The Dramatic Works of G. E. Lessing Part 98

She certainly has lost him.

NATHAN.

Wherefore so?

RECHA.

Her pace were quicker else.

NATHAN.

She has not seen us.

RECHA.

There, now she spies us.

NATHAN.

And her speed redoubles.

Recha, be calm!

RECHA.

What! would you have your child Be cold and unconcerned about his fate To whom her life is due?--a life to her But dear because she owed it first to you.

NATHAN.

I would not wish you other than you are, E'en if I knew that in your secret soul Another and a different feeling throbs.

RECHA.

What means my father?

NATHAN.

Do you ask of me-- So tremblingly of me? What pa.s.ses now Within your soul is innocence and nature.

Nay, fear not, for it gives me no alarm.

But promise, if the heart shall ever speak A plainer language, you will not conceal One single of your wishes from my love.

RECHA.

Oh, the bare thought that I should ever wish To hide them from my father, makes me shudder.

NATHAN.

Recha, enough of this. Now, what says Daja?

DAJA.

He's still beneath the palms, and presently He'll reach yon wall. See! here he comes at last.

RECHA.

He seems irresolute which way to turn, To left or right!

DAJA.

His custom is to seek The convent walls, so he will pa.s.s this way.

What will you wager? Yes, he comes to us.

RECHA.

Right! Did you speak to him? How did he look?

DAJA.

As usual.

NATHAN.

Do not let him see you here.

Stand farther back, or to the house retire.

RECHA.

Just one look more. Ah! the trees hide him now.

DAJA.

Come, come away! Recha, your father's right.

Should he observe us he'll retire at once.

RECHA.

Alas! the trees----

NATHAN.

Now he emerges from them.

He can't but see you. Hence! I beg of you.

DAJA.

Come, Recha, come! I know a window whence We may observe him better.

RECHA.

Come, then, come.