Scene I.--_The Cloisters of the Convent_.

_The_ Friar, _and presently afterwards the_ Templar.

FRIAR.

Ay, ay! he must be right, the Patriarch! And yet, of all his business, no great part Has prospered in my hands. But why should he Entrust such tasks to me? I have no wish To play the knave, to wheedle and persuade, To worm out secrets, and to thrust my hand Into my neighbour's business. Not for this Did I renounce the world, that I might be Entangled with its cares for other men.

TEMPLAR (_entering abruptly_).

Good brother, are you here? I've sought you long.

FRIAR.

Me, sir?

TEMPLAR.

What, don't you recollect me, then?

FRIAR.

Ay! but, Sir Knight, I never thought to see Your face again--and so I hoped in God. God knows how much I hated the proposal Which I was bound to make you, and He knows How little I desired you should assent, How in my inmost soul I was rejoiced When you refused, without a moment's thought, To do what had been shameful in a Knight. But have you thought the matter o'er again?

TEMPLAR.

You seem to know what object brings me here.

FRIAR.

Have you, Sir Knight, reflected by this time, That our good Patriarch is not much deceived In thinking gold and glory may be won By his commission? that a foe's a foe, Were he our guardian angel seven times o'er? Have you 'gainst flesh and blood weighed all these things, And are you come to strike a bargain now?

TEMPLAR.

My dear good man, be patient; not for this Am I come hither; not for aught like this Do I desire to see the Patriarch. On every point my thoughts remain unchanged; Nor would I for the wealth of all this world Forfeit that good opinion, which I won From such an upright, honest man as you. I merely come to ask the Patriarch For counsel.

FRIAR (_looking round timidly_).

Counsel from the Patriarch! What, you! a knight to ask a priest's advice!

TEMPLAR.

Mine is a priestly business.

FRIAR.

Yet the priests Would scorn a knight's advice, were their affairs Ever so knightly.

TEMPLAR.

Therefore they're allowed To err sometimes, a privilege which I, For one, don't greatly envy them; and yet, If I were acting only for myself, And were not bound to others, I should care But little for advice. But in some things 'Twere better to go wrong by others' guidance Than, by our own, go right. And I observe, By this time, that religion's naught but party, And he who in his own belief is most Impartial, does but hold the standard up Of his own creed, howe'er unconsciously. Yet since 'tis so, it must be right.

FRIAR.

I'm silent. In truth, I don't quite comprehend.

TEMPLAR.

And yet-- (Let me consider first what 'tis I want-- Decision or advice from sage or simple?) Thanks, brother; yes, I thank you for your hint. What is a patriarch? Be thou for once My patriarch; for 'tis the Christian rather Whom in the patriarch I would consult, Than in the Christian the mere patriarch.

FRIAR.

Hold, hold, Sir Knight! no more of this, I find That you mistake me. He who hath learnt much Must needs have many cares. I know but one---- But hark, behold! here comes the very man! 'Tis he, so stay; he has perceived us both.