answered; the sergeant replied; and the dialogue ended with several strokes with the flat side of the sword, which Guillermo received. Several persons passing by took the vintner's part; the sergeant wounded three or four, but was suddenly fallen on by a crowd of alguazils, who seized him as a disturber of the public peace and carried him to prison. He there declared what I have told you: and upon his deposition, the officers have also seized Guillermo; the father-in-law requires the annulling of the marriage; and the Holy Office being informed that Guillermo is rich, have thought fit to take cognizance of it." "As I hope to be saved," said Don Cleofas, "this same Holy Inquisition is very alert. The moment they see the least glimpse of profit". 66 Softly," interrupted the cripple; "have a care what freedom you take with this tribunal, for it has its spies everywhere, even of things that were never spoken. I myself dare not speak of it without trembling." GOTTHOLD EPHRAIM LESSING. GOTTHOLD EPHRAIM LESSING, a celebrated German dramatist and critic, born at Kamenz in 1729; died at Brunswick in 1781. At the age of seventeen he was sent to the University of Leipzic to study theology. But he found the stage more attractive than the pulpit, and wrote several dramatic pieces. At twenty he went to Berlin, when he devoted himself to literary pursuits. He early conceived the project of freeing German literature from the preva lent imitation of that of France, and giving it a new and original character. In conjunction with Nicolai he founded the Literaturbriefe, a periodical. About 1763 he produced the admirable drama "Minna von Barnhelm." In 1772 he put forth the tragedy "Emilia Galotti;" this still remains one of the best tragedies on the German stage. In 1776 he published "Laocoön a treatise upon Painting and Poetry. In 1779 he put forth the dramatic poem "Nathan the Wise." His latest work, published in 1780, was "The Education of the Human Race." All the foregoing have been excellently translated into English. A complete edition of his "Works," in 30 vols., was published at Berlin in 1771–1794. Saladin Nathan FROM "NATHAN THE WISE." Draw nearer, Jew! Still nearer! Close to me, Saladin - Thy name is Nathan. Let that be for thy foe! Saladin-Thou dost not think, forsooth, that I The people's voice do scornfully disdain? What if they mean By wise that he is only shrewd, and knows Saladin-His true advantage meanest thou thereby? Then were indeed "crafty" and "wise" the same. Saladin Not of thy wares! Shall be my sister. What dost thou speak of, Jew? The chafferer with thee [Aside: That for the eavesdropper.] With thee as merchant have I naught to do. Then doubtless thou thyself wouldst know what I To stir again, observed or happened on? Saladin-In something else that's wholly different I now desire thy teaching. Since thou art Nathan Religions, one alone can be the true. A man like thee remains not standing there, Through insight, reason, or through better choice. Me hear the reasons which I've lacked the time Of course in strictest confidence — the grounds That I may make it mine. How? Thou dost start? A whim like this, which yet methinks is not [Retires to an adjoining room.] Hm! hm! How very strange! How dazed I am! What does the Sultan want? As though 'twere coin - yes, ancient coin-that's weighed. Which by the stamp alone is made to pass, And may be counted out upon the board, Who then is here the Jew? Is't I or he? Will never do. And not to be at all A Jew, will do still less. If I'm no Jew, He comes. Well, let him come. SALADIN returns. Saladin [Aside Here then the field is clear.] I've not returned Nathan-Would the whole world might hear us. Saladin Is Nathan So certain of his cause? Ha! that I call Nathan Or be of use. Saladin body and life, If it be needful, yes! Henceforth then I may hope That I rightly bear one of my titles: Nathan-Faith, 'tis a splendid title; yet before, Saladin Why not? I'm always fond of tales if they're well told. Nathan-To tell them well is not my strongest point. Saladin-Again so proudly modest? Make haste! the tale! Nathan-In olden times a man lived in the East, Saladin Who from a loving hand possessed a ring Should ever be the house's head and prince. Yes; go on! To one who was the father of three sons, Who all alike were dutiful to him, And all of whom he therefore could not help |