Part 113 (2/2)

NATHAN.

And did he so?

TEMPLAR.

I bear my father's name, I am called Conrad.

NATHAN.

So! And yet the man I knew was not your father, for, like you, He was a Templar, and was never married.

TEMPLAR.

And what of that?

NATHAN.

How?

TEMPLAR.

He might still have been My father.

NATHAN.

Nay, you jest.

TEMPLAR.

You're far too good.

What matters it? Does b.a.s.t.a.r.d wound your ear?

The race, good sir, is not to be despised.

But spare my pedigree, and I'll spare yours.

Great G.o.d! forbid my words should ever cast The smallest doubt on your ancestral tree.

You can attest it backwards, leaf by leaf, To Abraham. And from that point--I know it well, Myself--can even swear to it.

NATHAN.

Your words are bitter. Do I merit this?

What have I e'er refused you? I have but Forborn a.s.sent at the first word you spoke.

No more!

TEMPLAR.

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