Part 140 (2/2)

SALADIN.

a.s.sad, my brother a.s.sad, beyond doubt.

NATHAN.

If you think so, then be a.s.sured from this: Look in this book (_handing him the breviary_).

SALADIN.

Oh, 'tis his hand! once more I recognise it.

NATHAN.

They know naught of this: It rests with you to tell them all the truth.

SALADIN (_turning over the leaves of the breviary_).

They are my brother's children. Shall I not Acknowledge them and claim them? Or shall I Abandon them to you? (_Speaking aloud_.) Sittah, they are The children of my brother and of yours. (_Rushes to embrace them_.)

SITTAH (_following his example_).

What do I hear? Could it be otherwise?

SALADIN (_to the_ Templar).

Proud youth! from this time forward you are bound To love me. (_To_ Recha.) And henceforth, without your leave Or with it, I am what I vowed to be.

SITTAH.

And so am I.

SALADIN (_to the_ Templar).

My son! my a.s.sad's son!

TEMPLAR.

I of your blood! Then those were more than dreams With which they used to lull my infancy-- (_Falls at_ Sultan's _feet_.)

SALADIN (_raising him_).

There, mark the rascal! though he knew something Of what has chanced, he was content that I Should have become his murderer! Beware.

(_The curtain falls whilst they repeatedly embrace each other in silence_.)

END OF VOL. I.

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