Part 101 (1/2)

NATHAN.

Well.

DAJA.

Forgive me, Knight, That I must interrupt you.

NATHAN.

What has happened?

DAJA.

The Sultan sends for you--commands you straight To speak with him. Protect us, Heaven! the Sultan!

NATHAN.

The Sultan sends for me! He would inspect The goods--the precious wares that I have brought From Persia. Say there's nothing yet unpacked.

DAJA.

No, no; 'tis not to look at anything; He wants to speak to you in person, Nathan, And orders you to come at once.

NATHAN.

I go.

Daja, return.

DAJA.

Knight, take it not amiss.

We were alarmed for what the Sultan might Require of Nathan.

NATHAN.

That I soon shall know. (_Exit Daja_.)

Scene VII.

Nathan, _the_ Templar.

TEMPLAR.

Are you then not acquainted with him yet?

NATHAN.

Who, Saladin? Not yet. I've neither shunned Nor sought to see him. And the public voice Proclaims his fame so loud, that I could wish Rather to take its language upon trust, Than sift the truth. And yet if it be true That he has spared your life----

TEMPLAR.