Nathan the Wise Part 11

FRIAR.

Oh, yes!

TEMPLAR.

And yet?

FRIAR.

The patriarch thinks--that's mighty well - G.o.d, and the order's interest -

TEMPLAR.

Alter nothing, Command no villainies.

FRIAR.

No, that indeed not; But what is villainy in human eyes May in the sight of G.o.d, the patriarch thinks, Not be -

TEMPLAR.

I owe my life to Saladin, And might take his?

FRIAR.

That--fie! But Saladin, The patriarch thinks, is yet the common foe Of Christendom, and cannot earn a right To be your friend.

TEMPLAR.

My friend--because I will not Behave like an ungrateful scoundrel to him.

FRIAR.

Yet grat.i.tude, the patriarch thinks, is not A debt before the eye of G.o.d or man, Unless for our own sakes the benefit Had been conferred; and, it has been reported, The patriarch understands that Saladin Preserved your life merely because your voice, Your air, or features, raised a recollection Of his lost brother.

TEMPLAR.

He knows this? and yet - If it were sure, I should--ah, Saladin!

How! and shall nature then have formed in me A single feature in thy brother's likeness, With nothing in my soul to answer to it?

Or what does correspond shall I suppress To please a patriarch? So thou dost not cheat us, Nature--and so not contradict Thyself, Kind G.o.d of all.--Go, brother, go away: Do not stir up my anger.

FRIAR.

I withdraw More gladly than I came. We cloister-folk Are forced to vow obedience to superiors.

[Goes

TEMPLAR and DAYA.

DAYA.

The monk, methinks, left him in no good mood: But I must risk my message.

TEMPLAR.

Better still The proverb says that monks and women are The devil's clutches; and I'm tossed to-day From one to th' other.

DAYA.

Whom do I behold? - Thank G.o.d! I see you, n.o.ble knight, once more.

Where have you lurked this long, long s.p.a.ce? You've not Been ill?

TEMPLAR.

No.

DAYA.

Well, then?

TEMPLAR.

Yes.

DAYA.

We've all been anxious Lest something ailed you.

TEMPLAR.

So?

DAYA.

Have you been journeying?

TEMPLAR.

Hit off!

DAYA.

How long returned?

TEMPLAR.

Since yesterday.

DAYA.

Our Recha's father too is just returned, And now may Recha hope at last -