TEMPLAR: Good woman, you torment me. From this day Pray know me not; and do not send the father! A Jew's a Jew, and I am rude and bearish. I have forgot the maiden; do not make These palm-trees odious where I love to walk! DAYA: Then farewell, bear. But I must track the savage. [_Exeunt._ ACT II SCENE I.--_The palace._ SALADIN _and his sister_ SITTAH, _playing chess._ SITTAH: Check! SALADIN: And checkmate! SITTAH: Nay, nay; advance your knight. SALADIN: The game is yours. Al Hafi pays the stake. [_Enter_ HAFI, _who examines the board._ HAFI: The game's not over yet; why, Saladin, Your queen can move---- SITTAH: Hush, hush! There, go, Al Hafi! I'll send to fetch my money. HAFI: She hath never Claimed aught of what you lose; it lies with me. While we wait the treasure out of Egypt, Your sister hath maintained the state alone. SALADIN: Was there none else could lend me, save my sister? HAFI: I know none such. SITTAH: What of thy friend, the Jew? The town is ringing with the news of gems And costly stuffs he hath brought home with him. HAFI: He would not lend to Saladin. Ah, Prince, He's envious of your generosity. That is the Jew! I'll knock at other doors. [_Exit._ SCENE II.--_The place of palms._ DAYA _and_ RECHA _with_ NATHAN. DAYA: He's still beneath the palms. RECHA: Just one peep more. NATHAN: Don't let him see you with me. Best go in. [_Exeunt_ DAYA _and_ RECHA. _Enter the_ TEMPLAR. Forgive me, noble Frank. TEMPLAR: Well, Jew; your will? NATHAN: I'm Nathan, father to the maid you saved. In what can I be useful? I am rich. Command me. TEMPLAR: Nay, your wealth is naught to me. Yet, this, a coin or cloth for a new mantle, When this is done. Don't quake; it's strong and good To last awhile; but here it's singed with flame. NATHAN: This brand. Oh, I could kiss it! Would you send This mantle to my daughter that her lips May cling to this dear speck? TEMPLAR: Remember, Jew, My vows, my Order, and my Christian faith! NATHAN: All lands produce good men. Are we our nation's? Were Jews and Christians such ere they were men? And I have found in thee one more who stands A man confest. TEMPLAR: Nathan, thy hand; I blush To have mistaken thee. We will be friends. Hark you, the maid, your daughter, whom I saved, Makes me forget that I am partly monk. How say you; may I hope? NATHAN: Your suit, young man, Must be considered calmly. Give me time To know your lineage and your character. A parent must be careful of his child. [_Enter_ DAYA.