DAJA. Beneath the palms he wanders up and down, And gathers dates. NATHAN. And eats them, I suppose, Just as a Templar would. DAJA. You mock me, sir! Her eager eye espied him long ago, When scarcely seen amid the distant trees. She watches him intently, and implores That you will go to him without delay. Then go, and from the window she will mark Which way his paces tend. Go, go; make haste! NATHAN. What! thus, as I alighted from my camel? Would that be seemly? But do you accost him; Tell him of my return. I do not doubt You'll find the honest man forbore our house Because the host was absent. He'll accept A father's invitation. Say I ask him, I heartily request him. DAJA. All in vain! In short, he will not visit any Jew. NATHAN. Then use your best endeavours to detain him, Or, with unerring eye, observe his steps, And mark him well. Go, I shall not be long. (Nathan _enters the house_. Daja _retires_.) Scene V. _A Place of Palms. The_ Templar, _walking to and fro; a_ Friar, _following him at some distance, as if desirous of addressing him_. TEMPLAR. It cannot be for pastime that this man Follows me thus. See how he eyes my hands! Good brother--or, perhaps I should say, father! FRIAR. No, brother; a lay brother, at your service. TEMPLAR. Well, brother, then, if I had anything-- But truly I have nothing---- FRIAR. Thanks the same! God will reward your purpose thousandfold. The will and not the deed perfects the giver. Nor was I sent to follow you for alms. TEMPLAR. Sent? FRIAR. From the convent. TEMPLAR. Where I even now Was hoping to partake a pilgrim's fare. FRIAR. 'Tis meal--time now, the tables all are full; But if it please you, we will turn together. TEMPLAR. No matter, though I have not tasted meat For many days; these dates, you see, are ripe. FRIAR. Be sparing of that fruit, sir, for too much Is hurtful, sours the blood, and makes one sad. TEMPLAR. And what if sadness suits me? Though, methinks, 'Twas not to give this warning that you came. FRIAR.