Who questions that? Beyond all doubt A foster--father has a right to vote First, if you will. You see I know the whole.

NATHAN.

Not quite. I speak not, Sultan, of myself.

There is another and a different man Whom I must first confer with, Saladin.

SALADIN.

And who is he?

NATHAN.

Her brother.

SALADIN.

Recha's brother?

NATHAN.

E'en so.

RECHA.

My brother! Have I then a brother?

TEMPLAR (_starting from his silent and sullen inattention_).

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

NATHAN.

Patience yet awhile.

TEMPLAR (_bitterly_).

He has imposed a father on the girl; He'll find a brother for her now!

SALADIN.

Indeed, That much was wanting. But this mean rebuke, Christian, had ne'er escaped my a.s.sad's lips.

NATHAN.

Forgive him: I forgive him readily.

Who knows what in his youth and in his place We might ourselves have thought? (_Approaching him in a very friendly manner_) Suspicion, knight, Follows upon reserve. Had you at first Vouchsafed to me your real name----

TEMPLAR.

How! what!

NATHAN.

You are no Stauffen.

TEMPLAR.

Tell me who I am.

NATHAN.

Conrad of Stauffen, not.

TEMPLAR.

Then what's my name?

NATHAN.

Leo of Filneck.

TEMPLAR.

How?

NATHAN.

You start!

TEMPLAR.

With reason.

But who says this?

NATHAN.

I, who can tell you more.

Meanwhile, observe, I tax you not with falsehood.

TEMPLAR.

Indeed!

NATHAN.

It may be both names fit you well.

TEMPLAR.

I think so. (_Aside_) G.o.d inspired him with that thought.