Nathan the Wise Part 39

TEMPLAR.

What if the child, but for this fostering Jew, Must have expired in misery?

PATRIARCH.

That's nothing, The Jew has still deserved the f.a.ggot--for 'Twere better it here died in misery Than for eternal woe to live. Besides, Why should the Jew forestall the hand of G.o.d?

G.o.d, if he wills to save, can save without him.

TEMPLAR.

And spite of him too save eternally.

PATRIARCH.

That's nothing! Still the Jew is to be burnt.

TEMPLAR.

That hurts me--more particularly as 'Tis said he has not so much taught the maid His faith, as brought her up with the mere knowledge Of what our reason teaches about G.o.d.

PATRIARCH.

That's nothing! Still the Jew is to be burnt - And for this very reason would deserve To be thrice burnt. How, let a child grow up Without a faith? Not even teach a child The greatest of its duties, to believe?

'Tis heinous! I am quite astonished, knight, That you yourself -

TEMPLAR.

The rest, right reverend sir, In the confessional, but not before. [Offers to go.

PATRIARCH.

What off--not stay for my interrogation - Not name to me this infidel, this Jew - Not find him up for me at once? But hold, A thought occurs, I'll straightway to the sultan Conformably to the capitulation, Which Saladin has sworn, he must support us In all the privileges, all the doctrines Which appertain to our most holy faith, Thank G.o.d, we've the original in keeping, We have his hand and seal to it--we - And I shall lead him easily to think How very dangerous for the state it is Not to believe. All civic bonds divide, Like flax fire-touched, where subjects don't believe.

Away with foul impiety!

TEMPLAR.

It happens Somewhat unlucky that I want the leisure To enjoy this holy sermon. I am sent for To Saladin.

PATRIARCH.

Why then--indeed--if so -

TEMPLAR.

And will prepare the sultan, if agreeable.

For your right reverend visit.

PATRIARCH.

I have heard That you found favour in the sultan's sight, I beg with all humility to be Remembered to him. I am purely motived By zeal in th' cause of G.o.d. What of too much I do, I do for him--weigh that in goodness.

'Twas then, most n.o.ble sir--what you were starting About the Jew--a problem merely!

TEMPLAR

Problem!

[Goes.

PATRIARCH.

Of whose foundation I'll have nearer knowledge.

Another job for brother Bonafides.

Hither, my son!

[Converses with the Friar as he walks off.

SCENE--A Room in the Palace.

[SLAVES bring in a number of purses and pile them on the floor.

SALADIN is present.]

SALADIN.

In troth this has no end. And is there much Of this same thing behind?

SLAVE.

About one half.

SALADIN.

Then take the rest to Sittah. Where's Al-Hafi?

What's here Al-Hafi shall take charge of straight.

Or shan't I rather send it to my father; Here it slips through one's fingers. Sure in time One may grow callous; it shall now cost labour To come at much from me--at least until The treasures come from AEgypt, poverty Must s.h.i.+ft as 't can--yet at the sepulchre The charges must go on--the Christian pilgrims Shall not go back without an alms.

SALADIN and SITTAH.

SITTAH (entering).

Why this?

Wherefore the gold to me?

SALADIN.

Pay thyself with it, And if there's something left 'twill be in store.

Are Nathan and the templar not yet come?

SITTAH.