Part 80 (1/2)

Of him! What him?

DAJA.

Of him who from the flames preserved her life.

NATHAN.

And who was he? Where is he? Name the man Who saved my Recha?

DAJA.

A young Templar he!

Brought hither captive lately, and restored To freedom by the Sultan.

NATHAN.

How? A Templar?

A captive, too, and pardoned by the Sultan?

Could not my Recha's life have been preserved By some less wondrous miracle? O G.o.d!

DAJA.

But for this stranger's help, who risked afresh The life so unexpectedly restored, Recha had surely perished.

NATHAN.

Where is he?

Where is this n.o.ble youth? Where is he, Daja?

Oh, lead me to his feet! But you already Have surely lavished on him all the wealth That I had left behind; have given him all-- And promised more, much more.

DAJA.

How could we, Nathan?

NATHAN.

Why not?

DAJA.

He came we know not whence, he went We know not whither. To the house a stranger, And guided by his ear alone, he rushed With fearless daring through the smoke and flame, His mantle spread before him, till he reached The spot whence issued piercing screams for help.

We thought him lost; when, bursting through the fire, He stood before us, bearing in his arms Her almost lifeless form. Unmoved and cold, Deaf to our cries of thanks, he left his prize, Pa.s.sed through the wondering crowd, and disappeared.

NATHAN.

But not for ever, Daja, I would hope.

DAJA.

For some days after, 'neath yon spreading palms, Which wave above our blest Redeemer's grave, We saw him pacing thoughtful to and fro.

With transport I approached to speak my thanks.