He doubted you. AL-HAFI. Not only that--he would not hear a word-- And with contempt he overthrew the board. NATHAN. Indeed! AL-HAFI. He said he chose it--would be mate. Is that to play the game? NATHAN. Most surely not. 'Twas rather playing with the game. AL-HAFI. And yet The stakes were high. NATHAN. A trifle to the Sultan! Money is nought to him. It is not that Which galls, but not to hear Al-Hafi out-- Not to admire his comprehensive glance, His eagle eye--'tis that demands revenge. Say, am I right? AL-HAFI. I only tell this tale That you may know how much his head is worth. But I am weary of him. All the day I am running round to every wretched Moor To borrow--money for him--I who ne'er Ask for myself, am now obliged to sue For others--and, according to my creed, To borrow is to beg, as, when you lend Your money upon usury, you steal. Among my Ghebers on the Ganges' shores I shall need neither; there I shall not be The tool or pimp of any; there alone Upon the Ganges honest men are found. You, Nathan, you alone of all I see Are worthy on the Ganges' banks to live. Then come with me; leave him the wretched gold That he would strip you of--'tis all he wants. Little by little he will ruin you; 'Tis better to be quit of all at once; Come, then, and I'll provide you with a staff. NATHAN. Nay, that resource will still remain for us As a last refuge. But I'll think of it. AL-HAFI. Nay, ponder not upon a thing like this. NATHAN. Then stay till I have seen the Sultan. Stay Till I have bid farewell. AL-HAFI. The man who stays To hunt for motives, to search reasons out, Who cannot boldly and at once resolve To live a free man's life, must be the slave Of others till his death. But as you please. Farewell! my path is here, and yours is there! NATHAN. But stay, Al-Hafi! till you have arranged The state accounts. AL-HAFI. Pah! Nathan, there's no need; The balance in the chest is quickly told, And my account, Sittah, or you, will vouch. Farewell! (_Exit_.) NATHAN (_looking after him_).