The Dramatic Works of G. E. Lessing Part 94

Grudge you? When-- You know too well----

SITTAH (_making signs to him_).

Oh, hush! Al-Hafi, hush!

AL-HAFI (_still examining the board_).

Don't grudge it to yourself.

SITTAH.

Al-Hafi, hush!

AL-HAFI.

And were the white men yours?

You gave the check?

SITTAH.

'Tis well he does not hear.

AL-HAFI.

The move is his.

SITTAH (_approaching nearer_).

Then promise me that I shall have the money.

AL-HAFI (_still intent upon the board_).

You shall receive it as you've always done.

SITTAH.

How! are you mad?

AL-HAFI.

The game's not over yet.

You have not lost it, Saladin.

SALADIN (_paying no attention_).

Oh, yes; Pay down the money.

AL-HAFI.

Pay! here stands the queen.

SALADIN (_still heedless_).

She's of no use; she's lost.

SITTAH.

Do say that I May send and fetch the gold.

AL-HAFI (_still studying the game_).

Oh, yes! of course.

But though the queen be lost, you are not mate.

SALADIN (_dashing down the board_).

I say I am. I will be mate.

AL-HAFI.

If so, Small pains, small gains, say I. So got, so spent.

SALADIN.

What is he muttering there?

SITTAH (_to_ Saladin, _making a sign meanwhile to_ Al-Hafi).

You know him well.

He likes entreaties--loves to be implored.

Who knows if he be not a little jealous?

SALADIN.

Well, not of thee--not of my sister, surely.

What do I hear? Al-Hafi, are you jealous?

AL-HAFI.

Perhaps I am. I wish I had her head, Or that I were as good as she.

SITTAH.

My brother, He always pays me fairly, and to-day He'll do the same. Let him alone. Now go!

Al-Hafi! go! I'll have the money----

AL-HAFI.