to bring them into play.
The execution needs the inventor's skill.
But let it pass.--I'll dance as best I can--
Yet sooner would I do it ill than well.

SITTAH.

Oh, brother, have more courage in yourself!
Have but the will, I'll answer for the rest.
How strange that men like you are ever prone
To think it is their swords alone that raise them.
When with the fox the noble lion hunts,
'Tis of the fellowship he feels ashamed,
But of the cunning, never.

SALADIN.

Well, 'tis strange
That women so delight to bring mankind
Down to their level. But, dear Sittah, go;
I think I know my lesson.

SITTAH.

Must I go?

SALADIN.

You did not mean to stay?

SITTAH.

No, not with you,
But in this neighb'ring chamber.

SALADIN.

What! to listen?
Not so, my sister, if I shall succeed.
Away! the curtain rustles--he is come.
Beware of lingering! I'll be on the watch.
(_While_ Sittah _retires through, one door_, Nathan _enters at
another, and_ Saladin _seats himself_.)

Scene V.

Saladin, Nathan.

SALADIN.

Draw nearer, Jew--yet nearer--close to me!
Lay fear aside.

NATHAN.

Fear, Sultan, 's for your foes.

SALADIN.

Your name is Nathan?

NATHAN.

Yes.

SALADIN.

Nathan the Wise.

NATHAN.

No.
SALADIN.

But, at least the people call you so.

NATHAN.

That may be true. The people!

SALADIN.

Do not think
I treat the people's voice contemptuously.
I have been wishing long to know the man
Whom it has called the Wise.

NATHAN.

What, if it named
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