The Dramatic Works of G. E. Lessing Part 99

(_They both retire_.)

Scene V.

Nathan (_who is presently joined by the_ Templar).

NATHAN.

I almost shrink from meeting this strange fellow-- Recoil from his rough virtue! That one man Should ever make another feel confused!

But see, he comes! he seems a n.o.ble youth; Looks like a man. I like his daring eye, His honest gait. Although the sh.e.l.l is bitter, The kernel may not be so. I have seen One like him somewhere. Pardon, n.o.ble Frank----

TEMPLAR.

What would you?

NATHAN.

Pardon me----

TEMPLAR.

What would you, Jew?

NATHAN.

The privilege of speaking to you.

TEMPLAR.

Well!

How can I help it? Quick, then--what's your wish?

NATHAN.

Patience! nor pa.s.s with such contempt and pride One who must be your debtor evermore.

TEMPLAR.

How so? I almost guess. No; are you then----

NATHAN.

My name is Nathan, father to the maid Your generous courage rescued from the flames.

I come to----

TEMPLAR.

If you come to render thanks, Spare them. I have already been compelled To bear too many thanks for this small act.

Besides, you owe me nothing. Could I know The maiden was your daughter? I was bound-- It is a Templar's duty--to a.s.sist All who need succour; and my life just then Was a mere burden. It was a relief To risk it for another, even though The task were to preserve a Jewess' life.

NATHAN.

Great--great yet horrible--I understand The turn. The modest greatness will a.s.sume The hideous mask to ward off grat.i.tude.

But though he may disdain our proffer'd thanks, Is there no other tribute we can pay?

Sir Knight! if you were not a stranger here, And not a pris'ner, I were not so bold.

But, come, what service can I render you?

TEMPLAR.

You!--nothing.

NATHAN.

I am rich.

TEMPLAR.

The richer Jew Was ne'er in my esteem the better Jew.

NATHAN.

Is that a reason why you should not use The better part of him--his wealth?

TEMPLAR.

Well, well, I'll not refuse it wholly, for the sake Of my poor mantle; when it is well worn, And spite of darning will not hold together, I'll come and borrow cloth or gold of you, To make a new one. Nay, Sir, do not start; The danger is not pressing--'tis not yet Quite worthless; it is sound, and strong, and good.

Save in one corner, where an ugly spot Is singed, and that is from a burn it got When I bore off your daughter from the fire.

NATHAN (_taking hold of the mantle_).

'Tis strange, indeed, that such a spot as this Should bear far better witness to the man Than his own lips. This spot! Oh, I could kiss it.

Your pardon, Sir, in truth, I meant it not!

TEMPLAR.

What?

NATHAN.

'Twas a tear that fell.

TEMPLAR.

Well, 'tis no matter.

'Tis not the first. (This Jew doth puzzle me.)

NATHAN.

Would you but send this mantle to my daughter!