NATHAN.
Sultan, order.
SALADIN.
To gain instruction quite on other points.
Since you are a man so wise, tell me which law,
Which faith appears to you the better?
NATHAN.
Sultan,
I am a Jew.
SALADIN.
And I a Mussulman:
The Christian stands between us. Of these three
Religions only one came be the true.
A man, like you, remains not just where birth
Has chanced to cast him, or, if he remains there,
Does it from insight, choice, from grounds of preference.
Share then with me your insight—let me hear
The grounds of preference, which I have wanted
The leisure to examine—learn the choice,
These grounds have motived, that it may be mine.
In confidence I ask it. How you startle,
And weigh me with your eye! It may well be
I’m the first sultan to whom this caprice,
Methinks not quite unworthy of a sultan,
Has yet occurred. Am I not? Speak then—Speak.
Or do you, to collect yourself, desire
Some moments of delay—I give them you—
(Whether she’s listening?—I must know of her
If I’ve done right.) Reflect—I’ll soon return—
[Saladin steps into the room to which Sittah had retired.
NATHAN.