Part 84 (1/2)

Is it you?

A Dervise so magnificent!

DERVISE.

Why not?

Can you make nothing of a Dervise, Nathan?

NATHAN.

Ay, surely, but I've still been wont to think A Dervise--I would say a thorough Dervise-- Will ne'er let anything be made of him.

DERVISE.

Well, by the Prophet! though it may be true That I'm no thorough Dervise, yet one must----

NATHAN.

_Must_, Hafi! You a Dervise! No man _must_---- And least of all a Dervise.

DERVISE.

Nay, he must, When he is much implored and deems it right.

NATHAN.

Well spoken, Hafi! Let us now embrace.

You're still, I trust, my friend.

DERVISE.

Why not ask first What has been made of me?

NATHAN.

I take my chance, In spite of all that has been made of you.

DERVISE.

May I not be a servant of the state Whose friends.h.i.+p is no longer good for you?

NATHAN.

If you but still possess your Dervise heart I'll run the risk of that. The stately robe Is but your cloak.

DERVISE.

And yet it claims some honour.

But, tell me truly, at a court of yours What had been Hafi's rank?