Part 133 (1/2)

Be a.s.sured He'll always prove deserving of our love.

TEMPLAR.

Nay speak not so; of my love, speak not so, For it can brook no loss, however small, Not e'en a name. But, hold! Has she as yet Any suspicion of these late events?

NATHAN.

'Tis possible, and yet I know not how.

TEMPLAR.

It matters not; she must, in either case, First learn from me what fate is threat'ning her.

My purpose not to speak with her again, And ne'er to see her more, till I should call Your Recha mine, is gone. I take my leave.

NATHAN.

Nay, whither would you go?

TEMPLAR.

At once to her, To learn if she be bold enough at heart, To fix upon the only course that now Is worthy of her.

NATHAN.

Name it.

TEMPLAR.

It is this: That henceforth she should never care to know Aught of her brother or of you.

NATHAN.

What more?

TEMPLAR.

To follow me--even if it were her fate To wed a Mussulman.

NATHAN.

Stay, Templar, stay!

You will not find her. She's with Sittah now, The Sultan's sister.

TEMPLAR.

Wherefore, and since when?

NATHAN.

If you desire to see her brother, come, Follow me straight.