SALADIN. Is that your answer to my question? NATHAN. No! But it may serve as my apology. I cannot venture to decide between Rings which the father had expressly made, To baffle those who would distinguish them. SALADIN. Rings, Nathan! Come, a truce to this! The creeds Which I have named have broad, distinctive marks, Differing in raiment, food, and drink! NATHAN. 'Tis true! But then they differ not in their foundation. Are not all built on history alike, Traditional or written? History Must be received on trust. Is it not so? In whom are we most likely to put trust? In our own people? in those very men Whose blood we are? who, from our earliest youth Have proved their love for us, have ne'er deceived, Except in cases where 'twere better so? Why should I credit my forefathers less Than you do yours? or can I ask of you To charge your ancestors with falsehood, that The praise of truth may be bestowed on mine? And so of Christians. SALADIN. By our Prophet's faith, The man is right. I have no more to say. NATHAN. Now let us to our rings once more return. We said the sons complained; each to the judge Swore from his father's hand immediately To have received the ring--as was the case-- In virtue of a promise, that he should One day enjoy the ring's prerogative. In this they spoke the truth. Then each maintained It was not possible that to himself His father had been false. Each could not think His father guilty of an act so base. Rather than that, reluctant as he was To judge his brethren, he must yet declare Some treach'rous act of falsehood had been done. SALADIN. Well! and the judge? I'm curious now to hear What you will make him say. Go on, go on! NATHAN. The judge said: If the father is not brought Before my seat, I cannot judge the case. Am I to judge enigmas? Do you think That the true ring will here unseal its lips? But, hold! You tell me that the real ring Enjoys the secret power to make the man Who wears it, both by God and man, beloved. Let that decide. Who of the three is loved Best by his brethren? Is there no reply? What! do these love--exciting rings alone Act inwardly? Have they no outward charm? Does each one love himself alone? You're all Deceived deceivers. All your rings are false. The real ring, perchance, has disappeared; And so your father, to supply the loss, Has caused three rings to fill the place of one. SALADIN. O, charming, charming!