TheOpen

Unlverslty

Nathan the Wise

by Gotthold Ephraim Lessing
Translatedfiom the German
Nathan der Weise
by Stephanie Clennell and Robert Philip
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Walton Hall 1-

Milton Keynes
United Kingdom
MK’? 6AA Introduction
Act I
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Acknowledgements
Frentispieee Gotthold Ephraim Lessing. (Mansell Collection)
Edited, designed and typeset by The Open University.
This book forms part of an Open University course A206 The Entightenwnent.
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The young scholar

Lessing was born in 1729 in the small town of Kamenz in the Protestant
state of Saxony. His family background was Lutheran and academic. His
father, johann Gottfried Lessing, was chief pastor of the main church in
Kamenzjohann Lessing had studied at the University of Wittenberg and
kept up his academic interest by writing and translating theological works,
but he had a large family and. was very poor. He applied successfully to the
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E?:-_' Elector of Saxony for a scholarship for his eldest son, Gotthold Ephraim,
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to attend the prestigious electoral school (Ftirstenschule) of St Afra in
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St Afra had high academic standards. Life "there was austere, with
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rigorous classical training, and impressed his teachers with his intellect
and independence of mind.
When Lessing left the school in 1746 he became a student of Prot-
estant theology at the University of Leipzig, as his parents wished. At first
he devoted himself to study, as he had done at school, but then in Leip-
zig ‘a place where one can see the whole world in miniature’ he began
‘lull; -
to realize that he needed to educate himself for living in society. He
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t ° "l wrote in a long letter to his mother: ‘I learned what a difference there
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was between me and other people. A timid country lad, a clumsy, grace-
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less body, complete ignorance of manners I felt a sort of shame that I
i had never felt before.”
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.1 . He learned to dance, fence and ride; and he discovered the
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theatre. At that time a theatre company run by the formidable Karoline
Neuberz was presenting plays in Leipzig, including translations of classi-
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cal French plays. Lessing became passionately interested in the theatre.
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3
.3
He wrote a play The Young Scholar (‘Der junge Gelehrte’) which was -suc-
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cessfully performed by the Neuber company in 1748? His lifelong active
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1 20 january 1749. Vol XVII no.6 in Lachmann-Muncker edn. of Lessing’s

Stinittiche Schnften (complete writings), 3rd edn. Berlin, Stuttgart and Leipzig,
1886-1924. Letters: vols XVII—XXI.

2 Karoline Neuber (1597-1760) was well educated and of good family. She
escaped from a cruel and tyrannical father by eloping with a young student,
whom she married in 1718. Their only recourse was to join a theatrical troupe
and some years later Karoline was managing her own company.
worldly interest. Indeed to strict Lutherans the theatre was anathema (a he was fable to carry on a campaign for enlightened ideas. As this stage
point briefly referred to in Nathan the Wise). Lessing respected his this meant questioning, analysing and criticizing existing ideas and
parents’ views, and he remained, in his way, a dutiful son; He did not see works. He was relentlessly critical of Professor johann Christoph Gott-
his developing independence of thought as a revolt against them, but sched’s“ attempts to improve German literature, particularly drama, by
rather wanted to make them understand his own changing outlook, insisting on close imitation of French classical literature of the seven-
including his wish to give up the study of -theology. This need to come to teenth century. Instead Lessing put forward other models, such as
terms with his own and other people‘s views on religion lasted all his life, Shakespeare, -and introduced new works and ideas to the reading public
as you will find when you read Nathan the Wise. in Germany. For example, Rousseau’s essay the Discourse on the Arts and
lhhth his father’s reluctant approval Lessing changed to the study of Sciences appeared in 1750, and Lessing reviewed this work (and ques-
medicine and philology. He did not complete his studies in Leipzig, tioned its assumptions) just a few months later, in April 1751.
because he had to make a quick escape. The Neuber theatre company Lessing was ready to take risks, stir up trouble, and criticize the
was in debt and disbanded. Lessing had imprudently acted as surety for eminent. As a critic he was intent on raising standards, as someone who
some of the actors; he was in no position to provide any money, and ‘... does not deny the truth in order to flatter, is convinced that a warn-
went secretly to the University of 1/Vittenberg. ‘For the first and only time ing about a bad book is a service which one renders to the public, one
in his life he was guilty of a dishonourable action’ said H.B. Garland which is more worthy of an honest man than a servile facility for barter-
(1962, p.9). ing praise for praise‘ (Letters on rnodern literature, Briefie die neueste Litteratur
Lessing enrolled as a medical student in Wittenberg, but fell ill, lletreffend, 1759).
and gave up his studies after a few months and went to Berlin. He had ‘His attacks were specific and the most eminent contemporaries
decided that he would try to live as a writer in Berlin. There would be for were not spared. ‘... and Voltaire’s Zaire? How inferior it is to the Moor of
him no respectable career as a pastor or university teacher, as his parents Venice (Othello) of which it is a poor copy’.5 Lessing‘s contacts with Vol-
had hoped; instead he would face hardship, insecurity and poverty. But taire (Frederick the Great’s guest in Berlin from 1750-53) were mainly
he would be independent. unfortunate. He had done some translation for Voltaire, notably of his
History of the Crusades. A friend, Richier de Louvain, Voltaire ’s secretary,
The spread ofEnlightenment had lent the proofs of Voltaire’s Age of Louis XIV (Sieele de Louis XIV) to
Lessing, who carelessly took them with him when he went to Wittenberg
In 1748 it was just possible to make a living by writing. _]oh-nson in in 1751. Voltaire was outraged, suspected a pirating attempt, and com-
England, and Diderot in France, are notable examples of this. There was plained to Frederick, who did not forget the incident. *
a growing demand for literary works to which publishers responded. In Lessing’s reason for returning to Wittenberg was to get his Master’s
the German states, periodicals, the so-called ‘moral weeklies’, began to degree. He was successful, and returned to Berlin in 1752 to work again
appear in the 1720s, following the example of the English Tatlei; Spectator; for the Berliner prioiligierte Zeitung.
and Guardian. There were hundreds of these periodicals by the 1760s,
although the life-span of each was short (about three years). More Friends and allies
specialized periodicals also appeared, such as learned journals (which
had appeared in Latin in the seventeenth century) and literary and pol- Berlin was now an important centre of serious literary criticism. There
itical periodicals. It was through these that ‘the process of the enlighten- was relative freedom of expression (except in writing about politics and
ment as an overall movement began’, according to Aner (1929, p_30).
Lessing was well equipped to take part in this movement. He had
had a sound academic training and people like him could earn a little " ‘A new critic has appeared here whose work you will be able to judge from the
money by writing, editorial work, private teaching or translation. Lessing enclosed review of The Messiah (Klopstock’s epic poem). He just seems a little
widened his own knowledge of works, especially contemporary ones, in young.‘ _]._]. Sulzer to ].]. Bodmer (in R. Daunicht (1971) Lessing int Gesprdeh,
English, French and Spanish, as well as German. He had a talent for Mfmchen.
publicity. He made the most of speedy and frequent publication, so that
his writings and his ideas spread quickly among the enlightened elites in 4 Gottsched (1700-66) Versueh einer Critischen Diehtkunst ftir die Deutsehen (Essay
on the Art ofPoet1y for Germans, 1730).
the various German states. From 1751 he was an editor of the Berlin
Gazette (the Berliner prioiligierte Zeitung) and its monthly supplements, 5 Letters on rnodern literature No.17, 1759.
 or triends among writers, booksellers and publishers. In 1754 hornet two .I.

men who became his lifelong friends and with whom he worked closely Lessingalready had a considerable reputation as a writer when he was in
in Berlin. They were Friedrich Nicolai’ (1733-1311), a writer and book- his twenties. He had published poems, fables, literary criticism, studies in
seller, and Moses Mendelssohn‘ (1729-86), whom he first met as a chess- theological history, and five plays: The Young Scholar; Danton, or True
player. In October 1754 Lessing wrote of Mendelssohn: ‘[He] is actually Friendship, The Old Maid, The jews, and The Freethinher: The plays were all
a jew, aged about 20, who, without any education, has a remarkable comedies, but all had a moral content. Lessing’s ideas about open-mind-
grasp of languages, mathematics, philosophy and poetry. I expect him to edness in religion and his criticism of prejudice and intolerance are
become an honour to his nation, if he is allowed to develop fully, unlike clearly seen in The jaws and The Freethinhet In The fetus a baron is rescued
those of his religion who are always driven by a terrible spirit of per- from robbers by a stranger whom he welcomes to his home as a worthy
secution.”’ and cultivated man. The baron, who has anti-Semitic prejudices, thinks
Moses Mendelssohn was the son of a public scribe in Dessau. He that his attackers were Jews, but it turns out that they were his own ser-
had been taught by a rabbi, and when the rabbi went to Berlin, Moses, at vants in disguise, and that his rescuer is a noble-minded jew.
the age of 14, followed him there, determined to educate himself and In 1755 Lessing and Moses Mendelssohn collaborated on an essay:
live as best he could by copying and teaching. As ajew he had very few Pope - a Jvletaphysitiani (Pope - ein Metaphysiherl). The Berlin Academy of
rights even in Frederick the Great’s Prussia. jews still had a separate and Sciences had offered a prize for an essay on Pope’s proposition in the
subordinate legal status. Some few had a special status as protected jews Essay on Man — ‘whatever is, is right’. Their joint essay on this subject was
(Sehutzjuden). In 1753 Frederick revised the regulations about jews, but scathing about any claim that Pope, as a poet, might have to a grasp of
mainly in order to make use of a small number of wealthy Jews as manu- philosophy; but they were not critical of Leibniz, as Voltaire was shortly
facturers and bankers. In 1749 Lessing had already written a play The to be in his poem on the Lisbon disaster (1756) and Candide (1759). The
jews (Die juden, published in 1754) in which he deplored anti-Semitic Berlin Academy did not favour Leibniz’s views. Lessing and Mendelssohn
prejudice, but his friendship with Mendelssohn was his first close contact did not enter for the prize, but published their essay anonymously, well
with ajew. As Lessing hoped, Mendelssohn's intellect and integrity were aware that they were dealing with a contentious issue of the Enlighten-
recognized and he became an eminent philosopher, who believed that ment.
the essential principles of his own religion could be reconciled with The theory of drama was important too; it was not enough to for-
modern enlightened secular learning. In Nathan the Wise Nathan is such mulate rules for drama, as Boileau”’ had done in seventeenth-century
an enlightenedjew, and although the character, Nathan, is not a portrait France, followed by Gottsched in Germany, in 1730. The fundamental
of Moses Mendelssohn, Mendelssohn probably had a considerable influ- nature and purpose of drama had to be re-examined. Lessing, like so
ence on Lessing’s conception of the role. many of his enlightened contemporaries, had a deep respect for the
The article Philosophe in the Entyclopedie (Texts,,I p.9) speaks of: Ancients. He had himself translated Plautus” and studied Aristot1e’s the-
‘This love of society, which is so essential to the philosophe’. Lessing and ory of drama. He shared this interest in drama with Nicolai and Men-
his friends were like the French philosophes in this respect. They had little delssohn, with both of whom he -conducted a correspondence on
money, little time for frivolity, but meetings, clubs, long conversations tragedy, while Lessing’s own articles on the drama appeared in a series of
and discussions, and correspondence, were their life-blood. publications in the 1750s. The most important work was Letters on Modern
Literature, which appeared in sections between 1759-and 1760. Diderot
had said: ‘Everything must be brought to light boldly, without excep-
tions, and unsparingly’ (Texts, I, p.9). These three young men practised
" Letter from Lessing to Friederich Nicolai, 25 August 1769 in document 45 in what Diderot preached. The articles on the theatre condemned adher-
Tents, I, Frederick the Great, King of Prussia, Letters and Documents, p.63. ence to French classical models, and praised Shakespeare and Lessing
himself approved of the ‘sentimental’ comedy appearing in England and
T See footnote 6.

" Moses Mendelssohn was the grandfather of the composer Felix Mendelssohn-
Bartholdy. - ”’ Boileau (Despreaux) Nicolas (1636-1711), French critic and poet and author
of L’Art poétique (The Art ofPoet1y, 1674).
" To the G-ottingen theologian and orientalist johann David Michaelis.
(Lachmann-Muncker, Vol. XVII No.34). " Titus Maccius Plautus (e.254—18-4 BC) Roman writer of comic plays.
plays in The Theatre of Mr Diderot (1760). content’,15 It was seen at the time, and can still be seen now, as the best
Practice had even more impact than theory. In I755 Lessing had modern comedy of the century in German. It was an instant success on
published his play Miss Sara Sampson, first produced in Frankfurt on the the stage, first in Hamburg, then in Berlin.
Oder with great success — the audience was in floods of tears at each per- Lessing then took part in one of the most interesting experiments
formance. Theplay was much influenced by George Lillo’s The London in the theatre of the time. A consortium of affluent citizens of the free
Merchant; or; the History of George Barn-wet! (1731) and by Richardson’s nov- city of Hamburg launched a ‘national theatre’. Lessing was invited to
els. A tragedy about a seduced girl, in a contemporary everyday setting, become resident critic and adviser. He accepted. In this role he
was an affront to those who believed that all tragedy should be in high produced a work of lasting importance: The Ha:-*nbuigDrainatu1gjy (1767).
style and noble. ‘A bourgeois tragedy! My God what is to become of This is a collection of his reviews and commentaries. He soon had to give
us?‘ was Lessing’s own ironic comment.“ ' up writing about performances, as the actors were touchy about genu-
About this time too Lessing had been studying Winckelmann’s inely critical reviews, but the work continued as essays on the drama. The
Thoughts on the Imitation of Greek Works in Painting and Sculpture (1755) project failed. The directors quarrelled and there were financial prob-
and his History of the Art of Antiquity (1764). In 1755 he had translated du lems. Lessing himself lost money heavily in a printing venture, had to sell
Bos’s Critical Reflections on Poetry and Painting.“ Lessing’s own work on his library, and consider what to do next.
aesthetics was Laokoon, or the Limits ofPainting and Poetry, in 1766, a work He had made good friends in Hamburg, among them the son and
which came to be considered as one of the most important works on aes- daughter of Hermann Samuel Reimarus, philologist and orientalist, and
thetics in the eighteenth century. Winckelmann himself was impressed by a silk merchant. Engelbert Konig, and his wife, Eva. Englebert Kcinig
Lessing’s style of writing, though critical of his knowledge of the subject. died suddenly at the end of 1769, and Lessing had promised to look
In the meantime there had been changes in Lessing's way of life. after his wife and children — a promise which he kept, although he had
His one chance to go to England, in 1756, as travelling companion to a to leave Hamburg, as he had just accepted the position of Librarian at
young businessman, Gottfried Winkler, was frustrated by the outbreak of Wolfenbiittel.
the Seven Years’ War. In 1760 he accepted the position of secretary to
General Bogislaw Friedrich von Tauentzien, who was Prussian comman- Wofienbuttel -- controversial Librarian
dant in Breslau. Lessing wrote to his friends with no particular enthusi-
asm about the kind of life he led, but for a while his financial position In accepting the post of Librarian in the great library of the Duke of
improved. He could even indulge a little his love for gambling, which he Brunswick in Wolfenbiittel, Lessing was giving in at last and accepting
could seldom afford, but in which he found excitement. Lessing fell seri- patronage. As a scholar he found the work rewarding and discovered
ously ill in Breslau and left his job before the end of the war. He had some vaiuable manuscripts, (including an eleventh-century manuscript
been proposed for the job of librarian in the Royal Library in Berlin, but of Berengar de Tours, the discovery of which made an important contri-
Frederick, no doubt remembering Voltaire’s complaints about Lessing, bution to church history). Yet he was lonely, isolated in a gloomy, empty
refused to consider him. castle, since the Duke’s court had moved to Brunswick. He had a secure
In his essay On German Literature (I780), Frederick the Great made position, but he was still poor, even though he was now eminent as a
no mention of Lessing and made only unfavourable general comments writer. Mlinna -oon Barnhelrn was being performed with great success, and
on German drama. Lessing’s next work makes this omission even more his new play, a tragedy, Emilia Galotti, was first performed in Brunswick in
striking. In 1767 appeared Minna von Barnhelin, a contemporary comedy, 1772, and highly praised.
in which the action takes place at the end of the Seven Years’ War. For Lessing personal plans became most important. Slowly his
Goethe called it: ‘The truest product of the Seven Years’ War, the first friendship with Eva Konig became love, and they decided to marry; but
Eva, who was a woman of courage, charm and intelligence, had had to
take over her late husband’s business affairs, which involved lengthy
'2 Eighteenth-century views of sentiment are discussed in the Introduction to journeys and long stays in Vienna. Over the years it was a friendship,
Part E of the course. then courtship by correspondence, with rare meetings. Eventually, Less-
ing managed to secure from the Duke of Brunswick a higher salary and a
H 26 April I755 in the Berlin Gazette. '

H Abbe jean-Baptiste du Bos (1670-1742) Reflexions critiques sur ta poesie et la

peinture (I719). 1* Goethe, Dichturtg unol Wahrheit (Poetry and Truth), Part II Book 7.
house in Wolfenbiittel. They married in 1776. For one year of his life 1748 In Wittenberg. At the end of the year goes to Berlin.
Lessing was perfectly happy; but at the end of the year Eva had a child 1749 Writes The jezos.
who died, and shortlyafterwards she too died. Lessing found only one
way to cope with his personal tragedy, and that was to work, and work 1750 Journalist for the Berlin Gazette with his cousin johann Ghristlob
meant fighting — and fighting about fundamental religious issues which Mylius.
had concerned him all his life. 1751 Translation of Voltaire’s Minor Historical Works.
A few months after his wife’s death, Lessing became involved in a
1752 In Wittenberg obtains Master’s degree.
very bitter and very public controversy. It came to a head in 1778,
although it had started some years before. Publication of really contro- 1753-5 Publication of collected works in six volumes.
versial views on religion was still hazardous. One notable man with rad- I753 Translates Marigny’s History of the Arabs.
ical views was Professor Reimarus (1694-1768) of Hamburg, the father of
Lessing’s two friends. He had written an Apologia or Plea for the Rational 1754 Thejaws and The Young Scholar published.
Worshippers of God (Apologie oder Schutzschrifi‘ filr die oernulnfiigen Verehrer 1754 Meets Friedrich Nicolai and Moses Mendelssohn.
Gottes, 1778). He did not venture to publish it in his lifetime. Lessing had 1755 Pope - a Metaphysician! written with Mendelssohn.
acquired the manuscript (and was carefully evasive about how he had
done so) and used his right as Wolfenbftttel Librarian to publish extracts 1755 The Freethinher published.
as Fragments of an Anonymous Author in 1774 and 1777. Hostile comments 1755 Translation of du Bos’s Critical Reflections on Poetry and Painting.
came from critics of modest standing, to which Lessing’s most notable
1755 Miss Sara Sampson performed and published.
reply was the essay ‘eine Duplih’ (‘A Rejoinder’); but then more imposing
critics joined in. Lessing’s main opponent was Johann Melchior Goeze 1756 journey to England interrupted by the Seven Years’ War.
(1717-86), Chief Pastor of the Katherinenkirche in Hamburg, an ortho- 1757 In Leipzig.
dox Lutheran theologian and scholar. For some months in 1778 the
battle was conducted, through a series of pamphlets, about criticism of 1758-60 In Berlin.
revealed religion and the right to express such views. Lessing’s 1759 Letters on Modern Literature.
opponents succeeded in persuading the Duke of Brunswick to withdraw 1759 Philotas - a tragedy.
the Librarian’s right to publish papers, and Lessing was forbidden to
publish anything more on religion. His response was to put his ideas into Fables
the play Nathan the I/Ihse, which made a suong case for the unprejudiced 1760 The Theatre of Mr Diderot.
pursuit of religious truth and for tolerationd
1760-5 In Breslau as secretary to General von Tauentzien.
In 1778 Lessing had published the first part of his Gesprdche ftlr Frey-
mdurer (Ernst and Falh: Dialogues on Freemasonry), and in 1780 he pub- 1 764 Serious illness in Breslau.
lished The Education of the Human Race (Die Erziehung des Menschengesch- 1765-7 In Berlin.
lechts). By then he was exhausted and ill, and wrote no more major
works. He died in Brunswick in 1781. 1766 Laohdon or the Limits of Painting and Poetry.
1767 Minna -oon Barnhelm. I
Chronological outline of Lessingfs lfie and main works 1767-70 In Hamburg as critic and adviser for the Hamburg theatre.
1729 born 22]anua1y in Karnenz, Saxony. 1767 Hamburg Dramatuvgy.
1741-6 At St Afra electoral school in Meissen. 1769 Antiquarian Letters.

1746-8 Student at University of Leipzig. The Ancients’ View ofDeath.

Friendship with the Reimarus and Konig families.
1748 The Young Scholar performed by the Neuber company.
1770 Librarian of the ducal library in Wolfenbtittel.
1771 Engagement to Eva Konig.
15 There is a detailed discussion of the religious controversy in Lessing and
Religion in Religion and Humanity: Lessingis Nathan the Wise (Studies, II). 1772 Emilia Galotti.
 1774 Publishes first Fragments of an Anonymous Author. Crusades in 1751 and Abbe de Marigny’s History of the Arabs in 1753
1775 Journey to Leipzig, Dresden, Vienna. (Histoire des Arabes sous le Gou-oernement des Calms, Paris, 1750).
Lessing did not set out to write a historical play. He was not con-
Journey to Italy with Prince Leopold of Brunswick.
cerned with historical accuracy, although such details as he gives broadly
1776 Marriage to Eva Konig. fit in with the historical facts, except for some points of chronology: for
1777 Journey to Mannheim. Refuses offer to direct Mannheim example, Saladin’s father, who is mentioned, was no longer alive in 1192,
theatre. and it is implied in the play that Frederick Barbarossa had died many
years before. There is also a quite deliberate anachronistic reference to
1778 Death of his wife Eva.
the theatre. .
1778 Dispute with Chief Pastor Goeze. Anti-Goeze pamphlets. Lessing’s main concern was to present his parable in circumstances
1778 Ernst and Falh - dialogues for freemasons. where Christians, Jews and Muslims could plausibly be in communica-
tion. He had made an. uncompromising comment on the Crusades in
1779 Nathan the Wise.
the Hambu1gDramatu'rgy (Part 7): ‘These Crusades, which in their incep-
I780 The Education of the Human Race. tion had been a political stratagem of the Popes, in practice led to the
1781 15 February, died in Brunswick. most inhuman persecutions of which Christian superstition has ever
been guilty.’

The characters
Nathan the Wise Sultan Saladin The historical Salah-el-Din lived from 1138 to 1193.
He was a Kurd who first gained power in Egypt, then waged successful
campaigns in Syria and Mesopotamia, and conquered Jerusalem in 1187.
Saladin made a treaty with Richard I in 1192 (see above). The plan,
The setting of the play mentioned in the play, to marry Richard’s sister Johanna to Saladin’s
The scene of the play is given as Jerusalem. The action takes place dur- brother Melek seems to have some foundation in fact.
mg an armistice [I1 the Crusades. The year therefore must be 1192 at the Sittah Saladin had a sister called Sitt-alscham (also Sillah-Alscham in
end of the Third Crusade which lasted from 1189 to 1192. There are ref- Marin’s history). This suggested the name to Lessing.
erences in the play to Richard I (Coeur de Lion) and Philippe August II Nathan Lessing based the scenes with the parable of the three rings
of France who were both in Palestine in 1191, and to Emperor Frederick on a story in Boccaccio’s Decamaron in which aJew named Melchisedech
I Barbarossa, who also took part in the Crusade and was drowned in plays the main part. Lessing chose instead the name Nathan, an Old Tes-
Armenia in 1190. tament prophet, for his principal character, as a more suitable name to
The Crusades were military expeditions, fostered by the Papacy, use for his verse drama. .
Eigdertaken fromjthe eleventh to the thirteenth centuries by European Recha was called Rahel in Lessing’s first draft of the play.
risuans. The -aim was to gain the Christian holy places in Palestine, Daja ‘As I understand it, Daja means something like Nutrix
then under ‘Muslim occupation. After some successful military oper- (nurse)‘ Lessing noted in his draft of the play. -
ations the Kingdom of Jerusalem was established and had then to be A young Templar The order of Knights Templar was founded in 1118,
defended. In 1187 =Sultan Saladin recaptured Jerusalem. The aim of the to protect pilgrims to the Holy Land. The name came from the fact that
Third Crusade, led by the English and French kings and the German the order’s base was near to what was held to be Solomon’s temple in
emperor, was to regain Jerusalem. The Europeans did not succeed in Jerusalem. The Templars took vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.
<?10111g 111115, but Saladin made a treaty with Richard I, in effect an agree- Their uniform was a white cloak with a octagonal red cross on the breast.
ment to a three year armistice, which included permission for unarmed A Deroish A Muhammadan mendicant monk.
Cl'lI"1SI1E1I1S. to ‘visit the holy places in Jerusalem. The Patriarch ofjerusalem The bishop of Jerusalem. From the fifth
Lessing s main historical source was Francois Louis Claude Marin’s century the bishops of Rome, Alexandria, Antioch, Byzantium and
(1721-1809) History of Saladin Sultan of Egypt and Syria, (Histoire dg Jerusalem were given the rank of Patriarch. The Patriarch at the time of
Saladin; Sulthan d Egypte et de Syrie, Paris 1758), translated into German by the Third Crusade was Heraklius, an infamous character according to
E.G. Kuster, 1761. Lessing had himself translated Voltaire’s History of the Marin’s History of Saladin.
I6 Nathan the Wise Nathan the Wise 17

A Lay Brother Lay brothers were not ordained, took only a vow o ""1 Publication and performance
obedience, and carried out humbler tasks in monasteries.
Lessing wrote Nathan the l/lhse in 1779. He arranged for it to be published
An Em.rrAn independent Muslim ruler.
Mamelahes Members of the Sultan’s bodyguard. and sold on subscription. Editions were then produced and sold by the
l'_|Iq.-—_~'.I,-_?.'lmF_.-T
publisher Voss.
i
There were no performances in Lessing’s lifetime. The first per-
The oerseform and translation
i.

i
r
formance was given in Berlin in 1783 by the company run by a well-
1
Lessing chose to use blank verse, that is unrhymed iambic pentameters. known actor-manager, Dobbelin, who played the part of Nathan.
It was performed in Lfibeck in 1788 and in Hamburg in 1789, and
Up to this time blank verse had been rarely used in German, but soon,
later established a place in the theatre repertoire.
in the plays of Goethe and Schiller and other dramatists, it became the
Nathan the Vlhse was first translated into Erench in 1783 and into
verse form most often used in German drama.
Lessing was a master of vigorous, incisive prose and of dramatic English by William Taylor of Norwich in 1790 (privately printed, and
later issued for sale in 1805). ,
language. His use of the verse in Nathan the l/lhse seems almost casual: it is
clearly subordinated to the needs of- the drama. It uses everyday, even
colloquial language, appropriate to the different characters: the direct Title and epigraph
and simple language of the Lay Brother, the Patriarch’s pious cliches, the
Lessing called Nathan the Wse ‘a dramatic poem’. Voltaire had used this
sometimes ‘romantic’ language of the Templar, the changing styles of
description for his play The Ghebers or Tolerance (Les G/aelrres on la tolerance)
Nathan himself in different contexts. Lessing’s friends pointed, to much
in 1769. Despite Lessing’s criticism of Voltaire there are features of
that was ‘incorrect’ in the early drafts, such as many lines with six or four
Nathan the Vi/Ese which have something in common with the theme of this
feet instead of five. Lessing eliminated some of these, but gave priority to
play and others by Voltaire, Zaire (1732) and Mahos-net (1742).
meaning and dramatic effect. Frequent enjarnbernents“ are necessary, for
On the title page appears the epigraph:
the sake of the dialogue; in long sentences over many lines predicate
Introite, nam et heic Dii suntl
and subject may be separated, pronouns or adverbs may not be used in
APUD GELLIUM
the same line as the words with which they are associated. But Lessing
Enter, for here too are gods
had his own good reasons for this use of language, and remained in con-
From the works of Gellius
trol. A more obviously ‘poetic’ feature in the play is its imagery, the
The reference is to the preface to Nootes Atticae (Attic or Athenian
recurring images of fire and water, trees and flowers — images intended
Nights) of Aulus Gellius,who lived e.AD 130--175.
to stimulate ideas and establish connections in the mind of the reader.
There are biblical references or allusions, possibly more familiar to Less-
ing’s contemporaries than to present-day readers. In the play as a whole,
the flexibility of the verse, even its uneven rhythms, contribute to the
intensity of its forward-moving ideas.
lnevitably much is lost in translation. The translation conveys Less- References
ing’s meaning as faithfully as possible, in a verse form which has some
correspondence with Lessing’s own. Complex German constructions
have been simplified where this does not distort the meaning; the play Aner, K. (1929) The Theology of the Age of Lessing (Die Theotogle tier Lessingzeit),
on words in which Lessing delighted emerges in somewhat muted form; Halle.
his juxtapositions and play on the sound of words tend to get lost, and Garland, H. B. (1962) Lessing The Founder of Modern German Literature, 2nd edn.,
epigrammatic phrases lose force. But.the play’s pace, concentrated flow London.
of ideas, its fairly colloquial style, its general informality and humour
perhaps emerge.

” enjambement - in verse, the carrying on the sense of a line or couplet into T

the next.

i
F
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[.

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Nathan the Wise
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A dramatic poem in five acts
- T-n- —-—|i-.------.- --

I |=
E. Introite, nam et heic Dii sunt!
r 1
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Apud Gelliurn |
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| by .
-:
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Gotthold Ephraim Lessing
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-_.vI‘- .917.,_ q,:._|-_ - —.|- 1-|t- |-

Dramatis Personae
-.

E Sultan Saladin
il Sittah, his sister
I
I.
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|
Nathan, a rich jew in jerusalem
I

r
Recha, his adopted daughter
F
Daja, a Christian but living in the house of the jew, as Recha’s companion
Ayoung Templar
i
A Dervish
i
The Patriarch ofJerusalem '
A Lay Brother
|
I
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An Emir
2 and Mamelukes of Saladin
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The scene is jerusalem at the end of the twelfth century.

[Note. The lines have been numbered to correspond with those of the
1
German text. In a few-cases where the English translation is shorter, an
i adjustment has been made, and this is indicated against the lines in
II
F question.]

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 ‘I- Nathan the Wise
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Gotthold Ephraim Lessing DAJA If that were so
Would .you be hearing it from me?
F!‘

Nathan the Wise NATHAN lNhy do you terrify me then? -- O Recha

_.-_,-. -.i ,?q._“|.q-
— -— —.@-— 0-r-
O, my Recha.
1

DAJA Yours? Your Recha? ";_'-=:_1;'-._i L—="n_-='—“_=_.| .-

Act I NATHAN If ever I no longer were allowed

5!
:|,I'|
To call this child my own! I.’
.
Scene 1
DAJA Can you call everything
Nathan and Daja That you possess with equal right :
Your own?
(Scene: A hall in Nathanis house. Nathan comes in from his journey. Daja meets
Am) ‘WI-
NATHAN Nothing with greater right. All else
That I possess has been bestowed on me
DAJA He’s here! It’s Nathan! God be praised
By nature or good fortune. This alone
That you have come back home at last.
I owe to virtue.
NATHAN Yes, Daja, God be praised. But why at last? IJAJA d Nathan, what a price _

I
Did I intend to come home any sooner? You make me pay for all your kindness.
Could I if I’d wished to? Babylon If kindness carried out with such intent
Is from Jerusalem at least two hundred miles Can still deserve that name.
Away along the route I was
Obliged to take, with detours right and left. NATHAN With such intent?
Collecting in of debts is not a job With what intent?
That makes a journey shorter, not something DAJA My conscience
That is rushed, or quickly set aside. NATHAN Daja, first
DA]A Oh Nathan, Of all, just let me tell you what I bought
When I think how wretched you’d have been nA]A I can’t ignore my conscience
If you had stayed at home. Your house
NATHAN What lovely cloth
NATHAN Was burnt. I bought for you in Babylon. So rich
Yes, that I have already learned — God grant And yet so elegant as well. Recha
That they have really told me everything. 15' Herself will scarce have any finer.
oA3A And it was nearly totally destroyed. DAJA It’s
NATHAN Then, Daja, we’d have simply built ourselves No use. For my conscience I must tell you,
Another — and a better one. Ml] not be silenced for much longer now.

1:-AJA That’s true. NATHAN I wonder how you’ll like the bracelets, earrings
Yet Recha was so very nearly burnt Necklace and the ring which I selected
To death just for you when I was in Damascus.
I really long to know.
NATHAN My Recha, burnt to death? My Recha? 20'
I had not heard that. Well then I would not
DAJA That’s so like you!
Only content if you can give and give!
Have needed any house. So she was nearly
Burnt to death! You mean it’s really true? NATHAN Take gladly, as I give - and say no more!
She’s burnt to death! ]ust tell me now straight out! DAJA No more! Who questions, Nathan, that there’s none
Admit it! —- kill me: torture me no longer. 25‘ More honest and more generous than you.
— Yes, she’s burnt to death! And yet!
 1'

22 __ __ Nathan the Wise Nathan the Wise

i
I
NATHAN And yet I’mjust ajew — Is that DAJA Ayoung Knight Templar who, not many days
Ihfhat you want to say! Ago was brought here as a captive, then
Was pardoned by the Sultan Saladin.
tr-AJA You know much better I
I.

What I want to say. NATHAN What? Saladin has spared a Templar ’s life?
A Templars l§’e?. Only such a miracle
NATHAN Well then be quiet!
Could save my Recha? Oh God!
oA]A Very well. a
I DAJA Without
I/Vl1at happens here, that’s unacceptable !
This man who boldly risked his life again
To God I can neither alter nor prevent. 60
Vilhich he had just regained, she would have died.
So — be it on your head!“‘
NATHAN lhlhere is he, Daja, where’s this noble man?
NATHAN Yes, be it on my head! |
i
I/Vhere is he? Let me go and kneel to him.
But where is she then? just tell me! — Daja, I hope you gave him first of all, those treasures
Are you deceiving me? Does she not know Which I left you? Gave him everything?
That I have come back home? And promised more, much more?
DAJA - How can you ask? r DAJA How could we?
Still terror shakes her, every nerve in her, 65
In her fantasy she still imagines fire NATHAN You did not?
In all she sees. Her mind’s awake when she’s asleep, DAJA He came, no one knows from where,
And sleeps when she’s awake — now lower He went, and no one knows where to — without
Than the beasts, now higher than the angels. A knowledge of the house, and guided just
NATHAN By what he heard, he rushed with cloak outspread
Poor child! That’s only human.
Boldly through flame and smoke to reach the voice
1:-AJA This morning 70 E
I. Of someone crying ‘Help!’ By then we thought
She lay so long with tight shut eyes and was F
He must be lost — But from the smoke and flame
I
As dead. Then started up and cried out ‘listen’! He suddenly appeared. In his strong arms
‘My father’s camels are arriving home’! He held her safe. Coldly and quite unmoved
‘Listen, I hear his gentle voice’! And then By all our praise and thanks, he set her down,
Her eyes grew dim and then her head, which now 75 Forced his way through the crowd who waited there -
Was not supported by her arm, fell back And disappeared.
Onto the pillow. I went to the gate!
And saw you there. You really had come home.
NATHAN Not for ever, I should hope.
Can you wonder at it? Her entire soul DAJA Afterwards for several days we saw
Was all this time with you — and him - Him walking up and down beneath the palms
Which shade the Holy Sepulchre.”’
NATHAN Him? 80 i
i

I went up to him with rapture, thanked him.

I/Vho is he? r

I
Praised him, implored, besought him just once more
oA]A The man who rescued her i. To see the gentle pious girl who
I

From the fire. I

I
I Cannot now find rest, until she’s thanked him
NATHAN Who was he? Who? — I/Vhere is he? With many tears, kneeling at his feet.
Who saved my Recha for me, who was it? -|-|.- -w-—1q-
I
NATHAN And then?
F

oA]A In vain! Deaf to our request

He poured such bitter scorn on me especially

"‘ Matthew 27:25. ‘Then answered all the people and said. His blood be on us
and on our children.’ ”’ The g rave of the resurrected Christ.
."
I-
 ||
24 Nathan the Wise ! Nathan the l’l/lite 25

NATHAN That you were frightened oft? To dwell with us below a little while,
DAJA . Quite the contrary! Playing at chivalry with such ill grace,
Every day I went to him again .I~|r -_|= .- .,-¢I
I’ll surely find him out and bring him here. 160
And every day again he taunted me. DAJA
How much I bore from him! Much more I would
Have gladly borne! But for a long time now
!
i;
NATHAN
It won’t be easy. Nathan.
Then perhaps
The sweet dream will give way to sweeter truth --
He has not come to walk beneath the palms I
!
Believe me, Daja, to a human being
Which cast their shade upon the Holy Sepulchre. A human is much dearer than an angel.
And no one knows where he has gone. So you will not blame me too much, I hope, 165
You’re amazed? and thoughtful? When you shall see our angel-dreamer cured.
NATHAN I was thinking DAjA You are so good, and yet you are so bad!
What impression on a mind like Recha’s I’l1 go. But — listen! -— look! — she’s coming here herself.
This must surely have. To find herself
5'

Disdained by one whom she feels bound to

Scene 2
Esteem; to be rejected and yet so
Attracted by him. Truly heart and head l —- »-_¢m|.awn,|-;\<.-_.,_| q'_.,‘ q'., _ _, _
1
Recha, Nathan and Daja
I

Must long have argued whether bitterness 2 RECHA - Father! So it is you, safe and sound.
Or sorrow now should dominate. I thought it might be just your voice, sent on 1'70
Often neither wins; and fantasy Ahead. Why have you stopped out here? What hills,
Which joins the conflict too, makes dreamers. What deserts and what streams divide us now?
Sometimes their head may rule their heart, sometimes You’re breathing in a room just next to mine
Again their heart may rule their head -— a choice Instead of rushing to embrace your Recha -
Of evils! — If I know her well, this must J Poor Recha who was meanwhile burnt to death! 175
Be Recha’s case: she dreams. Or nearly burnt, just nearly. So don‘t shudder!
DAJA But so devout.
i
l
It is a dreadful death, to burn.
So lovable!
S
! NATHAN My child, my dearest child!
NATHAN A dreamer none the less! REGHA You must have crossed
Euphrates, Tigris, jordanz and who knows
DA]:-1 She has one dream — a fancy, if you like, ! How many other rivers? — Often I 180
Most dear to her. It’s that her Templar is Have trembled for you, until the fire came
No mortal man, no son of mortal man, So near to me. But since the fire has come
But one of the angels, whom her young heart F
!' So near to me: to die in water seems
From childhood onwards loved to think of as Refreshment, comfort, and deliverance.
Her own protector. Stepping from the cloud And yet you are not drowned, a11d I have not 185
!
Which veiled him, hovering round her even in .l'
r

Been burnt to death. Let us now rejoice

The fire, he suddenly appeared in Templar’s And praise our God. He surely bore you and
Form — don’t smile at her! — Who knows? or if
You smile, let her at least emjoy a dream
! Your boat on wings of his unseen angels
Across the treacherous streams. And it was God
Where Christian, jew and Muslim can unite Who beckoned to my angel to be seen, 190
As one — a dream that is so sweet! 1
r

Carrying me through the flames on his white wings.

NATHAN Sweet NATHAN (On his white wings — of coursel, That must have been
To me as well! — go, honest Daja, go The Templar’s white and outspread cloak)?“
See what she’s doing — whether I can speak In.|n-\. uv -1p|rq |- |-

To her. And then I’ll find this wild capricious

Guardian angel. If it pleases him in The Te-mplar’s uniform was a white cloak with an octagonal red cross o n the
left breast.
26 N-when the We Nathan the Wise 27

REGHA Visibly, visibly By a human being who himself was earlier

He bore me through the fire, protected by Saved by no small miracle. Indeed
His wings. And so I saw an angel, and A miracle! Vilhoever heard of any 230
I saw him face to face; He was my own Templar Knight reprieved by Saladin?
Angel. Or any Templar who has asked or hoped
NATHAN Worthy of my Recha. And That he would spare him? Or who offered more
There’s nothing fairer she would see in him To him for freedom than the leather belt“
Than he in her. Which holds his sword, or at most his dagger? 235
RECHA (smiling) RECHA Father that proves my point, that he was not
_ VVhom do you flatter, father, A Templar Knight. He merely looked like one -
The angel, or yourself? No Templar who was captured ever comes
NATHAN Yet if he were Into jerusalem except to certain death;
A huinan — such as nature shows us every day, No Templar walks so freely in jerusalemz 240
Who rendered you this service, he would seem How could any Templar have been free
To you an angel. He must and so he would. To save me in the dark?
RECHA Not that kind of angel, no! A real one: NATHAN T/Vhy, that’s well argued,
He was, I’m sure, a real one! Haven’t you Now, Daja, tell us. For it was from you
Taught me yourself that angels really could That I have heard that he was sent here as
Exist, and miracles are worked by God A prisoner. I’m sure you must know more. 245
To benefit all those who love him truly? DAJA Well yes — that’s what they say - but they
I do love him. Also say that Saladin has pardoned
NATHAN Yes, and he loves you Him because he looks so like one of
And hourly he works miracles for you His brothers, one whom he loved dearly.
And those like you. So has he done for all But as it’s more than twenty years ago now 250
Eternity. Since this brother was alive — and I don’t
RECHA That makes me happy. Know his name - and don’t know where he died,
NATHAN
It all just sounds so — so incredible,
Why?
It might sound natural and commonplace I dare say that there’s nothing in it.
If he who saved you were a real Templar NATHAN Daja, Vilhy should such a thing be so 255
Knight; but surely that would be no less a Incredible? Surely not because
Miraclel — The greatest miracle You’ve chosen to believe in something more
ls that those miracles which are both real and true Incredible, as others do? Saladin
Can and do become so commonplace to us. Loves all his family. He might indeed
Without this universal miracle - " Have loved one of his brothers in particular 260
No thinking person would call miracles When he was young. And you’ll agree it’s true
Those things which only seem so to a child, Two faces often look alike - are
Who stares at and pursues the strangest things, Impressions lost because they’re old? And doesn’t
Struck only by their novelty. The same cause produce the same effect?
DA]:-K (TO It must. “That is incredible in this? 265
rvaraaxs Are you But I suppose, wise Daja, that you’d not
Intending to destroy" her mind, already
So inflamed, with all this subtlety?
NATI-LAN Patience! For my Recha isn’t it a ll The belt in fact was of linen not leather, but if a Templar gave up his belt, he
Miracle enough that she was rescued renounced his adherence to the order.
28 Nathan the Wise Nathan the Wise 29

Consider that a miracle -- your miracles You might give thanks, and sigh and pray to him;
Need faith — or rather, should I say, deserve it. You might dissolve in tears of ecstasy;
DAJA You're mocking me. You might celebrate his festivals '
By fasting, or give alms - but all that's nothing. 310
NATHAN Because you're mocking me. It strikes me that your dear ones and yourselves
But even so, Recha, you’re rescue was 270 Gain far more by all this than he. He won’t
A miracle, achieved by him who guides, Get fat from all your fasting, or get rich
With slenderest of threads, the firm resolves, From your donations; he won’t gain in splendour
The boldest plans of kings, as if it were From your ecstasy, he won’t be mightier 315
His sport, if not his mockery. By your faith. But if he were a man!
RECHA ' Fatherl DAJA Yes, if he were a man there would' be greater
If I’m wrong, you know I’m wrong against 275 Opportunity to do something.
My will. And God knows, we were eager to serve him.
NATHAN I know you’re eager to be taught. But he wanted nothing, needed nothing 320
Look! A forehead with a certain arch, From us; in himself, and with himself
A nose whose bridge is shaped in one way rather He was content, as angels are, and only
Than another, eyebrows curving in Angels can be. _
A particular way along a broad or narrow 280 RECI-IA Vilhen at last he vanished
Ridge of bone — a line, a mark, a curve NATHAN Vanished? - Really vanished? — You no longer
A fold, an angle, insignificant details Saw him walk beneath the palms? But have 325
On a wild European’s face - You really made a thorough search for him?
And you escape the burning fire in Asia.
If you’re hungering for miracles, 285 naps Well, no, we haven’t.
That is a miracle. Why conjure up NATI-LAN How’s that possible?
An angel too? VtThat’s the harm, you say — you cruel dreamers! -
Suppose this angel now — had fallen ill?
nay. But Nathan, if you’ll let me speak,
What’s the harm in thinking you’ve been rescued RECHA Ill?
By an angel rather than a human DAJA Ill! He’s surely not!
Being? Can’t it make you feel much closer 290 RECHA A cold chill makes 330
To the mysterious first cause of your rescue? Me shudder. Daja! feel my face. It was
Na'ruAN Pride! Nothing but pride! The iron pot So warm and now it’s just like ice.
Wants to be lifted from the fire with silver NATHAN He’s
Tongs, in order to imagine it’s a pot A Frank,22 who’s unaccustomed to our climate.
Of silver. Ha! What folly! \¢Vhere’s the harm 295 He’s young, not hardened to the rigours of
In that, you ask me, Wl1ere’s the harm in it? His order, to the hunger, sleeplessness. 535
What’s the use of it, I might reply.
arena Ill!
For your ‘Feeling so much nearer to God’
Is either nonsense or else blasphemy. saga Nathan only means he might be.
And there is harm in it, there really is. 300 NATHAN Lying there, with neither friends nor gold
Now listen. Is it true that both of you, To buy himself some friends.
But Recha above all, want to repay RECHA Oh father, no!
Your rescuer, whether he’s an angel or
A human being, by doing some great service?
You do? Well, to an angel, what service, 305 22 Since the first Crusade (1996-99), which started in France, Frank was used in
What great service could you hope to give? the Middle East to denote all European Christians.
30 Nathan the Woe Nathan the Wise BI

NATHAN He lies bereft of nursing, sympathy, DAJA Your dervish. Your old chess companion. 370
Or help, a prey to suffering and death! 340 NATHAN Al-Hafi? That’s Al-Hafi?
RECHA Where? Vifhere? DAJA He’s become
NATHAN For someone he had never known The Sultan ’s Treasurer.
Or seen —- simply for a human being, NATHAN Is this a dream
He rushed into the fire
Again? It is Al-Hafi, coming here!
DAJA Nathan, spare her! Quick, go in. What has he got to say?
NATHAN He did not want to know the one he’d saved,
Nor see her any more, he only wanted 345 Scene 3
To avoid her thanks Nathan and the Dervish
DAJA Spare her, Nathan!
DERVISH Open your eyes, as wide as they can go! 375
NATHAN He Had no wish to see her any more — unless
NATHAN Is it you? Or isn’t it? — In such fine clothes,
He had to rescue her a second time
A dervish!
Enough, it was a human being
DAJA Stop! DERVISH Well? “Thy not then? Do you think
A dervish can’t make something of. himself?
NATHAN His only consolation as he dies 350
Is his awareness of this deed! NATHAN Well, yes, of course, — But I was thinking that
A dervish — that’s a real dervish -— chooses 380
DAJA _ Stop!
To make nothing of himself.
You’re killing her!
DERVISH By the Prophetfa
NATI-IAN And you have killed him! — or
It may well be that I am no real dervish,
You could have done so. —- Recha, Recha, I am
But if one must —
Offering you medicine not poison.
He’s alive — calm down! -— he’s probably not ill; 355 NATHAN Must! Dervish! — A dervish must?
Not even ill. No-one must must? and a dervish must.
REC}-LA Really? Not dead? Not ill? What must he then?
NATHAN Really, He’s not dead! For God rewards us DERVISH What he is rightly asked to do 385
In this world for doing good. Now, And knows is good - that’s what a dervish must.
See, how rapturous dreaming is much easier NATHAN By our God! You speak the truth - Let me
Than doing good. The weakest people like 360 Embrace you, man — I hope you’re still my friend?
To indulge in pious rapture —- even though DERVISI-I And you don't ask first what I have become?
They’re often unaware of why they do it -—
Simply to avoid the work of doing _ NATHAN In spite of that!
Good. DERVISH But what if I’d become 390
RECI-IA Father, don’t ever leave your Recha A state official in fine robes, one whose
On her own again — You think perhaps 365 Friendship could be awkward?
He’s only gone away? NATHAN If your heart
NATHAN Yes, yes, — Of course - Is still a dervish’s, I’ll take the risk.
Butl can see a Muslim with enquiring The state officia1’s robes are just your dress.
Eyes examining my laden camels.
Do you know who he is?
H i.e. by Mohammed! — equivalent of by God!
DAJA Ah! your dervish.
NATHAN Who? H ‘Kein Mensch muss miissen’ in the German text.
32 Nathan the Wise |
! Nathan the Wee 33
l

DERVISH But even that commands respect. What do 395 DERVISI-I Me?
You think? What would I be at your court? Not much. But you could make a handsome profit. 425
NATHAN just Vtihen the treasure’s at its lowest ebb —
A dervish — nothing more. Though now I come You open up your floodgates - make advances,
To think about it, probably the cook. And claim any rate of interest.
DERVISH ' Oh yes? _ NATHAN And interest on the interest too?
I’d soon forget my skill in your house. Cook! DERVISH Of course.
Why not the butler? See how Saladin 400 i NATHAN Until my capital is nothing more 430
Appreciates me better — I’ve become Than interest.
His treasurer.
DERVISH It doesn’t tempt you? Then
NATHAN You? For him? You'd better write a farewell letter to
DERVISH .. Of Our friendship. I was really counting on you.
The lesser treasury — his father manages NATHAN Really? How?
The greater. I control the household treasury.
DERVISH I thought that you might help me
NATHAN ' His house is great. .
Carry out my office with some honour. 435
DERVISH And greater than you think; 405 That I could use you as a source of funds —
For every beggar is a part of it. You shake your head?
NATHAN But Saladin’s the enemy of beggars — NATHAN Let’s understand each other.
DERVISH He’s intenton getting rid of them, A distinction must be made. For you, Al-Hafi,
Root and branch - even if he then himself Why not? I’m always ready to do anything
Becomes a beggar. To help my friend the dervish. But 440
NATHAN Bravo! — That’s my view. 410 Al-Hafi, treasurer to Saladin,
To such a man
DERVISH He’s very near to being one by now.
Each day by dusk his treasury becomes DERVISH I thought as much. You‘re still
Much emptier than empty.-For the tide As good as you are shrewd, and as shrewd
Which flows in high each morning by midday As you are wise! Be patient. Soon the two
Has flowed away - Al-Hafis you distinguish will be separate 445
Again. Look at this robe from Saladin
NATHAN d For channels drain away 415
Before it’s worn out, and reduced to rags,
A part of it, and there’s no way to fill
I/Vhich are the proper clothing of a dervish,
Or seal them up again.
I’ll hang it on a peg here in jerusalem,
DERVISH Exactly. And go off to the Gangesfi where, with light 450
NATHAN Understood. - And naked feet, I’ll tread the hot sands with
DERVISH Of course it’s bad enough —:|In|_._ p;-n-qfl;
My teachers.
If princes are like vultures among carrion. NATI-LAN Just like you!
But if they’re carrion among vultures 420 DERVISH And I'll play chess
That is ten times worse. Iwifith them.
NATHAN Oh" no, dervish! NATHAN Your highest bliss!
Not so!
DERVISH VVhat tempted me -
DERVISH It’s no use wasting words. So let us see
The prospect that my begging days were over?
“That would you offer me if I give up
My post to you? _
NAIFHAN What do you earn? 25 The holy river of the Hindus.
34 Nathan the Wise Nathan the ltlise 35

A chance to play the rich man to the beggars? 455 In this foolishness, and just because
The ability to transform in a flash - Of one good element, to take a part
The richest beggar to a poor rich man? In all this foolishness myself? Well? 495
NATHAN Not that, I’m sure. Isn’t that the truth?

DERVISH No, even more banal; NATHAN Al-I-Iafi - you must

The new experience of being flattered; Go back to your desert. If you stay
Flattered by the Sultan’s generous caprice. 460 Among the human race you might forget
To be a human.
NATHAN Which was?
DERVISH That’s what I fear.
DERVISH ‘Only a beggar knows how beggars Farewell. ,
Feel; only a beggar knows, from his
Experience, just how to give to beggars.
NATHAN But why are you in such a hurry? 500
Your predecessor was too cold’, he said, Wait, Al-Hafi! Will your desert run
Away? If he’d just listen! — Hey, Al—Hafi, stop! —
‘Too harsh. He was so grudging when he gave: 465
I-Ie asked so many awkward questions first He’s gone; I really should have liked to ask
Him all about our Templar. I imagine
About the recipient. Although he knew
He must know him.
There was a need, he wasn’t satisfied
Unless he knew the cause of need. And so
The gift was meanly balanced with the cause. 470 Scene 4
Al-Hafi won’t do that. And Saladin Daja and Nathan
Vilith Hafi"s help won’t seem so niggardly. DAJA (hurrying in)
Al-Hafi won’t be like those blocked-up water pipes Nathan, Nathan!
Vlfhich spew out frothing and unclean
The water which came in so clear and still. 475
NATI-LQN Well?
VVhat is it now?
Al-Hafi thinks, Al-Hafi feels as I do!”
So sweetly trilled the fowler’s pipe until DAJA He has appeared again! He has
The bird was in the net! —- Oh what a fool Appeared again!
I am! A fool of fools! NATHAN Who, Daja? I-Who?
NATHAN Gently, my dervish. DAJA He! He!
Gently! NATHAN He? He? - When hasn’t He appearedlgfi -- Ah yes,
DERVISH A Isn’t it plain folly, when 480 For you, there’s just one He. - He shouldn’t be!
A hundred thousand people are oppressed, Not even if he were an angel! 510
Impoverished, despoiled, tortured, slaughtered, DAJA He’s strolling up and down under the
To play philanthropist to individuals? Palms; and he picks dates from time to time.
Isn’t it foolishness to simulate
The Almighty’s mercy, which he casts impartially 485
NATHAN And eats them too? —- as if he were a Templar?
On good and bad, on field and desert, both DAJA Why tease me? - Recha’s eager eyes caught sight
In sunshine and in rain — to simulate it, Of him between the dense rows of the palms 5
But without the hand of the Almighty And followed him intently — now she asks you -
Which is always full. Don-’t tell me that’s Pleads with you -- to go and see him right away. '
Not folly. Hurry! She’ll signal from the window
If he’s coming up this way or turning
NATHAN That‘s enough, Al-Hafi! Back. Please hurry!
DERVISH ~ And 490
My folly. just consider that! lsn’t
Efi
It folly to detect a trace of goodness For Nathan ‘He’ means God.
36 Nathan the W538 Nathan the Wise 37

NATHAN just as I’ve dismounted 520 TEMPLAR ‘Where I was hoping now to find a modest
From my camel? —- Would that be proper? You go Pilgrim’s meal?
Quickly to him; tell him I’ve returned. LAY BROTHER ' The tables were already 545
It was only in my absence that Full; but come back with me now, sir.
The gentleman would not come to my house.
TEMPLAR Why?
I-Ie’ll gladly come when Recha’s father sends 525
I haven’t eaten meat for some time now.
An invitation. Go, and say that I
There’s no need anyway. The dates are ripe.
Request him, cordially
LAY BROTHER Take care, sir, when you eat this sort of fruit.
DAJA No use! He won’t It doesn’t do to eat too much, it blocks 550
Come to you — in short; he won’t come to ajew. The spleen, and makes for melancholy blood.
NATHAN Well go in any case; at least detain him; TEMPLAR And what if I’m inclined to melancholy?
Qr failing that, just use your eyes to follow 530 But it wasn’t just to warn me about this
Him. Now go, and I’ll come after you. That you were sent to me?
LAY BROTHER Oh no! — I’m
(Nathan goes quickly indoors and Daja goes out) just supposed to find out more about you, 555
Sound you out.
Soeru-25 - TEMPLAR You tell me that yourself?
Templar and Lay Brother LAY BROTHER Why not?
Scene: An open space with paint trees, under which the Templar is walking TEMPLAR (A cunning brother, this) -— And has
up and down. The monastery more like you?
A Lay Brother is fotiowing him at some distance at the side tooking as Q‘ he
wants to speak to him. LAY BROTHER Don’t l(DOW.
I must obey, good sir.
TEMPLAR He can’t be following me for nothing! '
TEMPLAR And so you just _
See how he keeps glancing at his hands!“
Obey and don’t ask many questions then? 560
Good brother Or should I call you Father?“
LAY BROTHER Sir, would I be obedient otherwise?
LAY BROTHER just brother, -- a lay brother, at your service. 535
TEMPLAR (That shows simplicity is always in
TEMPLAR Yes, good brother, if I’d anything The right!) Are you allowed to tell me who
To give you. But God knows that I have nothing - It is who wants to know me better? I would
LAY BROTHER Even so, my warmest thanks. God give you Swear it’s not yourself.
Thousandfold what you would like to give. LAY BROTHER " Would it be fitting 565
For it is the will and not the gift that makes 540 Or of use for me?
The giver. And it wasn't for alms
That I was sent to find you, sir.
TEMPLAR So who thinks it
. Fitting and of use to be so curious?
TEMPLAR But you LAY BROTHER The Patriarch, I think. He sent me here
Were sent to find me? To look for you.
LAY BROTHER Yes, sir, from the monastery. TEMPLAR The Patriarch? Surely
He knows the Templar’s white cloak with the red cross 570
Better than that!
2? The Templar thinks that this suggests that the Lay Brother wants to ask for LAY BROTHER I do!
alms.
TEMPLAR Well then, brother
EB
Monks were addressed as pater (Father). I am a Templar and a prisoner —
38 Nathan the Wne Nathan the Wise 39

I’ll add that I was captured at the fort LAY BROTHER Yes, he has,
Of Tebninfg which we should have liked to take I’m told to sound you out, sir, and to see
Before the ending of the armistice, 575 If you’re the man he wants,
And then advance on Sidonfn furthermore TEMPLAR Well, sound me out!
Of twenty of us captured I alone (l’ll see what form this sounding takes) - Well?
Was spared by Saladin; and that is all
LAY BROTHER The quickest way will be to tell you, sir 605
The Patriarch should need to know, in fact
More than he needs. - Exactly what the Patriarch’s wishes are.
TEMPLAR What are they?
LAY BROTHER Though hardly more than he 580
Already knows. He’d also like to know LAY BROTHER He would like you to deliver
Why Saladin has pardoned you, and you A short letter for him, sir.
Alone, sir. TEMPLAR Me? I’m
Not a messenger - ls this the glorious
TEMPLAR Do I know myself? Already
Deed, more glorious than rescuing 610
I was kneeling on my cloak, my neck bare,
Ajewish girl from fire?
Waiting for the blow, when Saladin 585
Looked closely at me, stepped near, gave a sign. LAY BROTHER It must be. For
Then I was helped up; I was unbound; and I - The contents of this letter, says the Patriarch,
I/fished to thank him. There were tears in Are vital to the whole of Christendom.
His eyes. He was silent, so was I. The safe delivery of this letter — says
And then he left. I stayed; What all this means 590 The Patriarch - will be rewarded by 515
The Patriarch can puzzle out. Our Father with a special crown in Heaven.
No-one — says the Patriarch —- is worthier
LAY BROTHER He thinks To wear this crown than you, sir.
That God has destined you to undertake
TEMPLAR I?
The greatest deeds.
LAY BROTHER There ’s hardly anybody -— says the Patriarch -
TEMPLAR The greatest deeds! Like
I/Vho‘s better qualified to earn {-320
Rescuing ajewish girl from death by fire!
This crown than you, good sir.
Acting as a guide on pilgrimage 595
TEMPLAR . Than I?
To Sinai?! more like that.
LAY BROTHER You ’re free
LAY BROTHER There will
Here; you can look around you everywhere;
Be greater things. So far you’ve not done badly,
You understand how to attack or to
The Patriarch himself already has
Defend a town; you’re well placed —- says the Patriarch —
Far more important business for you, sir.
To assess the strength and weakness of 525
TEMPLAR Really? Do you think so, brother? Has he 600 The inner second wall which Saladin
Told you something? Has just had built. You could describe it to
The warriors of God in detail, says
The Patriarch.
TE-MPLAR Good brother, could you tell me
29 A fortress near Acre, taken from the Crusaders in 1187. More about the contents of this letter? 530
'4
LAY BROTHER Well, I don t know very much about it
m Sidon, on the Mediterranean coast belonged to the Crusaders since 1111, but But it is a letter to King Philip.”
was captured by Saladin in 1187.

51 Sinai was said to be the mountain where Moses received the Ten Command- 5!

ments. Christian pilgrims were allowed to go there. th Philippe II (1165-1223), King of France, who had returned to France after
e capture of Acre.
 40 Nathan the Wise Nathan the Wise 41
lli

The Patriarch ;.. I’ve often asked myself TEMPLAR Never that!
How such a holy man, who dedicates LAY BROTHER What could be
His life to Heaven, at the same time can 635 Simpler? All you have to do is capture 670
Demean himself to be so well informed Saladin, And make an end of him.
Of worldly things. It must be hard for him! You shudder? But already there are two
TEMPLAR Well then? The Patriarch? — - God—fearing Maronites“ who have prepared
LAY BROTHER He has precise To risk the deed; they only need a trusty
And certain knowledge, how and where, and in Man to lead them there.
What strength, and from which quarter, Saladin 640 TEMPLAR And so the Patriarch 675
Will open his campaign, if war breaks out Has chosen me to be this trusty man?
Again.
LAY BROTHER He thinks likely, from a base in Acre“
TEMPLAR 1 He knows that?
King Philip would be better able to
I
'!
J
LAY BROTHER Yes-, and he would like Assist our cause. '
To let King Philip know about it too; '
" To enable him to calculate TEMPLAR You ask me this? Me?
How serious a danger there might be, 645 Did you not hear me, brother, when I told 680
And judge if it is better to renew, You what a debt of gratitude I owe
At any cost, the truce with Saladin To Saladin?
Which your courageous Order broke LAY BROTHER - Indeed I heard.
i
S0 recently.
TEMPLAR And yet?
TEMPLAR Some Patriarch! —-I see;
The dear brave man is asking me to be _ 650 LAY BROTHER The Patriarch says, That’s all very well:
But God and the Order
Not just a messenger; he wants a spy! -
Good brother, kindly tell your Patriarch, TEMPLAR They change nothing! They
As far as you can sound me out, I am Can’t order me to villainyi
The wrong man for this job. I am obliged LAY BROTHER N0. 685
To look upon myself as prisoner. 655 But —- says the Patriarch — what’s Villainy
The single duty of the Templar is To human eyes may not be villainy to God.
To wield his sword with valour on the battlefield,
Not espionage! TEMPLAR I owe my life to Saladin. And now
I should take his?
-—-|.—|-\Il-—|li.|r\—
LAY BROTHER ]ust as I thought! -
And I can’t blame you much for that, sir. LAY BROTHER But, says the Patriarch,
Yet the best is still to come, - The Patriarch 660 Saladin is still an enemy 690
Has got to know the name, and the location, Of Christianity who cannot ever
Of the fortress in the Lebanon,” Earn the right to be your friend.
I/Vhere those enormous sums are stored, which TEMPLAR My friend?
Sa.ladin’s farsighted father uses I Because I cannot be a villain to him?
To finance the army and-equipment 665 An ungrateful villain?
For the war. Now, Saladin from time
To time visits this fortress, travelling
Along deserted roads with little escort — ‘H Maronites were members of the Syrian Christian Church, since 1181
You’re with me? associated with the Roman Church.

H Acre was conquered by Saladin in 1187, and besieged for three years by the
as The German text refers to Mount Lebanon. Crusaders.
42 Nathan the Wise Nathan the Wise 43

LAY BROTHER Why of course! - DAJA And just returned today?

But - says the Patriarch — we owe no thanks, 695 TEMPLAR Yesterday.
In sight of God or humankind, if what
Was done to us was not done for our sake.
DAJA Recha’s father came back home today.
So now may Recha have some hope?
There is a rumour — says the Patriarch -
That Saladin has only pardoned you TEMPLAR Of what?
Because he finds a trace of something in 700 DAJA Of the request she often sends to you. 730
Your looks and bearing not unlike his brother Her father will invite you soon himself
TEMPLAR And the Patriarch knows this as well? Most pressingly. I-Ie’s come from Babylon
And what.if it were true? Ah Saladin! With twenty fully laden camels, bearing
If nature made one feature in me, which Every costly thing you could imagine:
Suggested a resemblance to your brother, 705 Noble spices, precious stones and cloth, 735
Could nothing in my soul then echo it? From India and Persia, Syria
And how could I suppress that echo just And even China.
To be obliging to a Patriarch? — TEMPLAR I’m not buying anything.
Nature, you do not lie! And in His works
DAJA He is honoured by his people as
God does not contradict himself. Go, brother, 710
A prince. And yet I’ve often wondered why
' Don’t provoke my anger! G01 Go! 740
They call him ‘ltllise Nathan’ and not ‘Nathan
LAY BROTHER I’ll go, and I’1l go happier than I came. The Rich’.
But do forgive me, sir. We in the cloister
Are bound to obey the orders of our masters.
TEMPLAR Perhaps to people of his race
Wise and rich mean just the same.
Seene6 DAJA But above
All, he should be called ‘The Good’ by them.
The Tesnplar and Daja, who has been watching the Temptarfimn a distance for a You can’t conceive at all how good he is.
while, and new comes up to him. When he found out what Recha owed to you 745
DAJA It seems to me the Brother did not leave 715 There was nothing at that moment he would
Him in the best of moods. And yet I have Not have done for you, or given you!
To risk my message now. TEMPLAR Oh!
TEMPLAR Oh wonderful!
DAJA just come and see yourself.
The proverb tells the truth, that monk and woman
Are the two claws of the devil! And TEMPLAR See what? How quickly
Today I’m hurled from one claw to the other. 720 Such a moment vanishes?
oaga Is it? Noble knight, it’s you? Thank God, DA]A If he
A thousand thanks to God. But where have you Were not so good, would I have been prepared 750
Been hiding all this time? I trust you’ve not To stay so long with him? Do you think I have
Been ill? No feeling for my own worth as a Christian?
No song at my cradle prophesied
TEMPLAR NO.
That I'd accompany my husband here
DAJA So you’re in good health? To Palestine with no more purpose than 755
TEMPLAR Yes. To educate ajewish girl. You see,
naja We really were quite seriously concerned 725 My husband served as horse soldier
About you. In Emperor Frederick‘s35 army -
TEMPLAR Oh!
naps. You must have gone away? , 55 Emperor Frederick I (1121-90) (Frederick Barbarossa) drowned in the river
TEMPLAR Correct. Saleph in Armenia in 1190.
 44 Nathan the Wise Nathan the Wise 45

TEMPLAR Yes, a Swiss ActH

By birth, who was vouchsafed the honour and
The privilege of drowning in a river 760 Scene 1
Vtlith his Imperial Majesty — Yes, woman!
How often have you told me this before? Saladin and Sittah
How much longer will you persecute me?
(Scene: The Sattanis Palace. Saladin and Stttah are playing chess)
DAjA Persecute? Dear God! SITTAI-I Saladin, wake up! What’s happened to your game?
TEMPLAR Yes, persecute. SALADIN No good? I thought it was.
I refuse to see or hear you any 765
More. I will not be reminded constantly SITTAH Not even for me.
Of something which I did without a thought Take that move back again.
And which remains a mystely to me sataom But why?
When I think about it. Not that I
Am anxious to regret it. But you see, 770
SITTAH Your knight 790
Should such a thing occur again, you’d be Is unprotected.
To blame, if I were not so quick to act, SALADIN Oh True. There then!
If I asked questions first, and left to burn
SITTAI-I Now I can
Whatever was in the flames.
Play a fork.3B
DAjA God save us!
SALADIN Tl1at‘s true again, so check!”
TEMPLAR From SITTAI—I What good is that? I now move out; and you
Now on, do me the favour of ignoring 775 Are as you were.
Me. That‘s all I ask. And get the father
Off my back. A]ew’s ajew. And I'm SALADIN I see I’m in a trap
A blunt young Swabian.” The image of I can’t escape without some sacrifice. 795
The girl has long since left my mind, if ever Oh well! just take the knight.
It was there. SITTAH I don’t want him
DAJA But yours still lives in hers. 780 I shall go past.
TEMPLAR What good can come of it? What good? SALADIN That gives me nothing. For
Your strategy involves more than my knight.
DAJA I was knows?
People are not always what they seem. SITTAI—I Maybe.
TEMPLAR But seldom any better. (He walks away) SALADIN Don’t start counting chickens before
They’re hatched. There now! How's that? That’s not what you 800
DAJA Wait! Why do
Expected?
You rush away?
SITTAH No of course. How could I have
TEMPLAR Woman, don’t make me hate
Expected that you’d grown so tired of
These palm trees, in whose shade I’ve often walked. 785
Your queen?
DAJA Go away, you German bear, just go —
SALADIN Tired of my queen, you say?
But I must not lose track of this wild beast.
(She follows him at a distance)

is A move in which one chess piece threatens two opposing ones.

5? Swabia is in south-west Germany. "3 A threat to take the King.

46 Nathan the Wise _ Nathan the Wise

SITTAH I see. Today I’ll only win my thousand SITTAI-I No need to take it.
Dinarsfw Not a single Nasarin“ more. Check! Check!
SALADIN How so? ' SALADIN Go on then.
SITTAH How can you ask? Because you’re trying SITTAH Check! and check! and check!
To lose, with all your might. But my account SALADIN Checkmate!
Does not gain anything. Besides the fact
That there’s no pleasure in a game like this, SITTAH Not quite; your knight can move between
Them; or whatever else you like. It won't
Have I not always won more from you when
I lost? When I have lost a game, you always Make any difference.
Have consoled me afterwards by paying SALADIN Quite right, Youive won:
Double what you really owe me. Al-Hafi pays. Let him be called! At once!
Sittah, you weren’t far wrong; I wasn't concentrating
SALADIN I see: So now l’ve beaten you it’s you who’s
On the game: I was preoccupied.
Lost the game on purpose, little sister?
And who keeps giving us this set of faceless
STITAH At least, dear little brother, it may be Pieces?“ One can’t memorize them, they are
That we should blame your generosity Characterless. Have I been playing against
If I’ve not learned to play chess any better. The Imam?“ But a loss must seek excuses.
SALADIN But we neglect our game. Let’s finish it. I admit the shapeless pieces didn’t _
Make me lose; it was your skill, the greater
SITTAH As you were? Check! And double check! Calm and sharpness of your judgement
SALADIN I admit I never noticed this SITTAI-I Now
Discovered check, which also takes away You want to blunt the sting of your defeat.
My queen. - It’s just that you were more preoccupied
SITTAH Could you have stopped it happening? Than even I was.
Let’s see. SALADIN What preoccupied your mind?
SALADIN No, no; just take the queen away. SITTAI-I Not your preoccupation! Saladin,
I wasn’t really happy with this piece. Vlrhen shall we have a serious game again?
SITTAH just with that piece? . SALADIN We’ll play it yet morekeenly when we do!
SALADIN Away with it! It doesn’t You mean because the war restarts? Let it!
Matter. Every piece is covered once I was not the first to take up arms;
Again. I wish we could extend the truce again.
My brother has instructed me And at the same time I’d have liked so much
SITTAH
To give my Sittah a good husband
Too well how courteously one must behave
To queens.“ (She leaves the piece)
This must be Richard's“ brother;4E' after all
He is Richardir brother.
SALADIN Then take it or don‘t take it! It’s sso i
The only one I have.
*3 The Koran forbids the use of images, so that strict Muslims would play with
marked stones.
In A Dinar was an Arabian gold coin. { H
The Imam, as the leader in a mosque, would be strict on this point.
it A Nasarin was a small silver coin.
_ *" Richardl (1157-99) (Coeur de Lion).
42 Saladin had allowed Queen Sybille to visit her captured husband, Guy de E _ _
Lugignan’ King []fJgfu5a]|g[[1_ PI.'lI1CEJOhI1, later Klfigjfihfl
 43 Nathan the Wise Nathan the Wise
I

SITTAH How you love to praise Let it go. In order not to lose
I
!
Your Richard! The advantage of the knight, they play the monk,
The foolish monk. And they could hardly wait
SALADIN And if Richard’s sister Until the ending of the armistice
Had become our brother Melek’s*I wife, 860
To try their luck with a surprise attack.
Then what a dynasty that would have made!
How splendid! Carry on dear gentlemen,
The first and best of all the world's great dynasties
just carry on! It's all the same to me.
You hear, I’m quite prepared to praise myself
If only other things went as they ought.
As well; I think I’m worthy of my friends,
What men and women would have sprung from that! 865 SITTAH Oh?
What else has disconcerted you? VVhat else
SITTAH Have I not also smiled at this fair dream?
Has put you out of humour so?
You cannot, will not, understand the Christians.
Th_eir pride is: to be Christian, but not human. SALADIN The same
Even that mixture of humanity That always put me out of humour in
And superstition, which their founder gave to them, 870 The past. I was in Lebanon with father.
They love not for it’s human values, He is overwhelmed with problems.
But because Christ teaches it, Christ did it.
SITTAH ' Oh dear!
It’s well for them he was so good a human
Being. And it’s well for them that they SALADIN I-Ie cannot cope; he’s hemmed in everywhere,
Can take his virtue in good faith. And yet 875 He lacks so much.
What virtue? Not his virtue; it‘s his name SITTAH Hemmed in? What does he lack?
That must be spread throughout the world, that must SALADIN What I cannot bring myself to name,
Dishonour and devour the names of all Which, when I have it, seems superfluous,
Good people. For the name, the name alone, And if I don't, seems indispensable.
Is everything to them. Where is Al—Hafi then? Has no one gone
SALADIN You mean to say, 880 To find him? Wretched and accursed money!
Why else would they demand of you and Melek Hafi! Good! I‘m glad you’re here.
That each of you should bear the name of Christians“
If you want to love a Christian as a spouse? Scene 2
SITTAH Yes. As if that love, which our Creator The dervish Al-Hafi, Saladin and Sittah
Granted every man and woman, could 885
Be expected only of a Christian? M-"HAITI _ The money
Has arrived from Egypt, I suppose.
SALADIN Christians believe in such absurdities I hope there’s plenty of it.
That they could easily believe in that.
SAL?‘-DIN Have you news?
But all the same, you’re wrong. The Templars, not
The Christians are to blame; They are to blame 890 AL-HAFI Ip
!
As Templars, not as Christians, ]ust because I haven’t. I was thinking I’d receive
l
Of them, the whole plan fails. They want Acre, Some news from you.
Which Richard’s sister was to bring as dowry SALADIN i p Pay Sittah a thousand
ll
it
To our brother Melek, and they will not Dinars. (Wathzng up and dawn thinking)
i
ALFI-IAFI Pay instead of being paid!
.
just fine! that’s something even less than nothing.
II In 1192 Richard I agreed on a threoyear armistice with Saladin. The marriage
To Sittah? once again to Sittah? And
plan was to consolidate this.
You’ve lost? You have lost at chess again? Is this
is A condition was that Melek should convert to Christianity. The game here still?
50 Nathan the Wise - Nathan the Wise 51

srrran At least you Inustadmit _ SALADIN (to Sittah)

My luck. ' What’s that he says?
AL-HAFI (looking at the game) " SITTAH (making signs t0_Al-Hafi from time to time)
Admit what? But surely you know .. . 925 ' You know him, how he bristles, likes to be
Consulted, a bit envious perhaps.
SITTAH (signals to him)
Sh! Hafi! Sh! .! SALADIN Surely not of you? Not of my sister? 945
" What’s this, Al-Hafi? Envious? You?
AL-HAFI (still looking at the game)
You’re too quick off the mark! _' 1""'kL'HAFl Perhaps,
Perhaps! I think I’d rather have her brain;
srrran A1-Hafi! Sh! I’d rather be as good as her. -
AL-I—LAFI (to Sittah) But even
So you were playing white? SITTAH
So, he’s always paid the right amount,
And you called check?
And he will pay today as well. just leave him! 950
SITTAH He hasn’t heard, thank God. Go, Al.-Hafi, go. I‘ll send out for
AL-HAFI " Now it’s his move? The money later.
SITTAH (going np to him) -" AL-I—1AFI _ No. I won’t keep up
Just say to Saladin This farce with you. He must be told the truth
That I can have my money. . Sometime. '
AL-HAFI (still absorbed the game) SALADIN lhlho? Told what truth?
Yes, of course 930 ‘P. 31TTAH Al-Hafi!
You shall receive it, as you always do Is this your promise? Do you keep your word 955
SITTAH What, are you mad? To rne like this? .
ALHAFI The game ’s not over yet. 5' MIHAFI How could I know, that it
You really haven’t lost it, Saladin. Would go so far.
SALADIN (hanlh: listening) 3'_ sscsnm And am I to be told
_]ust pay! just Pay! Nothing?
AL-HAF1 Pay! Pay! - strrsn Al-Hafi, do please be discreet.
Your queen is still in place. " SALADIN But this is very strange. Just what could Sittah ‘
Want to beg so solemnly and fervently 960
SALADIN (as before)
It makes no odds; - 935 From a foreigner, and from a dervish,
It isn’t in the game now. Rather than from me, from her own brother.
E Al-Hafi, I command you now. Speak, dervish.
SITTAH Oh come on!
Brother, don’t let a trifle of this kind
just say that I can have t.he money now. SITTAH -
- Concern you more than it deserves. 965
ALHAFI (still absorbed by the game) You know, that several times I’ve won the same
That’s understood, as usual — All the same, Amount from you when we played chess. Well then,
Even if the queen is not in play, it’s Because I have no urgent need of it,
Not yet checkmate. And as the funds in Hafi’s coffers aren’t
SALADIN (steps fonuard and ooerthrews the beard) Exactly overflowing, just because 970
Yes it is. That’s how 940 Of this, the sums have not been paid. Don’t worly,
I want it. I’m not intending to donate them to you,
AL-HAFI Yes, your game is like her winnings! __ Brother, nor to Hafi, nor the coffers.
Paid as it was won. -E - sonnet Yes, but that’s not all!
 Nathan the Wise i Nttthtlfl flit Witt’ 53
52
H

SITTAH And Othfir Sums Achieve? One horse, one coat, one sword, I still
Like that; they too are still unpaid. And also 975 Must have. And I can’t gain by bargaining
Your allowance to me has remained With God. For he asks very little of
Untouched for several months. Me — just my heart. All I was counting on
Was any surplus from your treasury, I010
AL-HAFI That’s still
Al-Hafi.
Not all.
AL-HAFI Surplus? Tell me, would you not
SALADIN Not all? Speak out! just tell me then!
Have had me run-through, or at least have had
ALILKFI While we’ve been waiting for the gold from Egypt, Me strangled, if you had discovered that
She has I had been holding back a surplus] No
SITTAH (to Saladin) I’d rather risk embezzlement than that. 1015
Why listen to him?
SALADIN But what are we to do then? Could you not
ALFHAFI ‘ She‘s not only 980 Have borrowed first from someone else instead
Taken nothing of Sittah? -
SALADIN Good girl! She has helped out SITTAH Do you think I’d let him take
With advances, hasn’t she? This privilege away from me, my brother?
AL—I-LA.Fl Maintained And I still insist on it. I‘m not 1020
The whole court; covered your expenses single- Quite bankrupt yet.
Handed.
SALADIN Not quite? That’s the last straw!
SALAIJIN Ah, how like my own dear sister! G0 off at once, Al-Hafi, make a start.
(embraces her) Take from anyone you can; and how you can.
SITTAH And who has made me rich enough to do 985 Go, borrow, promise. But don’t borrow from
This, but my brother? The people I made rich. For borrowing I025
AL-HAFI Soon he’ll make a pauper From them might seem like taking back a gift.
Of her once again, just like he is Go to the greatest misers; they’re the ones
Himself. ‘Wl'1o’ll gladly lend to me. They understand
How well their money prospers in my hands.
SALADIN I, poor? Your brother, poor? But when
Have I had more? And when have I had less? AL-HAFI I know no one like that.
One coat, one sword, one horse, one God! What more 990 SITTAH It just occurs 1030
Do I need if I have as much as this? To me that I have heard, Al—Hafi, that
And yet, Al-Hafi, I’ve a mind to scold you. Your friend has come back.
SITTAI-I Brother, don’t scold. I only wish I could
AL-PLAFI (disconcerted)
Relieve our father in his troubles too.
Friend? My friend? And who
SALADIN Ah! Now at once you have destroyed my cheerful 995 Might that be?
Mood again. Though I need nothing for
Myself, and can need nothing, he is in SITTAH The jew you highly praised.
Great need and through him we are too. So what AL-HAFI Ajew I praised? And highly?
Am I to do? Perhaps nothing will come
SITTAH To whom God —
From Egypt for a long time. Why that is, 1000
I still remember clearly the expression 1035
God knows. For all is peaceful there. I can
Which you used about him once — to whom
Reduce, retrench, economise, and do it
His God has granted both the smallest and
With a will, if it affects no-one
The greatest of the treasures of this world
But me, just me alone, and‘no one else
In full measure.
Is made to suffer. And yet what can that ' 1005
54 Nathan the Wise Nathan the Wise 55

ADHAFI Did I say that? Vlfhat did SITTAH And such a man
I mean by that? SALADIN How can it be
SITTAH The smallest riches. And 1040 That I have never heard about this man?
The greatest wisdom. SITTAI-I Would he refuse to lend to Saladin,
AL-HAFI What? About ajew? “Tho needs it on behalf of others, not
Could I have said all that about ajew? Himself?
AL-HAFI But here you see the Jew again, 1075
SITTAH You said of your Nathan, didn‘t you?
The common jew. Believe me, he is jealous
AL-I-IAFI Oh yes! Of him! Of Nathan! He just didn’t Of your generosity. He envies
Spring to mind. So is it really true? 1045 You! In all the world, when ever someone
He’s come back home again at last? Well! He Says ‘God reward you’, he would like it to
Cannot be badly off in that case. You’re Be said to him. That’s why he doesn’t lend, 1080
Quite right: the people once called him ‘the Vilise’, So that he always has enough to give.
‘The Rich’ as well. Because his law “ commands him to be charitable
SITTAH ‘The Rich’ now, even more But does not order him to be obliging.
Than ever. All the town resounds with talk 1050 Charity makes him the least obliging
Of all the precious things, the treasures he Fellow in the world. For quite a while now 1085
Has brought back. My relations with him have been somewhat
Strained. But just because of that, you mustn’t
AL-HAFI . Well, if he’s ‘the Rich‘ again, Ever think that I don’t do him justice.
He‘s probably ‘the Wise’ again as well. He is good for everything, except for this;
SITTAH Al-Hafi, do you think you could approach him? For this he really is no good. I’ll go 1090
And knock on other doors at once. I know
AL-I-IAFI But for what? You can‘t mean for a loan? 1055
A Moor, I‘ve just remembered, who is rich
You don’t know him. He won‘t lend. His wisdom
And miserly, I‘ll go. I’ll go and see him.
Is that he will never lend to anyone.
SITTAH What‘s the hurry, -I-Iafi?
SITTAI-I But you gave me quite a different view
SALADIN Let him go!
Of him before.
ALHAFI If necessary, he Scene 3
Will lend you goods. But money? Never, No 1060
He‘s quite unlike the usual kind of jew. Sittah and Saladin
He possesses understanding, he‘s SITTAH He‘s rushing off as if he’s glad to get 1095
Well mannered, plays good chess. But he stands out Away from me. Why? Has he been deceived
Among all otherjews in bad ways just By Nathan, or are we the ones he wishes to
As much as good. You really cannot count 1065 Deceive?
On him. He certainly gives money to SALADIN Why do you ask me? I hardly know
The poor, perhaps as much as Saladin, Who you were talking of. Until today
Or if not quite as much, as willingly. I never heard a thing about this jew 1100
Without discrimination too;jew, Christian, Of yours, this Nathan.
Muslim, Parsee,“‘ they are all alike 1070 SITTAH Can it be that such
To him. A man is still unknown to you? They say
He has explored the tombs of Solomon

49 5|]
Parsee - Indian follower of Zoroaster, founder of the Persian cult of fire. ‘r The Mosaic 1;.1w_
56 Nathan the Wise Nathan the Wise i7
51
And David, and he knows a mighty magic The weak the only kind of force one needs 1140
Word with which he can remove their seals. ll05 Is their own weakness. Now just come with me
From them he brings out to the light of day To hear a singer in my harem whom
From time to time those untold riches which I purchased only yesterday. Perhaps
Could not have come from any other source. Meanwhile I can work out a strategy
I have for dealing with this Nathan. Come! 1145
SALADIN If this man took his riches out of tombs
They certainly were not from Solomon‘s 1110
or David’s tombs. Fools must be buried there! Scene 4

SITTAH Or scoundrels! And in any case Recha, Nathan and Daja ‘

His source of riches is more fruitful, and
(Scene: Infiont t;fNathanTs house, where it meets the palm trees. Recha and
More inexhaustible, than a mere tomb, Nathan some oat. Daja joins them.) '
Full of Mammon.“i RECI-IA Father, you have been so long. There‘s little I146
‘II-

1115 Chance of meeting him by now.

SALADIN He’s a merchant then.
NATHAN Well, well;
SIT‘I¥$.H His camels travel on all roads, and go
If we‘ve missed him here, beneath the palms,
Across all deserts. Nathan’s ships are to
Be found in every harbour. I was told that
We‘ll see him somewhere else. Be calm now. Look!
By A1-Hafi. And he added with Is that not Daja coming to us?
Delight how great and noble was the use 1120 REGHA She 1150
His friend made of the wealth which he acquired Will surely have lost sight of him by now.
Vfith skill and energy. How nothing was NATI-IAN I doubt it.
Too small, how free his mind was from all prejudice,
RECHA Then she would be walking faster.
How open was his heart to every virtue,
And how he was attuned to every beauty. 1125 NATHAN Probably she hasn’t seen us.
SALADIN But Al-Hafi spoke of him so coldly, so RECHA Now
Uncertainly. She’s seen us.
SITTAH Not coldly, more embarrassed, NATHAN Look, she’s coming twice as fast.
As if he thought it dangerous to praise him, So just calm down.
But did not want to be unjustly critical. RECHA You wouldn’t really want 1155
Or could it be that, even though he is 1130 A daughter who was calm at such a moment?
The best of all his people he cannot Who did not want to know to whose good deed
Help being one of them? Perhaps Al-Hafi She owes her life? Her life which she loves only
Feels ashamed of him in this respect. Because she owes it first of all to you.
Well, be that as it may. It doesn’t matter 1160
NATHAN I wouldn’t want you different from what
If the jew is more or less like other I135
You are; not even if I understand
jews. He’s rich, and that’s enough for us. That something new is stirring in your soul.
SALADIN But surely, sister, you do not intend
RECI-IA What, father?
To take what’s his by force?
NATHAN You ask me so shyly? That
SITTAH What do you mean Which now develops in your inmost heart
By force? With fire and sword? Of course not. With Is innocence and nature. Let it cause you 1165
| No distress. It causes none to me.
But promise one thing to me; if your heart
I-

“‘ A reference to a legend that treasures were buried in these graves.

Declares itself more openly, don‘t hide
52
Mammon-riches. Its wishes from me.
. _,. _-, .- ,
i
i 58 Nathan the Wise Nathan the Vlhse 59

I
REOHA I tremble at the very I-Iis good, defiant look, and his firm step.
| However bitter is his shell, the kernel
Thought that I might hide my heart from you. 1170
ls Cannot be. Vllhere have I seen his like?
NATI-IAN No more about this, it is settled now
Forgive me, noble Frank.
And for all time. But here is Daja. Well?
TEMPLAR What?
Daja He’s still here, walking in the palm-grove. Soon
He‘ll come out from behind that wall. Look, NATHAN Please allow me.
Here he comes! TEMPLAR ‘What, jew, what?
RECHA Ah! I-le looks undecided. 1175 NATHAN To venture to address you. 1200
Where now? Further on? Or back? Or to the right?
Or left? TEMPLAR How can I prevent it? But you'd better
Make it short.
Daja No, no. He’s sure to take a few more turns
Around the monastery. And after that, NATHAN _ Please wait. Don‘t rush away
l‘m sure he‘ll pass us here. So proudly and contemptuously from
A man who is forever in your debt.
REGHA That’s right! But did
You speak to him? How did he seem? TEMPLAR How‘s that? Ah, I believe I know. You are 1205
DAJA As always. 1180 NATHAN My name is Nathan. I’m the father of
l The girl you generously rescued from
NATHAN Make sure he doesn’t know that you are here. The fire. I’ve come
Go further back. Or better still go right
Inside. TEMPLAR To thank me? But I have
Already had to suffer too much thanks
RECHA just one more look! Oh, no, the hedge For this mere trifle. As for you, you owe 1210
ls hiding him from me. Me nothing. After all I did not know
4——t

DAJA Come on. Your father That this girl was your daughter. And it is
Is quite right. If he should see you, he 1185 The duty of the Templar Knights to spring
Might turn back straight away. To the assisstance of all people in
Distress. In any case my life was at 1215
RECHA That hedge again!
That moment burdensome to me. So I
NATI~IAN And if he comes out from behind it suddenly, Was very glad to seize the opportunity
He is bound to see you. He can’t help it. So To put my life at risk to save another.
Hurry, go! Even if the life I saved might be
DAJA Come on; I know a window As unimportant as this jewish girl‘s. 1220
Where we can see what they are doing. NATHAN A great and dreadful thing! I think
REGHA Yes? 1190 I understand. Your modest greatness hides
(Both go inside) Behind such dreadful words in order
To escape from admiration. All the same
1
If admiration meets with your contempt 1225
It
Scene 5
What can we offer that you would find less
Nathan soon joined by the Templar Despicable? Sir, if you weren‘t a stranger
NATHAN I'm almost frightened of this strange young man. Here, a prisoner, I would not be
His rugged virtue almost makes me hesitate. So bold in asking you. Give your command‘
But how can one man make another feel How can we serve you?
So ill at ease? Ah! Here he comes. By God, TEMPLAR You? with nothing.
!
!!
2:
H_e‘s certainly a manly youth. I like I195
 60 Nathan. the Finite Nathan the lifise 61

NATHAN Fm 1230 I’ll still see through it. You were far too good
A man with riches. And honest to be more polite. The girl
Was all emotion; while the woman messenger 1265
TEMPLAR But a richer Jew
Was too insistent, and the father, far
Is not a betterjew to me.
Away. You were concerned for her good name.
NATIIAN But even so You fled, to save her from an ordeal or defeat.
Could you not make use of all the good I thank you for that too.
Things which he has? Could you not use his riches?
TEMPLAR I see you know
TEMPLAR Well, I won't reject that out of hand, 1235 The way in which we Templars ought to think. I270
If onl for the sake of m old cloak.
Why only Templars? And why ought to think?
As sotlin as it wears out, rind neither seam NATHAN
i Because it is commanded by the Order?
Nor tatter holds together any longer,
I know how all good people think, and that
Then I'll borrow cloth or money from you
Good people are produced in every land.
|..
I. For a new one. But don’t look so black! 1240 .
|*
It You’re still quite safe. It isn’t that far gone. ;, TEMPLAR And yet, I hope, with differences.
.:f
i. You can see it’s still in quite good i NATHAN Of course I275
Condition. Only this one corner has " They’re different in colour, dress, and build.
An ugly mark: that’s where it has been singed. .
That happened when I carried out your daughter 1245 '_ TEMPLAR In one place more, and in another less.
Through the fire. - NATHAN These differences don’t amount to much.
I

NATHAN (takes held of the corner of the doth and looks at it) , Everywhere a great man needs much space,
‘ How strange it is that such When several are planted close together I280
An evil stain, the mark of fire, should give They just break each others’ branches. Average
A man a better testimonial Men like us are countless everywhere.
Than his own mouth. And I would like to kiss And yet each one must tolerate the rest,
This mark. Ah! Pardon me! I couldn’t help it. And yet one gnarled branch must accept another.
And yet no single treetop must presume 1285
l
TEMPLAR What? That it alone did not spring from the ground.
NATHAN A tear fell on it. TEMPLAR Well spoken! But you also know the race
TEMPLAR Never mind. Which first evolved this petty, carping view
There have been many drops before. (This Jew Of humankind? You know which people was
i
Is disconcerting.) The first to call itself the chosen people,“ Nathan? I290
I don’t exactly hate this people, but
ii,.
NATHAN I wonder if you would
I cannot help despising them for all
Be very kind and let your cloak be taken
g-1hfll| _;I-|_- - Their pride. Their pride, which they passed down to
. Some time to my daughter?
Christian and to Muslim, that their God alone
I TEMPLAR For what reason? 1255 . Is the true Godl. You are amazed that I, I295
I- NATHAI~J So she may press her lips upon this mark. A Christian and a Templar, speak like this?
For I suppose her wish to fall upon “Then and where has pious fury claimed
Her knees in front of you is now in vain. More stridently to have the better God,
And to impose it on the whole world as
TEMPLAR Butjew, — your name is Nathan? Nathan then, :-
You frame your words with skill, and very pointedly I260
I am embarrassed — anyway -— I would _

H as ...
53 D
. . _1 7:6. ‘Th L d h G dh '

1 I... L
62 Nathan the Wise Nathan the Wise 63

The best? Where has it shown itself in blacker 1300 TEMPLAR Yes, what is it?
Form than here, and now? Can anybody,
DAJA The Sultan sends for you. The Sultan wants
Here and now, be so blinkered Leave
To speak to you. My God, the Sultan!
Them to their blindness! just forget what I
Have said, and let me be. (He is about to go) NATHAN ME? I330
The Sultan? I expect he wants to see
NATHAN Ah, you don’t know
What new things I’ve brought back.]ust tell him that
How much more firmly I shall press myself 1305
Little -—- almost nothing — is unpacked.
Upon you now. We really must be friends.
Despisei my people if you wish. But neither DAJA No, no, he won’t see anything. He wants
Of us chose our people. Are we then To speak to you in person, and as soon 1335
Our people? What does ‘people’ mean? As possible.
Are jew and Christian, Jew and Christian first 1310 NATHAN I’1l come. Go in, go in!
And human beings second? Have I found
In you a man who needs no other name DAJA Please do not be offended, noble knight -—
Than human being? God, we are so worried about what
The Sultan wants.
TEMPLAR Yes, by God, You’re right!
Nathan give me your hand. I am ashamed NATHAN We’ll soon find out.]ust go!
That I misjudged you even for a moment. 1315
Scene 7
NATHAN I‘m proud of it. For only common things
Are recognised at once. Nathan and the Templar
TEMPLAR But what is rare TEMPLAR So you donlt know him yet? I mean in person? 1340
Is harder to forget. Nathan, of course NATHAN Saladin? Not yet. I’ve not avoided
We must, we must be friends. Meeting him, but never sought him out.
NATHAN We are already. The general report spoke so much good
How my Recha will rejoice at this! I320 Of him that I preferred believing it
And what a joyful prospect opens up To meeting him himself. But if it’s true 1345
Before my eyes! just get to know her first. That he, by granting you your life . ..

TEMPLAR I already long to do so. Who is that TEMPLAR Quite right.

Who rushes from your house. Is it not Daja? At least that’s true. The life which I’m now living
Is his gift.
NATHAN Yes, and she looks anxious.
NATHAN And with this gift he’s given
TEMPLAR Let us hope 1325 Me a double, threefold life. It changes
Our Recha is all right. Everything between us. All at once 1350
It threw a rope around me, so that I
Scene 6 Am bound forever to his service, now.
Nathan, Templar and Daja I can scarcely, scarcely wait to hear
DAJA What he will first command me. I am ready
Nathan, Nathan!
To do anything. And I am ready 1355
NATHAN Well? To admit I do it for your sake.
oA]A Forgive me, noble knight, for interrupting TEMPLAR I’ve had no chance to thank him for myself yet,
You. Even though I’ve often crossed his path.
NATHAN What is it? The impression which I made on him
Came suddenly,“ and disappeared as fast. I360
64 Nathan the Wise ‘I Nathan the Wise 65

Who knows if he remembers me at all. Wolf held his sword as he does, and like him
And yet he must remember me again. He also stroked his eyebrows with his hand,
Once more at least; for he must finally As if to hide the fire in his eyes. 1395
Decide my fate. It’s not enough that I How such images, so deeply etched,
Still live at his command, and at his will. 1365 Can sometimes sleep in us, until a single
I now must learn from him according to Word, a sound, awakens them. Von Stauffen -
Whose will I have to live my life henceforth. Right, that’s right! Von Filnek and Von Stauffen.
Soon I ll find out more about that, soon, 1 400
NATHAN Exactly; one more reason why I won’t
Delay. Perhaps a word may give me a chance But first to Saladin. What’s this? Is that
To mention you. Forgive me, I must hurry. 1370 Not Daja lurking there? Come closer, Daja.
But when shall we see you at our house?
Sc-ene8
TEMPLAR As soon as you allow.
Daja and Nathan
NATHAN Or you would like.
NATHAN I suppose that both of you are bursting to
TEMPLAR Today then. Discover something very different from
NATHAN And your name, if I may ask. “Thy the Sultan wants to see me.
TEMPLAR My name was — is — Curd von Stauffen. Curd. DAJA Can 1 405
You blame her? You had just begun to talk
NATHAN Von Stauffen? — Stauffen? — Stauffen? To him more confidentially, when we
TEMPLAR Why are you 1375 Were driven from the window by the Sultan's
So struck by that? Messenger.
NATHAN Von Stauffen? — There must be NATHAN just tell her then, she may
Some other families of that name Expect him any moment.
TEMPLAR Oh yes, there were DA_]A Really? Really? 1410
More of them — and some rot here to this day. NATHAN I hope I can rely upon you Daja?
My uncle himself -- my father, I should say — Please be on your guard. You won’t have any
Why are you looking at me more and more 1380
Reason to regret it, and your conscience
Intently?
Will be satisfied by this. But please
NATHAN ' Nothing, nothing. It’s just that Do nothing to disrupt my plan. just talk 1415
I cannot tire of seeing you. And ask your questions with discretion and
TEMPLAR Then I Restraint
Shall leave you first. The eyes of one who seeks DAJA I hardly need reminding of
Have often found more than he wished to find. That. I’m going; you must go yourself.
I fear them, Nathan. Let time, and not curiosity, I385 But look! I do believe a second messenger
Develop our acquaintance step by step. (He goes oat) Has come from Saladin, your dervish, Al-Hafi. (Exit) 1420
NATHAN (Les-king after him in astonishment)
‘The eyes of one who seeks have often found Scene 9
More than he wished to find‘. It is as if Nathan and Al—Hafi
He read my mind. It really is. And yet
ALPI-IAFI There you are! It’s you I’ve come to see.
It could be possible. He has not_only 1390
Wolf's build, Wolf’s walk -F his voice too is the same _ NATHAN Virhy this urgency? Vifhat does he want
Wolf even used to toss his head like that. .1 of I116?
F-“"|
I. .
it @ I es Nathan the Wise Nathan the Wise 67

AL-HAF1 Who? Perhaps you might imagine that a man 1450

‘Who needs your money would consider taking
NATHAN Saladin. I'm on my way.
Your advice? You really think so? Saladin
AL-HAFI To whom? To Saladin? A Accept advice! When has he taken any
NATHAN Did Saladin Advice? You can't imagine, Nathan, what
Not send you? Occurred just now when I was with him.
1425 NATHAN Well? 1455
ALHAFI No. Me? Has he sen.t for you
Already? AL-HAFI I came to him just after he had played
Yes, he has.
Chess with his sister. Sittah doesn't play
NATHAN
So badly. And the game, which Saladin
AL-HAFI You mean it's true. Believed he'd lost, and had conceded, was
NATHAN Vlfhat? What is true? Still set out, untouched. I take a look, 1460
And see the game is very far from lost.
AL-I~L*‘LFI That I am not to blame.
God knows I'm not to blame. The things I've said NATHAN That must have been a lucky find for you!
The lies I've told about you to prevent itl AL-I-IAFI All that he had to do was to move the king
NATHAN To prevent what? “That is true? Behind the pawn, and out of check. If I
Could only show you!
AL-HAFI That you I430
Have now become his treasurer. I pity NATHAN I believe you. 1465
You. But I won't stay to watch. I'm ofl'. AI.»-I-IAFI Then the rook was free to move — and she
I leave within the hour. You know where to Was lost. I wanted to explain it to him.
Already, and you know the road. So if I called him. Guess what?
You have some errands for me on the way, I435
NATHAN And he disagreed?
just say; I'm at your service. But I can't
Take more goods than a naked man can carry. AL-I-LAFI He wouldn't even listen, but with scorn
I'm going, so be quick. He turned the whole game over.
NATHAN Al-Hafi, wait. NATHAN How could he? 1470
Remember I know nothing of all of this. AL-I-IAFI He said he wanted to be checkmate anyway.
What are you going on about? He wanted to! You call that playing chess?
AL-HAFI You'll take 1 440 NATHAN No, playing with the game.
The bag along with you?
AL-HAFI And it was worth
NATHAN The bag? A pretty penny.
AL-HAFI - The gold. NATHAN Money, money, money!
You are supposed to lend to Saladin. That's the least of it. But to refuse I475
NATHAN And is that all? To listen to Al—Hafi, and to shut
His ears to you on such a weighty point,
AL-HAFI Do you expect me to Not to appreciate your eagle eye:
Stand by and simply watch how, day by day, That cries aloud for vengence, does it not?
He bleeds you white? Do you expect me to 1445
AL-HAFI Now, now, I'm only telling you all this 1480
Stand by while his extravagance just borrows,
Borrows, borrows from the stores of your So you can see what sort of head he has.
Wise charity, which never failed before, In short, I cannot stand him any longer.
Until the poor mice born in them are starving? So I've been chasing all the Moorish sharks
And asking who will make a loan to him.
-.
Nathan the Wise Nathan the Wise 69
63

I, who‘ve never begged a penny for . 1485 Act1H

Myself, must borrow for another. Borrowmg
i
Is much the same as begging, just as lending Scenel
2
For the interest is much the same Recha and Daja
As stealing. With my Ghebers“ on the Ganges Scene.‘ (in Nothttnis house)
I don’t need either, and I need not be 1490
The tool of either. On the Ganges, on RECI-IA What was it, Daja, that my father said
To us? “You can expect him any moment".
‘I
1

I The Ganges, only there are human beings.

You alone, of all those here, are worthy Don’t you think that sounds as if he will
4 To live beside the Ganges. Will you come Arrive here very soon? How many moments 1520
With me? Leave all your trash to him and let 1495 Have already passed! — But then, why think
1
Him deal with it. I-Ie’ll get it from you Of vanished moments? All I want now is
Anyway by degrees. This way you‘ll losgfi To live each passing moment as it comes.
I
Your burden all at once. I’ll get a delk At last will come the one which brings him here.
For you. Come on! DA]A Curse that message from the Sultan! If 1525
NATHAN I think we’ll always have It weren’t for that I’m sure that Nathan would
This choice, Al-Hafi, but I want to think 1500 _I-lave brought him right away.
It over. Wait d _ atoms And when this moment
AL-I-IAFI VVhat? Think about it? Comes at last, and when it brings with it
Fulfilment of the warmest and the deepest
E NATHAN
No thought is needed for a thing like this.
But only till I get back from the Sultan; Of my wishes — what then? What then?
Until I’ve said goodbye DAJA What then? 1530
ALHAFI Whoever thinks Then I hope the warmest of my wishes '
About it seeks excuses not to act. 1505 Will achieve fulfilment too.
E If he can’t instantly decide to live RECI-IA But then what will
1 just for himself, he’ll always be a slave Replace this wish within my heart? It has
To others. As you wish. Farewell. just as Forgotten how to feel unless it has
You like. I‘1l go my way, you go yours. One overpowering wish. I/V111 there be —- nothing? 1535
NATHAN Al-Hafi! You will put your own affairs 1510 Oh, it frightens me!
H
In order first? DA_]A Then my own wish
Will take the place of yours, once yours is satisfied -
-|

AL-HAFI Oh nonsense! Any cash

That’s left is hardly worth the counting. My My wish to know that you will be in Europe
Accounts are guaranteed by you or Sittah. In the care of people worthy of you.
Farewell! (Exit) - RECHA How wrong you are! The very reason which 1540
NATHAN (looking after him) Creates this wish in you prevents it ever
l’ll guarantee them. Wild, good, noble - Being mine. You feel the pull of your
How can I describe him? In the end, 1515 l Own homeland. Should not my land hold me here?
1 A real beggar is the only real king! VVl'1y should a vision of your people, which
i
(Exit the other side.) - Has not yet faded from your mind, have greater 1545
Influence than people I can see,
Touch, hear — my people?
5‘ Ghebers - Persian name for followers of Zoroaster, also called Parsees (see f_ DAJA Pointless to resist.
Act II, Sc.2). The ways of Heaven are the ways of Heaven.
5” delk - the Arabian name for the dervish dress. And suppose your Templar were to be
 I
Nathan the Wise Nathan the l*'lh'se 71'
70

1550 Think their faith the most heroic quality

The means by which his God, for whom he fights, In them. What I found more consoling was
Intends to lead you to the land and to The lesson that devotedness to God 1590
The people for whom you were born? Does not wholly depend on what
RECHA ' O Daja! We speculate about him. Dear Daja,
What are you saying yet again, dear Daja! My father has so often told us that;
You really do have most peculiar y And you have often said that you agreed
Ideas! ‘His God, his God for whom he fights. 1555 With him. So why do you now undermine 1595
To whom does God belong? Vilhat sort of God Alone what you have built with him
Belongs to just one person? One who needs Together? — Dear Daja, this is not the best
People to fight for him? And how can we Discussion to be having while we’reewaiting
Know which bit of earth we have been born for, For our friend. For me, of course, it is.
1560 To me it matters very much if he too 1600
Unless it is the one on which we have
Beien born? If father were to hear you talk! Listen Daja! — Someone’s at our door.
What has he done to you that you must always Suppose it’s he! just listen!
See my happiness so far from him? _
What has he done to make you want to I11-IX Scene2
The seed of pure reasonffi which he planted 1565
Recha, Dma and the Templar
In my soul, with weeds or flowers of
(Someone has cnrenett the door for the Templar with the won:ts.')
Your homeland? Dear, beloved Daja, he
Does not want your brightly coloured flowers Come this way.
In my soil now; and I have to tell you RECHA (Starts, composes herself and is about to fail at his feet)
That however beautifully they 1570
It is he! - My saviour!
May cover it, I feel my soil has been
TEMPLAR It was to avoid this
So weakened, so impoverished by all
That I did not come before. But-
Your flowers; in their scent, their sweet-‘sour scent
I feel so dizzy and so numb. — Your brain RECI-IA At
Is more accustomed to this. 1 don’t blame you 1575 The feet of this proud man, I just want, once 1605
For your stronger nerves, which can endure it. Again, to thank God; not to thank the man.
But it’s not for me. As for your “Angel” — The man does not want thanks; he wants them just
Did it not so very nearly make a fool As little as the water pail which worked
Of me? This nonsense makes me feel ashamed So hard in putting out the fire. It let
In front of my own father. Itself be filled and emptied with no thought 1610
Nonsense? -— as if 1580 For you or me. The man is like that too.
DAJA He too was simply thrust into the blaze;
This place were blessed with reason! Nonsense!
And quite by chance I stayed there in his arms,
If only I could speak!
As if I were a spark upon his cloak. 1615
atone Are you not free Until something — who knows what? — at last
To speak? Did I not always listen when Propelled us from the blaze. Is this a cause
You chose to talk to me about the heroes For thanks? In Europe wine is capable
Of your own religion? Have I ever 1585
Of spurring men to every kind of deed.
Failed to admire their deeds, to shed tears gladly It’s just that Templars sometimes have to act 1620/1
For their sufferings? It’s true, I did not Like this. Like rather well-trained dogs they must
Retrieve things out of fire or out of water.
TEMPLAR (who has been watching her in nneasy astonishment)
56 Matthew 13:24. ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is likened unto a man which Bowed Oh Daja, Daja! just because at moments
good seed in his field.’
72 Nathan the Wise ; Nathan the Wise 73

Of distress and bitterness my temper t REGHA No, no, not that.

May have given you offence, why did you pass on 1625 - Wherever Moses stood, he stood before God.
Every stupid word that I let slip? I know that well enough already. And
Daja, your revenge on me was too severe! I only wanted you to tell me whether 1655
I hope that from now on you’ll represent It is true that climbing up that mountain
Me to her better. Is far less difficult than climbing down?
You see, whenever I have tried to climb
one Butl think, sir, if
A mountain, it was just the opposite.
I’m right, that all these little stings which pricked 1630 f Well, Sir? — What? - You turn away, and will not 1660
Her heart will not have done you any harm Look at me?
At all.
TEMPLAR Because I want to hear you.
RECHA What? You were in distress? So then
You _were more miserly with your distress ‘ RECHA just because you don‘t want me to see you
Than with your life. ' Smile at my naiveté. You smile
Because I cannot find a more important
TEMPLAR My good, sweet child! —
1635 . Thing to ask about this holiest 1665
How much my soul is torn between my eyes
Of mountains? Am I right?
And ears! — You can’t have been the girl, no, no,
It cannot have been you I rescued from .' TEMPIAR In that case I
The fire. For how could anyone who knew you Must look again into your eyes. But what
Not have saved you from the fire? Who would Is this? Now you look down, and hide your smile
Have waited for me? -- Yet — fear changes things. 1640 ' From me? When I’m only trying to read
(Pause white he seems lost in thought, looking at her) In your expression, which is so ambiguous, 1670
What I can hear so clearly, what is audible
RECHA And yet I find that you are still the same —
In what you say or don't say, — Recha, Recha!
(Pause, until she goes on, to stop him looking at her)
How right he was to say — “just get to know her”.
Now, Sir, perhaps you’ll tell us where you‘ve been
So long? And I might also dare to ask — f_ storm “Tho was right? I/Vho said that to you?
Where are you now? 3
i. TEMPLAR “Get
TEMPLAR I am —— where I perhaps 5
To know her first”, your father said to me, 1675
Should not be. About you.
RECHA ' Where were you before? Perhaps 1645 .- DAjA . Isn’t that what I said too?
Again where you should not have been? That is 1-
Exactly what I said?
Not good. -. TEMPLAR But where is he?
TEMPLAR On — on - what is the mountain called? I/Vhere is your father then? ls he still with
On Sinai. The Sultan?
RECI-IA On Sinai? -— Oh good! RECHA I expect so.
At last I can find out for certain whether , TEMPLAR I-Ie’s still there?
It is true.
Oh how could I forget! No, no. He’s most 1680
TEMPLAR What? Whether it is true 1650 ; Unlikely to be there. He will be waiting '
That you can see there still the place where Moses For me by the monastery. Of course.
Stood before God,“ where - That's what we agreed, I think. Forgive me!
I shall go and fetch him.
That‘s my job.
“‘ Exodus 19:2-3. ‘They were come unto the desert of Sinai and Moses went DAJA
up unto God and the Lord called unto him out of the mountain.’ Stay here, knight. I shall bring him back at once. 1685
 74 Nathan the Wise Nathan the Wise 75

- -_-—7-——- - -t—‘

TEMPLAR Oh no. He is expecting me to come, RECI-IA I won’t 1715

Not you. And he might easily - who knows? - Say satisfied.-- no — not by a long way —
He might easily at Saladin’s —
DAJA Only calmed the burning hunger.
You don‘t know the Sultan — he might well
Get into trouble. So there’s danger if 1690 RECI-IA Yes,
I stay, believe me. You could say that.
RECHA Danger? But what danger? DAJA But I don‘t.
TEMPLAR Danger for me, for you, for him, if I ascns I shall
Don’t go this minute. (Exit) Always treasure him, more dearly than
My life; although my pulse no longer races 1720
Vifhen I hear his name, although my hieart
Scene3
No longer beats with greater speed and vigour
Recha and Daja When I think of him. But why this chatter?
RECHA Vlfhat has happened, Daja? — Come, dear Daja, come back to the window
Why so quickly? I/Vhat’s come over him? Which looks out on to the palms.
Why’s he rushing off? DAJA Your burning I725
DAJA just let him go. I695 Hunger is not yet entirely stilled.
I think it's no bad sign. sscna Now I shall see the palms again, not just
RECHA A sign? Of what? The man who walks beneath them.
DAJA _ That something’s going on inside him. It DAJA But this coldness
Is simmering, but it must not boil over. May be just the start of a new fever.
Leave him. Now it’s your turn. aecnn What coldness? I’m not cold. Truly I see 1730
REGHA My turn? You With no less pleasure what I can see calmly.
Are as mysterious as he is.
DAJA Soon 1700 Soene4
You will be able to repay him for Saladin and Sittah
The unrest which he caused you. But you won‘t (Scene: An audience room in the Snttanfs palace)
Be too severe, too full of thoughts of vengeance?
SALADIN (as he comes in, standing by the door)
REGHA I suppose you know exactly what you mean. Bring the jew in here when he arrives.
DAjA Have you calmed down so much already. Recha? 1705 He doesn’t seem to be in any haste.
RECI-IA Yes, I have, I have SITTAI-I Perhaps he was not there, could not be found
DAjA At least admit At once.
To me that you are pleased by his unrest. SALADIN Oh Sister! Sister!
The calmness which you now enjoy is owed SITTAH You behave 1735
To his unrest. As if you’re ready for a battle.
REC}-IA I’m not aware of that.
SALADIN One
The most I can admit to you is that 1710
With weapons which I have not learned to use.
It does seem very s.trange to me to find To play a part, to make someone afraid,
That such a storm within my heart should be Set traps for him, to lead him on thin ice.
So quickly followed by such stillness. Now When could I do that? When ever did 1740
His whole appearance, and his speech, his tone, I learn to do it? What is it all for?
I-lave What for? To fish for money! just for money,
DA_]A Satisfied you straight away? To scare ajew and make him give me money!
 76 Nathan the Plhse I Nathan mg W55 77

For that I’m to resort to petty tricks, That may be, I’ll dance as bestl can,
All for the sake of the most trivial 1 745 And I would rather do it worse than better. 1780
Do not underestimate yourself!
5r1‘1"AH Every trifle takes revenge I know you’ll win, if only you’re determined.
If you despise it, brother. Men like you would so much like to make
SALADIN Sad, but true. Us think that your success in life depends
Suppose this jew should really be the good Upon your sword, your sword and nothing else. I785
And reasonable man described to you ‘When he goes hunting with the fox, the lion
By Al-Hafi recently. Is ashamed --_ but of the fox, not of
His cunning. E
5r1"1",s1-1 - And if he is? 1750
There’s no need for trickery. The snare
SALADIN And a woman always likes
To drag men to her level! Leave me now.
Is for ajew who’s anxious, miserly
And fearful, not for such a good, wise man. I think I’ve learned my lesson well enough. 1790
I
I I-Ie’s already ours without the snare. SITTAH “That? Mustl go?
I
And there’s some pleasure in observing how 1755 SALADIN Did you intend to stay?
I A man like that can extricate himself.
SITTAI-I -If not to stay - at least where Ican see -
Whether he can quickly tear the rope
I-Iere in the ante-room.
Apart with his audacious strength, or how
-at He will manoeuvre cunningly to wriggle SALADIN To eavesdrop there?
_ Past the net; this is a pleasure which 1760 Not even that, my sister, if I'm to
I
You’1l have in any case. Succeed. Now go! The curtain rustles; here 1795
He comes! Don’t linger there. I shall be watching.
SALADIN That’s true. Of course
Pm looking forward to it. (While she goes through one door; Nathan comes in the other and
Saladin has sot down)
SITTAH So there’s nothing else
To worry you at all. For if he’s just
Scene 5
Like all the others, if he’s no more than
Ajew, like any otherjew, you need not 1765 Saladin and Nathan
Be ashamed of seeming just as he SALADIN Come closer, jew — closer — right up to me.
Thinks all men are. Besides in his eyes someone Don't be afraid.
Who appears to be a better man NATHAN Tl'1at’s for your enemies!
Is just an ass, a fool.
SALADIN You call yourself Nathan? -
SALADIN And so my bad
Behaviour will prevent a bad man thinking 1770 NATHAN Yes.
Badly of me? SALADIN The wise Nathan?
SITTAH If you call it bad, NATHAN No.
To use a thing according to its nature. SALADIN You may not; but the people do. 1800
I
SALADIN You women always make your wily plans NATHAN The people! Possibly.
I Seem better than they are. SALADIN You surely don’t
I
SITFAH What do you mean? Believe that I despise the people’s voice?
SALADIN But I’m afraid my clumsy hands will break 1775 For some time now I’ve wished to meet the man
So fine and delicate a scheme. It must Whom all the people call the Wise.
Be executed as it was conceived: NATHAN And if
With cunning and dexterity. However They call him that in mockery? If wise 1805
 78 Nathan the Wise Nathan the Wise 79

Means to the people nothing more than shrewd, NATHAN Sultan, 1840/ 1
And shrewd just means aware of his own interest. I am ajew.
SALADIN You mean his own true interest, I presume? SALADIN And I a Muslim. And
NATHAN Then the most selfish man would be the shrewdest. The Christian is between us. Of these three
Then shrewd and wise would be the same. Religions only one can be the true one.
A man like you does not remain, where chance 1845
SALADIN I hear 1810
Of birth has cast him: if he does, he stays
You proving what you wish to contradict. From insight, reason, choice of what is best.
Humanity’s true interest, which the people
So, share with me your insight. Let me hear
Cannot understand, you understand. . The reasons which I- haven’t had the time
At least you’ve tried to understand it. To ponder for myself. Tell me the choice 1850
You have reflected on it. That alone 1815
Determined by these reasons — in the strictest
Makes a man wise.
Confidence, you understand — so I
'1 NATHAN But everybody thinks Can make that choice my own. I see you hesitate.
4
He’s wise. You look me up and down. It may well be
SALADIN That’s quite enough of modesty! That no Sultan has ever had this kind 1855
I
I: To hear this all the time when what I seek .Of whim before. And yet it does not seem
For is sober reason fills me with disgust. Unworthy of a Sultan. Do you think? 1857/ 8
fl|
'1 (He gets up quickly) Speak! - or do you want a moment to 1859/60
Now let‘s come straight to the point. But, first of all I820 Collect your thoughts? Very well, you may.
J
Be honest with me,]ew! Be honest! (I’ll go and see if Sittah’s listening
And hear if I’ve done it right.) Now think!
E NATHAN Sultan
Li
Think quickly. And I’ll soon be back.
I
4 You can rely on me. I’ll serve you, and
'i
| Prove worthy of your further patronage. (He goes into the ante-room where Sittah went)
SALADIN You’l1 serve me? How?
Scene 6
NATHAN I promise you the best
Nathan
Of everything, and at the cheapest price. 1825
(Nathan alone)
SALADIN What are you talking about? Surely not
NATHAN How strange! 1865
About your goods? My sister may well haggle I-low do I stand? What does the Sultan want?
With you sometime. (That’s in case she’s listening!)
I come expecting money. And he wants
I have no business with you as a merchant.
The truth. The truth! and wants it so - straight out.
NATHAN In that case, I expect you want to know I830 In cash, — as if it were a coin! If it
What news about the enemy I gathered Were ancient coinage, valued by its weight — 1870
I
I On my travels. It is true the enemy That might have passed. But such new kinds of coin
Is active once again, and to be frank Valued by their stamp, which you must count
SALADIN No, that was not my aim in meeting you. Out on a board, are not like truth at all.
I know already everything I need 1835 Can truth be counted out into our heads
To know of that. -- In short - Like money in a sack? Now who’s the jew? - 1875
He or I? And yet I wonder. Is
NATHAN Command me, Sultan.
I-Ie truly searching for the truth at all?
SALADIN I want your teaching on another subject. Should I suspect that he is only using -
I
Something quite different. Since you are so wise, Truth to trap me? That would be too petty.
1
Tell me, what kind of faith, what kind of law Too petty? Nothing is too petty for 1880
Has seemed most plausible to you? A great man. And, of course he rushed right in,
80 Nathan the Wise Nathan the Wise 31

Like someone bursting through the door. But when From someone dear to him. The stone was opal,
You’re visiting a friend, you knock and listen Shot through with a hundred lovely colours.
First. I must be on my guard. But how? The ring had secret power to gain favour“ 1915
I can’t insist that I’m ajew; but to 1885 In the sight of God and humankind”
Deny that I’m ajew would be still worse. For anyone who wore it and who trusted
Then he could simply ask, “If not ajew, In its power. No wonder that the man
Why not a Muslim?” That’s it! That can save me! Would never take it from his finger; and
It’s notjust children who can be fobbed off He made provision that the ring should stay I920
With fairy tales. He’s coming. Let him come! 1890 Forever in his dynasty. And so
He left it to the dearest of his sons,
Soene7 With firm instructions that he, inthis turn,
Should leave it to the son he loved the most.
Saladin and Nathan
In this way, by the power of the ring, 1925
SALADIN (And so the coast is clear) —- I hope I’ve given Without respect of birth, the dearest son
You enough time for reflection. Have Should always be the master of the house.
You finished ordering your thoughts? Speak! You understand me, Sultan?
Not a soul can hear us.
5ALAJ3IN Yes, go on!
NATHAN I don’t mind '
NATHAN And so the ring passed down from son to son,
If the whole world were to hear us.
Until it reached a father of three sons. 1930
SALADIN Nathan 1895 All three alike were dutiful to him.
ls so certain of his case? That’s what I call And he was therefore bound to love all three
A wise man! One who never hides the truth. Sons equally. And yet, from time to time,
A man who, for its sake, will gamble everything When each in turn was with him on his own,
His blood and land, life and limb. And did not have to share his overflowing heart 1935
NATHAN Yes, if it’s needed and of use. With his two brothers, then the one who stood
Before him seemed most worthy of the ring.
SALADIN I hope 1900 And thus by loving weakness he was led
I may in future earn the right to bear To promise it to each of them in turn.
One of my titles: “The Reformer of the World So matters rested for a while, until 1940
And of the Law." The father’s death drew near; and then the worthy
NATHAN A truly splendid title! ' Man was in a quandary. I-Ie could
But before I tell you all my thoughts, Not bear to hurt two of his sons, who’d trusted
Sultan, would you allow me to relate 1905 In his word. So what was he to do?
A little tale? He sent in secret for a craftsman who 1945
SALADIN Why not? I‘ve always loved Was ordered to devise two further rings,
Exactly on the pattern of his own,
To listen to a story, if it is
Whatever cost or effort was required,
Well told.
To make each ring precisely like the first.
NATHAN I must confess I’m not the man The craftsman did well. When he brought the rings I950
To tell it very well. -
SALADIN Your pride and modesty
Again! Go on, just tell the story, now. I910
55 Luke 2:52. ‘And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and in favour with
NATHAN Once long ago, a man lived in the East God and man.’
Who had a ring of priceless worth, a gift
5“ (and I Samuel 2:26).
iii-l 32 Nathan the vase Nathaejthfgfiise L L L jg jg _ _ _ _ 8.5’

1
The father was unable to distinguish SALADIN (Upon my life! The man is right.
The original. With joyful heart I must be silent.)
He called his sons, but each one on his own. NATHAN Let us now come back
To each he gave his blessing and his ring. To our three rings. I said before: the sons
And then he died. -- You hear me, Sultan? Accused each other, each swore to the judge
SALADIN (turns away disconcerted) Yes, 1955 He had received his ring directly from 1995
-

I hear! —just finish off your fairy tale. I-Iis father's hand -— and it was true. -— And he’d
I hope you’re near the end. Been promised by his father long ago
That is the end. That one day he would have the privileges
NATHAN
Of the ring — and that was also true,
It’s obvious what follows. Scarcely had _
The father, each declared, could not have been 2000
The father died, than each comes with his ring,
So false to him; and rather than allow
And each one claims to be the master of 1960
Suspicion of deceit to fall on his
The house. There are enquiries, arguments,
Beloved father; he preferred to charge
Complaints. In vain. There was no way to prove
His brothers with deceit, although he would
Which ring was true.
In general believe only the best 2005
(After a pause in which he waits for the Suttanit answer)
Of them; and vowed that he would find a way
Almost as hard as now
For us to prove the one true faith.
To expose the traitors and to take revenge.
SALADIN And what about the judge? I want to hear
SALADIN Is this
1/Vhat you will make him say to this. Go on!
To be the answer to my question?
NATHAN I 1965 NATHAN The judge pronounced: Unless you bring your father 2010
Apologize — I cannot trust myself Here to me at once, I shall dismiss you
From my court. Do you think that I am here
To tell the difference between the rings,
Because the father had them made precisely For solving riddles? Or do you expect
For the one true ring to speak up for itself?
So that no one could distinguish them.
But wait! You tell me that the true ring has 2015
SALADIN The rings! — Don"’t play with me! I should have thought 1970 The magic power to make beloved; to
That the religions which I named to you Gain favour in the sight of God and humankind.
Were easy to distinguish. Even by That must decide it! For the false rings cannot
Their clothing; even down to food and drink. Have this power. Which brother do two "
NATHAN But not the grounds on which they rest. Of you love most? Come on, speak up! You’re silent? 2020
For are they not all based on history, 1975 Do the rings work only inwards and
Handed down or written? History Not outwards? So that each one only loves
We take on trust, on faith. Is that not true? 1977/ 8 Himself the best? All three of you are then
In whose good faith can we most put our trust? Deceived deceivers; none of your
Our people’s, those whose blood we share, and who, 1980 Three rings is genuine. The one true ring 202.5
From childhood on have proved their love for us, Has probably been lost. To hide the loss,
Who never have deceived us, save, perhaps, As substitute, your father had three rings
When it was good for us to be deceived? Made to replace the one.
Can I believe less in my ancestors SALADIN Splendid! Splendid!
Than you believe in yours? Or vice versa, 1985
Can I demand of you that you accuse NATHAN And so the judge went on, if you do not
Your own forebear of lies, just so that I Want my advice instead ofjudgement, go! 2030
Don’t contradict my own? — or vice versa. 1988/9 But my advice is this: accept the case
The same is true of Christians, isn’t it? 1990 Precisely as it stands. As each of you I
11'"
L

84 Nathan the Wise Nathan the Wise 85

---- :.-1.‘-1_|-.|-
Received his own ring from his father’s hand, SALADIN Do you need
Let each believe for certain that his ring A chance to ask a favour of me? Speak! 2065
Is the original. Perhaps the father
-----1-
--_-an-
-pxl-1

2035 NATHAN I’ve come from a long journey during which

Did not want to suffer any more I was collecting debts. And now I find
The tyranny of one ring in his house. I’ve almost too much ready money. Times
Certainly he loved all three of you, Are once again becoming troubled, and,
And loved you equally. He could not injure I do not know where I can put it safely. 2070
Two of you and favour only one. 2040 So I thought that you might possibly, —
J.
Well then! Let each one strive to emulate Because one needs more money when a war
~.
His love, unbiased and unprejudiced. Is near — that you could use some of it.
Let each one of you vie with the other two
To bring to light the power of the stone SALADIN (looking him straight in the eyes) Nathan —
-\_

In his own ring. And may this power be helped 2045 I won’t ask you if you’ve just had a visit
-I1'_j-I1._.--\'l.-—_I-~_—kn.!-l| —_-|-.;-.-
By gentleness, sincere good nature, From Al-Hafi. And I won’t enquire 2075
Charity and deepest of devotion to God. If some suspicion leads you to propose
And when in time, the power of the stone This offer of your own accord.
Shall find expression in your children’s children’s NATHAN Suspicion?
Children, I invite you in a thousand, 2050
SALADIN I deserve that. Please forgive me. What’s
Thousand years to come again before
The use? I must admit to you -- that I
This court. Awiser man than I will then
Sit in this chair and speak. Now go! —- so said
Was just about to
The modest judge. NATHAN Surely not to ask 2080
SALADIN God! God! This very thing? H

NATHAN Saladin, SALADIN Indeed I was.

'., _,-—. »',-—. _ -_,. ,._', -1,-' |=r:,7-.-i-_e-'—-— -
i.
If you should feel yourself to be this promised, 2055 NATHAN . So that
1
Wiser man Would help us both! - But I must tell you that
'.i

SALADIN (who rashes to hiin and seizes his hand and does not let go again I cannot send you ail my ready cash
antil the end) Because of the Knight Templar. This young man
Is known to you, I’m sure. My debt to him
- wt.»-.1=-t_

I who am no more than dust? 2085

Than nothing? God! Is great, and I must pay it first.
, |.-,_-_. _

NATHAN What is it Saladin? SALADIN A Templar?

Surely you don’t think of giving money
SALADIN Nathan, my dear Nathan! The thousand,
To support my deadliest enemies?
Thousands years of your wise judge have not
Yet passed. His judgement seat is not the one NATHAN I’m speaking only of this one, whose life
On which I sit. C-o! - Go! - But be my friend. 2060 You spared.
NATHAN And is there nothing more that Saladin SALADIN Ah, what do you remind me of? 2090
Would say to me? For I had quite forgotten this young man
SAIADIN Nothing. You know him? Tell me, where is he?
NATI-IAN Nothing? NATHAN You mean
You’re unaware how much the mercy which
SALADIN Nothing
You granted him has flowed through him to me?
At all. I/Vhy do you ask?
He risked his life, which you had newly spared, 2095
NATHAN I’d like the chance In rescuing my daughter from a fire.
To ask a favour of you.
 36 Nathan the WM? Nathan the Wise
a
0|

'_ SALA_DlNDid he do that? He seemed that sort of man. When we are dead, it would be death there too.
»1|~*! My brother would have done the same, and this If this is love, then certainly a Templar 2130
Man so resembles him. Is he still here? Is in love, and certainly a Christian
Z‘ Do bring him! — I have often told my sister 2100 Loves ajewish girl. What of it? In
Of this brother whom she never knew. The promised lands! - so full of promise now
And now I really cannot let her miss For me! — I’ve cast off many prejudices.
This chance to see his likeness, in the flesh. What can my Order want of me? As Templar 2135
So go, and fetch him! -— See how, out of one I am dead, and have been from the moment
Good deed, which sprang from nothing more than passion, 2105 That I became the Sultan’s prisoner.
Many more good deeds can flow. Go fetch him! And could this head, a gift from Saladin,
Still be my old one? No, this head is new,
NATHAN (releasing Satadinis hand)
| Yes, this minute! And the other matter? Quite ignorant of all the old one heard 2140
The bonds which held me. And this one is better,
| We’re agreed on that? (Exit)
Far more suited to my father’s native skies.
SALADIN I should have let Thatl can sense. For only with this head
. My sister listen — I must go to her! Do I begin to think the way my father
, But how can I explain all this to her? 2110 Must have thought when he was here — unless 2145
' (Exit on the other side) I’ve been deceived by fairy tales about him.
Fairy tales? Perhaps. But credible,
jj,
1'
SCENE 8 And never more so than they seem now, when
Templar alone I am at risk of stumbling where he fell.
(Scene: under the patrn trees near to the monastery, where the Ternptar is Fell? I would rather fall with men, than stand 2150
waitingfer Nathan) With children. His example makes me sure
1 Of his approval. Whose approval do
- _TEMPLAR (walking up and down, wrestling with himself nntit he bursts eat) I need apart from his? Nathan’s? I need
The sacrificial victimfi“ stops exhausted - Encouragement from him more than approval.
i- So be it! I don’t want to understand I cannot do without it. Vllhat ajew! — 2155
i} What’s going on within me; nor to sense And yet content to seem ajew and nothing
ii ._ What’s going to happen. All I know is that Else. But here he comes in haste, his face
I fled in vain. In vain! — But what else could 2115 Aglow with joy, like everyone who comes
I do but flee? - Well, what will be, will be. From Saladin. Hey Nathan!
I; I could not dodge theblow — it fell too quickly,
2 Although I had refused so long and hard
Scene 9
To fall beneath it. - To have seen this girl
§ Whom I had wanted so much net to see - 2120 Nathan and the Templar
l
To see her and resolve that I could never NATHAN Ah, it’s you!
Take my eyes from her again. Resolve?
TEMPLARYOU stayed a very long time with the Sultan. 2160
5 Resolve means purpose, action. Vllhereas I,
’ I merely suffered passively. To see her NATI-IAN Not really very long. I was delayed
Was and is to feel entwined to her, 2125 Before Iwent. I must say, Curd, the man
Bound up with her. — To live apart from her Deserves his fame. His fame is just his shadow.
ls utterly unthinkable. It would
Be death to me — wherever we may be
E! Exodus III 8. And I am come down to deliver them out of the land of the
Egyptian and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large,
5“ Jewish and Islamic, not Christian, ritual. unto a land flowing with milk and honey.
f 88 Nathan th e Wise Nathan the Wise 89

But he wants me first of all to tell you NATHAN You surprise me, young knight. 2190
Quickly
TEMPLARI surprise you? I surprise you, Nathan,
TEMPLAR What? With your own thoughts? — But you don't mistake them
NATHAN I-Ie wants to speak to you, 2165 When I put them into words myself?
And you’re to go to him without delay. I surprise you?
But first come home with me, where I must NATHAN I don’t even know
Deal with some other business for him, Your father's place in the Von Stauffen family.
And then we’ll go! 2195
TEMPLARWhat are you saying, Nathan? Can it be
TEMPLAR Nathan, I cannot set foot That in this moment you feel nothing mlore
In your house again until Than curiosity?
NATHAN So you 2170 NATHAN You see, I knew
Have been there in the meantime? And A man called Stauffen long ago myself.
You’ve spoken to her? -—~ Well then? Tell me, how His name was Conrad.
Does Recha please you?
TEMPLAR Well — and what if my 2200
TEMPLAR More than I can sayl Own father’s name was also Conrad?
And yet, to see her once again — No, never!
Never! Not until you promise, here NATHAN Really?
2175
And now, that I can see her always, and TEMPLARI was named after my father. Curd
For ever. Is Conrad.
NATHAN How do you expect me to NATHAN But my Conrad cannot be
Interpret that? Your father. For my Conrad was, like you,
TEMPIAR (afler a short pause suddenly embraces hirn) ATemplar Knight, and he was never married. 2205
My father! TEMPLAR Even so.
NATHAN But young man! NATHAN What!
TEMPLAR (fast as suddenly stepping back) TEMPLAR Even so he could
Not son? I beg you, Nathan Have been my father.
NATHAN _ Dear young man! NATHAN This must be a joke!
TEMPLARNOt son? -—- but, Nathan, — I implore you, I 2180 TEMPLARAnd you are taking it too seriously.
Beseech you by the earliest bonds of nature! - So what? A bastard, illegitimate!
Do not be more swayed by later ties —- That’s nothing to despise. But kindly spare me 2210
just be content with being human. - Don’t Any more research into my ancestry.
Push me away; And in return I’Il leave yours well alone.
NATHAN My dear, dear friend It’s not as if I have the slightest doubt
Of your ancestral tree. No, God forbid!
TEMPLAR And son? You can authenticate it, leaf by leaf,
Not son? Would you not even call me son 2215‘
2185 Right back to Abraham. And further back
If in your daughter’s heart her gratitude I know it and could swear to it myself.
Had already prepared the way to love?
Not even then, if both were just awaiting NATHAN You’re bitter. But do I deserve it? Have
Your signal to be melted into one? I yet refused you anything? It’s just
You say nothing? That I don’t want to hold you to your word 2220
Immediately — no more than this.
 90 Nathan the Wise Nathan the Wise 91

:- .
T! l
TEMPLAR You ‘re sure? DAJA You think so? No, sir knight; first you,
No more than this? Forgive me! Then I shall follow. I assure you that
L.
[I .
NATHAN Come, just come! My secret won’t be any use at all
To you if I don’t have yours first. Come on! 2255
TEMPLAR “There? — Not to your house. No! Not there. Not there! For if I find it out by asking you,
There’s a fire in there. I’ll wait here for you. Go! You’ll not have told me anything. And then
If I’m to see her once again, I’ll see her 2225 My secret stays my secret, while you’ve let
Often. But if not, then I’ve already Yours out. Poor knight! How can you men believe
Seen far too much of her. That you can keep a secret of this nature 2260
‘ NATI—IAI\T r11 hurry back. (Exit) From us women!
TEMPLAR . One that we don’t know
' Scene I 9 We have ourselves. "
The Templar ahd Daja DAJA That may be so. In that case
TEMPLAR Enough, more than enough! The human brain I must prove my friendship to you and
- Takes in an almost infinite amount, Enlighten you about it. Tell me, sir,
Then suddenly it’s full._]ust one small thing 2230 What was the reason that you rushed away 2265
And suddenly it’s full! And then it’s useless, From us so suddenly? Why did you leave
I Quite useless, whatever fills it. — But be patient. Us sitting there? Why didn’t you come back
The soul begins to knead the swollen mass, With Nathan? Did our Recha make so little
To_shape it, and to clear some room, then light Mark on you? Or was it all too much?
And order come again. Am I in love 2235 Too much! Too much! Now tell me all about 2270
. Now for the first time? Or was what I thought The little bird, stuck on the lime twig, fluttering!
{I
1

5; Was love, not love at all? —- And is love only In short; confess to me, that you’re in love,
" What I’m feeling now? That you’re in love with her — madly in love.
And I’ll tell you something
ll DAJA (who has slipped in from the side)
i- Oh knight, sir knight! TEMPLAR Madly? Yes,
,_A_.
You understand it very well.
in‘ TEMPLAR Who’s calling? — Daja, so it’s you?
DAJA Then just 2275
DAJA I have Admit the love to me; and I’ll forget
_
-— 1-—u-| na_.-_.'lI '|I\P.-»_ '.-,._ -.
Slipped-past him. But he still might see us there 2240 The madness.
. Where you are standing. So come closer to me
Over here, and hide behind this tree. TEMPLAR But the madness is quite plain —
ii ATemplar Knight should love ajewish girl!
-'|
TEMPLAR But what’s the matter? Why this secrecy?
DAJA There doesn’t seem much sense in it, that’s true. —
,| DAJA Yes, it is a secret, which has brought ' Yet sometimes there is more of sense in things 2280
‘! Me here to you; in fact a double one. 2245 Than we suppose; and after all it would
Only I know one, and only you Not be so strange if Christ our Saviour drew
The other — so how would it be, if we Us to himself on paths that prudent men,
Exchanged them? You trust me with yours, then I'll Left to themselves, would hesitate to take.
I3 Trust you with mine.
TEMPLAR So solemn? (And if I put ‘Providence’ 2285
5; TEMPLAR Vlflth pleasure. — If I knew Instead of Christ, is she not right?) -- You make
What you suppose my secret is. But I 2250 Me much more curious than I am used
'1 Expect that will be clear from yours. So you To being.
E; Begin.
I!
 Nathan the Wise Nathan the Wise 93
92
'--'_i_=—
| . i__,
H-
.1
..|
Oh, this is the land of miracles! TEMPLAR You’re still hesitating.
DAJA
TEMPLAR (At least of the miraculous. And how DAJA I-Ie is so good
Could it be otherwise, when, after all, 2290 Otherwise. And I owe him so much.
The whole world crowds together here.) Dear Daja, But the fact is that he will not listen. 2320
I confess to you the thing ‘you ask: God knows, my heart bleeds to compel him to.
That I love her, that I can t imagine TEMPLAR Once and for all, I beg you, Daja, put me
How I’ll live without her, and that I ..; Out of this uncertainty. But if
DAJA You’re sure, quite sure? Then swear to me that you 2295 You are still doubtful whether you should call
Will make her yours, to saye her — yes to save her I/What you are planning good or evil, shameful 2325
In this world and 1n eternity. Or laudable, say nothing. I’ll forget-
That you have something to conceal.
TEMPLAR And how? — How can I? — Can I swear what does
Not lie within my power? nan That spurs
Me on instead of stopping me. Well, then,
Daja. But it does Recha is no jew; she is — a Christian.
Lie in your power. I_shall put it 111 2300
Your power with a s1ngle word. TEMPLAR (coldly)
So? Congratulations! Was the labour 2330
TEMPLAR You mean Hard? Don‘t let the birth pangs daunt you. Keep on
Her father will agree to it? Propagating heaven’s population
DAJA . The father! If you can’t achieve the same on earth.
He will have to do so. DAJA I/Vhat? Does my news deserve this ridicule?
TEMPLAR Have to, Daja? That Recha is a Christian causes you, 2335
But he’s not yet fallen among thieves — A Christian, and a Templar Knight who loves
He must not have to. 2305 - Her, no more joy than that?
DAJA Well, then he must want to. 1 TEMPLAR Above all since
Must be glad to in the end. She is a Christian of your own creation.

TEMPLAR He must? - DAJA Ah! So that is what you thought I meant!

And gladly? Daja, if I tell you that I’d like to see the one who could convert 2340
I have already tried myself to touch Her! She was destined long ago to be
This chord in him? What she could not become.
DAJA Vlihat? Did he not agree? _ _. TEMPLAR Explain or - go!
TEMPLAR He did, but with a dissonance which was ; DAJA She is a Christian child, of Christian parents,
Offensive to me. - And she was baptised
DAJA Are you telling me _ - 1 TEMPLAR (quickly)
:-
And Nathan?
That when you let him glimpse the slightest l'11I1't L DAJA - He is
Of your wish for Recha, he did not Not her father.
Leap up for joy? But that he drew back
Frostily? And that he began to make 2315 TEMPLAR Not her father? Do 2345
Diificulties?
|-
You know what you are saying?

TEMPLAR Yes, something like that. " us]:-1 _]ust the truth,
Which has so often cost me tears of blood.
DA]A Then I’ll not hesitate a moment longer - No, he is not her father
(Pause)
 94 Nathan the Wise ' Nathan the Wise 95

-—- —-1.----|

I‘

I- TEMPLAR And he brought ActIV

Her up as if she were his daughter? He
Brought up this Christian child to be ajew? 2350 Soenel
DAJA Yes, that’s exactly what he did. The Lay Brother and the Templar
TEMPLAR And does (Scene: In the cloisters of the monastery)
The girl not know what she was born? Has she LAY BROTHER Yes, yes, no doubt the Patriarch is right!
Not ever learned from him that she was born And yet I really wasn't able to 2380
A Christian, not ajew? Succeed in all that he commissioned me
DAJA No, Never! To undertake. Vllhy does he only give
Me things like this to do? I cannot be
TEMPLAR So So subtle, cannot be persuasive, cannot
Not only did he raise the child in this 2355 Stick my nose in everywhere, or have 2385
Deltision, but he also let her stay A hand in everything. And was this why
Deluded, as she grew? For my own sake, I left the world behind,
DAJA " Alas! Only to find myself involved in worldly
Matters for the sake of others?
TEMPLAR Oh Nathan!
How? I-Iow could the wise, good Nathan have TEMPLAR (coming quickly up to him) Ah!
Allowed himself to falsify the voice Good brother! There you are. I have been looking 2390
Of nature in this way? To lead astray 2360 For you.
The feelings of a heart which, left alone, my BROTHER Me, sir?
Would take an altogether different path?
TEMPLAR You don‘t recognise me?
You have indeed confided to me, Daja,
Something of importance — and which may LAY BROTHER Yes of course, sir. But I thought that I
Have consequences — which confuses me - 2365 Would never in my life encounter you
I don’t know what to do. So go, and give Again. Indeed I hoped to God that I
Me time to think. He’ll come past here again. Would not. God knows how bitter to me was 2395
And might surprise us. Go now! The proposition which I was obliged
To bring to you. He knows if I sincerely
DAJA That would kill me!
Wished to find in you a ready ear.
TEMPLAR I am really quite incapable He also knows how greatly I was pleased,
Of speaking to him now. So if you see him, 2370 Sincerely pleased, that you turned down outright 2400
Tell him we shall meet each other at With little hesitation, everything
The Sultan’s palace. That is improper for a knight.
DAJA But don’t let him notice But now you’ve come, so it had some effect.
Anything. This is for you to press TEMPLAR You know already why I’ve come? I scarcely
The matter as a last resort, and to Know myself.
Remove all scruples you may have concerning 2375
LAY BROTHER You’ve thought it over, and 2405
Recha. But I hope that if you take Have now concluded that the Patriarch
Her home with you to Europe, you will not
Was not so wrong at all; that wealth and honour
Leave me behind? Can be gained by his proposal; that
TEMPLAR We‘ll see. No, go, just go! An enemy is still an enemy
Though he may be our saviour seven times. 2410
You’v-egghed it up in human terms and come
To offer your acceptance -— ah, dear God!
 96 Nathan the Wise
Nathan the Wise 97

ii
ii‘ TEMPLAR My dear and pious man! Be reassured LAY BROTHER No more, sir, please no more!
I have not come for this. I do not want It’s pointless. — You mistake me, sir -— The man
To speak about it to the Patriarch. 2415 Vslho knows a lot has many cares, and I
On this I still think as I thought before Have pledged myself to but a single care?
And I don’t want, at any price, to lose _ Good! Listen! Look! He’s here, and I’m in luck.
The good opinion with which such an upright, Stay here. He has already noticed you.
I
1|‘.
Such a pious man, has honoured me. 2419/20
{i
I’ve simply come to ask the Patriarch’s Scene 2
Advice about a matter.
.|, _?.,

The Patriarch who enters with all the pomp of a religious procession, the
LAY BROTHER You? T0 as-1< Lay Brother, and the Templar ‘
The Patriarch? A knight has come to ask
1- .1-qr._w-:1I-nu-_1|-\,

A priest? TEMPLAR I wish I could avoid him. This is not

-.!§
I'-
|i

,I ‘(Looking round nervously) My man. A rosy, fat and amicable 2455

ii
..,
. I Prelate! And what pomp!
TEMPLAR Yes, it’s a rather priestly matter.
LAY BROTHER And you should see him
LAY BROTHER Yet a priest would never ask a knight’s 2425 Setting out for court. Now he has only
-ny-1| -q -5 -=
2II!1-.-» :m='-—T7T-"IL'.-
Advice, however much it was a matter - Come back from visiting the sick.
For a knight.
TEMPLAR He must
TEMPLAR But that’s because the priest Put Saladin himself to shame!
Enjoys the privilege of doing wrong,
PATRIARCH (coming closer, beckons to the Lay Brother)
Ii
I Which those like me do not much envy him.
F
2430 Come here!
—,'-:=:'_-._
Of course, if I were only acting for
F
!
'!_|
|_|

2430 That is the Templar, isn't it? What does 2460

Myself, and if I were accountable
E!
;'! He want?
To no-one but myself, what need would I have
Of your Patriarch? In certain things LAY BROTHER I do not know.
I'd rather do what’s wrong, according to PATRIARCIH (going up to the Templar; while his followers and the Lay Brother
The will of others, than what’s right according draw back)
To my own. Besides, I see now that 2435
Well now, sir knight!
Religion too is partisan; however I’m very pleased to see a fine young man.
-|. Impartial anyone may think himself, So very young! Now, with the help of God
.i|

1
‘I
Unconsciously he’s bound to stand up for _ Something may come of this.
His own cause. Since that’s how things are, perhaps
That’s how they should be. TEMPLAR But hardly more,
Your Reverence, than is already there, 2465
LAY BROTHER Sir, I sou1dn’i say. 2440
And maybe rather less.
I do not really understand you.
PATRIARCH I wish at least
TEMPLAR Yet — 2440 That such a pious knight may bloom and flourish
(Let me consider what I really want: For beloved Christianity,
To be commanded or advised? Advised The honour and the service of God's cause!
By honesty or learning?) Thank you, brother Arid that can hardly fail, if youthful courage 2470
Thank you for your hint. — Why ask the Patriarch? Is prepared to follow the mature
You be my Patriarch! Indeed I want 2445 Advice of age. How else, sir, may I be
To ask the Christian in the Patriarch Of service to you?
More than the Patriarch in the Christian.
My question is
As a Lay Brother he had made a vow only of obedience.
 .I\"£H§H-EFTI Lil-if I"!-’1.!i'\‘.‘;’ J.-1'

I 93 Nathan the Wise

TEMPLAR I should
With the very thing Have thought that, to obtain your Reverence’s 2515
TEMPLAR
In which my youth is lacking: with advice. View, it would all be the same.
PATRIARCH Most gladly. But advice must be accepted. 2475 PATRIARCH _ The same?
You see, Sir, how the pride. of human reason
TEMPLAR Yet not blindly?
Can err in spiritual things. — Quite wrong!
PATRIARCI-I Who says that? Of course For if the case which you have just described
No one must neglect to use the reason Is just an intellectual game, it does 2520
Given him by God — wherever it Not merit serious consideration.
Is fitting — but is reason always fitting? I would refer you to the theatrefia with
Not at all! For instance, when God, acting 2480
It, sir, where pros and cons of such a kind
Through one of his angels — that’s to say, Might be debated and could win there great
Through any servant of his word —_is pleased Applause. But if you have not simply mocked 2525
To show to us a means by which we may Me, sir, with a dramatic jest, and if
Advance the welfare of all Christendom, The case is really factual, if it
And help the church’s cause in some specific 2485 Is even possible it has occurred
Way, and strengthen it -- who then should dare Within our diocese, our own dear city
To use his reason to examine the OfJerusalem — well then —
Authority of him who first created -
TEMPLAR What then? 2530
Reason? And to scrutinise the eternal
Law of Heav_en’s majesty, according 2490 PATRIARCH Why, then the jew would swiftly undergo
To the petty rules of futile honour? The penalty laid down by papal and
But enough of this. What is the question, Imperial law for such a sacrilege,
Sir, about which you are seeking our For such a wicked crime.
Advice? TEMPLAR Indeed?
TEMPLAR Suppose, most venerable father, PATRIARCI-I It is
That there were ajew who had a child, 2495
A fact that the aforesaid laws lay down 2535
An only child, let’s say a girl, and brought her up That any jew who leads astray a Christian
With utmost care and goodness; whom he loved To apostasyfil — shall burn to death -
More than his soul, and who in turn loved him Burn at the stake — -
With most devoted love. And then it was
2500 TEMPLAR Indeed? '
Revealed to onii of us that this young girl
Was not the daughter of the jew. He may PATRIARCH And how much more
Have come across her as a child, he may Ajew who snatched a helpless Christian child
Have bought her, stolen her, or what you will. By force from its baptismal ties. For is 2540
Arid it is known that she‘s a Christian child Not everything that’s done to children, force -
Who was baptised; the jew has only brought her up 2505 Excepting what the Church itself may do
To be ajew, and has allowed her to To children.
Remain ajew as his own daughter; tell TEMPLAR But suppose the child might well
Me, venerable father, in this case, Have died in misery, if she had not
Vllhat should be done? Been rescued by the jew.
PATRIARCH I am appalled. But first
Of all, sir, tell me whether such a case 2510
IS 2111118.! fflflt 01" TIIBFE 1'lYP0th€5l5? _ l 53 A deliberate anachronism on Lessing’s part.
That is to say — is this your own invention,
Nothing more, or did it really happen ' H Apostasy — renunciation of the Christian faith.
And is still continuing?
IOU IYGIHHTL £1113 Flr'll'-51'.’ rvtttrtuxre me rrtse J U1

PATRIARC-H It makes no difference. 2545 TEMPLAR -I

The jew shall burn. For it is better that Regret that I cannot enjoy this splendid
The child should die in misery than that Sermon at my leisure. But I have 2585
It should be damned eternally by being Been called to Saladin.
Saved in such a way. Besides, how can PATRIARCH To Saladin? Yes? — Well -— of course
The jew anticipate the will of God? 2550 — then -
Our God saves whom he will, without his help
TEMPLAR I will ensure the Sultan is prepared
TEMPIJLR But surely God can save, in spite of him. For this, if that’s your Reverence’s wish.
PATRIARGH No difference! The jew shall burn. PATRIARCH Ah, yes! -I know you have found favour, sir,
But that With Saladin. I ask you to remember 2590
TEMPLAR
Me to him in the very best of terms.
Concerns me, and especially as it
2555 I’m driven wholly by my zeal for God.
Is sai__d he brought the girl up not in his
And if I go too far, it is for him -
Own faith, but rather in no faith at all,
I hope you will bear that in mind, dear sir.
And taught her neither more nor less of God
And what you said just now about the jew 2595
Than reason finds sufficient.
Was nothing more than a debating point?
PATRIARCI-I All this makes That is to say —
No difference! The jew shall burn.
2560 TEMPLAR just a debating point. (Exit)
For this alone he should be burnt thrice over.
VVl'1at? Let a child grow up without a faith PATRIARCI-I (Which I must thoroughly investigate.
Of any kind? Vlrhat? Not to give a child So this will be another task to give
The slightest teaching of its greatest duty, To Brother Bonafides) — Here, my son. 2600
Namely to believe? How wicked! I’m (He talks to the Loy Brother as he goes out)
Astonished, sir, that you yourself (I have another errand for you)
TEMPLAR The rest, 2565
Your Reverence, God willing, in confession. Scene 3
(he ts about to go) Saladin and Sittah
(Scene: oz room in Solodinfs palace into which o lotge number of bogs are
PATRIARCH I/Vhat? You will not tell me now? Not name
being eorried by slaves and being piled up on the floor) Saladin is joined by Sit-
The jew, the villain? Not surrender him
ton
To me? In that case, I know what to do!
I’ll go at once to Saladin. The Sultan 2570 SALADIN (coming in)
Must, according to the treaty sworn Well really, there’s no end to this. Is there
By him, he must protect us; must protect Much more to come?
Us in all laws and in all doctrines which SLAVE About as much again.
We have the right to claim as ours", as part
2575 SALADIN Then take the rest to Sittah. - And where has
And parcel of our holiest religion!
Al-Hafi gone? Al-Hafi should be taking
Praise be to God; we have the document,
All this money straight away - or had 2605
We have his hand and seal. Yes, that we have!
I better send it to my father? Here
And I can make him understand quite easily
It will just slip straight through my fingers. Yet
The danger to the state itself
2580 One does get hardened in the end; now it
Of not believing anything. All civil
Will take some skill to get much out of me.
Ties are loosened, torn apart if people
At least till all the gold from Egypt has 2610
Are allowed to have no faith at all.
Arrived, the poor will have to cope as best
Away, away with such an outrage!
They can. As long as alms can still be given
102 IVLLLILLLIL HI-I.'.'-' l"l"'£-slit? a

Nathan the Wise I03

At the sepulchre, and Christian pilgrims

Do not have to leave with empty hands! _ SALADIN (to a servant who comes in) Vflao 2645
As long as Is there? — the Templar? — Show him in!
SITTAH What’s all this? What should I do 2615 SI'ITAI—I I won’t
‘With all this money? Disnirb you — and I won’t confuse him with
Pay yourself, and store My curiosity.
SALADIN
(Sittah sits to one side on a sofa and lowers her veil)
The rest, if there is any left.
Has Nathan SALADIN That’s good! — (And now
SITTAH
His voice! I wonder what it’s like. Within
Still not come here with the Templar?
My soul, somewhere the voice of Assad sleeps.) 2650
SALADIN No. He
Is looking for him everywhere. ,
Scene 4
SITTAH + I found
The Templar and Saladin
This picture when I was sorting through all my 2620
Old jewels. TEMPLAR Your prisoner, Sultan
(Showing him a small painting) SALADIN My prisoner?
SAL-ADIN Ah! my brother! That is him! If_I grant life to someone shall I not
Yes, that is him! Or rather, that was him Grant freedom to him also?
Ah, dear courageous boy, alas that I TEMPLAR It is fitting
Lost you so soon. Vllhat might I have accomplished I should hear what you think fitting, not
If I had had you by my side! — Sittah, 2625 Anticipate your actions. And yet, Sultan, 2655
Give me the picture. I remember it; To express my special thanks to you
He gave it to your elder sister, his For sparing me is not in keeping with my rank
Dear Lilla, when one morning she refused Or with my character. In any case
To let him go from her embrace. That was My life is once more at your service.
The last time he rode out. Alas, I let 2630
SALADIN DO
Him ride out, all alone. — Poor Lilla died Not use your life against me! I would gladly 2660
Of grief. She had never forgiven me
Grant my enemy another pair
For letting him ride out alone like that. —
Of hands. To grant him such a heart would be
And he did not return.
More difficult. I’ve not in any way
SITTAH Poor brother! Misjudged you -— you’re a fine young man. And you’re
\-

SALADIN So The very image of my Assad. I 2665

Be it. One day we all will go and not 2635 Might even ask you: where have you been hiding
Return. And then —- who knows? Not only death All this time? And in what cave have you
Can turn a young man like him from his goal. Been sleeping?“ What good spirit, in what fairy '
He has more enemies than that; the strongest Land, has kept this flower so fresh for all
Often falls as quickly as the weakest. This time? Indeed, I could remind you of 2670
Be that as it may! — I must compare 2640 The things we used to do together, you
This picture with the young Templar, and see And I. And yet, I could be angry with
How far my own imagination has You, too, for keeping one thing secret from me,
Deceived me.
SITTAH That is why I brought it. Give ll The legend of the Seven Sleepers tells of seven young people, who would not
It to me, and I’ll tell you; this is something worship the emperor as god, who were hidden by a shepherd in a cave, which
Which a woman’s eye can judge far better. was then sealed up by the emperor. After 186 years they woke up, not having
aged.
I 104 Nathan the Wise Nathan the Wise I05

For there‘s one adventure which you never TEMPLAR But in this world
Shared with me. Indeed I could; if I 2675 There are so many sides to everything.
Saw only you, and not myself as well. And often it is difficult to see 2705
So be itl There remains such truth in this just how they fit together.
Sweet reverie that in the autumn of SALADIN Therefore always
My days an Assad is alive again. Keep to the best, and give praise to God,
Are you content with this, knight? Who knows how they all fit together. If
TEMPLAR Everything 2680 You wish to be so difficult, young man,
That comes to me from you - whatever. it Then probably I also should be on 2710
May be — my soul desires already. My guard with you. Regrettably '
Let I am a creature too, of many sides,
SALADIN
Us-test that out. Would you remain with me, Which often may seem not to fit so well.
Stay near me? — As a Christian, Muslim — either TEMPLAR That hurts! — Suspicion is not usually
In your white cloak or in an Arab robe 2685 A fault of mine.
With turban or with your felt cap. just as SALADIN Then tell me who gives rise 2715
You like. It's all the same. I’ve never wanted To it in you. It seems that it was Nathan.
The same bark to grow on every tree. You suspect him? Speak, Explain yourself!
TEMPLAR Or you would hardly be the man you are: Come give me this first proof of confidence.
A hero whowould rather be God’s gardener. 2690 TEMPLAR I have nothing against Nathan. I
SALADIN Well, if you think no worse of me, we are just blame myself.
Already half agreed? SALADIN For what?
TEMPLAR Completely! TEMPLAR . For dreaming that 2720
SALADIN (oflering his hand) Here‘s Ajew could ever quite forget to be
My hand. Ajew. And yet I had this dream when I
TEMPLAR (taking his hand) Was wide awake.
And mine — with this, accept far more SALADIN I/Vhat was this day dream? Tell me.
Than you could take from me. Now I am yours. TEMPLAR You know of Natha.n’s daughter, Sultan. “That
SALADIN These .gains are too much for a single day! 2695 I did for her, I did — because I did. 2725
He did not come with you? Too proud to harvest any thanks where I
TEMPLAR Who? Had never sown, from day to day I had
Disdained to see the girl again. The father
SALADIN Nathan.
Was away; then he returns, he hears
TEMPLAR (coldly) ' About it, finds me, thanks me, hopes that I 2730
No. May like his daughter, speaks of prospects, and
I came alone. A happy future. He persuades me, so
SALADIN How fine a deed of yours! I come, I see, and I find truly such
And what wise fortune that a deed like that A girl - oh Sultan, I should be so ashamed!
Should turn out for the good of such a man. SALADIN Ashamed? Because ajewish girl made an 2735
TEMPLAR Oh, yes. ' Impression on you: surely not!
SALADIN So cold? —- Oh no, young man! When God 2700 "" TEMPLAR Because
Does something good through us, one must not be The father’s talk beguiled me, and my rash heart
So cold! - One must not even wish to seem Could offer almost no resistance to
So cold from modesty. This impression. What a fool I was!
 .i'l|"£.£-LIE--[.£-FL Lflfi FFI-SE -ll-1"!
itoi. ;_ I
F
h
I06 Nathan the ‘Wise
|.

For nothing. The girl is not his daughter — no: 2775

I jumped into the fire a second time - 2740 She is a foundling Christian child.
3:#1-Q
T?"-
-:52
|'-5
.-ql
-Ei
. I:
For now I wooed and now I was disdained. SALADIN But even
-5r

SALADIN Disdained? So, he did not want to give her to you?

-l
_.
:1‘
‘I-

‘I
-a TEMPLAR Well, the wise father did not flatly TEMPLAR (stonvtiiy)
Turn me down. The wise father would need Whether he did or not! He is unmasked.
To make enquiries first, he needed to This tolerant old windbag is unmasked.
Reflect. Of course! Did I not do that too? 2745 I’ll call for dogs to be unleashed upon 2780
J. _-';._@._
Did I not make enquiries, and reflect This Jewish wolf in philosophicalfifi
if
ll: While she was screaming in the fire? Indeed! Sheep’s clothing, and they’ll tea.r him limb from limb!
! My God! My God! How fine a thing it is
I
I SALADIN (sternha)
'1'
I
I To be so wise, and circumspect. Be quiet, Christian!
fl SALADIN - Come now!
2750 TEMPLAR What? Be quiet, Christian?
.1-’ ' You might make some allowance for his age.
1 Whe11 jews and Muslims all insist on being
i
_i |
-!r
How long do you suppose he can refuse?
I- jews and Muslims, only.Christians may
-i '1 Do you expect him to demand that you
Not act the Christian?
Should first become ajew yourself?
TEMPLAR Who knows! SALADIN (more sternly) Quiet, Christian!
SALADIN Who knows? —- A man who knows this Nathan better. TEMPLAR (calmly) Now
in
E1'‘-.‘H"*:l.5"'_,:=" 'r'":T‘ TEMPLAR The superstition in which we grew up 2755 I feel the weight of the reproach compressed
h
Ii Does not relax its power over us, In these two words by Saladin. Ah, if
E

Not even when we see it as it is. I knew how Assad — how your Assad would
And so, not all who mock their chains are free. I-lave acted in my place!

SALADIN Yes, how mature! But Nathan, really, Nathan SALADIN Oh, not much better! 2790
! J
And the worst of superstitions is 2760 Probably as violently. But who
'4
TEMPLAR
I To think one’s own most tolerable. Already taught you, just like him, to pierce
.5‘
Me with a single word? Of course, if everything
SALADIN That
W-_I-_,l_E':\,-.'l _-_|"''''
Turns out as you have said, then I myself
May be. But Nathan Can not make Nathan out at all. But in 2795
TEMPLAR . To let dull The meantime he is still my friend, and none
Humanity believe in that alone Among my friends must quarrel with another.
Till it can take the brighter light of truth; Take my advice; proceed with care. Don't give
In that alone Him straight to the fanatics in your mob.
SALADIN Agreed. But Nathan, - Nathan 2765 just imagine what your clergy would 2800
Does not have this weakness. Demand from me as a revenge on him.
TEMPLAR So I thought. Do not be a Christian just to spite
If none the less this paragon of men Ajew or Muslim.
Were such a common ]ew that he had sought out TEMPLAR It might soon have been
Christian children so that he could bring Too late, but for the Patriarch’s blood lust,
-r
Them up as jews; — what would you think of that? 2770 Which made me shudder to become his tool.
SALADIN But who says that of him?

-|.1
-|
I TEMPLAR The girl herself
With whom he lured me on, as if he wished
To pay me with thfi prfimisfi of hfir for
I I 2
BE Matthew 7:15. ‘Beware of false prophets which come to you in sheep’s cloth-
ing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.’
II 2 ST???)

An act which he assumed I didn’t do

!
1 vs rvaraan the vrtse l'lu"flrH1fi-'T£- LEE FFIJB 1 I-11

SALAIJIN What? 2805 .- Of his warm heart. Oh, surely Nathan must
You went to see the Patriarch, before Give him the girl. Don’t you agree?
You came to me? SITTAI-I Give her?
TEMPLAR Yes in a storm of passion, Give her up!
In a whirl of indecision. Please Indeed. What kind of right 2840
SALADIN
Forgive me! From now on I fear you will Could Nathan have to her, if he is not
Not want to recognize Assad in me. 2810 -
Her father? Only one who saved her life
SALADIN Unless I recognize this fear itselfl Has rights to her, inherited from one
I know the faults from which our virtue springs. Who gave her life.
just practice virtue, and the faults will do you
SITTAI-I Well Saladin? Suppose
Little harm with me. But you must go.
You have the girl brought here to you? Remove 2845
Now seek out Nathan, as he sought you out; 2815 -
Her straight away from her unlawful owner.
And,bring him here. I have to make you understand
Each other. If you’re serious SALADIN Is that really necessary? '
About the girl, don’t worry - she is yours. SITTAH Not
- And Nathan also must be made to pay Exactly necessary. Curiosity
For having dared to rear a Christian child 2820 Alone makes me suggest it to you.
Without the taste of pork.fi? Now go! With certain men I want to know as soon 2850
(The Templar goes out and Sittah leaves the sofa)
As possible the kind of girl with whom
They are inclined to fall in love.
Scene 5
SALADIN Then, send
Saladin and Sittah For her, and have her brought here.
SITTAH How strange!
SITTAH May I, brother?
SALADIN Admit it, Sittah; don’t you think my Assad
Must have been a handsome, fine young man? SALADIN But spare Nathan’s feelings. He must not
Believe that we intend to tear the girl 2855
SITTAH If he was really like that, and the Templar From him by force.
Did not sit as model for this portrait! 2825
But Saladin, how could you have forgotten SITTAH Don’t worry.
To enquire about his parents? SALADIN And meanwhile
SALADIN " In I must find out what’s happened to Al-Hafi.
Particular about his mother, whether
She had ever visited this country - Scene6
Is that what you mean? Nathan. and Daja
SITTAH You could have asked. 2830 (Scene: the hall in Nathanis house, opening on to the pahns; as in the first
SALADIN It’s certainly quite possible. For Assad scene. Part of the goods and treasures are lying around unpacked as they are being
Was so welcome among pretty Christian sorted out)
Ladies, was entranced by Christian ladies, DA]A Oh, this is all so splendid! Exquisite!
That there even was a rumour — well, Oh, everything — as only you can give.
One doesn’t like to talk about it. It’s 2835 Where do they make this silver cloth with interwoven 2860
Enough I have him back — and want him back Gold? What does it cost? That’s what
With all his faults, with all the changing moods I call a bridal dress! No queen could ask
For better.
67
Eating pork is forbidden both by jewish and Islamic religions. NATHAN Bridal dress? Why bridal dress?
110 I'll tllflfifl [HE W15E

Nathan the Wise Iii

DAJA Of course you did not think of that when you

Were buying it. But truly, Nathan, it 2865 DAJA “Thy not?
Must be this one and nothing else. It is NATHAN The Templar is a good man, and
As if intended for a bride. The white To no one in the world would I prefer
Background, symbol of innocence; the golden To give my Recha, but - have patience.
Threads which twist and turn all over it,
DAJA ' Patience? 2900
Symbol of riches. Look at it: it’s lovely! 2870
Isn't patience just the same old song
NATHAN I/Vhat are you telling me? Vllhose bridal dress From you? '
Are you interpreting so learnedly? NATHAN just patience for a few more days!
Are you the bride? But look - who’s that approaching? I|t’s a lay brother
DAJA I? Go, and ask him what he wants.
NATHAN Who then? DAJA What can he want?
DAJA * 1? Dear God! (She goes and asks him)
NATTIAN But who? “Those bridal dress are you describing? NATI-L-KN Before he asks, just give him alms —- (If - 2905
This is all for you and no one else. 2875 I could only sound the Templar Knight out first
And not tell him the reason why I ask.
DAJA All this is mine? For me? And not for Recha?
For if I tell him and there are no grounds
NATHAN “That I bought for Recha is still packed For my suspicion, I have put the father
Inside another bale. Go on! Away! Needlessly at risk.) What does he want? 2910
Take all your bits and pieces! .
DAJA He wants to speak to you.
DAJA Oh you tempter!
wanna: Well, let him come:
No. If this were all the treasure of 2880 And meanwhile you can go.
The whole wide world. I wouldn't touch it, Not
Unless you swear to me that you will use
Sceae7
This unique opportunity, which heaven
VVill not offer you a second time. Nathan and the Lay Brother
Nsrtmn Use what? — An opportunity for what? 2885 NATHAN (If only I
Could still be Recha’s father! -- Can’t I be,
DAJA Oh, don’t pretend that you don’t know — in short,
Even when I cease to bear the name?
The Templar Knight loves Recha; give her to him,
She herself will always call me father 2915
By doing so, at once you end your sin
If she sees how much it means to me.)
Which I cannot keep secret any longer.
What service can I do you, holy brother?
The girl will be with Christians once again, 2890
“Jill once again be what she is; and once LAY BROTHER Very little. — Nathan, sir, I’m pleased
Again be what she was. And you, whom we To see you are still well.
Can never thank enough for all your goodness, NATHAN You know me then?
At last you will escape the coals of fire 8 LAY BROTHER Indeed; who doesn’t know you? You have pressed 2920
Upon your head. Your name into the hands of many people.
NATHAN Again the same old song? 2895 It has remained in mine for many years.
But you have fixed a new string to your lyre, NATHAN (reachingfo/r his purse) I
Which will not hold or stay in tune, I fear. Come, brother, come; I will refresh it.
LAY BROTHER Thank you,
68 Romans 12:20. ‘Therefore if thine enemy hunger feed him, if he thirst give I’d be stealing from a poorer man,
him drink, for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.’ So I’ll take nothing. But allow me to 2925
Refresh your memory about my name.
 Nathan the Wise
112‘ Nathanthel/Vise I I - I _ iii
NATI-LAN (Taken aback) “That?
For I can pride myself on having put
Into your hands something of no mean worth. LAY BROTHER ]ust, just let me finish. Then
He orders me to run this jew to earth
NATHAN Forgive me. -- I am ashamed — what was it, tell 2960
2930 - Without delay, if possible, and he
Me? And accept as penance sevenfold Condemns most vehemently such a crime
The value of this thing from me.
“Thich is, it seems to him, the very sin
LAY BROTHER _ But first Against the Holy Ghost“ —- that is the sin
Of all, just listen how, this very day, Which, of all sins, is counted by us as
I was reminded of this pledge I had The greatest; but thank God we don’t exactly 2965
Entrusted to you. Know what such a sin consists of. Then
My conscience suddenly awakes and it
NATHAN You entrusted me?
Occurs to me that, long ago, perhaps
LAY BROTHER Not long ago I lived a hermit’s life 2935 I gave the opportunity for this
On Quarantanafig near to Jericho. Great, unpardonable sin. So tell 2970
There came an Arab band of robbers, who Me: eighteen years ago did not a groom
Destroyed my little temple and my cell Bring you a little girl a few weeks old?
And carried me off with them. Luckily
I fled, and came here to the Patriarch 2940 NATHAN What? - Yes, that’s true — I do admit -
To beg another small place for myself LAY BROTHER Well then,
Where I could serve my God in solitude just look at me. I am that groom.
Until my days should reach a peaceful end.
NATHAN You are?
NATHAN I burn to know the rest. Good brother, make 2975
LAY BROTHER The gentleman from whom I brought her was -
It brief. The pledge! The pledge entrusted me! 2945
If I remember right — a Herr von Filnek —
LAY BROTHER At once, sir. — I was promised by the Patriarch Wolf von Filnek.
A hermit’s cell on Tabor,” just as soon NATHAN Right!
As one was free; meanwhile I was to stay
As a lay brother in the monastery. LAY BROTHER The mother had
I am there now, Nathan sir; and yearn 2950 ]ust died, and suddenly the father had
A hundred times a day for Tabor. For To hurry off-— I think to Gaza,” where
The Patriarch makes use of me for many The little thing could not go with him. So 2980
Things which are repugnant to me, for He had her sent to you. Did I not meet
Example: You with her in Darun?”
NATHAN Please go on. NATHAN Quite right.
LAY BROTHER I’m coming to it — LAY BROTHER It would
Somebody today has whispered to 2955 Be little wonder, if my memory
Him that ajew is living somewhere here Deceived me. I’ve had many worthy masters,
Who has brought up a Christian child as his And I served this one all too short a time. 2985
Own daughter.

‘I1
Matthew 12:31. ‘The blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven
unto men.’
E9 Quarantana, a mountain between jericho and Jerusalem whose name refers
to the 40 days and 40 nights of Christ’s temptation in the wilderness. H Gaza was recaptured from the Crusaders by Saladin.

T“ Tabor, a mountain in Galilee, associated with the transfiguration of Christ. H Darun -- on the Palestinian border near to Egypt.
H4 Nathan the Wise Nathan the l/l/‘ise H5

Soon after that he died at Askalonf“ That Christians could so utterly forget
He was a kindly gentleman. That our dear saviour was ajew. 3025
NATHAN Indeed. NATHAN Good brother, you must be my advocate
I have so very much to thank him for, If hatred and hypocrisy are roused
Since more than once he saved me from the sword. Against me - all because of such a deed —
Ah, such a deed! Now you alone shall know
LAY BROTHER That's very good. So you’d have taken in 2990 3030
About it. Take it with you to the gravel
His little daughter very willingly.
Vanity has never tempted me
NATHAN You can be sure I did. To speak of it to anyone. To you
LAY BROTHER Then, where is she? Alone, l’ll speak, to you and to your simple
I hope it cannot be that she has died? P.iety. For only such a one
Can understand what deeds can be achieved 3035
Oh let her not have died. For if there’s no-one
Elselwho knows about it, — then some good 2995 By human beings who submit to God.
May come of it. LAY BROTHER You’re deeply moved; your eyes are full of tears.
NATHAN " It may? NATHAN In Darun you met me with the child.
But you don’t know that, only days before,
LAY BROTHER Trust me, Nathan! 3040
In Gath,l5 the Christians murdered all thejews,
Listen, this is what I think. If I
Their wives and children; and you do not know
Intend to do a good deed, but a deed
That in this number were my wife and, with
Vlihich borders closely on the bad, then I 2999/ 0
Her, seven sons, all full of promise. In
Would rather leave the good undone. Because
My brother’s house, where I had sent them to
We can be sure of knowing what is bad,
Be safe, they burned to death.
But we are far less sure of what is good.
It was of course quite natural that if LAY BROTHER Almighty God! 3045
The little Christian girl was to be well 3005 NATHAN When you arrived, three days and nights, in dust
Brought up by you, you raised her as your daughter And ashes, I had lain before my God
And you would have done it with all love And wept. But more than wept, I argued bitterly
And true devotion. So is this how you With God, I stormed, I raged, I cursed myself
Should be rewarded? I cannot believe so. And all the world, and swore undying hate 8050
Of course it might have been more prudent if 3010 Of Christendom at large.
You had arranged to have the Christian child
Brought up by someone else, as Christian; but LAY BROTHER That I believe.
You would in that case have denied your love NATHAN And yet my reason gradually returned.
To your friend’:-; child. And children at that age It spoke with gentle voice: ‘Yet Cod exists.
Need love, if only that of a wild beast, 3015 And even this was G0d’s decree. And so,
More than they need Christianity. Arise and act the way you long have understood; 5055
Christianity can wait till later. It surely is not harder now to act
So long as, in your eyes, the girl has grown Than it has been to understand, if you
To be devout and healthy, in the eyes But have the will. Stand up!’ —- And so I stood,
Of God she has remained just as she was. 3020 And cried to God, ‘I will! If only you
And was not all of Christianity Can will me to it.’ At that moment, you 3060
Founded on Judaism? It has often Dismounted from your horse, and handed me
Caused me pain, and cost me many tears, The child wrapped in your cloak. What passed between

‘H
Askalon -— a coastal town taken by Saladin in 1187. ll’ Gath — on the Mediterranean coast.
116 Nathan the Wise Nathan the Wise H7

Us I forget. But this I know: I took LAY BROTHER Possibly! -I think so.
The child, I put it on my couch, and kissed it NATHAN Was her brother
Fell upon my knees and sobbed: ‘Oh God! 3065 Not Conrad von Stauffen, a Knight Templar? 3100
For seven, one is now restored!’
LAY BROTHER If I’m not mistaken. Yes. But wait.
LAY BROTHER Oh Nathan! I think I still possess my master’s little
You’re a Christian! Yes, by God, a Christian! Book. which he kept by his heart. I took
A better Christian there has never been! It when we buried him in Askalon.
NATHAN It works both ways. For what makes me a Christian NATHAN Yes?
In your eyes, makes you ajew in mine. 3070
But enough of all our feelings. We LAY BROTHER A book containing prayers — what we call 3105
Need action! And although my love already A breviary. This, I thought, could still
Binds me seven fold to this one foreign Be useful to a Christian - not to me,
Gifl, although the thought already kills me I cannot read.
Thatl must lose my seven sons again 3075 NATHAN That doesn’t matter. Carry
In her — if providence demands that I On.
Surrender her again, - I shall obey.
LAY BROTHER At the beginning and the end -
LAY BROTHER Now that’s exactly the advice I had Of this small book, so I’ve been told, are written, 3110
In mind to offer you. But now your own In the gentleman's own hand the names
Good spirit has already said the same. 3080 Of both the families.
NATHAN But I can’t let anyone who comes NATHAN Just as I hoped!
Along tear her from me. Go quickly! Bring the book to me. But run!
LAY BROTHER Of course not. I’ll offer you the weight of it in gold,
NATHAN One Together with a thousand thanks; be quick! 3115
Who has no greater rights to her than I LAY BROTHER With pleasure. But my master’s writing is
Must at the least have earlier rights - In Arabic. (Exit)
LAY BROTHER Of course. NATHAN It doesn’t matter, bring it!
NATHAN Rights granted him by nature and the ties 3085 Oh God! If I could only keep the girl
Of family. And gain a son-in—law like him as well!
LAY BROTHER Yes, I agree. It’s hardly likely. Well then, let things turn 3120
Out as they will. But who can it have been
NATHAN So quickly
Who brought this matter to the notice of
Name the man related to her -- brother, The Patriarch? I must remember to
Uncle, cousin, other relative; Investigate. Could it have been Daja?
I won’t refuse her to him — for she was
Created and brought up to be the pride 3090
Of any house, of any faith. I hope Scene 8
That you know more than I about this man Daja and Nathan
Who was your master, and his family. DAJA (in a harry and embarrassed)
LAY BROTHER Good Nathan, I’m afraid I hardly do! just imagine Nathan!
I have already told you that I served 3095 NATHAN What is it? 3125
Him only very briefly.
DAJA The poor child was quite terrified by it!
NATHAN Do you not They‘ve sent for her
At least have any knowledge of the mother’s
Family? — Was she perhaps a Stauffen? NATHAN The Patriarch?
 H8 Nathan the Wise Nathan the Wise

oA3A
i_—__—*-
-Q ‘+_ _g-';
The Sultan ‘s Act V
Sister, Princess Sittah
NATHAN Not the Patriarch? Scene 1
T5
DAJA No, Sittah! —- Don’t you hear me? - Princess Sittah "Saladin and Mameluke
Sent for her. She wants to see her. (Scene: The room in Saladinit palace into which the sacks of money have
been carried — which are stilt to be seen)
NATHAN I/Vho? 3130
She sent for Recha? — Sittah sent for her? SALADIN (as he comes in)
Well then, If Sittah sends for her, and not The money is still here, and no one yet
The Patriarch Knows where the Dervish is - presumably
He’s found a chessboard somewhere, and that always
DAJA Why mention him? Seems to make him forget himself; — 3155
NATHAN - So you’ve So why not me? I must be patient-- Yes?

l Heard nothing from him recently? You’re sure?

You've told him nothing?
MAMELURE The news you hoped for, Sultan. joyful news -
The caravan from Cairo has arrived,
It’s safely here, and brings you seven years
:oA_]A I? Tell him?
—u—-|:.- -
Of tribute from the wealthy Nile.
NATHAN Where are 3135
The messengers? sALAnrN . Good, Ibrahim! 3160
You are indeed a welcome messenger.
DA]A Outside. At last! It’s here at last! My thanks to you
NATHAN For safety’s sake For the good news.
I’ll speak to them myself. just come! — I hope MAMELUKE (waiting) (Well? Come on, hand it over!)
The Patriarch is not behind all this. (Exit)
SALADIN Why are you waiting? You may go.
u-- -an- .|—-0 _1-._;
i
S
DAJA And I -1 have a different fear. What’s going
MAMELUKE You give
:
On? A girl who is supposed to be 3140
Me welcome, nothing else?
! The only daughter of a wealthy jew
SALADIN I-hlhat else?
I Would be no bad match for a Muslim? -- Oh,
The Templar’s chance is lost. He‘s lost, unless MAMELURE The welcome 3165
Iventure now upon the second step, Messenger gets no reward? - So Saladin
And tell the girl herselfjust who she is. 3145 Has learned to pay with words, and I’rn the first
I must! As soon as I can talk to her To benefit? That’s fame, to be the first
Alone, I’ll grasp the opportunity. He treated meanly.
And that will be — perhaps right now, when I
SALADIN Well then, take a sack
G0 with her. On our way at least I’ll drop
Of money for yourself.
A hint to start with. That can do no harm. 3150
Yes, yes, it’s now or never! I must speak. (Exit) MAMELUKE Not now. Not even if 3170
You gave me all of them.
SALADIN Defiance! Come,
Take two of them. He means it? Now he’s gone,
Surpassing me in generosity,
Although for him it must be harder to
Refuse it than for me to give. Come back! 3175

"E Mameluke - member of the Sultan’s bodyguard.

 1'20 Nathan the Wise Nathan the Wise 1'21
_ __.. . ._ _ _ ___ ___ _ _.| __ _

1/Vhat has come over me so near my death MAMELUKE 3 No. I come to report
That suddenly I want to change my nature? That Emir Mansor, who led the caravan 3205
Does Saladin refuse to die as Saladin? Is now dismounting from his horse.
Then he should not have lived as Saladin.
SAL-ADIN Quick! Bring
MAMELUKE 2 Greetings, Sultan. Him here. Ah, here he is.
SALADIN ' If you’ve come to tell me 3180
1
Scene 2
I
MAMELUKE 2 That the caravan from Egypt has arrived.
Emir Mansor and Saladin
SAI_.A.l)IN I know already.
SALADIN You are most welcome.
MAMELUKE 2 Then I came too late. Emir. How did it go? Mansor, Mansor,
! SALADIN And why too late? — Here for your good intentions
You can take a sack or two. MANSOR
You have kept us waiting for so long!
This letter tells you what kind of unrest
l MAMELUKE 2 Ah, one In Thebes“ your Abukassem had to quell
3210

Or two makes three! Before we dared to set off on our way.

After that, I forced the pace as much
SALADIN So you can count? just take
As possible.
I them. - 3185
i SALADIN Yes, I believe you, Emir.
MAMELUKE 2 There may be a third man coming — that is Now, good Mansor — and I know you'll do 3215
If he’s able. It gladly - you must take fresh escort straight
SALADIN Meaning what? Away. And you must leave again at once,
MAMELUKE 2 Well now; And take the bulk of all this money to
l|
It’s possible he has a broken neck; because My father in the Lebanon.
1l\.-J'Il:i|fi-_i.-C.-F -P
"!t As soon as we, the three of us, were sure MANSOR Yes, gladly.
i
n

The convoy had arrived, we galloped off. 3190 Very gladly.

l
The one who was in front fell off his horse. SALADIN Be sure to take 3220
Then I was in the lead, and stayed there till Sufficient escort. It’s no longer safe
We came into the town, where Ibrahim, In Lebanon. Have you not heard? The Templars
The rogue, has better knowledge of the streets Are in action once again. Be on
l SALADIN But what about the one who fell, my friend?
Ride out and meet him.
3195 Your guard. Now, where’s the camel train? I want
To see it and take care of everything 3225
Myself. You there! I’ll be with Sittah later.
IYLAMELUKE 2 Yes I will. And if
He’s still alive, I’ll give him half the money.
(Exit) Scene 3
SALADIN I-Ie’s a good and noble fellow too. The Templar
Who else can boast of Mamelukes like these? (Scene: the paints in front cf Nathanis house where the Templar is pacing
And may I not believe that they are what up and down)
3200
They are, at least in part, from my example? TEMPLAR I won’t set foot inside the house again -
I must reject the thought of changing that He must appear eventually. They welcomed
Example as I end my days. Me so eagerly before, and now
I"m likely to be told that he no longer 3230
MAMELUKE. 3 Sultan!
SALADIN You‘re
The one who fell? ‘T In upper Egypt.
 Nathan the Wise Nathan the Wise I 2;?‘

li
Tolerates my presence all the time He’s deep in conversation. But with whom?
Outside his house. And yet I also feel With him, with my Lay Brother? Ah! so now
l.
Provoked to anger. ‘What has so embittered He must know everything! Perhaps he is
Me against him? — After all he said, Betrayed already to the Patriarch. 3280
He didn’t yet refuse me anything. 3235
The Sultan promised to persuade him — what l Oh what a fool I’ve been to cause all this,
To think that just a single spark of passion
Then? Is it that the Christian in me is Can set all our brain on fire! Now quickly
I
More deeply rooted than the jew in him? l Make your mind up: What are you to do?
-i._|
Who really knows himself? Why else should I I’ll wait here for them, to one side — perhaps 3285
1
Be so reluctant to allow the little 3240 The Brother will be leaving before long.
Theft which he committed for his purposes
Against the Christians. But this is no little l Scene 4
Theft of such a creature! Creature? Who
Is her creator? Not the slave, who floated
The unhewn block on to the barren shore 3245
l Nathan and the Lay Brother
NATHAN (es they approach)
Of life, and then ran off. No, it must surely Once again, good brother, many thanks.
'r Be the artist who, in the abandoned block,
'| LAY BROTHER My thanks to you as well!
I
l
Conceived a godly form and fashioned it.
Truly, Recha’s real father must
_ _ _ _.

NATHAN Your thanks for what? '

Remain, despite the Christian who begot 3250 Because I obstinately pressed on you
Her, must remain the Jew forever. If Something you don’t need? If only you 3290
.|
l
I think of her as just a Christian girl, Had given in. But you refused to be
ili|
ii.
And think of her devoid of everything A richer man than I am.
1! Which only such ajew could give to her, LAY BROTHER Anyway,
Then, my heart, what would you see in her? — 3255 The book does not belong to me. It is
r
1
41 Almost nothing! For her smile itself The daughter’s property. In fact
1!! Would be a sweet and gentle movement of The one and only legacy she has 3295
ii
n,
,|
The muscles, nothing more. And if what made From her own father - though she does have you.
5|
'.'ll

!'i
Her smile was never worthy of its charm upon God grant you never may have reason
-4-. Her mouth, I would not even like her smile. 3260 To regret all you have done for her.
.!,::;
Ila I have seen sweeter, wasted on mere whims NATI-LAN How could I?
ii
\-
P
And useless trifles, scorn and flattery, Never! Have no fear of that.
iil

r- Flirtation — and did those enchant me too?

Did they too conjure up the wish in me *-I lI I l|—"—|ln|-Iul_. " '_‘ LAY BROTHER And yet,
Wlith all these Patriarchs and Templar Knights 3300
l To flutter all my life away in their 3265
1

l
Sunshine? Oh no. And yet I’m angry with i NATHAN No harm that they could ever do to me
The man who, single-handed, made her what Would make me feel regret for anything
She is. But why? Perhaps I merited IL I’ve done, and certainly not this.
The scorn with which I was dismissed by Saladin. And are you sure it really is a Templar
It’s bad enough that Saladin should think so. 3270 \'Vho’s stirring up your Patriarch?
How small I must have seemed to him! And how LAY BROTHER It Cfillltlllit 3305
Contemptible! And all this for a girl? -- Have been anybody else. ATemplar
Curd! Curd! This cannot be. Control yourself! Had just been talking to him; what I heard
l?
Suppose that Daja was just chattering Confirmed it.
About a thing that would be difficult 3275
E
i
To prove? At last! I-Ie’s coming from his house.
NATHAN But at present there is only
One of them in all Jerusalem.
I
i
f
1
|.
1
E
124 Nathan the Wise Nathan the Wise 125

I know him, and he is a friend of mine, 3310 NATHAN You spoke to him? That’s good.
A noble and sincere young man! TEMPLAR He wants to speak
LAY BROTHER That’s right, To both of us together.
The very one! Yet what one is and what NATHAN Better still. 3340
One must be in this world — the two things don’t always Come with me. I am on my way to him.
Fit exactly.
TEMPLAR May I ask you, Nathan, who it was
NATHAN Sadly not; and so Who left you just now?
Vlrhoever it may be, just let him do 33 1 5
His worst or best! Now, Brother, with your book NATHAN Don’t you know him then?
I shall defy them all, and take it straight TEMPLAR Wasn’t it that good soul, the Lay Brother
To Saladin. Whom the Patriarch is fond of using 3345
LAY BROTHER - Good luck! I’ll leave you now. To sniff things out? .
NATHAN You haven’t even seen her? Come back soon, NATHAN Perhaps. He’s in the service
And come as often as you can. I hope 3320 Of the Patriarch.
The Patriarch learns nothing more today. TEMPLAR I A clever trick,
But why not? Tell him if you like. 4_-‘TZLHP

To let a simple man prepare the way

LAY BROTHER I shan’t.
—u—'—.u-:
For villainy.
Farewell! (Exit) NATHAN Yes, if he’s stupid — not
NATHAN But don’t forget us, Brother -— God! If he is pious.
If only I could sink upon my knees TEMPLAR But no Patriarch 3350
Right here, under the vault of heaven. How 3325 Believes in piety.
The tangled web, which caused me such anxiety,
NATHAN I’ll vouch for this man.
Unravels of its own accord! - Oh God,
How light I feel now that there’s nothing that He won’t help his Patriarch do anything
I need to hide, and now that I can walk Improper.
Before humanity as freely as 3330 TEMPLAR So he claims. But didn‘t he
Before your sight. You are the only one Say anything to you concerning me?
‘Who does not judge us human beings by IY 3355
NATHAN Concerning you? He did not mention you
Our deeds, which rarely are our deeds, Oh God.
1 TEMPLAR
By name. He’d hardly know your name.
No, hardly.
Scene 5
Nathan and the Templar
The Teinptar comes up to Nathan from the side
5 NATHAN As it happens, he did speak about
A Templar
L

TEMPLAR Hey, Nathan, wait! Take me with you.

<

TEMPLAR And said what?

NATHAN Who’s that? I NATHAN He cannot
Oh, there you are! Where did you go? I was 3335 Possibly have meant you in this case. 3360

TEMPLAR
Expecting you to meet me at the Sultan‘s.
We missed each other. Don’t be angry.
I TEMPLAR

NATHAN
“Tho knows? Vlfhat did he say?
That someone had
NATHAN I am Denounced me to the Patriarch.
Not. But Saladin
ill.73?“

TEMPLAR Denounced
TEMPLAR You had just left. You? That is — with all due respect to him —
 J
|
I26 Nathan the P‘/its - Nathan the Wise I27

1|

Not true. Now listen to me, Nathan. I I

NATHAN If this is what you take me fior
Am not a man who can deny my deeds.
TEMPLAR " In short,
What I did, I did, and that is that. 3365
._ _-_-
1= I went to see the Patriarch - I did 3405
-" -'—I~=-tI1~—- .7|-r u
And I am not a man who would defend
Not name you, though — that is a lie, as I
In

t “That I have done as always being right.

l Have said. I simply told him of the case
1
Vllhy should I be ashamed of a mistake? . _._,_" "I-. _._ .,-_. .
!
In general terms, and asked for his opinion -
Am I not determined to redeem it? 3370 1

Of course I should have left it all unsaid. 3410

Do I not know how far a man can go
5I.i I knew already that the Patriarch
To put things right? Now listen, Nathan: yes,
t Was villainous. Why couldn’t I have talked
II
I am the Brother’s Templar Knight, who is
I To you at once? Why did I have to let
t Supposed to have denounced you; it is true.
1-,
lri
1.- The poor girl run the risk of losing such
T
if Of course you know what made me angry, and
II
A father? But what does it matter now?
Mfhat caused my blood to boil in every vein. 3375
That villain of a Patriarch, who always 3415
Fool that I was, I came to throw myself
2-'
-'—':lY¥" -'IT|‘;I'
Will remain just as he is, has quickly
Body and soul into your arms. And your
Brought me to my senses. Listen, Nathan,
Reaction was so cold — so lukewarm, which
Listen to me — let us just suppose
r'1n--_7-t _-_—-
Is even worse than cold; how carefully 3380
That he already knows your name. What more 3420
You calculated your evasion of me!
Can he do? He can only take the girl
You appeared to want to answer me
If she belongs to you and no one else.
By asking questions, plucked out of the air. —‘?—_|-In
And only from your house can he remove
I still can hardly bear to think of it
If I’m to keep my head. And then, Nathan,
Her to the cloister -— so, give her to me!
it
In this turmoil Daja stealthily
—.-. ._., _+
Give her to me, and let him come! He surely
3385
|
Would not dare to take my wife away. 3425
Crept up to me and flung her secret in
just give her to me; quickly! I don’t care
My face. This seemed to hold the key to your 1:
Mysterious behaviour. If she’s your daughter, or she’s not! And I
1
!
I Don‘t care if she’s a Christian or ajew
NATHAN How was that? Or if she’s neither. I don’t care! It’s all 3430
" ‘-1-17-_-.-' .l'*h‘7lI“!l TEMPLAR just hear me! I imagined that you were 3390 The same. And all my life I‘ll ask you nothing
.r

if
Unwilling to give up to Christian hands More about it. What will be, will be!
in
I.
Vlfhat you had taken from the Christians in NATHAN I have such need to hide the truth? You really
I The first place. So, in short, I then resolved Think so?
For good or ill, to hold a knife up to
Your throat.
TEMPLAR What will be, will be!
I
I NATHAN But I
!'I.
NATHAN For good or ill? What good? Where is
Have never yet concealed from you — or anyone
I
_-_-—-|,—_
I-

i- The good in that?

Vlrho ought to know — that she’s a Christian, and 3435
I
_I
TEMPLAR just hear me, Nathan. What 3395 That she is no more than my foster daughter.
2 I
2. I did was wrong. And you are not to blame. But why, you ask, have I not told her yet?
That Daja is a fool who doesn’t know For that I need apologize to none
“That she is saying, and her spite towards you -1
1'
But her.
-._ .-_ -,,

Makes her want to get you into trouble. 3400

l Perhaps that’s true. And I am young and stupid,

Always rushing to extremes of feeling,
Always doing too much or too little.
ti

5!
TEMPLAR But you don’t even have to do that.
May she never have to look on you
Ihhth different eyes. Spare her the revelation.
3440

You and you alone, are still responsible _

Perhaps that’s also true. Forgive me, Nathan!
I For her. Give her to me! I beg

l
I-
 i i
‘I
Nathan the Wise I29
128 Nathan the Wise
It

=.
L You, Nathan, just give her to me! I am Christians, won't she have to play the Christian?
---1

|-
The only one who, for the second time, 3445 If she plays it long enough, she’ll end
-I
Can save her for you —- and I will. Up really being one, and then the pure
I Corn which you sowed will finally be choked 3475
|
NATHAN I could
By weeds. And does that worry you so little?
.1
.'i;1Lt'—m i; _i;

Have done so, but not now. It is too late

I
Can you really say, in spite of that,
I

E.-r
..,.
I‘
ii For that.
|.
||
»|
That with her brother, Recha may perhaps
TEMPLAR Too late? Do well?
3480
---F.----T

ii
NATHAN Thanks to the Patriarch. NATHAN I think so, and I hope so. And
IlIfl1fi"rIl fl|"'I!" .i |I"-‘I l"'F' .'| If she lacks anything from him‘, can she
J
|
I.

!_s TEMPLAR The Patriarch? Thanks? Thanks to him? For what? 3450
Not always turn to you and me?
ii
+ : He is the one who ought to give us thanks.
Oh, can

I
ii
I So why thank him.P TEMPLAR
I
I-
She possibly lack anything from him?
I-
NATHAN Because we know to whom
F The little brother will provide his little
I-
She is related, and we know into Sister with a rich supply of food
I Whose hands she now can safely be entrusted. And clothing, sweets and finery. What else 3485
II
TEMPLAR Thank him? -Let the devil thank him! 3455 Could such a little sister need? Of course,
I A husband! -— Well, the little brother, in
NATHAN And now you must receive her from those hands,
And not from mine. His own good time, will certainly provide
Him too; he only has to find him, and 3490
TEMPLAR Poor Recha! How you are The more Christian the better! Nathan, Nathan!
Pursued by fate, poor Recha! What for any Vlfhat an angel you created, just
Other orphan would be great good fortune For others to destroy your work for you.
Is disaster for you. Nathan, where 3460
NATHAN You need not fear that. He will prove to be
Are these relations?
"'TlIIT.1-P‘
'T"|Y.|"T-_'I \IT"T‘I|\iI:r‘.Il I'r"Il' .t'jI;f'ZI—.'I1 If hf-_—‘|-u _
' |~ Most worthy of our love.
|I
_rh

I-!' NATHAN Where? TEMPLAR Don’t say that! Never

ii tiF

TEMPLAR And who are they? Say that of my love! For it will not 3495
Be cheated of the slightest thing, however small,
NATHAN They’ve found a brother in particular,
Not even of a narne. But tell me, does
And you must ask him for her hand.
1! She yet have reason to suspect what has
A brother?
I
at
.t'
TEMPLAR Been happening to her?
What is he, this brother? I—Ie’s a soldier? NATHAN Perhaps, I don’t 3500
4 1!
Or a priest? -just tell me what I can Yet know. Why do you ask me?
_l
_l Expect
F
TEMPLAR just because
NATHAN I think that he is neither, or 3465 I have to be the one to tell her what
In
Perhaps he may be both. I don’t know much Fate threatens her, in either case. I thought
=4
IT
About him yet. Thatl would never see or speak to her
1 TEMPLAR What else? Again, until I was allowed to call her
Mine. But all is changed. I’ll hurry. 3505
NATHAN A fine young man.
With whom our Recha may perhaps do well. NATHAN Vllhere?
Come back!
TEMPLAR And yet he is a Christian. Sometimes, Nathan, 3470
TEMPLAR To her. To see if, in her soul
I just don’t know what to think of you.
I don’t mean to offend you, but when she‘s with This girl is man enough to make the one
Decision which is worthy of her.
130 Nathan the Wise Nathan the Wise I31

NATI-LAN What RECI-IA Well, I find books most difficult

Is that? To read.
II
|

TEMPLAR To pay no further heed to you 3510 SITTAH You’re serious?

-|-

Or to her brother -_p|_—-;1;pg,-y-l.—

|
RECHA Quite serious.
r
I.
NATHAN And? i
My father has no love of cold book-learning
‘Which imprints itself upon the brain 3535
TEMPLAR To follow me; With lifeless symbols.
Even if it meant that she became
A Muslim’s wife. SITTAH How extraordinary!
i|§. But maybe there’s some truth in it. So, much
NATHAN But wait! She isn’t there. Of what you know '
I
She’s with the Sultan’s sister. i
RECHA I know only from his
TEMPLAR “ Why? How long Own teaching. And for most of it I still
Has she been there? I Could tell you how and when and why he taught it 3540
NATHAN And if you want to meet To me.
The brother there as well, just come with me. 3515 SITTAH Maybe everything makes better
TEMPLAR Whose brother? Sittah’s brother? — Recha’s? Sense like this, because the whole soul learns
At once.
NATHAN Both,
Perhaps. just come with me — I beg you, come! RECHA I’m sure that Sittah has read very
(He leads him. away) Little.
SITTAH The contrary, though I’m not proud of it.
Seeneti I/Vhy do you say that? Tell me frankly, why? 3545
Sittah and Recha RECHA You are so simple and direct; so natural,
(Scene: in Sittahis harem. Sittah and Recha are in conversation.) Like no one but yourself.
SITTAH How pleased I am that you are here, sweet girl. 3519 SITTAH And what of that?
Don’t feel oppressed. So anxious, and so shy! 3520
RECHA My father says that people who read books
Be cheerful, more relaxed and talkative.
Are seldom like that.
RECHA Princess .. ..
SITTAH “That a splendid man
SITTAH Not princess! Please call me Sittah, Your father is!
Your friend —- your sister. Call me mother, if
RECHA He is.
You like. For I could almost be your mother.
You’re so young, so clever and so good! 3525 SITTAH How near the mark 3550
You know so much, and must have read so much He always hits.
RECHA I must have read? — Dear Sittah, you make fun RECHA He does. And yet my father . . .
Of me, your simple little sister. I SITTAH What’s the matter, Recha dear?
Can scarcely read.
RECHA My father —
SITTAH That can’t be true! Scarcely?
SITTAH God! Vllhy are you crying?
RECHA I can read my father’s hand a little, 3530
But I thought that you referred to books. RECI-IA Oh, my father -
I must tell you, or my heart will burst
SITTAH Yes, books. (overcome by weeping she fails at herfeet)
132 Nathan the Wise Nathan the Wise 1!33

SITTAH My child, what is the matter with you, Recha? 3555 SITTAH But what about? VVhy? How?
RECHA I’m going to lose my father! RECHA Ah, the poor woman, as I told you, is 3585
A Christian, so her love made her torment me.
SITTAH Lose your father?
She is one of those fanatics who
I-low? Now, calm yourself. Get up! You’ll never
Imagine that they know the only true
Lose him.
And universal way to God.
RECI-IA You must have meant it, when you said
SITTAH Yes, now
That you would be my friend, my sister I understand.
SITTAI-I Yes,
RECHA They have to lead all those 3590
I did, indeed I did. But please, get up, 3560
Who missed the one true way, Iand guide them to
Or I shall have to call for help.
It. They have little choice. For if it’s true
RECHA (pails hersetf together and gets np) That only this way leads them in
Forgive me! The right direction, then how could they calmly
In my grief I was forgetting who Watch their friends pursue another path 3595
You are. There is no case for whining and
Despair in front of Sittah. She will be
I Which leads them to damnation, eternal
Damnation. Surely one could love and hate
Convinced simply by reason, cool and calm.
And anyone who pleads a cause with reason
3565 I
i
A single person simultaneously.
But it’s not that which in the end compels
Always wins her over. Me to complain about her. All her sighs 3600
SITTAH Well? And warnings, all her prayers and all her threats,
I
I would have tolerated longer — yes.
RECI-IA Ah, no They always prompted good and useful thoughts.
My friend, my sister, do not let them. Never And surely it is deeply flattering
Let them force another father on me. To us to feel that any fellow-creature 3605
SITTAH Force another father on you? I/Vho 3570 Loves and values us so much as to
Could do that? My dear Recha, who could want to? Be tortured by the thought of losing us
For all eternity.
RECHA VVho? My Daja, —- good and evil as
She is — yes, she could want to, and could do SITTAH That’s true!
:“—_- -W'FF-"L-

It. But you probably don’t know this good

ll||

RECHA And yet -

And evil Daja? Cod forgive her — and 3575 I have no weapon against this, not patience,
Reward her! She’s done so much good for me, Not reflection, nothing!
And so much evil.
SITTAH Against what? 3610
SITTAH Evil? So there can
Be little good in her. RECHA What she claims to have revealed to me
just now.
RECHA Oh yes, there is,
A great deal. SITTAH Revealed? just now?

SITTAH Who is she? " RECHA just now. When we

Were coming here, as we approached a ruined
RECHA A Christian who Christian temple, suddently she stopped.
Looked after me in childhood; you could not 3580 She stood, and seemed to struggle with herself. 3615
BPIIPVP ho?“ W911 She cared fur met so that With tear-filled eyes she looked up at the heavens,
I ha-I915’ missed my mothen G99 reward Then at me. At last she said, ‘Come, let us
H61‘ fer it! Ye!» the 315° frightened and Take the shortest path, right through this temple.’
Tormented me.
134 Nathan the Wise Nathan the Wise 135

She led on, I followed her, and I Eternal justice and of goodness in
Looked round with horror at the crumbling ruins. 3620 His eyes, and on his brow
Then she stopped again. I saw that we were SAI_.A.DIN Stand up, stand up!
On the sunken steps before a ruined
REC-HA Until he promises
Altar. Imagine how I felt when, weeping
Scalding tears, she flung herself down at SALADIN I promise it,
My feet, and wrung her hands. VVhatever it may be!
SITTAH My dearest child! 3625 RECHA No more, no less
RECHA And by the divinityifl who has received Than this: to let me keep my father, and 3650
So many prayers there and, they say, has worked Let him keep me. —- I still dor1‘tl<now who else
So many miracles, she pleaded with me; Demands to be my father, or who has
With a look of true compassion she The right. And I don’t want to know. Does blood
lmplored me to have mercy on myself. 3630 Alone create a father?
Or at least to pardon her if she SALADIN (raising her up) Yes, I understand!
Now told me of her church’s claim on me. Viiho was so cruel as to put such thoughts 3655
SITTAH (Unhappy child! —- I feared as much.) Into your head? But has this matter been
Completely settled? Proved beyond all doubt?
RECHA She said
I was of Christian blood; I was baptised; REGI-IA It must have been. For Daja claims to have it
I was not"Nathan’s daughter; he was not 3635 From my nurse.
My father. God! God! He is not my father! SAIJLDIN Your nurse!
Sittah! Sittah! I prostrate myself
RECHA She felt, as she
Before you.
Was dying, that she must confide in her. 3660
SITTAI-I Recha, no! Get up. — My brother’s here.
SALADIN As she was dying —— and perhaps delirious?
But what if it were true? No: blood, and blood
Scene 7
Alone, can never make a father! Hardly
Saladin and the preceding Even father of a beast. It gives
SALADIN What’s happened, Sittah? At most a prior right to claim that name. 3665
SITTAH She’s distraught! — Oh God! 3640 So don’t let yourself get anxious. And
Do you know what? As soon as these two fathers
SALADIN Who is it? Quarrel over you - leave both of them
SITTAH But you know And take a third. Accept me as your father!
SALADIN Our Nathan’s daughter? SITTAH Yes! Oh do!
What IS
' wrong.P S ,1 TIN I’ll be a good father. 3670
SITTAH Compose yourself, my child. A really good father. But wait! An even
The Sultan ... Better thought occurs to me. “Thy do you
REC-HA (drags herself rm her knees ta Saladizas feet, Need a father anyway? lAThat when he dies?
and bows her head to the ground) You need to look around for someone who
I shall not stand. up! And I Will match you in the race of life. Do you 3675
Shall never look upon the Sultan’s face, Not know someone?
And never more admire the image of S645 5[T1~AH Don’t make her blush!
~eeeee ~ — — ~—— SALADIN That is
TB
The Virgin Mary. Exactly what I meant to do to her.
 Nathan the Wise Nathan the Wise I37

If blushing makes the ugly beautiful, RECHA My father!

It’s bound to make the lovely even lovelier.
NATHAN That’s enou gh, we understand
I’ve asked your father, Nathan, and - another 3680
Each other. Now be calm, be cheerful - if 3705
Man to join us here. Can you guess who
Your heart is still your own, and if your heart
That is? I’ve asked him here — with your permission,
Is threatened by no other loss. - Your father
Sittah ...
Is not lost.
SITTAH Brother!
RECI-IA I fear no other loss.
SALADIN Now be sure you really
TEMPLAR No other? Then, I have deceived myself.
Blush before him, dearest girl.
“That we are not afraid to lose, we never 3710
RECI-IA Why should Thought that we possessed, and! never even
I blush? For whom? Wanted. Very well! In that case, Nathan,
SALADIN " You little hypocrite! 3685 All is changed. We came here, Saladin,
Turn pale, then, if you like. —]ust as you please, At your command. But I regret that I
And as you can. - Misled you; give yourself no further trouble! 3715
(A slave girl comes in and goes up to Sittah) SALADIN Must you be so rash again, young man?
SALADIN Have they arrived already? Must everything come back to you, defer
To you?
SITTAH (to the slave)
Good._]ust show them in. -- Brother, they’re here! TEMPLAR But Saladin, you heard and saw?
SALADIN Yes. And it’s a pity you were not
Last Scene More certain of your case.
Nathan and the Templar join the others TEMPLAR I am now. 3720
SALADIN My dear, good friends! — and first of all, dear Nathan SALADIN Anyone who boasts of a good deed
I must tell you that you now can ask S690 Cancels it right out. What you have saved is not
For all the money which you lent to be Your property. If that were so, a robber
Repaid, as quickly as you like. Driven by his greed into a fire
NATHAN Sultan! Would be as good a hero as yourself. 3725
(Going up to Recha, to lead her to the Templar)
SALADIN I am at your service now. Come, dear girl. Don't be too hard on him.
NATHAN Sultan! If he were different, less proud and less
Impulsive, he would not have tried to save you.
SALADIN The caravan has come. And now at last
You must weigh the one against the other.
I’m richer than I’ve been for many years. 3695
And now, put him to shame! Do what he should 3730
Come, tell me what you need to undertake
Have done. Confess your love. Propose to him!
Some mighty enterprise! For even merchants
If he refuses you, or if he should
Like yourself can never have enough
Forget that you have done much more for him,
Of ready cash!
By taking such a step, than he has done
NATHAN Why do you mention first For you — what did he do for you? He got 3735
So insignificant a trifle? For I-see Himself a little smoke-stained? How impressive!
Someone in tears. It matters more to me Such a man has nothing of my brother,
That I should dry them. (Goes up to Recha) Assad. He may wear his mask, but not
You’ve been crying? V!fhat’s His heart. So come, my dear
The matter? Are you not my daughter still?
138 Nathan the Wise Nathan the Wise 139

SITTAH Yes, go, my dear! TEMPLAR What?

That is the least that you can do to show 3740
NATHAN You are not a Staufien
Your gratitude.
TEMPLAR I/Vho am I?
NATHAN Wait, Saladin! Wait, Sittah!
NATHAN Your name’s not Curd von Stauffen.
SALADIN You as well?
NATHAN There’s someone else who has TEMPLAR What is it?
To speak. NATHAN You’re Leu von Filnek.
SALADIN But Nathan, who denies that such TEMPLAR What? 3765
A foster father has a right to speak?
NATHAN You’re startled?
Perhaps a better right than others. I 3745
Know all about the situation. TEMPLAR Rightly so. Who says this?
NATHAN 6 Not quite all! - NATHAN - I do;
I wasn‘t speaking of myself, but of I could tell you more, much more. But I
Another, someone else entirely who Am not accusing you of lying.
Must be consulted, Saladin. TEMPLAR No?
SALADIN But who?
NATHAN Perhaps the other name is also yours.
NATHAN Her brother.
TEMPLAR I should hope so! — (]ust as well you said that!) 3770
SALADIN R.echa’s brother? .
NATHAN Yes, your mother was a Stauffen. And
NATHAN Yes. Her brother — that’s your uncle —— brought you up.
RECHA My brother? 3750 Your parents left you with him when the harshness
So I have a brother? Of the German climate drove them out,
And they returned here to this country. Now, 3775
TEMPLAR (starting o/at of his wild, silent abstraction)
Your uncle’s name was Curd von Stauffen; and
Where? Where is
Perhaps he did adopt you as a child.
This brother? Not here yet? I was supposed
Was it with him that you also came here,
To meet him here.
So long ago? And is he still alive?
NATHAN Yes, just be patient.
TEMPLAR lNhat can I say to you? Of course, it’s true. 3780
TEMPLAR (very bitterly) My uncle died. I only came here with
Hehm The latest reinforcement of our Order,
Imposed a father on her, - so he can But — what has all this to do with Recha’s
Supply a brother, can’t he? Brother?
SALADIN That’s too much! 3755 NATHAN Now, your father '
Christian! Such a mean suspicion never
Would have passed my Assad’s lips. All right — TEMPLAR What? You knew
]ust carry on. Him too?
NATHAN Forgive him, Sultan! NATHAN Your father was my friend.
-—- I forgive him gladly. At his age, TEMPLAR Your friend? 3785
And in his place, who knows what we would think? 3760 Can it be possible?
(going up to him in a friendly way)
NATHAN And he was known
Yes, knight, I understand. Mistrust begets
As Wolf von Filnek; though he was not German.
Suspicion. If you’d only trusted me
With your real name
 ( 5! 140 Nathan the Wise Nathan the Wise

-a TEMPLAR You know this too? NATHAN Nonsense! Children! You are both my children!
NATHAN But he was married For my daughter’s brother is my son —
To a German — that’s your mother — and If he is willing.
He followed her to Germany, though not 3790 (Leaning them to embrace each other Saladin
-um;—
For long. goes in uneasy astonishment to his sister)
4

TEMPLAR Enough! The brother — who is Recha’s SALADIN Sister, tell me what
Brother? You think.
:.
NATHAN You are. SITTAH I’m moved.
L
I
|
E

TEMPLAR I? Her brother? SALADIN I too — I almost shudder at 3815

The thought of something still more moving So
RECHA He’s my brother? Prepare yourself, as best you can.
SITTAH Brother and sister! SITTAH What do
SALADIN ls it possible? You mean?
RECI-IA ' (going to him) SALADIN Nathan, a word with you
My brother! (While Nathan goes to him, Sittah goes np to the
brother and sister to express her sympathy and
(steps bash) Brother?
"'"""
-—1—I-—_.;-_-

TEMPLAR
Nathan and Saladin talk quietly.)
RECHA (stops and turns to Nathan) No, it can’t be true. Now listen,
His heart denies it! — We’re deceivers, God! 3795 Nathan: did you not just tell us ..
SALADIN (to the Templar) NATHAN “That?
l Deceivers, Templar? Is that what you think?
I SALADIN You told us that their father did not come 3820
But you are the deceiver! Everything
From Germany, and was not born a German
About you — face and voice and bearing - is
So what was he, and where did he come from?
A lie. You will not recognise your sister?
Go! NATHAN He didn’t choose to talk to me about it.
I know nothing thatl heard from him.
l
TEMPLAR (going humbly to him)
Sultan, don't misinterpret my 3800 SALADIN But he was not a Frank? A Westerner? 3825
Astonishment. You hardly could have seen NATHAN No, he was not. He made no secret of it.
Assad at such a moment; don’t misjudge He preferred to speak in Persian.
Both him and me. (going to Nathan)
SALADIN He spoke Persian?
You rob me and enrich me,
Nathan; both in fullest measure. But What more do I want? It must be him!
You give me far, far more than you have taken. 3805 NATHAN It must be who?
(Embracing Recha) SALADIN My brother! Assad! There
Oh my sister, mydear sister! Can be no doubt!
NATHAN Blanda NATHAN Now that you’ve worked it out, 3830
Von Filnek. You’ll find full confirmation in this book.
TEMPLAR Blanda? Blanda? -—- And not Recha? (handing him the breviawy)
Not your Recha any more? — You are SALADIN (opening it eagerhv)
Rejecting her, by giving back her Christian His writing! Yes I recognize that too!
Name? Reject her if you must, but Nathan, 3810
Why do you make Recha suffer so? NATHAN They don’t know anything about this. It’s
i Entirely up to you how much they learn.
142 Nathan the Wise
li
I-'

SALADIN (leafing through the book)

Should I not recognise my brother’s children? 3835
My nephew and my niece — my children? Not
Acknowledge them? And should I let you keep them? J-

(aloud again) |

Sittah! I was right! They are, they really l

Are! They are our brother’s children!
(Rnns to embrace them)
l
SITTAH (following him)
Vlfhatl
But then, how could it have been otherwise? 3840
!
SAIADIN (to the Templar)
Now, stubborn man, you will be forced to love me!
(to Recha) l
And Recha, I shall be what I offered i
Vllhether or not you want it!
1'-
SITTAH So shall I ‘t

F.
SALADIN (to the Templar again)
My son! My Assad! My own Assad’s son!
TEMPLAR

SALADIN
So I am of your blood? -- And so those dreams
Which rocked me in my cradle, after all
Were more than dreams! (falling at his feet)
(raising him np)
3845
l
just listen to the rascal! —J=—-Ti-— ,.1I-9.
Jr,.

He suspected something, but he did

—-I—¢s—.
His best to make me murder him! You wait!
(Silently they all embrace each other again and the
curtain falls.)
THE END