Nathan

’Tis told Already, for the rest is evident. Scarce is the father dead when comes each son Bearing his ring, and claims to be the lord And ruler of the house! What follows then? Examinations, quarrellings, complaints-- In vain! Among the rings, the one true Ring Remains for all eyes indistinguishable.--

[After a pause in which he waits for the Sultan’s reply.

Well-nigh as indistinguishable, Sultan, As here, for us, to-day, the one true Faith.