Part 116 (1/2)

And Nathan!

DAJA.

Not her father.

TEMPLAR.

Nathan not Her father? Are you sure of that?

DAJA.

I am; The truth has cost me tears of blood. He's not.

TEMPLAR.

But as his daughter he has brought her up, Brought up the Christian maiden as a Jewess?

DAJA.

Just so.

TEMPLAR.

And knows she aught about her birth?

Has she not learnt from him that she was born A Christian and no Jewess?

DAJA.

Never yet.

TEMPLAR.

And he not only let the child grow up In this mistaken notion, but he leaves The woman in it.

DAJA.

Ay, alas!

TEMPLAR.

Oh, Nathan!

How can the wise, good Nathan lend himself To stifle Nature's voice--to misdirect The yearnings of a heart in such a way Which, to itself abandoned, would have formed Another bias, Daja? Ay, in truth, The secret is of moment, and may have Important issues. But I feel perplexed: I know not how I ought to act. But go, Let me have breathing time. He may approach, He may surprise us suddenly. Farewell!

DAJA.

I tremble with affright.

TEMPLAR.

And I can scarce Express my thoughts. But go; and should you chance To meet him, say he'll find me at the Sultan's.