Part 136 (1/2)

He's not my father, Sittah! Now, behold, I'm once more prostrate at your feet.

SITTAH.

Arise!

Recha, arise! behold, my brother comes.

Scene VII.

Saladin, Sittah, _and_ Recha.

SALADIN.

What is the matter, Sittah?

SITTAH.

She has swooned.

SALADIN.

Who is she?

SITTAH.

Don't you know?

SALADIN.

'Tis Nathan's child.

What ails her?

SITTAH.

Look up, Recha! 'tis the Sultan.

RECHA (_crawling to Saladin's feet_).

No, I'll not rise--not rise nor even look Upon the Sultan's countenance, nor wonder At the bright l.u.s.tre of unchanging truth And goodness on his brow and in his eye, Before----

SITTAH.

Rise, rise!

RECHA.

Before he promises----

SALADIN.

Come, come! I promise, whatsoe'er your prayer.

RECHA.

'Tis only this--to leave my father to me, And me to him. As yet I cannot tell Who seeks to be my father: who it is Can harbour such a wish I'll ne'er inquire.