Nathan the Wise Part 27

TEMPLAR.

Up--how d'ye call the mountain?

Up Sinai.

RECHA.

Oh, that's very fortunate.

Now I shall learn for certain if 'tis true -

TEMPLAR.

What! if the spot may yet be seen where Moses Stood before G.o.d; when first -

RECHA.

No, no, not that.

Where'er he stood, 'twas before G.o.d. Of this I know enough already. Is it true, I wish to learn from you that--that it is not By far so troublesome to climb this mountain As to get down--for on all mountains else, That I have seen, quite the reverse obtains.

Well, knight, why will you turn away from me?

Not look at me?

TEMPLAR.

Because I wish to hear you.

RECHA.

Because you do not wish me to perceive You smile at my simplicity--You smile That I can think of nothing more important To ask about the holy hill of hills: Do you not?

TEMPLAR.

Must I meet those eyes again?

And now you cast them down, and damp the smile - Am I in doubtful motions of the features To read what I so plainly hear--what you So audibly declare; yet will conceal? - How truly said thy father "Do but know her!"

RECHA.

Who has--of whom--said so to thee?

TEMPLAR.

Thy father Said to me "Do but know her," and of thee.

DAYA.

And have not I too said so, times and oft.

TEMPLAR.

But where is then your father--with the sultan?

RECHA.

So I suppose.

TEMPLAR.

Yet there? Oh, I forget, He cannot be there still. He is waiting for me Most certainly below there by the cloister.

'Twas so, I think, we had agreed, Forgive, I go in quest of him.

DAYA.

Knight, I'll do that.

Wait here, I'll bring him hither instantly.

TEMPLAR.

Oh no--Oh no. He is expecting me.

Besides--you are not aware what may have happened.

'Tis not unlikely he may be involved With Saladin--you do not know the sultan - In some unpleasant--I must go, there's danger If I forbear.

RECHA.

Danger--of what? of what?

TEMPLAR.

Danger for me, for thee, for him; unless I go at once. [Goes.

RECHA and DAYA.

RECHA.

What is the matter, Daya?

So quick--what comes across him, drives him hence?

DAYA.

Let him alone, I think it no bad sign.

RECHA.

Sign--and of what?

DAYA.

That something pa.s.ses in him.

It boils--but it must not boil over. Leave him - Now 'tis your turn.

RECHA.