behold,
Just at that moment you dismounted. You
Gave me the child enfolded in your robe.
The words we spoke occur not to me now.
This much I recollect: I took the child;
I bore it to my bed; I kissed its cheek;
I flung myself upon my knees, and sobbed,
"My God, Thou hast restored me one of seven!"

FRIAR.

Nathan, you are a Christian. Yes, I swear
You are a Christian--better never lived.

NATHAN.

Indeed! the very thing that makes me seem
Christian to you, makes you a Jew to me.
But let us not distress each other thus,
'Tis time to act, and though a sevenfold love
Had bound me to this strange, this lovely maid,
Though the mere thought distracts me, that in her
I lose my seven dear sons a second time,
If Providence require her at my hands
I'm ready to obey.

FRIAR.

'Tis well! And thus
I thought to counsel you; but there's no need:
Your own good genius has forestalled my words.

NATHAN.

The first chance claimant must not tear her hence.

FRIAR.

Most surely not.

NATHAN.

And he who has no claim
Stronger than mine--at least he ought to have
Those prior claims which----

FRIAR.

Certainly,

NATHAN.

Those claims
Which are derived from nature and from blood.

FRIAR.

In my opinion, yes.

NATHAN.

Then name the man
As brother, or as uncle, bound to her,
I'll not withhold her from him; she was made
To be the ornament of any house,
The pride of any faith. I hope you know
More of your master and his creed than I.

FRIAR.

On that point, Nathan, I'm but ill informed,
I have already told you that I spent
Only some moments with him.

NATHAN.

Can you tell
The mother's name, at least? She was, I think,
A Stauffen?

FRIAR.

Possibly; nay, more--you're right.