But yours remains with her.

TEMPLAR.

Well, and what then?

DAJA.

Who knows? Men are not always what they seem.

TEMPLAR.

They're seldom better. (_Going_.)

DAJA.

Stay a little while.

What need of haste?

TEMPLAR.

Woman! forbear to make These palm--trees odious: I have loved their shade.

DAJA.

Then go, thou German bear! Yet I must follow him.

(_She follow him at a distance_.)

ACT II.

Scene I.--_The Sultan's Palace_.

Saladin and Sittah (_playing at chess_).

SITTAH.

Where are your thoughts? How ill you play, dear brother!

SALADIN.

Not well in truth--and yet I thought----

SITTAH.

Oh, yes!

You're playing well for me; take back that move.

SALADIN.

Why?

SITTAH.

Don't you see you leave your knight exposed?

SALADIN.

Ay, true!--then so.

SITTAH.

And now I take your p.a.w.n.

SALADIN.

That's true again, dear Sittah! Well, then, check!

SITTAH.

That will not help you--I protect my king, And all is safe again.

SALADIN.

Well, out of this Dilemma 'tis not easy to escape.

I cannot save the knight.

SITTAH.

I pa.s.s him by; I will not take him.

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!