SCENE--A Hall in Nathan's House.

NATHAN, in a travelling dress, DAYA meeting him.

DAYA.

'Tis he, 'tis Nathan! Thanks to the Almighty,
That you're at last returned.

NATHAN.

Yes, Daya, thanks,
That I have reached Jerusalem in safety.
But wherefore this AT LAST? Did I intend,
Or was it possible to come back sooner?
As I was forced to travel, out and in,
'Tis a long hundred leagues to Babylon;
And to get in one's debts is no employment,
That speeds a traveller.

DAYA.

O Nathan, Nathan,
How miserable you had nigh become
During this little absence; for your house -

NATHAN,