SITTAH.

Who can have been so cruel as to raise
This dire suspicion in my Recha's breast?
Say, is it proved? beyond all doubt made clear?

RECHA.

'Tis proved, for Daja had it from my nurse,
Whose dying lips entrusted it to her.

SALADIN.

Dying! she raved. And even were it true,
A father is not made by blood alone;
Scarcely the father of a savage beast--
Blood only gives the right to earn the name.
Then fear no more, but hear me. If there be
Two fathers who contend for thee, leave both,
And claim a third! O! take me for your father!

SITTAH.

Oh, do so, Recha, do so!

SALADIN.

I will be
A good, kind father to you. But, in truth
A better thought occurs. Why should you need
Two fathers? They are mortal, and must die.
'Twere better, Recha, to look out betimes
For one to start with you on equal terms,
And stake his life for thine. You understand?

SITTAH.

You make her blush!
SALADIN.

Why that was half my scheme.
Blushing becomes plain features, and will make
A beauteous cheek more beauteous. My commands
Are giv'n to bring your father, Nathan, here.
Another comes as well. You'll guess his name?
Hither they come! Will you allow it, Sittah?

SITTAH.

Brother!

SALADIN.

And when he comes, maid, you must blush
To crimson.

RECHA.

Sittah! wherefore should I blush?

SALADIN.

You young dissembler, you will else grow pale!
But as thou wilt and canst. (_A female slave enters, and approaches_
Sittah.) What, here so soon?

SITTAH.

Well, let them enter. Brother, here they are!

Scene VIII.

Nathan, _the_ Templar, _and the others_.

SALADIN.

Welcome, my dear good friends! Nathan, to you
I must first mention, you may send and fetch
Your moneys when you will.

NATHAN.

Sultan----