Henceforth I hope I shall with reason bear
One of my titles—“Betterer of the world
And of the law.”

NATHAN.

In truth a noble title.
But, sultan, e’er I quite unfold myself
Allow me to relate a tale.

SALADIN.

Why not?
I always was a friend of tales well told.

NATHAN.

Well told, that’s not precisely my affair.

SALADIN.

Again so proudly modest, come begin.

NATHAN.