Scene I.—Jerusalem. A hall in Nathan's house. Nathan, in travelling dress. Daya meeting him.
Daya: 'Tis he, 'tis Nathan, thanks to God, returned,
At last!
Nathan: Yes, Daya, thanks; but why "at last"?
'Tis far to Babylon, and gathering in
One's debts makes tardy journeying.
Daya: Oh, Nathan! How near you came to misery; when afar,
The house took fire, and Recha, 'mid the flames,
Had all but perished.
Nathan: Recha, O my Recha!
Daya: Your Recha, yours? My conscience bids me speak——
Nathan: See what a charming silk I bought for you
In Babylon, and these Damascus jewels.
Daya: I shall be silent.
Nathan: Say, does Recha know
I am arrived?