Part 125 (1/2)

FRIAR.

Nay, hear.

He has commissioned me, if possible, To find this Jew out for him; and he raves Loudly and bitterly against the crime, Which he p.r.o.nounces as the actual sin Against the Holy Ghost--that is, the sin The greatest, which a sinner can commit.

But luckily we can't exactly tell Its nature. But my conscience all at once Was roused, and it occurred to me that I Had once, perhaps, been guilty of this sin.

Do you remember, eighteen years ago, When a knight's squire committed to your hands A female infant but a few weeks old?

NATHAN.

What say you? Well, in fact there was----

FRIAR.

Ay, look-- Look well at me--for I'm that squire: 'twas I.

NATHAN.

What! you?

FRIAR.

And he from whom I brought the child Was, if I recollect the matter right, A Lord of Filneck--Wolf von Filneck.

NATHAN.

Right.

FRIAR.

Because the mother died not long before; And he, the father, was obliged to fly To Gaza suddenly. The helpless child Could not accompany him, and therefore he Committed it to you: that was my task.

I found you out at Daran.

NATHAN.

Right, quite right.

FRIAR.

It were no wonder had my memory Deceived me. I have served so many lords.

The one who fled was not my master long, He fell at Askalon. His heart was kind.

NATHAN.

Yes, yes, and I have much to thank him for.

Not once, but many times he saved my life.

FRIAR.

O, glorious! then the greater joy for you To educate his daughter.

NATHAN.