TEMPLAR (coming forward).

Hoa, Nathan, take me with you.

NATHAN.

Ha! Who calls?

Is it you, knight? And whither have you been That you could not be met with at the Sultan's?

TEMPLAR.

We missed each other--take it not amiss.

NATHAN.

I, no, but Saladin.

TEMPLAR.

You was just gone.

NATHAN.

O, then you spoke with him; I'm satisfied.

TEMPLAR.

Yes--but he wants to talk with us together.

NATHAN.

So much the better. Come with me, my step Was eitherwise bent thither.

TEMPLAR.

May I ask, Nathan, who 'twas now left you?

NATHAN.

Did you know him?

TEMPLAR.

Was't that good-hearted creature the lay-brother, Whom the h.o.a.r patriarch has a knack of using To feel his way out?

NATHAN.

That may be. In fact He's at the patriarch's.

TEMPLAR.

'Tis no awkward hit To make simplicity the harbinger Of craft.

NATHAN.

If the simplicity of dunces, But if of honest piety?

TEMPLAR.

This last No patriarch can believe in.

NATHAN.

I'll be bound for't This last belongs to him who quitted me.

He'll not a.s.sist his patriarch to accomplish A vile or cruel purpose.

TEMPLAR.

Such, at least, He would appear--but has he told you then Something of me?

NATHAN.

Of you? No--not by name, He can't well be acquainted with your name.

TEMPLAR.

No, that not.

NATHAN.

He indeed spoke of a templar, Who -

TEMPLAR.

What?

NATHAN.

But by this templar could not mean To point out you.

TEMPLAR.

Stay, stay, who knows? Let's hear.

NATHAN.

Who has accused me to his patriarch.

TEMPLAR.