Nathan the Wise Part 20

And seems Irresolute where next; if left or right.

DAYA.

I know he mostly pa.s.ses to the convent, And therefore comes this path. What will you lay me?

RECHA.

Oh yes he does. And did you speak to him?

How did he seem to-day?

DAYA.

As heretofore.

NATHAN.

Don't let him see you with me: further back; Or rather to the house.

RECHA.

Just one peep more.

Now the hedge steals him from me.

DAYA.

Come away.

Your father's in the right--should he perceive us, 'Tis very probable he'll tack about.

RECHA.

But for the hedge -

NATHAN.

Now he emerges from it.

He can't but see you: hence--I ask it of you.

DAYA.

I know a window whence we yet may -

RECHA.

Ay.

[Goes in with Daya.

NATHAN.

I'm almost shy of this strange fellow, almost Shrink back from his rough virtue. That one man Should ever make another man feel awkward!

And yet--He's coming--ha!--by G.o.d, the youth Looks like a man. I love his daring eye, His open gait. May be the sh.e.l.l is bitter; But not the kernel surely. I have seen Some such, methinks. Forgive me, n.o.ble Frank.

NATHAN and TEMPLAR.

TEMPLAR.

What?

NATHAN.

Give me leave.

TEMPLAR.

Well, Jew, what wouldst thou have?

NATHAN.

The liberty of speaking to you!

TEMPLAR.

So - Can I prevent it? Quick then, what's your business?

NATHAN.

Patience--nor hasten quite so proudly by A man, who has not merited contempt, And whom, for evermore, you've made your debtor.

TEMPLAR.

How so? Perhaps I guess--No--Are you then -

NATHAN.

My name is Nathan, father to the maid Your generous courage s.n.a.t.c.hed from circling flames, And hasten -

TEMPLAR.

If with thanks, keep, keep them all.

Those little things I've had to suffer much from: Too much already, far. And, after all, You owe me nothing. Was I ever told She was your daughter? 'Tis a templar's duty To rush to the a.s.sistance of the first Poor wight that needs him; and my life just then Was quite a burden. I was mighty glad To risk it for another; tho' it were That of a Jewess.

NATHAN.

n.o.ble, and yet shocking!

The turn might be expected. Modest greatness Wears willingly the mask of what is shocking To scare off admiration: but, altho'

She may disdain the tribute, admiration, Is there no other tribute she can bear with?

Knight, were you here not foreign, not a captive I would not ask so freely. Speak, command, In what can I be useful?

TEMPLAR.