TEMPLAR. Therefore one allows them To overshoot themselves, a privilege Which such as I don’t vastly envy them. Indeed if I were acting for myself, Had not t’ account with others, I should care But little for his counsel. But some things I’d rather do amiss by others’ guidance Than by my own aright. And then by this time I see religion too is party, and He, who believes himself the most impartial, Does but uphold the standard of his own, Howe’er unconsciously. And since ’tis so, So must be well. FRIAR. I rather shall not answer, For I don’t understand exactly. TEMPLAR. Yet Let me consider what it is precisely That I have need of, counsel or decision, Simple or learned counsel.—Thank you, brother, I thank you for your hint—A patriarch—why? Be thou my patriarch; for ’tis the plain Christian, Whom in the patriarch I have to consult, And not the patriarch in the Christian. FRIAR. Oh, I beg no further—you must quite mistake me; He that knows much hath learnt much care, and I Devoted me to only one. ’Tis well, Most luckily here comes the very man, Wait here, stand still—he has perceived you, knight. TEMPLAR. I’d rather shun him, he is not my man. A thick red smiling prelate—and as stately— FRIAR. But you should see him on a gala-day; He only comes from visiting the sick. TEMPLAR. Great Saladin must then be put to shame. [_The Patriarch_, _after marching up one of the aisles in great pomp_, _draws near_, _and makes signs to the Friar_, _who approaches him_. PATRIARCH, FRIAR, _and_ TEMPLAR. PATRIARCH. Hither—was that the templar? What wants he? FRIAR. I know not. PATRIARCH (_approaches the templar_, _while the friar and the rest of his train draw back_). So, sir knight, I’m truly happy To meet the brave young man—so very young too— Something, God helping, may come of him. TEMPLAR. More Than is already hardly will come of him, But less, my reverend father, that may chance. PATRIARCH. It is my prayer at least a knight so pious May for the cause of Christendom and God Long be preserved; nor can that fail, so be Young valour will lend ear to aged counsel. With what can I be useful any way? TEMPLAR. With that which my youth is without, with counsel. PATRIARCH. Most willingly, but counsel should be followed. TEMPLAR.