I pray you, Daya, once for all, to end This dire uncertainty. But if you doubt Whether what ’tis your purpose to reveal Be right or wrong, be praiseworthy or shameful, Speak not—I will forget that you have had Something to hide. DAYA. That spurs me on still more. Then learn that Recha is no Jewess, that She is a Christian. TEMPLAR. I congratulate you, ’Twas a hard labour, but ’tis out at last; The pangs of the delivery won’t hurt you. Go on with undiminished zeal, and people Heaven, when no longer fit to people earth. DAYA. How, knight, does my intelligence deserve Such bitter scorn? That Recha is a Christian On you a Christian templar, and her lover, Confers no joy. TEMPLAR. Particularly as She is a Christian of your making, Daya. DAYA. O, so you understand it—well and good— I wish to find out him that might convert her. It is her fate long since to have been that Which she is spoiled for being. TEMPLAR. Do explain— Or go. DAYA. She is a Christian child—of Christian Parents was born and is baptised. TEMPLAR (_hastily_). And Nathan— DAYA. Is not her father. TEMPLAR. Nathan not her father— And are you sure of what you say? DAYA. I am, It is a truth has cost me tears of blood. No, he is not her father. TEMPLAR. And has only Brought her up as his daughter, educated The Christian child a Jewess. DAYA. Certainly. TEMPLAR. And she is unacquainted with her birth? Has never learnt from him that she was born A Christian, and no Jewess? DAYA. Never yet. TEMPLAR. And he not only let the child grow up In this mistaken notion, but still leaves The woman in it. DAYA. Aye, alas! TEMPLAR. How, Nathan, The wise good Nathan thus allow himself To stifle nature’s voice? Thus to misguide Upon himself th’ effusions of a heart Which to itself abandoned would have formed Another bias, Daya—yes, indeed You have intrusted an important secret That may have consequences—it confounds me, I cannot tell what I’ve to do at present, Therefore go, give me time, he may come by And may surprise us. DAYA. I should drop for fright. TEMPLAR.