Well, 'twas on fire; I have already heard it.
God grant I may have heard the whole, that chanced!

DAYA.

'Twas on the point of burning to the ground.

NATHAN.

Then we'd have built another, and a better.

DAYA.

True!--But thy Recha too was on the point
Of perishing amid the flames.

NATHAN.

Of perishing?
My Recha, saidst thou? She? I heard not that.
I then should not have needed any house.
Upon the point of perishing--perchance
She's gone?--Speak out then--out--torment me not
With this suspense.--Come, tell me, tell me all.

DAYA.

Were she no more, from me you would not hear it.