No, no--not now. Not if You'd give them all to me.

SALADIN.

All? Hold, young man!

Come hither. Take these purses--take these two.

What, going? And shall I be conquered thus In generosity? for surely 'tis More difficult for this man to refuse Than for the Sultan to bestow. Then, here Here, Ibrahim! Shall I be tempted, just Before my death, to be a different man?

Shall Saladin not die like Saladin?

Then wherefore has he lived like Saladin?

(_Enter a second Mameluke_.)

2ND MAMELUKE.

Hail, Sultan!

SALADIN.

If you come and bring the news----

2ND MAMELUKE.

That the Egyptian convoy is arrived.

SALADIN.

I know it.