ow.

NATHAN.

Well, well, my child;
If not beneath the palms, be sure that we
Shall meet him somewhere else. Be satisfied.
Is not that Daja whom I see approaching?

RECHA.

She certainly has lost him.

NATHAN.

Wherefore so?

RECHA.

Her pace were quicker else.

NATHAN.

She has not seen us.

RECHA.

There, now she spies us.

NATHAN.

And her speed redoubles.
Recha, be calm!

RECHA.

What! would you have your child
Be cold and unconcerned about his fate
To whom her life is due?--a life to her
But dear because she owed it first to you.

NATHAN.

I would not wish you other than you are,
E'en if I knew that in your secret soul
Another and a different feeling throbs.

RECHA.

What means my father?

NATHAN.

Do you ask of me--
So tremblingly of me? What passes now
Within your soul is innocence and nature.
Nay, fear not, for it gives me no alarm.
But promise, if the heart shall ever speak
A plainer language, you will not conceal
One single of your wishes from my love.

RECHA.

Oh, the bare thought that I should ever wish
To hide them from my father, makes me shudder.

NATHAN.

Recha, enough of this. Now, what says Daja?

DAJA.

He's still beneath the palms, and presently
He'll reach yon wall. See! here he comes at last.

RECHA.

He seems irresolute which way to turn,
To left or right!

DAJA.

His custom is to seek
The convent walls, so he will pass this way.
What will you wager? Yes, he comes to us.

RECHA.

Right! Did you speak to him? How did he look?

DAJA.

As usual.

NATHAN.