Nathan the Wise; a dramatic poem in five acts

INTRODUCTION

GOTTHOLD EPHRAIM LESSING was born on the 22nd of January, 1729, eldest of ten sons of a pious and learned minister of Camenz in the Oberlausitz, who had two daughters also. As a child Lessing delighted in books, and had knowledge beyond his years when he went to school, in Meissen, at the age of twelve. As a school-boy he read much Greek and Latin that formed no part ...