The Dramatic Works of G. E. Lessing Part 121

TEMPLAR.

I've nothing against Nathan. I am vexed, But with myself alone.

SALADIN.

Why so?

TEMPLAR.

For dreaming That any Jew can think himself no Jew.

I dreamt this waking.

SALADIN.

Tell me all your dream.

TEMPLAR.

You know that Nathan has a daughter, Sultan!

And what I did for her, I did--because I did it. Far too proud to reap the thanks I had not sown, from day to day I shunned The maiden's sight. Her father was afar.

He comes, he hears, he seeks me, give me thanks; Wishes that she might please me, and he talks Of dawning prospects. Well, I hear it all, I listen to him, go and see the maid-- O! such a maiden, Sultan. But, I blush.

SALADIN.

Why blush? Blush that a Jewish maid should win Your admiration? 'Tis a venial fault.

TEMPLAR.

But oh! that, through her father's sweet discourse, To this impression my o'er-hasty heart Such weak resistance offered! Fool. I leaped A second time into the flame, and then I wooed, and was denied.

SALADIN.

Denied?--denied?

TEMPLAR.

The prudent father does not plainly say No, to my suit--but he must first inquire-- He must reflect. Well, be it so. Had I Not done the same? I looked about, inquired-- Reflected--ere I plunged into the flames Where she was shrieking. Oh, by Heaven! it is A splendid thing to be so circ.u.mspect!

SALADIN.

Nay, but you must concede somewhat to age.

His doubts will pa.s.s away, nor will he wish You to become a Jew.

TEMPLAR.

Who knows?

SALADIN.

Who knows!

One who knows Nathan better than yourself.

TEMPLAR.

And yet the superst.i.tions we have learned From education, do not lose their power When we have found them out; nor are all free Whose judgment mocks the galling chains they wear.

SALADIN.

'Tis wisely said; but Nathan, surely Nathan----

TEMPLAR.

That superst.i.tion is the worst of all Which thinks itself the easiest to be borne----

SALADIN.

'Tis possible. But Nathan----

TEMPLAR.

And to trust To it alone a blind humanity Till it is used to truth's more brilliant light.

To it alone----

SALADIN.

Well, well! But Nathan's fate Is not to be so weak----

TEMPLAR.

I thought so once, But what if this bright pattern to mankind Were such a thorough Jew that he seeks out For Christian children to bring up as Jews?

How then?

SALADIN.

Who speaks so of him?

TEMPLAR.

E'en the maid For whom I'm so distressed, with hopes of whom He seemed so glad to recompense the deed He would not suffer me to do for naught.

This maid is not his daughter; no, she is A kidnapped Christian child.

SALADIN.

Whom Nathan now Refuses you!

TEMPLAR (_earnestly_).

Refuse or not refuse, He is found out--the prating hypocrite Is now found out; but on this Jewish wolf, For all his philosophical sheep's garb, Dogs I can loosen who will tear his hide.