Part 135 (1/2)

SITTAH.

Well, then?

RECHA.

My friend and sister, suffer not Another father to be forced on me.

SITTAH.

Another father to be forced on you!

Who can do that, or wish to do it, love?

RECHA.

Who but my good, my evil genius, Daja?

She can both wish it and perform the deed.

You do not know this good, this evil Daja.

May G.o.d forgive her, and reward her, too, For she has done me good and evil, both.

SITTAH.

Evil? Then she has little goodness left.

RECHA.

Oh, she has much.

SITTAH.

Who is she?

RECHA.

Who? a Christian, Who cared for me in childhood's early years.

You cannot know how little she allowed That I should miss a mother's tender cares-- May G.o.d reward her for it!--but she has Worried and tortured me.

SITTAH.

Wherefore, and how?

RECHA.

Poor woman, she's a Christian, and from love Has tortured me: a warm enthusiast, Who thinks she only knows the real road That leads to G.o.d.

SITTAH.

I understand you now.

RECHA.

And one of those who feel in duty bound To point it out to every one who strays From the plain path, to lead, to drag them in.