Scene IX.

Nathan, _the_ Templar.

NATHAN.

Are you there?

TEMPLAR.

Your visit to the Sultan has been long.

NATHAN.

Not over long. My audience was delayed. But, Conrad, this man well supports his fame-- His fame is but his shadow. But I must Without delay inform you that he would----

TEMPLAR.

Say on.

NATHAN.

Would speak with you. So, come with me at once. I have some brief commands to give at home, Then to the Sultan.

TEMPLAR.

Nathan, I will ne'er Enter your door again----

NATHAN.

Then you've been there Already--spoken with her. Tell me all. How do you like my Recha?

TEMPLAR.

Words would fail To tell how much. I dare not trust myself Alone with her again, unless you say That I may gaze upon her form for ever.

NATHAN.

What can this mean?

TEMPLAR (_after a short pause, embracing him suddenly_).

My father!

NATHAN.

How, young man?

TEMPLAR (_withdrawing himself as suddenly_).

Call me your son! I do implore you, Nathan.

NATHAN.

Dear youth!

TEMPLAR.

And not your son! I pray you, Nathan, Conjure you, by the strongest ties of Nature, Let it content you now to be a man: Repel me not.

NATHAN.

My dearest friend!

TEMPLAR.

Say son! Why not your son? What, if in Recha's heart Mere gratitude had paved the way for love, And if we both but waited your assent To crown our union! You are silent, sir!

NATHAN.

I am astonished at your words, young Knight.

TEMPLAR.

Astonished! Do I then astonish you With your own thoughts, although you know them not When uttered by my lips. Astonished, Nathan?

NATHAN.

Would that I knew what Stauffen was your father!

TEMPLAR.

What say you, Nathan? At a time like this, Can you indulge such empty, curious thoughts?

NATHAN.

I knew a Stauffen once whose name was Conrad.

TEMPLAR.

What, if my father bore that very name?

NATHAN.

And did he so?

TEMPLAR.

I bear my father's name, I am called Conrad.

NATHAN.

So! And yet the man I knew was not your father, for, like you, He was a Templar, and was never married.

TEMPLAR.

And what of that?

NATHAN.

How?

TEMPLAR.

He might still have been My father.

NATHAN.

Nay, you jest.

TEMPLAR.

You're far too good. What matters it? Does bastard wound your ear? The race, good sir, is not to be despised. But spare my pedigree, and I'll spare yours. Great God! forbid my words should ever cast The smallest doubt on your ancestral tree. You can attest it backwards, leaf by leaf, To Abraham. And from that point--I know it well, Myself--can even swear to it.

NATHAN.

Your words are bitter. Do I merit this? What have I e'er refused you? I have but Forborn assent at the first word you spoke. No more!

TEMPLAR.

Oh! true, no more. Forgive me, Nathan.

NATHAN.

Well, come with me, come.

TEMPLAR.

Whither? to your house? That will I not--it burns. I'll wait you here. Farewell. If I'm to see her once again, I then shall see her often; and if not, I have already seen her too--too much.