SCENE I.--_The palace._ SALADIN _and his sister_ SITTAH, _playing

chess._

SITTAH: Check!

SALADIN: And checkmate!

SITTAH: Nay, nay; advance your knight.

SALADIN: The game is yours. Al Hafi pays the stake.

[_Enter_ HAFI, _who examines the board._

HAFI: The game's not over yet; why, Saladin, Your queen can move----

SITTAH: Hush, hush! There, go, Al Hafi! I'll send to fetch my money.

HAFI: She hath never Claimed aught of what you lose; it lies with me. While we wait the treasure out of Egypt, Your sister hath maintained the state alone.

SALADIN: Was there none else could lend me, save my sister?

HAFI: I know none such.

SITTAH: What of thy friend, the Jew? The town is ringing with the news of gems And costly stuffs he hath brought home with him.

HAFI: He would not lend to Saladin. Ah, Prince, He's envious of your generosity. That is the Jew! I'll knock at other doors.

[_Exit._