Part 118 (2/2)

The Jew moreover should not have forestalled The hand of G.o.d, whom had He willed to save, Could save without him.

TEMPLAR.

Make him happy too, In spite of him.

PATRIARCH.

It matters not, the Jew Must still be burnt.

TEMPLAR.

That grieves me very much, And all the more, as people say that he Has reared the child not in his own belief, So much as in no faith at all, and taught Her neither more nor less of G.o.d than is By reason asked.

PATRIARCH.

It matters not, the Jew Must still be burnt--and for this very cause Would merit threefold death. To rear a child Without a faith! Not even teach a child The greatest of all duties--to believe!

'Tis heinous, and I'm rapt in wonder, Knight, That you yourself----

TEMPLAR.

Oh, reverend Sir, the rest In the confessional, if G.o.d allow. (_Is going_.)

PATRIARCH.

What, going! and not await my questioning!

Not name to me this infidel, this Jew!

Not find him out for me at once! But, hold!

A thought occurs. I'll to the Sultan straight.

According to the treaty we have sworn With Saladin, he must protect our creed With all the privileges, all the rights That appertain to our most holy faith.

Thank G.o.d! we have retained the deed itself, With seal and signature affixed, and we Can readily convince him, make him feel How full of peril for the state it is Not to believe. All civil bonds are rent Asunder, torn to pieces, Knight, when men Have no belief. Away, away for ever With such impiety!

TEMPLAR.

I much deplore That I want time to relish this discourse, This holy sermon. Saladin awaits My coming.

PATRIARCH.

Ah, indeed!

TEMPLAR.

And I'll prepare The Sultan for your presence, reverend Sir, If you desire.

PATRIARCH.

Why, yes! for I have heard You have found favour in the Sultan's sight.

I beg to be remembered with respect.

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