The Dramatic Works of G. E. Lessing Part 111

Well! and the judge? I'm curious now to hear What you will make him say. Go on, go on!

NATHAN.

The judge said: If the father is not brought Before my seat, I cannot judge the case.

Am I to judge enigmas? Do you think That the true ring will here unseal its lips?

But, hold! You tell me that the real ring Enjoys the secret power to make the man Who wears it, both by G.o.d and man, beloved.

Let that decide. Who of the three is loved Best by his brethren? Is there no reply?

What! do these love--exciting rings alone Act inwardly? Have they no outward charm?

Does each one love himself alone? You're all Deceived deceivers. All your rings are false.

The real ring, perchance, has disappeared; And so your father, to supply the loss, Has caused three rings to fill the place of one.

SALADIN.

O, charming, charming!

NATHAN.

And,--the judge continued:-- If you insist on judgment, and refuse My counsel, be it so. I recommend That you consider how the matter stands.

Each from his father has received a ring: Let each then think the real ring his own.

Your father, possibly, desired to free His power from one ring's tyrannous control.

He loved you all with an impartial love, And equally, and had no inward wish To prove the measure of his love for one By pressing heavily upon the rest.

Therefore, let each one imitate this love; So, free from prejudice, let each one aim To emulate his brethren in the strife To prove the virtues of his several ring, By offices of kindness and of love, And trust in G.o.d. And if, in years to come, The virtues of the ring shall reappear Amongst your children's children, then, once more, Come to this judgment--seat. A greater far Than I shall sit upon it, and decide.

So spake the modest judge.

SALADIN.

Oh G.o.d, O G.o.d!

NATHAN.

And if now, Saladin, you think you're he----

SALADIN.

(_Approaches_ Nathan, _and takes his hand, which he retains to the end of the scene_.)

This promised judge--I?--Dust! I?--Nought! oh G.o.d!

NATHAN.

What is the matter, Sultan?

SALADIN.

Dearest Nathan!

That judge's thousand years are not yet past; His judgment-seat is not for me. But go, And still remain my friend.

NATHAN.

Has Saladin Aught else to say?

SALADIN.

No.

NATHAN.

Nothing?

SALADIN.

Truly nothing.

But why this eagerness?

NATHAN.

I could have wished An opportunity to ask a boon.

SALADIN.

Wait not for opportunity. Speak now.

NATHAN.

I have been traveling, and am just returned From a long journey, from collecting debts.

Hard cash is troublesome these perilous times, I know not where I may bestow it safely.

These coming wars need money; and, perchance, You can employ it for me, Saladin?

SALADIN (_fixing his eyes upon_ Nathan).

I ask not, Nathan, have you seen Al-Hafi?

Nor if some shrewd suspicion of your own Moves you to make this offer.

NATHAN.

What suspicion?

SALADIN.

I do not ask--forgive me,--it is just, For what avails concealment? I confess I was about----

NATHAN.

To ask this very thing?

SALADIN.

Yes!