Scene VI.

NATHAN (_alone_).

Strange! how is this? What can the Sultan want? I came prepared for cash--he asks for truth! Truth! as if truth were cash! A coin disused-- Valued by weight! If so, 'twere well, indeed! But coin quite new, not coin but for the die, To be flung down and on the counter told---- It is not that. Like gold tied up in bags, Will truth lie hoarded in the wise man's head, To be produced at need? Now, in this case, Which of us plays the Jew? He asks for truth. Is truth what he requires? his aim, his end? Or does he use it as a subtle snare? That were too petty for his noble mind. Yet what is e'er too petty for the great? Did he not rush at once into the house, Whilst, as a friend, he would have paused or knocked? I must beware. Yet to repel him now And act the stubborn Jew, is not the thing; And wholly to fling off the Jew, still less. For if no Jew, he might with justice ask, Why not a Mussulman?--That thought may serve.-- Others than children may be quieted With tales well told. But see, he comes--he comes.