NATHAN. Thou shalt have the best I bring. Shalt have them cheap. SALADIN. What speak you of?—your wares? My sister shall be called to bargain with you For them (so much for the sly listener), I Have nothing to transact now with the merchant. NATHAN. Doubtless then you would learn, what, on my journey, I noticed of the motions of the foe, Who stirs anew. If unreserved I may— SALADIN. Neither was that the object of my sending: I know what I have need to know already. In short I willed your presence— NATHAN. Sultan, order. SALADIN. To gain instruction quite on other points. Since you are a man so wise, tell me which law, Which faith appears to you the better? NATHAN. Sultan, I am a Jew. SALADIN. And I a Mussulman: The Christian stands between us. Of these three Religions only one came be the true. A man, like you, remains not just where birth Has chanced to cast him, or, if he remains there, Does it from insight, choice, from grounds of preference. Share then with me your insight—let me hear The grounds of preference, which I have wanted The leisure to examine—learn the choice, These grounds have motived, that it may be mine. In confidence I ask it. How you startle, And weigh me with your eye! It may well be I’m the first sultan to whom this caprice, Methinks not quite unworthy of a sultan, Has yet occurred. Am I not? Speak then—Speak. Or do you, to collect yourself, desire Some moments of delay—I give them you— (Whether she’s listening?—I must know of her If I’ve done right.) Reflect—I’ll soon return— [_Saladin steps into the room to which Sittah had retired_. NATHAN.