SALADIN.

Well, I owe you nothing;
The place you gain is better than the piece.
SITTAH.

Perhaps.
SALADIN.

But reckon not without your host;
You did not see that move.

SITTAH.

Not I, indeed;
I did not think you weary of your queen.

SALADIN.

My queen!
SITTAH.

Well, well! I see that I to-day
Shall win my thousand dinars and no more.

SALADIN.

Why so?
SITTAH.

Why so? Because designedly
You lose the game! You vex me, Saladin!
I find no pleasure in a game like this.
And even when I lose, I come off well;
For, to console me for the games you win,
You force me to accept a double stake.

SALADIN.

In that case, then, it may be by design
That you have sometimes lost. Is that the truth?

SITTAH.

At least your generosity's to blame
That I improve so little in my play.

SALADIN.

But we forget the game; come, finish it.

SITTAH.

Well, 'tis my move; now, check to king and queen!

SALADIN.

Indeed! I did not see the double check.
I lose my queen.

SITTAH.

Let's see! Can it be helped?

SALADIN.

No, take the queen--I have no luck with her.

SITTAH.

Only with her?
SALADIN.

Remove her from the board,
I shall not miss her. Now I am right again.

SITTAH.

I know from lessons which yourself have taught
How courteously we should behave to queens.
(_Offering to restore the piece_.)

SALADIN.

Take her or not, I shall not move her more.

SITTAH.

Why need I take her? Check, and check!

SALADIN.

Go on.