Nathan the Wise - Part 57
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Part 57

SALADIN.

Ha! thou too?

NATHAN.

One other has to speak.

SALADIN.

Who denies that?

Unquestionably, Nathan, there belongs A vote to such a foster-father--and The first, if you require it. You perceive I know how all the matter lies.

NATHAN.

Not all-- I speak not of myself. There is another, A very different man, whom, Saladin, I must first talk with.

SALADIN.

Who?

NATHAN.

Her brother.

SALADIN.

Recha's?

NATHAN.

Yes, her's.

RECHA.

My brother--have I then a brother?

[The templar starts from his silent and sullen inattention.

TEMPLAR.

Where is this brother? Not yet here? 'Twas here I was to find him.

NATHAN.

Patience yet a while.

TEMPLAR (very bitterly).

He has imposed a father on the girl, He'll find her up a brother.

SALADIN.

That was wanting!

Christian, this mean suspicion ne'er had past The lips of a.s.sad. Go but on -

NATHAN.

Forgive him, I can forgive him readily. Who knows What in his place, and at his time of life, We might have thought ourselves? Suspicion, knight,

[Approaching the templar in a friendly manner.

Succeeds soon to mistrust. Had you at first Favoured me with your real name.

TEMPLAR.

How? what?

NATHAN.

You are no Stauffen.

TEMPLAR.

Who then am I? Speak.

NATHAN.

Conrade of Stauffen is no name of yours.

TEMPLAR.

What is my name then?

NATHAN.

Guy of Filnek.

TEMPLAR.

How?

NATHAN.

You startle -

TEMPLAR.

And with reason. Who says that?