Alas, poor maid! O hapless Recha! what has chanced to thee, That what to other orphans had appeared A real blessing, is to thee a curse! But, Nathan, where are these new relatives? NATHAN. Where are they? TEMPLAR. Ay, both where and who are they? NATHAN. Her brother is discovered, and to him You must address yourself. TEMPLAR. Her brother! Ha! And what is he--a soldier or a priest? Tell me at once what I've to hope from him. NATHAN. I hear he's neither--or he's both. As yet I do not know him thoroughly. TEMPLAR. What more? NATHAN. He is a gallant fellow, and with him Recha may be content. TEMPLAR. But he's a Christian. At times I know not what to make of you. Take it not ill, good Nathan, that I ask, Must she not henceforth play the Christian, Associate with Christians, and at last Become the character she long has played? Will not the tares at length grow up and choke The pure wheat you have sown? And does not that Affect you? Yet you say she'll be content When with her brother. NATHAN. As I think and hope. For should she e'er have need of anything, Has she not you and me? TEMPLAR. What can she need When with her brother. Gladly he'll provide His dear new sister with a thousand robes, With dainties, and with toys and finery. And what could any sister wish for more-- Unless, perhaps, a husband? And him too, Him too the brother, in due time, will find; And the more Christian he, the better!--Nathan, How sad to think the angel you have formed, Should now be marred by others! NATHAN. Be assured He'll always prove deserving of our love. TEMPLAR. Nay speak not so; of my love, speak not so, For it can brook no loss, however small, Not e'en a name. But, hold! Has she as yet Any suspicion of these late events? NATHAN. 'Tis possible, and yet I know not how. TEMPLAR. It matters not; she must, in either case, First learn from me what fate is threat'ning her. My purpose not to speak with her again, And ne'er to see her more, till I should call Your Recha mine, is gone. I take my leave. NATHAN. Nay, whither would you go? TEMPLAR.