He is much esteemed By all his nation--honoured as a prince-- And yet to hear how he is named by all Nathan _the Wise_, and not _the Rich_, seems strange. It often makes me wonder.
But to them It may be, _wise_ and rich--both mean the same.
It seems to me he should be called _the Good_, So rich a store of goodness dwells in him. Since he has learned the weighty debt he owes For service done to Recha there is nought He would withhold from you.
I had not dwelt with him so many years Were he less kind. I know a Christian's worth, And it was never o'er my cradle sung That I to Palestine should wend my way, Following a husband's steps, to educate A Jewish maid. My husband was a page, A noble page, in Emperor Frederick's court----
By birth a Swiss, who earned the sorry fame Of drowning in one river with his lord. Woman! how often have you told this tale? When will you cease to persecute me thus?
Ay, to persecute! Now mark me. I will never see you more, Hear you, nor be reminded of a deed Performed at random. When I think of it, I wonder somewhat, though I ne'er repent. But hear me still. Should such a fatal chance Again occur, you have yourself to blame If I proceed more calmly, question first. And let what's burning, burn.
And now I have a favour to implore. Know me henceforth no more. Grant me this grace, And save me from her father; for with me A Jew's a Jew; a Swabian blunt am I. The image of the maid is now erased Out of my soul--if it was ever there.
Who knows? Men are not always what they seem.
Woman! forbear to make These palm--trees odious: I have loved their shade.
Then go, thou German bear! Yet I must follow him. (_She follow him at a distance_.)
Where are your thoughts? How ill you play, dear brother!
Oh, yes! You're playing well for me; take back that move.
Don't you see you leave your knight exposed?
That's true again, dear Sittah! Well, then, check!
That will not help you--I protect my king, And all is safe again.
Well, out of this Dilemma 'tis not easy to escape. I cannot save the knight.
Well, I owe you nothing; The place you gain is better than the piece. SITTAH.
But reckon not without your host; You did not see that move.
Not I, indeed; I did not think you weary of your queen.