Nathan the Wise Part 36

Compelled and willing--what if I inform thee That I have tried to touch this string already, It vibrates not responsive.

DAYA.

He refused thee?

TEMPLAR.

He answered in a tone of such discordance That I was hurt.

 

DAYA.

What do you say? How, you Betrayed the shadow of a wish for Recha, And he did not spring up for joy, drew back, Drew coldly back, made difficulties?

TEMPLAR.

Almost.

DAYA.

Well then I'll not deliberate a moment.

TEMPLAR.

And yet you are deliberating still.

DAYA.

That man was always else so good, so kind, I am so deeply in his debt. Why, why Would he not listen to you? G.o.d's my witness That my heart bleeds to come about him thus.

TEMPLAR.

I pray you, Daya, once for all, to end This dire uncertainty. But if you doubt Whether what 'tis your purpose to reveal Be right or wrong, be praiseworthy or shameful, Speak not--I will forget that you have had Something to hide.

DAYA.

That spurs me on still more.

Then learn that Recha is no Jewess, that She is a Christian.

TEMPLAR.

I congratulate you, 'Twas a hard labour, but 'tis out at last; The pangs of the delivery won't hurt you.

Go on with undiminished zeal, and people Heaven, when no longer fit to people earth.

DAYA.

How, knight, does my intelligence deserve Such bitter scorn? That Recha is a Christian On you a Christian templar, and her lover, Confers no joy.

TEMPLAR.

Particularly as She is a Christian of your making, Daya.

DAYA.

O, so you understand it--well and good - I wish to find out him that might convert her.

It is her fate long since to have been that Which she is spoiled for being.

TEMPLAR.

Do explain - Or go.

DAYA.

She is a Christian child--of Christian Parents was born and is baptised.

TEMPLAR (hastily).

And Nathan -

DAYA.

Is not her father.

TEMPLAR.

Nathan not her father - And are you sure of what you say?

DAYA.

I am, It is a truth has cost me tears of blood.

No, he is not her father.

TEMPLAR.

And has only Brought her up as his daughter, educated The Christian child a Jewess.

DAYA.

Certainly.

TEMPLAR.

And she is unacquainted with her birth?

Has never learnt from him that she was born A Christian, and no Jewess?

DAYA.

Never yet.

TEMPLAR.