Part 138 (1/2)

Who questions that? Beyond all doubt A foster--father has a right to vote First, if you will. You see I know the whole.

NATHAN.

Not quite. I speak not, Sultan, of myself.

There is another and a different man Whom I must first confer with, Saladin.

SALADIN.

And who is he?

NATHAN.

Her brother.

SALADIN.

Recha's brother?

NATHAN.

E'en so.

RECHA.

My brother! Have I then a brother?

TEMPLAR (_starting from his silent and sullen inattention_).

Where is this brother? Not yet here! 'Twas here I was to meet him.

NATHAN.

Patience yet awhile.

TEMPLAR (_bitterly_).

He has imposed a father on the girl; He'll find a brother for her now!

SALADIN.

Indeed, That much was wanting. But this mean rebuke, Christian, had ne'er escaped my a.s.sad's lips.

NATHAN.

Forgive him: I forgive him readily.

Who knows what in his youth and in his place We might ourselves have thought? (_Approaching him in a very friendly manner_) Suspicion, knight, Follows upon reserve. Had you at first Vouchsafed to me your real name----

TEMPLAR.

How! what!