Good brother, you shall be my advocate, When hate and bigotry shall frown on me, All for a deed--which you alone shall hear-- But take it with you to the tomb. As yet E'en vanity has never tempted me To breathe it to a soul; to you alone It shall be told; for simple piety Like yours can truly feel what man can do Who places his full confidence in God. FRIAR. You're moved, and your eyes run o'er with tears. NATHAN. At Daran 'twas you met me with the child. You had not heard that, a few days before, The Christians murdered every Jew in Gath-- Woman and child. Amongst them was my wife-- Along with her, my seven hopeful sons. All had sought shelter 'neath my brother's roof, And there were burnt alive. FRIAR. Just God! NATHAN. You came. Three nights in dust and ashes I had lain Before my God and wept; and I at times Arraigned my Maker, raged, and cursed myself And the whole world together, and I swore Eternal hate to Christianity. FRIAR. Who can condemn you? I believe it well. NATHAN. But by degrees returning reason came, And spoke with gentle accent: "God is just! And this was His decree. Now exercise The lesson thou so long hast understood, And which is surely not more difficult To exercise than well to understand." I rose and cried to God, "I will, I will! Do Thou but aid my purpose." And, behold, Just at that moment you dismounted. You Gave me the child enfolded in your robe. The words we spoke occur not to me now. This much I recollect: I took the child; I bore it to my bed; I kissed its cheek; I flung myself upon my knees, and sobbed, "My God, Thou hast restored me one of seven!" FRIAR. Nathan, you are a Christian. Yes, I swear You are a Christian--better never lived. NATHAN. Indeed! the very thing that makes me seem Christian to you, makes you a Jew to me. But let us not distress each other thus, 'Tis time to act, and though a sevenfold love Had bound me to this strange, this lovely maid, Though the mere thought distracts me, that in her I lose my seven dear sons a second time, If Providence require her at my hands I'm ready to obey. FRIAR. 'Tis well! And thus I thought to counsel you; but there's no need: Your own good genius has forestalled my words. NATHAN. The first chance claimant must not tear her hence. FRIAR. Most surely not. NATHAN.