Part 88 (1/2)

TEMPLAR.

Well, brother, hear me out.

I am a Templar--and a prisoner now.

Made captive with some others at Tebnin, Whose fortress we had almost ta'en by storm Just as the truce expired. Our hopes had been To threaten Sidon next. Of twenty knights Made prisoners there together, I alone Was pardoned by command of Saladin.

The Patriarch now knows what he requires, And more than he requires.

FRIAR.

And yet no more Than he had learned already. He would ask Why you, of all the captives doomed to die, Alone were spared?

TEMPLAR.

Can I myself tell that?

Already with bare neck I had knelt down Upon my mantle, to await the stroke, When Saladin with steadfast eye surveys me.

Nearer he draws--he makes a sign--they raise me-- I am unbound--I would express my thanks-- I mark the tear-drop glisten in his eye-- We both stand mute--he turns and leaves the spot-- I stay. And now, how all this hangs together, The Patriarch must explain.

FRIAR.

The Patriarch thinks That Heaven preserved you for some mighty deed.

TEMPLAR.

Some mighty deed? To rescue from the flames A Jewish maid! To lead to Sinai's mount Bands of inquiring pilgrims--and the like!

FRIAR.

The time may come for more important tasks: Perhaps the Patriarch has already planned Some mighty business for you.

TEMPLAR.

Think you so?

Has he already given you a hint?

FRIAR.

Yes--but my task is first to sift a little, To see if you are one to undertake----

TEMPLAR.

Well--sift away? (We'll see how this man sifts).

FRIAR.

The better course will be to name at once What is the Patriarch's desire.

TEMPLAR.

It is----?