Still templars—
And only ought to think—and all because
The rules and vows enjoin it to the order—
I know how good men think—know that all lands
Produce good men.
TEMPLAR.
But not without distinction.
NATHAN.
In colour, dress, and shape, perhaps, distinguished.
TEMPLAR.
Here more, there fewer sure?
NATHAN.
That boots not much,
The great man everywhere has need of room.
Too many set together only serve
To crush each others’ branches. Middling good,
As we are, spring up everywhere in plenty.
Only let one not scar and bruise the other;
Let not the gnarl be angry with the stump;
Let not the upper branch alone pretend
Not to have started from the common earth.
TEMPLAR.