Part 109 (2/2)

I obey.

SALADIN.

It is another, a far different thing On which I seek for wisdom; and since you Are called the Wise, tell me which faith or law You deem the best.

NATHAN.

Sultan, I am a Jew.

SALADIN.

And I a Mussulman. The Christian stands Between us. Here are three religions, then, And of these three one only can be true.

A man like you remains not where his birth By accident has cast him; or if so, Conviction, choice, or ground of preference, Supports him. Let me, Nathan, hear from you, In confidence, the reasons of your choice, Which I have lacked the leisure to examine.

It may be, Nathan, that I am the first Sultan who has indulged this strange caprice, Which need not, therefore, make a Sultan blush.

Am I the first? Nay, speak; or if you seek A brief delay to shape your scattered thoughts, I yield it freely. (Has she overheard?

She will inform me if I've acted right.) Reflect then, Nathan, I shall soon return. (_Exit_.)

Scene VI.

NATHAN (_alone_).

Strange! how is this? What can the Sultan want?

I came prepared for cash--he asks for truth!

Truth! as if truth were cas.h.!.+ A coin disused-- Valued by weight! If so, 'twere well, indeed!

But coin quite new, not coin but for the die, To be flung down and on the counter told---- It is not that. Like gold tied up in bags, Will truth lie h.o.a.rded in the wise man's head, To be produced at need? Now, in this case, Which of us plays the Jew? He asks for truth.

Is truth what he requires? his aim, his end?

Or does he use it as a subtle snare?

That were too petty for his n.o.ble mind.

Yet what is e'er too petty for the great?

Did he not rush at once into the house, Whilst, as a friend, he would have paused or knocked?

I must beware. Yet to repel him now And act the stubborn Jew, is not the thing; And wholly to fling off the Jew, still less.

For if no Jew, he might with justice ask, Why not a Mussulman?--That thought may serve.-- Others than children may be quieted With tales well told. But see, he comes--he comes.

Scene VII.

Saladin, Nathan.

SALADIN.

(_Aside_) (The coast is clear)--I am not come too soon?

Have you reflected on this matter, Nathan?

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