The Dramatic Works of G. E. Lessing Part 132

TEMPLAR.

No matter.

NATHAN.

I have ne'er denied the truth To you, or any one whom it concerned To know the fact, that she's of Christian birth, And that the maid is my adopted child.

Why I have not informed her of the truth, I need explain to none but to herself.

TEMPLAR.

Nathan; no need of that, it were not well That she should see you in a different light; Then spare her the discovery. As yet She's yours alone--no other's--to bestow.

Then grant her to me, Nathan, I implore-- Grant her to me: I only, I alone, Can rescue her a second time--and will.

NATHAN.

Yes, you could once have saved her, but alas!

'Tis now too late.

TEMPLAR.

Too late! ah! say not so.

NATHAN.

Thanks to the Patriarch.

TEMPLAR.

Why, thanks to him?

Why should we thank the Patriarch! For what?

NATHAN.

That now we know her relatives, and know Into whose hands Recha may be restored.

TEMPLAR.

Let him give thanks who shall have better cause To thank him.

NATHAN.

But you must receive her now From other hands than mine.

TEMPLAR.

Alas, poor maid!

O hapless Recha! what has chanced to thee, That what to other orphans had appeared A real blessing, is to thee a curse!

But, Nathan, where are these new relatives?

NATHAN.

Where are they?

TEMPLAR.

Ay, both where and who are they?

NATHAN.

Her brother is discovered, and to him You must address yourself.

TEMPLAR.

Her brother! Ha!

And what is he--a soldier or a priest?

Tell me at once what I've to hope from him.

NATHAN.

I hear he's neither--or he's both. As yet I do not know him thoroughly.

TEMPLAR.

What more?

NATHAN.

He is a gallant fellow, and with him Recha may be content.

TEMPLAR.

But he's a Christian.

At times I know not what to make of you.

Take it not ill, good Nathan, that I ask, Must she not henceforth play the Christian, a.s.sociate with Christians, and at last Become the character she long has played?

Will not the tares at length grow up and choke The pure wheat you have sown? And does not that Affect you? Yet you say she'll be content When with her brother.

NATHAN.

As I think and hope.

For should she e'er have need of anything, Has she not you and me?

TEMPLAR.

What can she need When with her brother. Gladly he'll provide His dear new sister with a thousand robes, With dainties, and with toys and finery.

And what could any sister wish for more-- Unless, perhaps, a husband? And him too, Him too the brother, in due time, will find; And the more Christian he, the better!--Nathan, How sad to think the angel you have formed, Should now be marred by others!

NATHAN.