How so? Perhaps I guess—No—Are you then— NATHAN. My name is Nathan, father to the maid Your generous courage snatched from circling flames, And hasten— TEMPLAR. If with thanks, keep, keep them all. Those little things I’ve had to suffer much from: Too much already, far. And, after all, You owe me nothing. Was I ever told She was your daughter? ’Tis a templar’s duty To rush to the assistance of the first Poor wight that needs him; and my life just then Was quite a burden. I was mighty glad To risk it for another; tho’ it were That of a Jewess. NATHAN. Noble, and yet shocking! The turn might be expected. Modest greatness Wears willingly the mask of what is shocking To scare off admiration: but, altho’ She may disdain the tribute, admiration, Is there no other tribute she can bear with? Knight, were you here not foreign, not a captive I would not ask so freely. Speak, command, In what can I be useful? TEMPLAR. You—in nothing. NATHAN. I’m rich. TEMPLAR. To me the richer Jew ne’er seemed The bettor Jew. NATHAN. Is that a reason why You should not use the better part of him, His wealth? TEMPLAR. Well, well, I’ll not refuse it wholly, For my poor mantle’s sake—when that is threadbare, And spite of darning will not hold together, I’ll come and borrow cloth, or money of thee, To make me up a new one. Don’t look solemn; The danger is not pressing; ’tis not yet At the last gasp, but tight and strong and good, Save this poor corner, where an ugly spot You see is singed upon it. It got singed As I bore off your daughter from the fire. NATHAN (_taking hold of the mantle_). ’Tis singular that such an ugly spot Bears better testimony to the man Than his own mouth. This brand—Oh I could kiss it! Your pardon—that I meant not. TEMPLAR. What? NATHAN. A tear Fell on the spot. TEMPLAR. You’ll find up more such tears— (This Jew methinks begins to work upon me). NATHAN. Would you send once this mantle to my daughter? TEMPLAR. Why? NATHAN. That her lips may cling to this dear speck; For at her benefactor’s feet to fall, I find, she hopes in vain. TEMPLAR. But, Jew, your name You said was Nathan—Nathan, you can join Your words together cunningly—right well— I am confused—in fact—I would have been—