The Dramatic Works of G. E. Lessing Part 126

NATHAN.

But by degrees returning reason came, And spoke with gentle accent: "G.o.d is just!

And this was His decree. Now exercise The lesson thou so long hast understood, And which is surely not more difficult To exercise than well to understand."

I rose and cried to G.o.d, "I will, I will!

Do Thou but aid my purpose." And, behold, Just at that moment you dismounted. You Gave me the child enfolded in your robe.

The words we spoke occur not to me now.

This much I recollect: I took the child; I bore it to my bed; I kissed its cheek; I flung myself upon my knees, and sobbed, "My G.o.d, Thou hast restored me one of seven!"

FRIAR.

Nathan, you are a Christian. Yes, I swear You are a Christian--better never lived.

NATHAN.

Indeed! the very thing that makes me seem Christian to you, makes you a Jew to me.

But let us not distress each other thus, 'Tis time to act, and though a sevenfold love Had bound me to this strange, this lovely maid, Though the mere thought distracts me, that in her I lose my seven dear sons a second time, If Providence require her at my hands I'm ready to obey.

FRIAR.

'Tis well! And thus I thought to counsel you; but there's no need: Your own good genius has forestalled my words.

NATHAN.

The first chance claimant must not tear her hence.

FRIAR.

Most surely not.

NATHAN.

And he who has no claim Stronger than mine--at least he ought to have Those prior claims which----

FRIAR.

Certainly,

NATHAN.

Those claims Which are derived from nature and from blood.

FRIAR.

In my opinion, yes.

NATHAN.

Then name the man As brother, or as uncle, bound to her, I'll not withhold her from him; she was made To be the ornament of any house, The pride of any faith. I hope you know More of your master and his creed than I.

FRIAR.

On that point, Nathan, I'm but ill informed, I have already told you that I spent Only some moments with him.

NATHAN.

Can you tell The mother's name, at least? She was, I think, A Stauffen?

FRIAR.

Possibly; nay, more--you're right.

NATHAN.

Conrad of Stauffen was her brother's name.

He was a Templar.

FRIAR.

Yes, I think he was: But hold, I have a book that was my lord's.

I drew it from his bosom when he lay Dead, and we buried him at Askalon.

NATHAN.

Well!

FRIAR.

There are prayers in it; 'tis what we call A breviary. This, thought I, yet may serve Some Christian man--not me, forsooth--for I Can't read a word.

NATHAN.

No matter--to the point.

FRIAR.

The pages of this book are written all In his own hand, and, as I'm told, contain All that's important touching him and her.

NATHAN.

Go, run and fetch the book: 'tis fortunate!

I'll pay you for it with its weight in gold.

And with a thousand thanks besides. Go! run!

FRIAR.

I go--but what he wrote is Arabic. (_Exit_)

NATHAN.