Nathan the Wise Part 58

NATHAN.

I, who can tell you more. Meanwhile, observe I do not tax you with a falsehood.

TEMPLAR.

No?

NATHAN.

May be you with propriety can wear Yon name as well.

TEMPLAR.

I think so too. (G.o.d--G.o.d Put that speech on his tongue.)

NATHAN.

In fact your mother - She was a Stauffen: and her brother's name, (The uncle to whose care you were resigned, When by the rigour of the climate chased, Your parents quitted Germany to seek This land once more) was Conrade. He perhaps Adopted you as his own son and heir.

Is it long since you hither travelled with him?

Is he alive yet?

TEMPLAR.

So in fact it stands.

What shall I say? Yes, Nathan, 'tis all right: Tho' he himself is dead. I came to Syria With the last reinforcement of our order, But--but what has all this long tale to do With Recha's brother, whom -

NATHAN.

Your father -

TEMPLAR.

Him, Him did you know?

NATHAN.

He was my friend.

TEMPLAR.

Your friend?

And is that possible?

NATHAN.

He called himself Leonard of Filnek, but he was no German.

TEMPLAR.

You know that too?

NATHAN.

He had espoused a German, And followed for a time your mother thither.

TEMPLAR.

No more I beg of you--But Recha's brother -

NATHAN.

Art thou

TEMPLAR.

I, I her brother -

RECHA.

He, my brother?

SITTAH.

So near akin -

RECHA (offers to clasp him).

My brother!

TEMPLAR (steps back).

Brother to her -

RECHA (turning to Nathan).

It cannot be, his heart knows nothing of it.

We are deceivers, G.o.d.

SALADIN (to the templar).

Deceivers, yes; All is deceit in thee, face, voice, walk, gesture, Nothing belongs to thee. How, not acknowledge A sister such as she? Go.

TEMPLAR (modestly approaching him).

Sultan, Sultan O do not misinterpret my amazement - Thou never saw'st in such a moment, prince, Thy a.s.sad's heart--mistake not him and me.

[Hastening towards Nathan.