Scene V.

Saladin, Nathan.

SALADIN.

Draw nearer, Jew--yet nearer--close to me! Lay fear aside.

NATHAN.

Fear, Sultan, 's for your foes.

SALADIN.

Your name is Nathan?

NATHAN.

Yes.

SALADIN.

Nathan the Wise.

NATHAN.

No. SALADIN.

But, at least the people call you so.

NATHAN.

That may be true. The people!

SALADIN.

Do not think I treat the people's voice contemptuously. I have been wishing long to know the man Whom it has called the Wise.

NATHAN.

What, if it named Him so in scorn? If wise means prudent only-- And prudent, one who knows his interest well?

SALADIN.

Who knows his real interest, you mean.

NATHAN.

Then, Sultan, selfish men were the most prudent, And wise, and prudent, then, would mean the same.

SALADIN.

You're proving what your speeches contradict. You know the real interests of man: The people know them not--have never sought To know them. That alone can make man wise.

NATHAN.

Which every man conceives himself to be.

SALADIN.

A truce to modesty! To meet it ever, When we are seeking truth is wearisome (_springs up_). So, let us to the point. Be candid, Jew, Be frank and honest.

NATHAN.

I will serve you, prince, And prove that I am worthy of your favour.

SALADIN.

How will you serve me?

NATHAN.

You shall have the best Of all I have, and at the cheapest rate.

SALADIN.

What mean you? Not your wares?--My sister, then, Shall make the bargain with you. (That's for the listener!) I am not versed in mercantile affairs, And with a merchant's craft I've nought to do.

NATHAN.

Doubtless you would inquire if I have marked Upon my route the movements of the foe? Whether he's stirring? If I may presume----

SALADIN.

Neither was that my object. On that point I know enough. But hear me.

NATHAN.

I obey.

SALADIN.

It is another, a far different thing On which I seek for wisdom; and since you Are called the Wise, tell me which faith or law You deem the best.

NATHAN.

Sultan, I am a Jew.

SALADIN.

And I a Mussulman. The Christian stands Between us. Here are three religions, then, And of these three one only can be true. A man like you remains not where his birth By accident has cast him; or if so, Conviction, choice, or ground of preference, Supports him. Let me, Nathan, hear from you, In confidence, the reasons of your choice, Which I have lacked the leisure to examine. It may be, Nathan, that I am the first Sultan who has indulged this strange caprice, Which need not, therefore, make a Sultan blush. Am I the first? Nay, speak; or if you seek A brief delay to shape your scattered thoughts, I yield it freely. (Has she overheard? She will inform me if I've acted right.) Reflect then, Nathan, I shall soon return. (_Exit_.)