Part 129 (2/2)

Were I to fancy her a Christian now, Bereft of all the Jew has given to her-- Which only such a Jew could have bestowed-- Speak out, my heart--where would have been her charm'

It had been nothing--little; then her smile Had been a pretty twisting of the mouth And that which caused it were unworthy deemed Of the enchantment blooming on her lips.

No: not her very smile! I've seen sweet smiles Squandered on pride, on foppery, on lies, On flatterers, on wicked wooers spent: And did they charm me then? Did they awake The wish to flutter out existence in Their suns.h.i.+ne? And I'm angry now with him Who gave this higher value to the maid?

And wherefore so? Do I deserve the taunt With which I was dismissed by Saladin?

'Twas bad enough he should think thus of me.

How wicked, how contemptible, alas!

I must have seemed to him! And for a girl!

Conrad, this will not do. Avaunt such thoughts!

And what if Daja has been chattering Of things not easy to be proved? But see, He comes, engaged in converse; and with whom?

With him, the Friar. Then he knows all: perhaps He has betrayed him to the Patriarch.

O Conrad! what vile mischief hast thou done!

O! that one spark of love, that wayward pa.s.sion, Should so inflame the brain! But, quick! resolve; What's to be done? Stay, step aside awhile; Perhaps the Friar will leave him. Let us see.

Scene IV.

Nathan _and the_ Friar.

NATHAN (_approaching him_).

Good brother, once more, thanks.

FRIAR.

The same to you.

NATHAN.

Why thanks from you? Because I'm wayward, and Would force upon you what you cannot use?

FRIAR.

The book you have did not belong to me.

It is the maid's, is all her property, Her only patrimony--save yourself.

G.o.d grant you ne'er have reason to repent Of what you've done for her!

NATHAN.

Impossible!

That cannot be. Fear not.

FRIAR.

Alas! alas!

These Patriarchs and Templars----

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