In order to unlearn my native trade. Thy cook—why not thy butler too? The Sultan, He knows me better, I’m his treasurer. NATHAN. You, you? HAFI. Mistake not—of the lesser purse— His father manages the greater still— The purser of his household. NATHAN. That’s not small. HAFI. ’Tis larger than thou think’st; for every beggar Is of his household. NATHAN. He’s so much their foe— HAFI. That he’d fain root them out—with food and raiment— Tho’ he turn beggar in the enterprize. NATHAN. Bravo, I meant so. HAFI. And he’s almost such. His treasury is every day, ere sun-set, Poorer than empty; and how high so e’er Flows in the morning tide, ’tis ebb by noon. NATHAN. Because it circulates through such canals As can be neither stopped, nor filled. HAFI. Thou hast it. NATHAN. I know it well. HAFI. Nathan, ’tis woeful doing When kings are vultures amid caresses: But when they’re caresses amid the vultures ’Tis ten times worse. NATHAN. No, dervis, no, no, no. HAFI. Thou mayst well talk so. Now then, let me hear What wouldst thou give me to resign my office? NATHAN. What does it bring you in? HAFI. To me, not much; But thee, it might indeed enrich: for when, As often happens, money is at ebb, Thou couldst unlock thy sluices, make advances, And take in form of interest all thou wilt. NATHAN. And interest upon interest of the interest— HAFI. Certainly. NATHAN. Till my capital becomes All interest. HAFI. How—that does not take with thee? Then write a finis to our book of friendship; For I have reckoned on thee. NATHAN. How so, Hafi? HAFI. That thou wouldst help me to go thro’ my office With credit, grant me open chest with thee— Dost shake thy head? NATHAN. Let’s understand each other. Here’s a distinction to be made. To you, To dervis Hafi, all I have is open; But to the defterdar of Saladin, To that Al-Hafi— HAFI.