FRIAR.
Because the mother.
Died a short time before; and he, the father,
Had on a sudden to make off to Gazza,
Where the poor helpless thing could not go with him;
Therefore he sent it you—that was my message.
Did not I find you out at Darun? there
Consign it to you?
NATHAN.
Yes.
FRIAR.
It were no wonder
My memory deceived me. I have had
Many a worthy master, and this one
I served not long. He fell at Askalon—
But he was a kind lord.
NATHAN.
O yes, indeed;
For much have I to thank him, very much—
He more than once preserved me from the sword.
FRIAR.
O brave—you therefore will with double pleasure
Have taken up this daughter.