Nathan the Wise Part 23

Therefore I shall the more avoid delay.

Perchance some word may furnish me occasion To glance at you--perchance--Excuse me, knight, I am in haste. When shall we see you with us?

TEMPLAR.

Soon as I may.

NATHAN.

 

That is, whene'er you will.

TEMPLAR.

To-day, then.

NATHAN.

And your name?

TEMPLAR.

My name was--is Conrade of Stauffen.

NATHAN.

Conrade of Stauffen! Stauffen!

TEMPLAR.

Why does that strike so forcibly upon you?

NATHAN.

There are more races of that name, no doubt.

TEMPLAR.

Yes, many of that name were here--rot here.

My uncle even--I should say, my father.

But wherefore is your look so sharpened on me?

NATHAN.

Nothing--how can I weary to behold you -

TEMPLAR.

Therefore I quit you first. The searching eye Finds often more than it desires to see.

I fear it, Nathan. Fare thee well. Let time, Not curiosity make us acquainted.

[Goes.

NATHAN, and soon after, DAYA.

NATHAN.

"The searching eye will oft discover more Than it desires," 'tis as he read my soul.

That too may chance to me. 'Tis not alone Leonard's walk, stature, but his very voice.

Leonard so wore his head, was even wont Just so to brush his eyebrows with his hand, As if to mask the fire that fills his look.

Those deeply graven images at times How they will slumber in us, seem forgotten, When all at once a word a tone, a gesture, Retraces all. Of Stauffen? Ay right--right - Filnek and Stauffen--I will soon know more - But first to Saladin--Ha, Daya there?

Why on the watch? Come nearer. By this time, I'll answer for't, you've something more at heart Than to know what the sultan wants with me.

DAYA.

And do you take it ill in part of her?

You were beginning to converse with him More confidentially, just as the message, Sent by the sultan, tore us from the window.

NATHAN.

Go tell her that she may expect his visit At every instant.

DAYA.

What indeed--indeed?

NATHAN.

I think I can rely upon thee, Daya: Be on thy guard, I beg. Thou'lt not repent it.

Be but discreet. Thy conscience too will surely Find its account in 't. Do not mar my plans But leave them to themselves. Relate and question With modesty, with backwardness.

DAYA.

Oh fear not.

How come you to preach up all this to me?

I go--go too. The sultan sends for you A second time, and by your friend Al-Hafi.

NATHAN and HAFI.

HAFI.

Ha! art thou here? I was now seeking for thee.

NATHAN.

Why in such haste? What wants he then with me?

HAFI.

Who?