The Dramatic Works of G. E. Lessing: Miss Sara Sampson, Philotas, Emilia Galotti, Nathan the WiseLessing, Gotthold Ephraim
General
The Dramatic Works of G. E. Lessing: Miss Sara Sampson, Philotas, Emilia Galotti, Nathan the Wise
Lessing, Gotthold Ephraim
German drama -- Translations into English
Her pace were quicker else.
NATHAN.
She has not seen us.
RECHA.
There, now she spies us.
NATHAN.
And her speed redoubles.
Recha, be calm!
RECHA.
What! would you have your child
Be cold and unconcerned about his fate
To whom her life is due?--a life to her
But dear because she owed it first to you.
NATHAN.
I would not wish you other than you are,
E'en if I knew that in your secret soul
Another and a different feeling throbs.
RECHA.
What means my father?
NATHAN.
Do you ask of me--
So tremblingly of me? What passes now
Within your soul is innocence and nature.
Nay, fear not, for it gives me no alarm.
But promise, if the heart shall ever speak
A plainer language, you will not conceal
One single of your wishes from my love.
RECHA.
Oh, the bare thought that I should ever wish
To hide them from my father, makes me shudder.
NATHAN.
Recha, enough of this. Now, what says Daja?
DAJA.
He's still beneath the palms, and presently
He'll reach yon wall. See! here he comes at last.
RECHA.
He seems irresolute which way to turn,
To left or right!
DAJA.
His custom is to seek
The convent walls, so he will pass this way.
What will you wager? Yes, he comes to us.
RECHA.
Right! Did you speak to him? How did he look?
DAJA.
As usual.
NATHAN.
Do not let him see you here.
Stand farther back, or to the house retire.
RECHA.
Just one look more. Ah! the trees hide him now.
DAJA.
Come, come away! Recha, your father's right.
Should he observe us he'll retire at once.
RECHA.
Alas! the trees----
NATHAN.
Now he emerges from them.
He can't but see you. Hence! I beg of you.
DAJA.
Come, Recha, come! I know a window whence
We may observe him better.
RECHA.
Come, then, come.
(_They both retire_.)
Scene V.
Nathan (_who is presently joined by the_ Templar).
NATHAN.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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