SALADIN.

(_Approaches_ Nathan, _and takes his hand, which he retains to the end
of the scene_.)

This promised judge--I?--Dust! I?--Nought! oh God!

NATHAN.

What is the matter, Sultan?

SALADIN.

Dearest Nathan!
That judge's thousand years are not yet past;
His judgment-seat is not for me. But go,
And still remain my friend.

NATHAN.

Has Saladin
Aught else to say?

SALADIN.

No.

NATHAN.

Nothing?

SALADIN.

Truly nothing.
But why this eagerness?

NATHAN.

I could have wished
An opportunity to ask a boon.

SALADIN.

Wait not for opportunity. Speak now.

NATHAN.

I have been traveling, and am just returned
From a long journey, from collecting debts.
Hard cash is troublesome these perilous times,
I know not where I may bestow it safely.
These coming wars need money; and, perchance,
You can employ it for me, Saladin?

SALADIN (_fixing his eyes upon_ Nathan).

I ask not, Nathan, have you seen Al-Hafi?
Nor if some shrewd suspicion of your own
Moves you to make this offer.

NATHAN.

What suspicion?

SALADIN.

I do not ask--forgive me,--it is just,
For what avails concealment? I confess
I was about----

NATHAN.

To ask this very thing?

SALADIN.

Yes!

NATHAN.

Then our objects are at once fulfilled,
And if I cannot send you all my store,
The Templar is to blame for that. You know
The man. I owe a heavy debt to him.

SALADIN.

The Templar! Surely, Nathan, with your gold
You do not aid my direst foes?

NATHAN.

I speak
Of him whose life was spared by Salad