The Dramatic Works of G. E. Lessing - novelonlinefull.com
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No, not I.
I'll act this farce no more. He must know soon.
SALADIN.
Who? what?
SITTAH.
Al-Hafi! say, is this your promise?
Is't thus you keep your word?
AL-HAFI.
Could I foresee That it would come to this?
SALADIN.
Well, tell me all.
SITTAH.
Al-Hafi! I implore you, be discreet.
SALADIN.
'Tis very strange; and what can Sittah have So earnestly to sue for, from a stranger-- A Dervise--rather than from me, her brother?
Al-Hafi, I command you. Dervise, speak.
SITTAH.
Let not a trifle touch my brother nearer Than is becoming, for you know that I Have often won as much from you at chess.
But as I stand in little need of gold, I've left the money in Al-Hafi's chest, Which is not over full; but never fear, It is not my intention to bestow My wealth on either of you.
AL-HAFI.
Were this all!
SITTAH.
Some more such trifles are perhaps unclaimed: My own allowance, which you set apart Has lain some months untouched.
AL-HAFI.
Nor is this all.
SALADIN.
Then tell the whole.
AL-HAFI.
Whilst we've been waiting for The gold from Egypt, she----
SITTAH.
Nay, hear him not.
AL-HAFI.
Not only has had nothing,----
SALADIN.
Dearest sister I-- But also has been lending it to you?
AL-HAFI.
Ay! at her sole expense maintained your state.
SALADIN (_embracing her_).
So like my sister!
SITTAH.
Who but you, my brother, Could make me rich enough to have the power?
AL-HAFI.
And soon he'll make her once again as poor As he is now.
SALADIN.
I poor! her brother poor!
When had I more--when had I less than now?
A cloak, a horse, a sabre, and my G.o.d!
What need I else? and these ne'er can I lack.
And yet, Al-Hafi, I could scold you now.
SITTAH.
Nay, brother, do not scold. I would that I Could thus also relieve our father's cares!
SALADIN.
Ah! now my joy has vanished all at once.
We can want nothing; but he's dest.i.tute.
And whilst he wants, we all are poor indeed.
What shall I do? From Egypt we can hope For nothing--though G.o.d only knows the cause.
'Tis general peace around, and as for me, I could live sparingly, reduce, retrench, If none else suffered; but 'twould not avail.
