NATHAN.
Excuse me, I’m ashamed,
What was it? Claim it of me sevenfold,
I’m ready to atone for my forgetting.
FRIAR.
But before all, hear how this very day
I was reminded of the pledge I brought you.
NATHAN.
A pledge to me intrusted?
FRIAR.
Some time since,
I dwelt as hermit on the Quarantana,
Not far from Jericho, but Arab robbers
Came and broke up my cell and oratory,
And dragged me with them. Fortunately I
Escaped, and with the patriarch sought a refuge,
To beg of him some other still retreat,
Where I may serve my God in solitude
Until my latter end.
NATHAN.
I stand on coals—
Quick, my good brother, let me know what pledge
You once intrusted to me.