The Dramatic Works of G. E. Lessing Part 102

TEMPLAR.

What is there in my name to wonder at?

NATHAN.

There are more races of that name, no doubt.

TEMPLAR.

Yes, many of the name were here--rot here, My uncle even--I should say my father.

But wherefore is your eye so fixed on me?

NATHAN.

I know not; but I love to look on you.

TEMPLAR.

Therefore I take my leave. The searching eye Will oft discover more than it desires.

I fear it, Nathan; so, farewell. Let time, Not curious prying, make us better known. (_Exit_.)

NATHAN (_looking after him with astonishment_).

"The searching eye will oft discover more Than it desires." As if he read my soul!

That, too, may chance to be. 'Tis not alone His walk, his stature, but his very voice!

Leonard so bore himself--was even wont To carry thus his sword upon his arm, And thus to shade his eyebrow with his hand, As if to hide the fire that fill'd his look.

So deeply graven images may seem At times to lie asleep within the soul, When all at once a single word--a tone-- Calls them to life again. Of Stauffen--right-- Filnek and Stauffen--I will soon know more.

But first to Saladin. Ha! Daja here-- And on the watch! Come nearer, Daja, come.

Scene VIII.

Daja, Nathan.

NATHAN.

Well, both of you have something more at heart Than to know what the Sultan wants with me.

DAJA.

And you can hardly blame her for it, sir.

You were beginning to converse with him More trustingly yourself, when suddenly The Sultan's message drove us from the window.

NATHAN.

Go tell her, Daja, she may soon expect A visit from the Templar.

DAJA.

What! indeed!

NATHAN.

I think I may rely upon you, Daja.

Be on your guard, I beg, you'll not repent it.

Your conscience shall at length be satisfied, But do not mar my plans. Inquire, explain, But with reserve, with fitting modesty.

DAJA.

No need for such advice. I go, I go.

And you must follow; for, see, Hafi comes-- The Sultan sends a second messenger.

Scene IX.

Nathan, Al-Hafi.

AL-HAFI.

Ha! are you there? I have been seeking you.

NATHAN.

Why in such haste? What can he want with me?

AL-HAFI.

Who?

NATHAN.

Saladin. But I am coming quickly.

AL-HAFI.

To whom? To Saladin?

NATHAN.

Has he not sent you?

AL-HAFI.

Me? no--but has he sent already?

NATHAN.

Yes.