The Dramatic Works of G. E. Lessing Part 130

NATHAN.

Cannot work Such evil as to force me to repent.

But are you sure it is a Templar who Urges the Patriarch?

FRIAR.

It is none else; A Templar talked with him just now, and all I hear confirms the rumour.

 

NATHAN.

But there is Only one Templar in Jerusalem, And him I know. He is a friend of mine, A n.o.ble, open-hearted youth.

FRIAR.

The same.

But what one is at heart, and what one must Appear in active life, are not the same.

NATHAN.

Alas! 'tis true. And so let every one Act as he will, and do his best, or worst.

With your book, brother, I defy them all!

I'm going straightway with it to the Sultan.

FRIAR.

Then G.o.d be with you! Here I take my leave.

NATHAN.

What! without seeing her? But come again, Come soon--come often. If the Patriarch To-day learns nothing. Well! no matter now!

Tell him the whole to-day, or when you will.

FRIAR.

Not I. Farewell! (_Exit_.)

NATHAN.

Do not forget us, brother!

O G.o.d! I could sink down upon my knees, Here on this spot! Behold, the knotted skein Which has so often troubled me, at last Untangles of itself. I feel at ease, Since henceforth nothing in this world remains That I need hide. Henceforth, I am as free Before mankind, as in the sight of G.o.d.

Who only does not need to judge us men By deeds, which oftentimes are not our own.

Scene V.

Nathan _and the_ Templar.

(_The latter advancing towards him from the side_.)

TEMPLAR.

Hold, Nathan, hold! Take me along with you.

NATHAN.

Who calls? You, Templar! Where can you have been That you could not be met with at the Sultan's?

TEMPLAR.

We missed each other; do not be displeased.

NATHAN.

Not I, but Saladin.

TEMPLAR.

You had just gone.

NATHAN.

Oh, then, you spoke with him. I'm satisfied.

TEMPLAR.

Yes; but he wants to talk with us together.

NATHAN.

So much the better. Come with me; I go Direct to him.

TEMPLAR.

Say, Nathan, may I ask Who left you even now?

NATHAN.

What! don't you know?

TEMPLAR.

Was it that worthy fellow, the good friar, Whom the old Patriarch employs at will To work his ends?

NATHAN.

The same--the very same.

TEMPLAR.