The Dramatic Works of G. E. Lessing - novelonlinefull.com
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How can I this? How can I swear to do What stands not in my power.
DAJA.
'Tis in your power!
One single word brings it within your power.
TEMPLAR.
But will her father smile upon my suit?
DAJA.
Her father, truly! He shall be compelled.
TEMPLAR.
Compell'd! What, has he fallen among thieves?
Compell'd!
DAJA.
Then hear me. Nathan will consent: He must consent.
TEMPLAR.
Consent! and must! Oh, Daja!
I have already tried to touch that chord; It vibrates not responsive.
DAJA.
What! reject you?
TEMPLAR.
He answered me in such discordant tone That I was hurt.
DAJA.
What say you? Did you breathe The shadow of a wish to marry Recha.
And did not Nathan leap for joy? Did he Draw coldly back--raise obstacles?
TEMPLAR.
He did.
DAJA.
Then I'll deliberate no moment more.
TEMPLAR (_after a pause_).
And yet you are deliberating still.
DAJA.
Nathan in all things has been ever good.
I owe him much. Did he refuse to listen?
G.o.d knows it grieves me to constrain him thus.
TEMPLAR.
I pray you, Daja, now to terminate This dire uncertainty. But if you doubt Whether the thing you would impart to me Be right or wrong, worthy of shame or honour, Then tell it not, and henceforth I'll forget You have a secret it were well to hide.
DAJA.
Your words but spur me on to tell you all.
Then learn that Recha is no Jewess--that She is a Christian maid.
TEMPLAR (_coldly_).
I wish you joy!
At last the tedious labour's at an end.
The birth-pangs have not hurt you. Still go on With undiminished zeal, and people heaven When you are fit no more to people earth.
DAJA.
How, Knight! and does the news I bring deserve Such bitter taunts? Does it confer no joy On you to hear that Recha is a Christian, On you, her lover, and a Christian knight?
TEMPLAR.
And more especially since Recha is A Christian of your making?
DAJA.
Think you so?
Then I would fain see him that may convert her.
It is her fate long since to have been that Which she can now no more become.
TEMPLAR.
Explain, Or leave me.
DAJA.
Well! she is a Christian maid, Of Christian parents born--and is baptised.
TEMPLAR (_hastily_).
