Accused you! With his leave, that is untrue. No! Hear me, Nathan! I am not the man E'er to deny my actions. What I've done I've done--and there's an end. Nor am I one Who would maintain that all I've done is right. But should one fault condemn me? Am I not Resolved on better deeds for time to come? And who is ignorant how much the man Who wills it may improve? Then hear me, Nathan: I am the Templar talked of by the Friar, Who has accused--you know what maddened me, What set my blood on fire within my veins-- Fool that I was! I had almost resolved To fling myself both soul and body, straight Into your arms. But how was I received? How did you meet me, Nathan? Cold--or worse. Lukewarm--far worse than cold. With cautious words, Well weighed and measured, Nathan, you took care To put me off, and with calm questions, asked About my parentage, and God knows what, You sought to meet my suit. I cannot now Dwell on it and be patient. Hear me further. While in this ferment, Daja suddenly Drew near to me and whispered in my ear A secret which cleared up the mystery. NATHAN. What was it? TEMPLAR. Hear me to the end. I thought The treasure you had from the Christians stolen, You would not promptly to a Christian yield; And so the project struck me, with good speed, To bring you to extremities. NATHAN. Good speed? Good, good? pray where's the good! TEMPLAR. But hear me out. I own my error; you are free from guilt; That prating Daja knows not what she says. She's hostile to you, and she seeks to twine A dangerous snare around you. Be it so. I'm but a crazed enthusiast, doubly mad, Aiming at far too much, or much too little. That may be also true. Forgive me, Nathan. NATHAN. If you conceive thus of me---- TEMPLAR.