No More Learning

He will not visit Jews.

NATHAN: Then hold him there
Till I rejoin you. I shall not be long.


SCENE II. --_A place of palms. Enter the_ TEMPLAR, _followed by a_
FRIAR.

TEMPLAR: This fellow does not follow me for pastime.

FRIAR: I'm from the Patriarch: he is fain to learn
Why you alone were spared by Saladin.

TEMPLAR: My neck was ready for the blow, when he
Had me unbound. How all this hangs together
Thy Patriarch may unravel.

FRIAR: He concludes
That you are spared to do some mighty deed.

TEMPLAR: To save a Jewish maid?

FRIAR: A weightier office!
He'd have you learn the strengths and weaknesses
Of Saladin's new bulwark!

TEMPLAR: Play the spy!
Not for _me_, brother!

FRIAR: Nay, but there is more.
It were not hard to seize the Sultan's person,
And make an end of all!

TEMPLAR: And make of me
A graceless scoundrel! Brother, go away;
Stir not my anger!

FRIAR: I obey, and go.

[_Exit. Enter_ DAYA.

DAYA: Nathan the Wise would see you; he is fain
To load you with rewards. Do see him--try him!

TEMPLAR: Good woman, you torment me. From this day
Pray know me not; and do not send the father!
A Jew's a Jew, and I am rude and bearish.
I have forgot the maiden; do not make
These palm-trees odious where I love to walk!

DAYA: Then farewell, bear. But I must track the savage.