arch.

TEMPLAR.

Why, thanks to him?
Why should we thank the Patriarch! For what?

NATHAN.

That now we know her relatives, and know
Into whose hands Recha may be restored.

TEMPLAR.

Let him give thanks who shall have better cause
To thank him.

NATHAN.

But you must receive her now
From other hands than mine.

TEMPLAR.

Alas, poor maid!
O hapless Recha! what has chanced to thee,
That what to other orphans had appeared
A real blessing, is to thee a curse!
But, Nathan, where are these new relatives?

NATHAN.

Where are they?

TEMPLAR.

Ay, both where and who are they?

NATHAN.

Her brother is discovered, and to him
You must address yourself.

TEMPLAR.

Her brother! Ha!
And what is he--a soldier or a priest?
Tell me at once what I've to hope from him.

NATHAN.

I hear he's neither--or he's both. As yet
I do not know him thoroughly.

TEMPLAR.

What more?

NATHAN.

He is a gallant fellow, and with him
Recha may be content.

TEMPLAR.

But he's a Christian.
At times I know not what to make of you.
Take it not ill, good Nathan, that I ask,
Must she not henceforth play the Christian,
Associate with Christians, and at last
Become the character she long has played?
Will not the tares at length grow up and choke
The pure wheat you have sown? And does not that
Affect you? Yet you say she'll be content
When with her brother.

NATHAN.

As I think and hope.
For should she e'er have need of anything,
Has she not you and me?

TEMPLAR.

What can she need
When with her brother. Gladly he'll provide
His dear new sister with a thousand robes,
With dainties, and with t