ve me back,
Was it the old one? No. I'm newly framed,
I know no fragment of the ancient forms
That bound me once. My brain is clearer now,
More fit for my paternal home above.
Now I can think as once my father thought,
If tales of him are not untruly told--
Tales that were ne'er so credible as now,
When I am stumbling where my father fell.
Fell! yet 'twere better far to fall with men
Than stand with boys. His conduct guarantees
His approbation. And what need I more
Than Nathan's approbation? Of his praise
I cannot doubt. Oh, what a Jew is he!
And yet he would appear the simple Jew.
But, see, he comes--he comes in haste--delight
Beams from his eye. But who leaves Saladin
With other looks? Ho! Nathan!

Scene IX.

Nathan, _the_ Templar.

NATHAN.

Are you there?

TEMPLAR.

Your visit to the Sultan has been long.

NATHAN.

Not over long. My audience was delayed.
But, Conrad, this man well supports his fame--
His fame is but his shadow. But I must
Without delay inform you that he would----

TEMPLAR.

Say on.

NATHAN.

Would speak with you. So, come with me at once.
I have some brief commands to give at home,
Then to the Sultan.

TEMPLAR.

Nathan, I will ne'er
Enter your door again----

NATHAN.

Then you've been there
Already--spoken with her. Tell me all.
How do you like my Recha?

TEMPLAR.

Words would fail
To tell how much. I dare not trust myself
Alone with her again, unless you say
That I may gaze upon her form for ever.

NATHAN.

What can this mean?

TEMPLAR (_after a short pause, embracing him suddenly_).

My father!

NATHAN.

How, young man?

TEMPLAR (_withdrawing himself as suddenly_).

Call me your son! I do implore you, Nathan.

NATHAN.

Dear youth!