Nathan the Wise - LightNovelsOnl.com
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TEMPLAR.
Up--how d'ye call the mountain?
Up Sinai.
RECHA.
Oh, that's very fortunate.
Now I shall learn for certain if 'tis true -
TEMPLAR.
What! if the spot may yet be seen where Moses Stood before G.o.d; when first -
RECHA.
No, no, not that.
Where'er he stood, 'twas before G.o.d. Of this I know enough already. Is it true, I wish to learn from you that--that it is not By far so troublesome to climb this mountain As to get down--for on all mountains else, That I have seen, quite the reverse obtains.
Well, knight, why will you turn away from me?
Not look at me?
TEMPLAR.
Because I wish to hear you.
RECHA.
Because you do not wish me to perceive You smile at my simplicity--You smile That I can think of nothing more important To ask about the holy hill of hills: Do you not?
TEMPLAR.
Must I meet those eyes again?
And now you cast them down, and damp the smile - Am I in doubtful motions of the features To read what I so plainly hear--what you So audibly declare; yet will conceal? - How truly said thy father "Do but know her!"
RECHA.
Who has--of whom--said so to thee?
TEMPLAR.
Thy father Said to me "Do but know her," and of thee.
DAYA.
And have not I too said so, times and oft.
TEMPLAR.
But where is then your father--with the sultan?
RECHA.
So I suppose.
TEMPLAR.
Yet there? Oh, I forget, He cannot be there still. He is waiting for me Most certainly below there by the cloister.
'Twas so, I think, we had agreed, Forgive, I go in quest of him.
DAYA.
Knight, I'll do that.
Wait here, I'll bring him hither instantly.
TEMPLAR.
Oh no--Oh no. He is expecting me.
Besides--you are not aware what may have happened.
'Tis not unlikely he may be involved With Saladin--you do not know the sultan - In some unpleasant--I must go, there's danger If I forbear.
RECHA.
Danger--of what? of what?
TEMPLAR.
Danger for me, for thee, for him; unless I go at once. [Goes.
RECHA and DAYA.
RECHA.
What is the matter, Daya?
So quick--what comes across him, drives him hence?
DAYA.
Let him alone, I think it no bad sign.
RECHA.
Sign--and of what?
DAYA.
That something pa.s.ses in him.
It boils--but it must not boil over. Leave him - Now 'tis your turn.
RECHA.
