And the laws forementioned have decreed, That if a Jew shall to apostacy Seduce a Christian, he shall die by fire. TEMPLAR. So. PATRIARCH. How much more the Jew, who forcibly Tears from the holy font a Christian child, And breaks the sacramental bond of baptism; For all what’s done to children is by force— I mean except what the church does to children. TEMPLAR. What if the child, but for this fostering Jew, Must have expired in misery? PATRIARCH. That’s nothing, The Jew has still deserved the faggot—for ’Twere better it here died in misery Than for eternal woe to live. Besides, Why should the Jew forestall the hand of God? God, if he wills to save, can save without him. TEMPLAR. And spite of him too save eternally. PATRIARCH. That’s nothing! Still the Jew is to be burnt. TEMPLAR. That hurts me—more particularly as ’Tis said he has not so much taught the maid His faith, as brought her up with the mere knowledge Of what our reason teaches about God. PATRIARCH. That’s nothing! Still the Jew is to be burnt— And for this very reason would deserve To be thrice burnt. How, let a child grow up Without a faith? Not even teach a child The greatest of its duties, to believe? ’Tis heinous! I am quite astonished, knight, That you yourself— TEMPLAR. The rest, right reverend sir, In the confessional, but not before. [_Offers to go_. PATRIARCH. What off—not stay for my interrogation— Not name to me this infidel, this Jew— Not find him up for me at once? But hold, A thought occurs, I’ll straightway to the sultan Conformably to the capitulation, Which Saladin has sworn, he must support us In all the privileges, all the doctrines Which appertain to our most holy faith, Thank God, we’ve the original in keeping, We have his hand and seal to it—we— And I shall lead him easily to think How very dangerous for the state it is Not to believe. All civic bonds divide, Like flax fire-touched, where subjects don’t believe. Away with foul impiety! TEMPLAR. It happens Somewhat unlucky that I want the leisure To enjoy this holy sermon. I am sent for To Saladin. PATRIARCH. Why then—indeed—if so— TEMPLAR. And will prepare the sultan, if agreeable. For your right reverend visit. PATRIARCH.