Nathan the Wise Part 52

Let's hear what I've to hope.

NATHAN.

As I believe He's neither of the two--or both. Just now I cannot say exactly.

TEMPLAR.

And besides He's -

NATHAN.

A brave fellow, and with whom my Recha Will not be badly placed.

TEMPLAR.

But he's a Christian.

At times I know not what to make of you - Take it not ill of me, good Nathan. Will she Not have to play the Christian among Christians; And when she has been long enough the actress Not turn so? Will the tares in time not stifle The pure wheat of your setting--and does that Affect you not a whit--you yet declare She'll not be badly placed.

NATHAN.

I think, I hope so.

And should she there have need of any thing Has she not you and me?

TEMPLAR.

Need at her brother's - What should she need when there? Won't he provide His dear new sister with all sorts of dresses, With comfits and with toys and glittering jewels?

And what needs any sister wish for else - Only a husband? And he comes in time.

A brother will know how to furnish that, The Christianer the better. Nathan, Nathan, O what an angel you had formed, and how Others will mar it now!

NATHAN.

Be not so downcast, Believe me he will ever keep himself Worthy our love.

TEMPLAR.

No, say not that of mine.

My love allows of no refusal--none.

Were it the merest trifle--but a name.

Hold there--has she as yet the least suspicion Of what is going forward?

NATHAN.

That may be, And yet I know not whence.

TEMPLAR.

It matters not, She shall, she must in either case from me First learn what fate is threatening. My fixed purpose To see her not again, nor speak to her, Till I might call her mine, is gone. I hasten -

NATHAN.

Stay, whither would you go?

TEMPLAR.

To her, to learn If this girl's soul be masculine enough To form the only resolution worthy Herself.

NATHAN.

What resolution?

TEMPLAR.

This--to ask No more about her brother and her father, And -

NATHAN.

And -

TEMPLAR.

To follow me. E'en if she were So doing to become a Moslem's wife.

NATHAN.

Stay, you'll not find her--she is now with Sittah, The Sultan's sister.

TEMPLAR.

How long since, and wherefore?

NATHAN.

And would you there behold her brother, come Thither with me.

TEMPLAR.

Her brother, whose then? Sittah's Or Recha's do you mean?

NATHAN.

Both, both, perchance.

Come this way--I beseech you, come with me.

[Leads off the Templar with him.

SCENE.--The Sultan's Palace. A Room in Sittah's Apartment.

SITTAH and RECHA.