H.

'Tis strange, indeed.

SALADIN.

What say you now, my Sittah?
Was not our Assad once a handsome youth?

SITTAH.

If this were like him, and 'twere not the knight
Who had his portrait taken. But, dear brother,
How could you ever so forget yourself
As not to make inquiry for his parents?

SALADIN.

And more especially about his mother?
That was your meaning--eh?

SITTAH.

You are too quick.

SALADIN.

But nothing is more possible; for he,
My brother Assad, was so favoured by
The Christian ladies--handsome Christian ladies--
That a report once spread----But 'tis not right
We should refer to that. We'll be content
That he is here again, with all his faults,
The faults and wildness of his gentle heart--
That he is here again. Oh, Nathan must
Give him the maid. What think you?

SITTAH.

What, to him?

SALADIN.

Ay! for what claim has Nathan to the girl
If he is not her father? He, who saved
Her life, may properly assume the rights
Of him who gave existence to the maid.

SITTAH.

Then might not Saladin lay claim to her,
Withdrawing her from the unrightful owner?

SALADIN.

There is no need of that.

SITTAH.

No actual need,
But female curiosity suggests
That counsel to me. There are certain men
Of whom I feel impatient till I know
What maidens they can love.

SALADIN.

Well send for her.

SITTAH.

Brother, may I do that?

SALADIN.

But hurt not Nathan.
He must not think that we, by violence,
Would separate them.

SITTAH.

Fear it not.

SALADIN.

Farewell!
I must find out where this Al-Hafi is.

Scene VI.

_The hall in_ N