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.

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