Nathan the Wise

Gotthold Ephraim Lessing

Translated by William Taylor

15 chapters · about 2 h

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The opening

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.

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About this edition

The words
William Taylor's English translation, copied word for word.
Left out
  • The source library's header, footer and license, in 2 places
  • The title page and opening pages before chapter 1, in 2 places
  • Notes and pages added by translators, editors or publishers
  • A preface, foreword or afterword