Part 104 (2/2)

NATHAN (_looking after him_).

Yes, I will vouch it, honest, wild-- How shall I call him? Ah! the real beggar Is, after all, the only real king. (_Exit at opposite side_.)

ACT III.

Scene I.--_A room in_ Nathan's _house_.

Recha, Daja.

RECHA.

Well, Daja, did my father really say ”That I might instantly expect him here?”

That surely meant that he would come at once, And yet how many minutes have rolled by!

But I'll not dwell upon the moments gone, I'll only live in those that are to come, That one which brings him here must come in time.

DAJA.

But for the Sultan's ill-timed messenger Nathan had brought him hither.

RECHA.

When he comes-- Oh! when this dearest of my inmost hopes Shall be fulfilled--what then--what then?

DAJA.

What then?

Why then I trust the wish most dear to me Will also be fulfilled.

RECHA.

And in its place What wish shall take possession of my breast?

Which now forgets to heave, unless it pant With some fond wish? Will nothing come? I shudder!

DAJA.

My wish shall then supplant the one fulfilled, My wish to see you borne to Europe's sh.o.r.es By hands well worthy of you.

RECHA.

You do err.

The very thought which makes you form this wish Forbids it to be mine. Your native land Attracts you, and has mine no charm for me?

Shall a remembrance of your cherished home, Your absent kindred and your dearest friends, Which years and distance have not yet effaced, Rule in your soul with softer, mightier sway Than what I know, and hear, and feel of mine.

DAJA.

'Tis vain to struggle, for the ways of Heaven Are still the ways of Heaven. And who can say If he who saved your life may not be doomed, Through his G.o.d's arm, for whom he n.o.bly fights.

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