But in the world All things have many sides, and who is he Can comprehend how they may fit each other? SALADIN. Cling ever to what's noble, and praise God! He knows how all things fit. But if you are So scrupulous, young man, I must beware. I too have many sides, and some of them May seem to you not always made to fit. TEMPLAR. That grieves me; for suspicion, at the least, Is not a sin of mine. SALADIN. Then, tell me, whom Do you suspect? Not Nathan, surely? What! Nathan suspected, and by you? Explain-- Afford me this first proof of confidence. TEMPLAR. I've nothing against Nathan. I am vexed, But with myself alone. SALADIN. Why so? TEMPLAR. For dreaming That any Jew can think himself no Jew. I dreamt this waking. SALADIN. Tell me all your dream. TEMPLAR. You know that Nathan has a daughter, Sultan! And what I did for her, I did--because I did it. Far too proud to reap the thanks I had not sown, from day to day I shunned The maiden's sight. Her father was afar. He comes, he hears, he seeks me, give me thanks; Wishes that she might please me, and he talks Of dawning prospects. Well, I hear it all, I listen to him, go and see the maid-- O! such a maiden, Sultan. But, I blush. SALADIN. Why blush? Blush that a Jewish maid should win Your admiration? 'Tis a venial fault. TEMPLAR. But oh! that, through her father's sweet discourse, To this impression my o'er-hasty heart Such weak resistance offered! Fool. I leaped A second time into the flame, and then I wooed, and was denied. SALADIN. Denied?--denied? TEMPLAR. The prudent father does not plainly say No, to my suit--but he must first inquire-- He must reflect. Well, be it so. Had I Not done the same? I looked about, inquired-- Reflected--ere I plunged into the flames Where she was shrieking. Oh, by Heaven! it is A splendid thing to be so circumspect! SALADIN. Nay, but you must concede somewhat to age. His doubts will pass away, nor will he wish You to become a Jew. TEMPLAR. Who knows? SALADIN. Who knows! One who knows Nathan better than yourself. TEMPLAR.