What spirit, in some region of the blest,
Has kept this beauteous flower so fresh in bloom?
Methinks I could remind you of our sports
In days gone by; and I could chide you, too,
For having kept one secret from my ear,
For having dared one gallant deed alone.
I'm happy that so much of this deceit
At least is true, that in my sear of life
An Assad blooms for me once more. And you,
You too are happy, Knight!

TEMPLAR.

Whate'er you will--
Whatever be your thought--lies as a wish
Within mine inmost soul.
SALADIN.

We'll prove you, then.
Will you abide with me?--cling to my side,
Whether as Christian or as Mussulman,
In turban or white mantle? Choose your garb--
Choose for yourself. I never have desired
That the same bark should grow on every tree.

TEMPLAR.
Else, Saladin, you never had become
The hero that you are--who'd rather be
The gardener of the Lord.

SALADIN.

If thus you think
Of Saladin, we're half agreed, already----

TEMPLAR.

Nay, quite!

SALADIN (_offering his hand_).

One word!

TEMPLAR (_taking it_).

One man! and with this hand
Take more than you can e'er take back again.
Henceforth I'm wholly yours.

SALADIN.

This is too much--
For one day 'tis too much! Came he not with you?

TEMPLAR.

Who?
SALADIN.

Who? Nathan.

TEMPLAR.

No; I came alone.

SALADIN.

Oh, what a deed was thine! what happiness
That such a deed should serve so good a man!

TEMPLAR.

'Twas nothing.

SALADIN.

Why so cold, O valiant youth!
When God makes man His minister of good,
He need not be so cold, nor modestly
Wish to appear so cold.

TEMPLAR.

But in the world
All things have many sides, and w