The Dramatic Works of G. E. Lessing Part 106

TEMPLAR.

I wish to hear you rather.

RECHA.

I perceive, Because you do not wish that I should see You smile at my simplicity. You smile That I have not some more important thing To ask about the holy hill of hills.

Is it so?

TEMPLAR.

Must I meet those eyes again?

And now you cast them down, and check your smile.

How can I in those changeful features read What I so plainly hear--the truth your words So audibly declare, and yet would hide?

How truly did your father say to me, "If you but knew her!"

RECHA.

Who said that to you?

TEMPLAR.

Your father, and of you he spoke the words.

DAJA.

Have I not said it to you many times?

TEMPLAR.

Where is your father now? with Saladin?

RECHA.

Doubtless he is.

TEMPLAR.

Still there! Oh, I forget.

He cannot still be there. He waits for me, As he appointed, near the cloister gate.

Forgive me, I must go in quest of him.

DAJA.

I will do that. Wait here, I'll bring him straight.

TEMPLAR.

O no, O no! He is expecting me.

Besides, you cannot tell what may have chanced.

'Tis not unlikely he may be engaged With Saladin--you do not know the Sultan-- In some unpleasant----Danger may ensue If I delay.

RECHA.

Danger! for whom? for what?

TEMPLAR.

Danger for me--for you--for him! unless I go at once (_Exit_.)

Scene III.

Recha, Daja.

RECHA.

What is the matter, Daja?

So quick! what ails him--makes him fly from hence?

DAJA.

Let him alone. I think it no bad sign.

RECHA.

Sign! and of what?

DAJA.

That something vexes him.

It boils, but it must not boil over. Go, 'Tis your turn now.

RECHA.

My turn. You have become Incomprehensible to me--like him.

DAJA.

Now you may pay him back with interest All the unrest he once occasioned you.

But be not too vindictive--too severe.

RECHA.

Well, Daja, you must know your meaning best.

DAJA.

And are you then already calm once more?