Part 124 (1/2)

The Templar pleases me; 'tis true I'd rather he, than any one, had Recha.

But patience.

DAJA.

Patience! and, say, is not that The string you always harp on?

NATHAN.

Still, have patience But for a few days longer. Ha! who comes?

A friar! Go ask him what his errand is.

DAJA (_going_).

What can he want?

NATHAN.

Give--give before he begs.

(Oh, that I knew how I could sound the Knight Without betraying what my motive is!

For should I tell it, and my thoughts prove false, I shall have staked the father's rights in vain.) What is the matter?

DAJA.

He would speak with you.

NATHAN.

Let him approach. Leave us together, Daja.

Scene VII.

Nathan _and the_ Friar.

NATHAN.

(_Aside_. Gladly I would continue Recha's father!

And can I not be so, though I may cease To bear the name? To her--at least to her-- I should be father still, if she but knew How willingly I bore that t.i.tle once.) What can I do to serve you, pious brother?

FRIAR.

Not much; and yet it gives me pleasure, Nathan, To see at least that you are still so well.

NATHAN.

You know me, then, it seems?

FRIAR.

Who knows you not?