Templar: Suppose, my reverend father, that a Jew
Brought up a Christian child, in ignorance
Of her own faith and lineage, as his daughter,
What then?
Athanasios: Is this mere supposition, sir?
If in our diocese such impious act
Were done in truth, the Jew should die by fire.
You will not name the man? I'll to the sultan,
Who will support us.
Templar: I'll to Saladin,
And will announce your visit.
Athanasios: Was it then
A problem merely? Nay, this is a job
For Brother Bonafides. Here, my son!
[Exit Athanasios, talking with the friar.
Scene II.—A room at the palace of Saladin. Slaves bring in money-bags to Saladin and Sittah.
Saladin (to Sittah): Here, pay yourself with that.
And look, I found
This portrait 'midst the heap of plate and jewels.
It is our brother Assad. I'll compare
The likeness with our Templar. Ah, who's there?
The Templar? Bid him enter.
[Enter the Templar.
Templar: Saladin,
Thy captive, sire, who's life is at thy service!
Saladin: Ah, brave young man, I'm not deceived in thee.
Thou art indeed, in soul and body, Assad!
Came Nathan with thee?