Machevill, the Prologue

Barabas, the Jew
Ferneze, Governor of Malta
Calymath, Son to the Emperor of Turkey
Don Mathias
Don Lodowick, the Governor's Son
Martin del Bosco, the Spanish Vice-Admiral
Ithamore, a Turkish Slave
Friars:
       Jacomo
       Barnardine
Pilia-Borza
Two Merchants
Three Jews

Abigail, Daughter to Barabas
Katherine, Mother to Mathias
Bellamira, a Courtesan
Abbess

Nuns, Knights, Officers, Bassoes, Turks, Guard,
Slaves, Messenger, Carpenters, Attendants.

THE PROLOGUE
 

   Enter Machevill.

MACHEVILL. Albeit the world think Machiavel is dead,
   Yet was his soul but flown beyond the Alps;
   And, now the Guise is dead, is come from France,
   To view this land, and frolic with his friends.
   To some perhaps my name is odious;
   But such as love me guard me from their tongues,
   And let them know that I am Machiavel,
   And weigh not men, and therefore not mens words.
   Admired I am of those that hate me most.
   Though some speak openly against my books,
   Yet will they read me and thereby attain
   To Peter's chair; and when they cast me off,
   Are poisoned by my climbing followers.
   I count religion but a childish toy
   And hold there is no sin but ignorance.
   Birds of the air will tell of murders past?
   I am ashamed to hear such fooleries.
   Many will talk of title to a crown.
   What right had Caesar to the empire?
   Might first made kings, and laws were then most sure
   When, like the Draco's, they were writ in blood.
   Hence comes it that a strong built citadel
   Commands much more than letters can import:
   Which maxim had but Phalaris observed,
   He'd never bellowed in a brazen bull,
   Of great ones envy: o'the poor petty wights
   Let me be envied and not pitied!
   But whither am I bound? I come not, I,
   To read a lecture here in Britanie,
   But to present the tragedy of a Jew
   Who smiles to see how full his bags are crammed,
   Which money was not got without my means.
   I crave but this. Grace him as he deserves,
   And let him not be entertained the worse
   Because he favours me.

ACT ONE, SCENE ONE
 

   Enter Barabas in his counting-house, with
   heaps of gold before him.

BARABAS. So that of thus much that return was made;
   And of the third part of the Persian ships
   There was the venture summed and satisfied.
   As for those Samnites and the men of Uz
   That bought my Spanish oils and wines of Greece,
   Here have I pursed their paltry silverlings.
   Fie, what a trouble tis to count this trash!
   Well fare the Arabians, who so richly pay
   The things they traffic for with wedge of gold,
   Whereof a man may easily in a day
   Tell that which may maintain him all his life.
   The needy groom, that never fingered groat
   Would make a miracle of thus much coin,
   But he whose steel barred coffers are crammed full,
   And all his lifetime hath been tired
   Wearying his fingers ends with telling it,
   Would in his age be loath to labor so,
   And for a pound to sweat himself to death.
   Give me the merchants of the Indian mines
   That trade in metal of the purest mold,
   The wealthy Moor, that in the eastern rocks
   Without control can pick his riches up
   And in his house heap pearl like pebblestones,
   Receive them free and sell them by the weight,
   Bags of fiery opals, sapphires, amethysts,
   Jacinths, hard topaz, grass green emeralds,
   Beauteous rubies, sparkling diamonds,
   And seldseen costly stones of so great price
   As one of them, indifferently rated
   And of a carat of this quantity,
   May serve in peril of calamity
   To ransom great kings from captivity.
   This is the ware wherein consists my wealth.
   And thus methinks should men of judgment frame
   Their means of traffic from the vulgar trade,
   And as their wealth increaseth, so enclose
   Infinite riches in a little room.
   But now how stands the wind?
   Into what corner peers my halcyon's bill?
   Ha! to the east? Yes; see how stand the vanes!
   East and by south: why then I hope my ships
   I sent for Egypt and the bordering isles
   Are gotten up by Nilus winding banks.
   Mine argosy from Alexandria,
   Loaden with spice and silks, now under sail,
   Are smoothly gliding down by Candy shore
   To Malta, through our Mediterranean sea.
   But who comes here?

   Enter a Merchant.

   How now?
MERCHANT. Barabas, thy ships are safe,
   Riding in Malta road, and all the merchants
   And have sent me to know whether yourself
   Will come and custom them.
BARABAS. The ships are safe thou sayst, and richly fraught?
MERCHANT. They are.
BARABAS. Why, then go bid them come a shore,
   And bring with them their bills of entry.
   I hope our credit in the custom-house
   Will serve as well as I were present there.
   Go send em threescore camels, thirty mules,
   And twenty wagons, to bring up the ware.
   But art thou master in a ship of mine,
   And is thy credit not enough for that?
MERCHANT. The very custom barely comes to more
   Than many merchants of the town are worth,
   And therefore far exceeds my credit, sir.
BARABAS. Go tell 'em the Jew of Malta sent thee, man.
   Tush, who amongst em knows not Barabas?
MERCHANT. I go.
BARABAS. So, then, there's somewhat come.
   Sirrah, which of my ships art thou master of?
MERCHANT. Of the Speranza, sir.
BARABAS. And sawst thou not
   Mine argosy at Alexandria?
   Thou couldst not come from Egypt or by Caire,
   But at the entry there into the sea,
   Where Nilus pays his tribute to the main,
   Thou needs must sail by Alexandria.
MERCHANT. I neither saw them nor inquired of them:
   But this we heard some of our seamen say:
   They wondered how you durst with so much wealth
   Trust such a crazed vessel, and so far.
BARABAS. Tush, they are wise! I know her and her strength.
   But go, go thou thy ways, discharge thy ship,
   And bid my factor bring his loading in.

   Exit Merchant.

   And yet I wonder at this argosy.

   Enter a Second Merchant.

SECOND MERCHANT. Thine argosy from Alexandria,
   Know, Barabas, doth ride in Malta road,
   Laden with riches, and exceeding store
   Of Persian silks, of gold, and orient pearl.
BARABAS. How chance you came not with those other ships
   That sailed by Egypt?
SECOND MERCHANT. Sir, we saw 'em not.
BARABAS. Belike they coasted round by Candy shore
   About their oils or other businesses.
   But 'twas ill done on you to come so far
   Without the aid or conduct of their ships.
SECOND MERCHANT. Sir, we were wafted by a Spanish fleet
   That never left us till within a league,
   That had the galleys of the Turk in chase.
BARABAS. Oh, they were going up to Sicily.
   Well, go
   And bid the merchants and my men dispatch
   And come ashore, and see the fraught discharged.
SECOND MERCHANT. I go.

   Exit Second Merchant.

BARABAS. Thus trowls our fortune in by land and sea,
   And thus are we on every side enriched.
   These are the blessings promised to the Jews,
   And herein was old Abrams happiness.
   What more may heaven do for earthly man
   Than thus to pour out plenty in their laps,
   Ripping the bowels of the earth for them,
   Making the seas their servant, and the winds
   To drive their substance with successful blasts?
   Who hateth me but for my happiness?
   Or who is honoured now but for his wealth?
   Rather had I, a Jew, be hated thus,
   Than pitied in a Christian poverty;
   For I can see no fruits in all their faith,
   But malice, falsehood, and excessive pride,
   Which methinks fits not their profession.
   Haply some hapless man hath conscience,
   And for his conscience lives in beggary.
   They say we are a scattered nation:
   I cannot tell, but we have scrambled up
   More wealth by far than those that brag of faith.
   There's Kirriah Jairim, the great Jew of Greece,
   Obed in Bairseth, Nones in Portugal,
   Myself in Malta, some in Italy,
   Many in France, and wealthy every one,
   Ay, wealthier far than any Christian.
   I must confess we come not to be kings.
   That's not our fault. Alas, our numbers few,
   And crowns come either by succession
   Or urged by force, and nothing violent,
   Oft have I heard tell, can be permanent.
   Give us a peaceful rule; make Christians kings,
   That thirst so much for principality.
   I have no charge, nor many children,
   But one sole daughter, whom I hold as dear
   As Agamemnon did his Iphigen;
   And all I have is hers. But who comes here?

   Enter three Jews.

FIRST JEW. Tush, tell not me; 'twas done of policy.
SECOND JEW. Come, therefore, let us go to Barabas,
   For he can counsel best in these affairs:
   And here he comes.
BARABAS. Why, how now, countrymen?
   Why flock you thus to me in multitudes?
   What accidents betided to the Jews?
FIRST JEW. A fleet of warlike galleys, Barabas,
   Are come from Turkey and lie in our road,
   And they this day sit in the council house
   To entertain them and their embassy.
BARABAS. Why, let 'em come, so they come not to war,
   Or let 'em war, so we be conquerors.
   Nay, let 'em combat, conquer, and kill all,
   (Aside) So they spare me, my daughter, and my wealth.
FIRST JEW. Were it for confirmation of a league,
   They would not come in warlike manner thus.
SECOND JEW. I fear their coming will afflict us all.
BARABAS. Fond men, what dream you of their multitudes?
   What need they treat of peace that are in league?
   The Turks and those of Malta are in league.
   Tut, tut, there is some other matter in't.
FIRST JEW. Why, Barabas, they come for peace or war.
BARABAS. Haply for neither, but to pass along,
   Towards Venice by the Adriatic sea,
   With whom they have attempted many times,
   But never could effect their stratagem.
THIRD JEW. And very wisely said; it may be so.
SECOND JEW. But there's a meeting in the senate house,
   And all the Jews in Malta must be there.
BARABAS. Umh, all the Jews in Malta must be there?
   Ay, like enough. Why then, let every man
   Provide him and be there for fashion's sake.
   If anything shall there concern our state,
   Assure yourselves I'll look (Aside) unto myself.
FIRST JEW. I know you will. - well, brethren, let us go.
SECOND JEW. Lets take our leaves. - farewell, good Barabas.
BARABAS. Do so. Farewell, Zaareth; farewell, Temainte.
   And, Barabas, now search this secret out.
   Summon thy senses; call thy wits together:
   These silly men mistake the matter clean.
   Long to the Turk did Malta contribute,
   Which tribute - all in policy, I fear -
   The Turks have let increase to such a sum
   As all the wealth of Malta cannot pay,
   And now by that advantage thinks, belike,
   To seize upon the town; ay, that he seeks.
   Howe'er the world go, I'll make sure for one,
   And seek in time to intercept the worst,
   Warily guarding that which I ha' got.
   Ego mihimet sum semper proximus.
       [I am always my own nearest and dearest.]
   Why, let 'em enter, let 'em take the town.

   Exit.

ACT ONE, SCENE TWO
 

   Enter Governor of Malta (Ferneze), Knights, met by
   Bassoes of the Turk, and Calymath.

FERNEZE. Now, bassoes, what demand you at our hands?
FIRST BASSO. Know, knights of Malta, that we came from Rhodes,
   From Cyprus, Candy, and those other isles
   That lie betwixt the Mediterranean seas.
FERNEZE. What's Cyprus, Candy, and those other isles
   To us or Malta? What at our hands demand ye?
CALYMATH. The ten years tribute that remains unpaid.
FERNEZE. Alas, my lord, the sum is overgreat!
   I hope your highness will consider us.
CALYMATH. I wish, grave Governor, t'were in my power
   To favour you; but tis my fathers cause,
   Wherein I may not, nay, I dare not dally.
FERNEZE. Then give us leave, great Selim-Calymath.
CALYMATH. Stand all aside, and let the knights determine,
   And send to keep our galleys under sail,
   For happily we shall not tarry here.
   Now, Governor, how are you resolved?
FERNEZE. Thus: since your hard conditions are such
   That you will needs have ten years tribute past,
   We may have time to make collection
   Amongst the inhabitants of Malta fort.
FIRST BASSO. That's more than is in our commission.
CALYMATH. What, Callapine, a little courtesy!
   Let's know their time; perhaps it is not long;
   And 'tis more kingly to obtain by peace
   Than to enforce conditions by constraint.
   What respite ask you, Governor?
FERNEZE.        But a month.
CALYMATH. We grant a month, but see you keep your promise.
   Now launch our galleys back again to sea,
   Where we'll attend the respite you have ta'en,
   And for the money send our messenger.
   Farewell, Great Governor, and brave knights of Malta.

   Exeunt Turks.

FERNEZE. And all good fortune wait on Calymath.
   Go one and call those jews of Malta hither.
   Were they not summoned to appear today?
FIRST OFFICER. They were, my lord; and here they come.

   Enter Barabas and three Jews.

FIRST KNIGHT. Have you determined what to say to them?
FERNEZE. Yes; give me leave - and, Hebrews, now come near.
   From the Emperor of Turkey is arrived
   Great Selim-Calymath, his highness' son,
   To levy of us ten years tribute past.
   Now, then, here know that it concerneth us.
BARABAS. Then, good my lord, to keep your quiet still,
   Your lordship shall do well to let them have it.
FERNEZE. Soft, Barabas, there's more 'longs to't than so.
   To what this ten years' tribute will amount,
   That we have cast, but cannot compass it
   By reason of the wars, that robbed our store;
   And therefore are we to request your aid.
BARABAS. Alas, my lord, we are no soldiers;
   And what's our aid against so great a prince?
FIRST KNIGHT. Tut, Jew, we know thou art no soldier.
   Thou art a merchant and a moneyed man,
   And 'tis thy money, Barabas, we seek.
BARABAS. How, my lord? My money?
FERNEZE. Thine and the rest;
   For, to be short, amongst you 'tmust be had.
FIRST JEW. Alas, my lord, the most of us are poor.
FERNEZE. Then let the rich increase your portions.
BARABAS. Are strangers with your tribute to be taxed?
SECOND KNIGHT. Have strangers leave with us to get their wealth?
   Then let them with us contribute.
BARABAS. How? equally?
FERNEZE. No, Jew, like infidels;
   For through our sufferance of your hateful lives,
   Who stand accursed in the sight of heaven,
   These taxes and afflictions are befall'n,
   And therefore thus we are determined;
   Read there the articles of our decrees.
OFFICER. 'First, the tribute money of the Turks shall
   all be levied amongst the Jews, and each of them to
   pay one half of his estate.'
BARABAS. How, half his estate? I hope you mean not mine.
FERNEZE. Read on.
OFFICER. 'Secondly, he that denies to pay shall
   straight become a Christian.'
BARABAS. How, a Christian? Hum, what's here to do?
OFFICER. 'Lastly, he that denies this, shall absolutely
   lose all he has.'
ALL THREE JEWS. Oh, my lord, we will give half.
BARABAS. Oh, earth-mettled villains, and no Hebrews born!
   And will you basely thus submit yourselves
   To leave your goods to their arbitrament?
FERNEZE. Why, Barabas, wilt thou be christened?
BARABAS. No, Governor, I will be no convertite.
FERNEZE. Then pay thy half.
BARABAS. Why, know you what you did by this device?
   Half of my substance is a city's wealth.
   Governor, it was not got so easily;
   Nor will I part so slightly therewithal.
FERNEZE. Sir, half is the penalty of our decree.
   Either pay that, or we will seize on all.
BARABAS. Corpo di Dio! Stay: you shall have half.
   Let me be used but as my brethren are.
FERNEZE. No, Jew, thou hast denied the articles,
   And now it cannot be recalled.
BARABAS. Will you then steal my goods?
   Is theft the ground of your religion?
FERNEZE. No, Jew; we take particularly thine
   To save the ruin of a multitude,
   And better one want for a common good
   Than many perish for a private man.
   Yet, Barabas, we will not banish thee,
   But here in Malta, where thou gott'st thy wealth,
   Live still, and, if thou canst, get more.
BARABAS. Christians, what or how can I multiply?
   Of nought is nothing made.
FIRST KNIGHT. From nought at first thou cam'st to little wealth,
   From little unto more, from more to most,
   If your first curse fall heavy on thy head,
   And make thee poor and scorned of all the world,
   'Tis not our fault, but thy inherent sin.
BARABAS. What, bring you scripture to confirm your wrongs?
   Preach me not out of my possessions.
   Some Jews are wicked, as all Christians are;
   But say the tribe that I descended of
   Were all in general cast away for sin,
   Shall I be tried for their transgression?
   The man that dealeth righteously shall live.
   And which of you can charge me otherwise?
FERNEZE. Out, wretched Barabas!
   Sham'st thou not thus to justify thyself,
   As if we knew not thy profession?
   If thou rely upon thy righteousness,
   Be patient, and thy riches will increase.
   Excess of wealth is cause of covetousness,
   And covetousness, oh, 'tis a monstrous sin.
BARABAS. Ay, but theft is worse. Tush, take not from me then,
   For that is theft; and, if you rob me thus,
   I must be forced to steal and compass more.
FIRST KNIGHT. Grave Governor, list not to his exclaims.
   Convert his mansion to a nunnery;
   His house will harbour many holy nuns.

   Enter Officers.

FERNEZE. It shall be so.
   Now, officers, have you done?
FIRST OFFICER. Ay, my lord, we have seized upon the goods
   And wares of Barabas, which, being valued,
   Amount to more than all the wealth in Malta.
   And of the other we have seized half.
FERNEZE. Then well take order for the residue.
BARABAS. Well, then, my lord, say, are you satisfied?
   You have my goods, my money, and my wealth,
   My ships, my store, and all that I enjoyed.
   And, having all, you can request no more,
   Unless your unrelenting flinty hearts
   Suppress all pity in your stony breasts,
   And now shall move you to bereave my life.
FERNEZE. No, Barabas. To stain our hands with blood
   Is far from us and our profession.
BARABAS. Why, I esteem the injury far less
   To take the lives of miserable men
   Than be the causers of their misery.
   You have my wealth, the labour of my life,
   The comfort of mine age, my children's hope,
   And therefore ne'er distinguish of the wrong.
FERNEZE. Content thee, Barabas; thou hast nought but right.
BARABAS. Your extreme right does me exceeding wrong.
   But take it to you, i' the devil's name!
FERNEZE. Come, let us in and gather of these goods
   The money for this tribute of the Turk.
FIRST KNIGHT. 'Tis necessary that be looked unto,
   For if we break our day, we break the league,
   And that will prove but simple policy.

   Exeunt.

BARABAS. Ay, policy? That's their profession,
   And not simplicity, as they suggest.
   The plagues of Egypt and the curse of heaven,
   Earths barrenness, and all mens hatred,
   Inflict upon them, thou great Primus Motor!
   And here upon my knees, striking the earth,
   I ban their souls to everlasting pains,
   And extreme tortures of the fiery deep,
   That thus have dealt with me in my distress.
FIRST JEW. Oh, yet be patient, gentle Barabas.
BARABAS. Oh silly brethren, born to see this day,
   Why stand you thus unmoved with my laments?
   Why weep you not to think upon my wrongs?
   Why pine not I, and die in this distress?
FIRST JEW. Why, Barabas, as hardly can we brook
   The cruel handling of ourselves in this.
   Thou seest they have taken half our goods.
BARABAS. Why did you yield to their extortion?
   You were a multitude, and I but one,
   And of me only have they taken all.
FIRST JEW. Yet, brother Barabas, remember Job.
BARABAS. What tell you me of Job? I wot his wealth
   Was written thus: he had seven thousand sheep,
   Three thousand camels, and two hundred yoke
   Of labouring oxen, and five hundred
   She-asses. But for every one of those,
   Had they been valued at indifferent rate,
   I had at home, and in mine argosy
   And other ships that came from Egypt last,
   As much as would have bought his beasts and him,
   And yet have kept enough to live upon;
   So that not he, but I, may curse the day,
   Thy fatal birthday, forlorn Barabas,
   That clouds of darkness may enclose my flesh,
   And hide these extreme sorrows from mine eyes,
   For only I have toiled to inherit here
   The months of vanity and loss of time,
   And painful nights have been appointed me.
SECOND JEW. Good Barabas, be patient.
BARABAS. Ay, I pray, leave me in my patience. You that
   Were ne'er possessed of wealth are pleased with want.
   But give him liberty at least to mourn,
   That in a field amidst his enemies
   Doth see his soldiers slain, himself disarmed,
   And knows no means of his recovery.
   Ay, let me sorrow for this sudden chance.
   'Tis in the trouble of my spirit I speak:
   Great injuries are not so soon forgot.
FIRST JEW. Come, let us leave him. In his ireful mood
   Our words will but increase his ecstasy.
SECOND JEW. On, then. But, trust me, tis a misery
   To see a man in such affliction.
   Farewell, Barabas.
BARABAS. Ay, fare you well.

   Exeunt 3 Jews.

   See the simplicity of these base slaves,
   Who, for the villains have no wit themselves,
   Think me to be a senseless lump of clay
   That will with every water wash to dirt.
   No, Barabas is born to better chance
   And framed of finer mould than common men
   That measure nought but by the present time.
   A reaching thought will search his deepest wits
   And cast with cunning for the time to come,
   For evils are apt to happen every day.
   But whither wends my beauteous Abigail?

   Enter Abigail, the Jew's daughter.

   Oh, what has made my lovely daughter sad?
   What, woman! moan not for a little loss.
   Thy father has enough in store for thee.
ABIGAIL. Not for myself, but aged Barabas,
   Father, for thee lamenteth Abigail.
   But I will learn to leave these fruitless tears,
   And, urged thereto with my afflictions,
   With fierce exclaims run to the senate-house,
   And in the senate reprehend them all,
   And rend their hearts with tearing of my hair,
   'Til they reduce the wrongs done to my father.
BARABAS. No, Abigail. Things past recovery
   Are hardly cured with exclamations.
   Be silent, daughter. Sufferance breeds ease,
   And time may yield us an occasion,
   Which on the sudden cannot serve the turn.
   Besides, my girl, think me not all so fond
   As negligently to forego so much
   Without provision for thyself and me.
   Ten thousand portagues, besides great pearls,
   Rich costly jewels, and stones infinite,
   Fearing the worst of this before it fell,
   I closely hid.
ABIGAIL. Where, father?
BARABAS. In my house, my girl.
ABIGAIL. Then shall they ne'er be seen of Barabas,
   For they have seized upon thy house and wares.
BARABAS. But they will give me leave once more, I trow,
   To go into my house.
ABIGAIL. That may they not,
   For there I left the Governor placing nuns,
   Displacing me; and of thy house they mean
   To make a nunnery, where none but their own sect
   Must enter in; men generally barred.
BARABAS. My gold, my gold, and all my wealth is gone.
   You partial heavens, have I deserved this plague?
   What, will you thus oppose me, luckless stars,
   To make me desperate in my poverty?
   And knowing me impatient in distress,
   Think me so mad as I will hang myself,
   That I may vanish o'er the earth in air
   And leave no memory that e'er I was?
   No, I will live; nor loathe I this my life.
   And since you leave me in the ocean thus
   To sink or swim, and put me to my shifts,
   I'll rouse my senses, and awake myself.
   Daughter, I have it: thou perceiv'st the plight
   Wherein these Christians have oppressed me.
   Be ruled by me, for in extremity
   We ought to make bar of no policy.
ABIGAIL. Father, whateer it be, to injure them
   That have so manifestly wronged us,
   What will not Abigail attempt?
BARABAS. Why, so.
   Then thus: thou toldst me they have turned my house
   Into a nunnery, and some nuns are there?
ABIGAIL. I did.
BARABAS. Then, Abigail, there must my girl
   Entreat the abbess to be entertained.
BARABAS. Ay, daughter, for religion
   Hides many mischiefs from suspicion.
ABIGAIL. Ay, but father, they will suspect me there.
BARABAS. Let 'em suspect, but be thou so precise
   As they may think it done of holiness.
   Entreat 'em fair, and give them friendly speech,
   And seem to them as if thy sins were great,
   Till thou hast gotten to be entertained.
ABIGAIL. Thus, father, shall I much dissemble.
BARABAS. Tush!
   As good dissemble that thou never meanst
   As first mean truth and then dissemble it.
   A counterfeit profession is better
   Than unseen hypocrisy.
ABIGAIL. Well, father, say I be entertained,
   What then shall follow?
BARABAS. This shall follow then:
   There have I hid, close underneath the plank
   That runs along the upper chamber floor,
   The gold and jewels which I kept for thee.
   But here they come. Be cunning, Abigail.
ABIGAIL. Then, father, go with me.
BARABAS. No, Abigail, in this
   It is not necessary I be seen,
   For I will seem offended with thee for't.
   Be close, my girl, for this must fetch my gold.

   Enter Jacomo, Barnardine and another Friar,
   with the Abbess and a Nun.

JACOMO. Sisters,
   We now are almost at the new made nunnery.
ABBESS. The better; for we love not to be seen.
   'Tis thirty winters long since some of us
   Did stray so far amongst the multitude.
JACOMO. But, madam, this house
   And quarters of this new made nunnery
   Will much delight you.
ABBESS. It may be so. But who comes here?
ABIGAIL. Grave Abbess, and you happy virgins guide,
   Pity the state of a distressed maid.
ABBESS. What art thou, daughter?
ABIGAIL. The hopeless daughter of a hapless Jew,
   The Jew of Malta, wretched Barabas,
   Sometimes the owner of a goodly house,
   Which they have now turned to a nunnery.
ABBESS. Well, daughter, say, what is thy suit with us?
ABIGAIL. Fearing the afflictions which my father feels
   Proceed from sin or want of faith in us,
   Id pass away my life in penitence
   And be a novice in your nunnery
   To make atonement for my labouring soul.
JACOMO. No doubt, brother, but this proceedeth of the spirit.
BARNARDINE. Ay, and of a moving spirit too, brother;
   but come, let us entreat she may be entertained.
ABBESS. Well, daughter, we admit you for a nun.
ABIGAIL. First let me as a novice learn to frame
   My solitary life to your straight laws,
   And let me lodge where I was wont to lie.
   I do not doubt, by your divine precepts
   And mine own industry, but to profit much.
BARABAS. (Aside) As much, I hope, as all I hid is worth.
ABBESS. Come, daughter, follow us.
BARABAS. Why, how now, Abigail, what mak'st thou
   Amongst these hateful Christians?
JACOMO. Hinder her not, thou man of little faith,
   For she has mortified herself.
BARABAS. How, mortified!
JACOMO. And is admitted to the sisterhood.
BARABAS. Child of perdition, and thy father's shame,
   What wilt thou do among these hateful fiends?
   I charge thee on my blessing that thou leave
   These devils and their damned heresy.
ABIGAIL. Father, give me...
BARABAS. Nay, back, Abigail,
   (whispers to her)
   And think upon the jewels and the gold;
   The board is marked thus (+) that covers it.
   Away, accursed, from thy fathers sight!
JACOMO. Barabas, although thou art in misbelief
   And wilt not see thine own afflictions,
   Yet let thy daughter be no longer blind.
BARABAS. Blind, friar? I reck not thy persuasions.
    (Aside to her) The board is marked thus that covers it.
   For I had rather die than see her thus.
   Wilt thou forsake me too in my distress,
   Seduced daughter? (Aside to her) Go, forget not.
   Becomes it Jews to be so credulous?
    (Aside to her) Tomorrow early I'll be at the door.
   No, come not at me. If thou wilt be damned,
   Forget me, see me not; and so, be gone.
    (Aside to her) Farewell; remember tomorrow morning.
   Out, out, thou wretch!

   Exeunt at different doors. Enter Mathias.

MATHIAS. Whos this? fair Abigail, the rich Jew's daughter,
   Become a nun? Her father's sudden fall
   Has humbled her, and brought her down to this.
   Tut, she were fitter for a tale of love
   Than to be tired out with orisons,
   And better would she far become a bed,
   Embraced in a friendly lover's arms,
   Than rise at midnight to a solemn mass.

   Enter Lodowick

LODOWICK. Why, how now, Don Mathias, in a dump?
MATHIAS. Believe me, noble Lodowick, I have seen
   The strangest sight, in my opinion,
   That ever I beheld.
LODOWICK. What wast, I prithee?
MATHIAS. A fair young maid, scarce fourteen years of age,
   The sweetest flower in Cytherea's field,
   Cropped from the pleasures of the fruitful earth
   And strangely metamorphosed nun.
LODOWICK. But say, what was she?
MATHIAS. Why, the rich Jew's daughter.
LODOWICK. What? Barabas, whose goods were lately seized?
   Is she so fair?
MATHIAS. And matchless beautiful.
   As, had you seen her, 'twould have moved your heart,
   Though countermined with walls of brass, to love
   Or, at the least, to pity.
LODOWICK. And if she be so fair as you report,
   'Twere time well spent to go and visit her.
   How say you? Shall we?
MATHIAS. I must and will, sir; there's no remedy.
LODOWICK. And so will I too, or it shall go hard.
   Farewell, Mathias.
MATHIAS. Farewell, Lodowick.

   Exeunt.

ACT TWO, SCENE ONE
 

   Enter Barabas, with a light.

BARABAS. Thus, like the sad presaging raven that tolls
   The sick mans passport in her hollow beak,
   And in the shadow of the silent night
   Doth shake contagion from her sable wings,
   Vexed and tormented runs poor Barabas
   With fatal curses towards these Christians.
   The uncertain pleasures of swift-footed time
   Have taen their flight, and left me in despair,
   And of my former riches rests no more
   But bare remembrance, like a soldier's scar
   That has no further comfort for his maim.
   O thou that with a fiery pillar led'st
   The sons of Israel through the dismal shades,
   Light Abraham's offspring; and direct the hand
   Of Abigail this night, or let the day
   Turn to eternal darkness after this.
   No sleep can fasten on my watchful eyes,
   Nor quiet enter my distempered thoughts,
   Till I have answer of my Abigail.

   Enter Abigail, above.

ABIGAIL. Now have I happily espied a time
   To search the plank my father did appoint,
   And here, behold (unseen) where I have found
   The gold, the pearls, and jewels, which he hid.
BARABAS. Now I remember those old women's words,
   Who, in my wealth, would tell me winter's tales,
   And speak of spirits and ghosts that glide by night
   About the place where treasure hath been hid;
   And now methinks that I am one of those,
   For whilst I live, here lives my soul's sole hope,
   And when I die, here shall my spirit walk.
ABIGAIL. Now that my father's fortune were so good
   As but to be about this happy place!
   'Tis not so happy. Yet when we parted last,
   He said he would attend me in the morn.
   Then, gentle sleep, where'er his body rests,
   Give charge to Morpheus that he may dream
   A golden dream, and of the sudden walk,
   Come, and receive the treasure I have found.
BARABAS. Bueno para todos mi ganado no era.
       [My flock is not good for everybody]
   As good go on, as sit so sadly thus.
   But stay! what star shines yonder in the east?
   The loadstar of my life, if Abigail.
   Who's there?
ABIGAIL. Who's that?
BARABAS. Peace, Abigail, 'tis I.
ABIGAIL. Then, father, here receive thy happiness.
BARABAS. Hast thou't? ABIGAIL. Here.    (Throws down the bags)
      Hast thou't?
   There's more, and more, and more.
BARABAS. O my girl,
   My gold, my fortune, my felicity,
   Strength to my soul, death to mine enemy.
   Welcome the first beginner of my bliss.
   Oh Abigail, Abigail, that I had thee here too,
   Then my desires were fully satisfied.
   But I will practise thy enlargement thence.
   Oh girl, oh gold, oh beauty, oh my bliss!
   Hugs his bags.
ABIGAIL. Father, it draweth towards midnight now,
   And 'bout this time the nuns begin to wake;
   To shun suspicion, therefore, let us part.
BARABAS. Farewell, my joy, and by my fingers take
   A kiss from him that sends it from his soul.
   Now, Phoebus, ope the eyelids of the day,
   And for the raven wake the morning lark,
   That I may hover with her in the air,
   Singing o'er these, as she does o'er her young.
   Hermoso placer de los dineros.
      [Beautiful pleasure of money]

   Exeunt.

ACT TWO, SCENE TWO
 

   Enter Ferneze, Martin del Bosco, the Knights and Officers.

FERNEZE. Now, Captain, tell us whither thou art bound,
   Whence is thy ship that anchors in our road,
   And why thou cam'st ashore without our leave?
BOSCO. Governor of Malta, hither am I bound.
   My ship, the Flying Dragon, is of Spain,
   And so am I. Del Bosco is my name,
   Vice-Admiral unto the Catholic king.
FIRST KNIGHT. 'Tis true, my lord; therefore entreat him well.
BOSCO. Our fraught is Grecians, Turks, and Afric Moors;
   For late upon the coast of Corsica,
   Because we vailed not to the Turkish fleet,
   Their creeping galleys had us in the chase;
   But suddenly the wind began to rise,
   And then we luffed and tacked, and fought at ease.
   Some have we fired, and many have we sunk,
   But one amongst the rest became our prize.
   The captains slain; the rest remain our slaves,
   Of whom we would make sale in Malta here.
FERNEZE. Martin del Bosco, I have heard of thee.
   Welcome to Malta, and to all of us.
   But to admit a sale of these thy Turks,
   We may not, nay, we dare not give consent,
   By reason of a tributary league.
FIRST KNIGHT. Del Bosco, as thou lov'st and honour'st us,
   Persuade our Governor against the Turk.
   This truce we have is but in hope of gold,
   And with that sum he craves might we wage war.
BOSCO. Will Knights of Malta be in league with Turks,
   And buy it basely too for sums of gold?
   My lord, remember that, to Europe's shame,
   The Christian isle of Rhodes, from whence you came,
   Was lately lost, and you were stated here
   To be at deadly enmity with Turks.
FERNEZE. Captain, we know it, but our force is small.
BOSCO. What is the sum that Calymath requires?
FERNEZE. A hundred thousand crowns.
BOSCO. My lord and king hath title to this isle,
   And he means quickly to expel you hence;
   Therefore be ruled by me, and keep the gold.
   I'll write unto his majesty for aid,
   And not depart until I see you free.
FERNEZE. On this condition shall thy Turks be sold.
   Go, officers, and set them straight in show.

   Exeunt Officers

   Bosco, thou shalt be Malta's general.
   We and our warlike knights will follow thee
   Against these barbarous misbelieving Turks.
BOSCO. So shall you imitate those you succeed;
   For when their hideous force environed Rhodes,
   Small though the number was that kept the town,
   They fought it out, and not a man survived
   To bring the hapless news to Christendom.
FERNEZE. So will we fight it out. Come, let's away.
   Proud daring Calymath, instead of gold
   We'll send thee bullets wrapped in smoke and fire.
   Claim tribute where thou wilt, we are resolved.
   Honour is bought with blood and not with gold.

   Exeunt.

ACT TWO, SCENE THREE
 

   Enter Officers, with Slaves.

FIRST OFFICER. This is the market place; here let 'em stand.
   Fear not their sale, for they'll be quickly bought.
SECOND OFFICER. Everyone's price is written on his back,
   And so much must they yield, or not be sold.

   Enter Barabas.

FIRST OFFICER. Here comes the Jew. Had not his goods been seized,
   He'd give us present money for them all.
BARABAS. In spite of these swine-eating Christians,
   (Unchosen nation, never circumcis'd,
   Such as, poor villains, were ne'er thought upon
   Till Titus and Vespasian conquered us),
   Am I become as wealthy as I was.
   They hoped my daughter would ha' been a nun;
   But she's at home, and I have bought a house
   As great and fair as is the Governor's;
   And there, in spite of Malta, will I dwell,
   Having Ferneze's hand, whose heart I'll have,
   Ay, and his son's too, or it shall go hard.
   I am not of the tribe of Levi, I,
   That can so soon forget an injury.
   We Jews can fawn like spaniels when we please,
   And when we grin, we bite; yet are our looks
   As innocent and harmless as a lamb's.
   I learned in Florence how to kiss my hand,
   Heave up my shoulders when they call me dog,
   And duck as low as any barefoot friar,
   Hoping to see them starve upon a stall,
   Or else be gathered for in our synagogue,
   That when the offering basin comes to me,
   Even for charity I may spit into't.
   Here comes Don Lodowick, the Governor's son,
   One that I love for his good father's sake.

   Enter Lodowick.

LODOWICK. I hear the wealthy Jew walked this way.
   Ill seek him out, and so insinuate
   That I may have a sight of Abigail,
   For Don Mathias tells me she is fair.
BARABAS. Now will I show myself to have more of the serent
   than the dove; that is, more knave than fool.
LODOWICK. Yond walks the Jew: now for fair Abigail.
BARABAS. Ay, ay, no doubt but she's at your command.
LODOWICK. Barabas, thou know'st I am the Governor's son.
BARABAS. I would you were his father too, sir! Thats all
   the harm I wish you. The slave looks like a hog's
   cheek new singed.
LODOWICK. Whither walk'st thou, Barabas?
BARABAS. No further. 'Tis a custom held with us,
   That when we speak with gentiles like to you,
   We turn into the air to purge ourselves,
   For unto us the promise doth belong.
LODOWICK. Well, Barabas, canst help me to a diamond?
BARABAS. Oh, sir, your father had my diamonds;
   Yet have I one left that will serve your turn.
   (Aside) I mean my daughter, but, ere he shall have her,
   Ill sacrifice her on a pile of wood.
   I ha' the poison of the city for him,
   And the white leprosy.
LODOWICK. What sparkle does it give without a foil?
BARABAS. The diamond that I talk of ne'er was foiled.
   But, when he touches it, it will be foiled.
   Lord Lodowick, it sparkles bright and fair.
LODOWICK. Is't square or pointed? Pray you, let me know.
BARABAS. Pointed it is, good sir. (Aside) But not for you.
LODOWICK. I like it much the better.
BARABAS. So do I too.
LODOWICK. How shows it by night?
BARABAS. Outshines Cynthia's rays.
    (Aside) Youll like it better far a-nights than days.
LODOWICK. And what's the price?
BARABAS. Your life, and if you have it. Oh my lord,
   We will not jar about the price. Come to my house
   And I will giv't your honour - (Aside) with a vengeance.
LODOWICK. No, Barabas, I will deserve it first.
BARABAS. Good sir,
   Your father has deserved it at my hands,
   Who, of mere charity and Christian ruth,
   To bring me to religious purity,
   And, as it were, in catechising sort,
   To make me mindful of my mortal sins,
   Against my will, and whether I would or no,
   Seized all I had, and thrust me out a doors,
   And made my house a place for nuns most chaste.
LODOWICK. No doubt your soul shall reap the fruit of it.
BARABAS. Ay, but, my lord, the harvest is far off.
   And yet I know the prayers of those nuns
   And holy friars, having money for their pains,
   Are wondrous - (Aside) and indeed do no man good.
   And seeing they are not idle, but still doing,
   'Tis likely they in time may reap some fruit,
   I mean, in fullness of perfection.
LODOWICK. Good Barabas, glance not at our holy nuns.
BARABAS. No, but I do it through a burning zeal, -
    (Aside) Hoping ere long to set the house afire,
   For though a while they do increase and multiply,
   I'll have a saying to that nunnery.
   As for the diamond, sir, I told you of,
   Come home, and there's no price shall make us part,
   Even for your honourable father's sake.
    (Aside) It shall go hard but I will see your death.
   But now I must be gone to buy a slave.
LODOWICK. And, Barabas, I'll bear thee company.
BARABAS. Come then. Here's the market place.
   What's the price of this slave, 200 crowns?
   Do the Turks weigh so much?
FIRST OFFICER. Sir, thats his price.
BARABAS. What? can he steal, that you demand so much?
   Belike he has some new trick for a purse;
   An if he has, he is worth three hundred plates,
   So that, being bought, the town seal might be got
   To keep him for his lifetime from the gallows.
   The sessions-day is critical to thieves,
   And few or none scape but by being purged.
LODOWICK. Ratest thou this Moor but at 200 plates?
FIRST OFFICER. No more, my lord.
BARABAS. Why should this Turk be dearer than that Moor?
FIRST OFFICER. Because he is young and has more qualities.
BARABAS. What? Hast the philosopher's stone? And thou hast,
   break my head with it, I'll forgive thee.
SLAVE. No, sir; I can cut and shave.
BARABAS. Let me see, sirrah. Are you not an old shaver?
SLAVE. Alas, sir, I am a very youth.
BARABAS. A youth? I'll buy you and marry you to lady Vanity, if you do well.
SLAVE. I will serve you, sir.
BARABAS. Some wicked trick or other. It may be, under colour of
   shaving, thou'lt cut my throat for my goods.
   Tell me, hast thou thy health well?
SLAVE. Ay, passing well.
BARABAS. So much the worse. I must have one that's sickly,
   And be but for sparing vittles: 'tis not a stone of
   beef a day will maintain you in these chops. Let me
   see one that's somewhat leaner.
FIRST OFFICER. Here's a leaner. How like you him?
BARABAS. Where wast thou born?
ITHAMORE. In Thrace; brought up in Arabia.
BARABAS. So much the better. Thou art for my turn.
   An hundred crowns? I'll have him; there's the coin.
FIRST OFFICER. Then mark him, sir, and take him hence.
BARABAS. Ay, mark him, you were best; for this is he
   That by my help shall do much villainy.
   My lord, farewell. Come, sirrah, you are mine.
   As for the diamond, it shall be yours.
   I pray, sir, be no stranger at my house;
   All that I have shall be at your command.

   Enter Mathias and his mother (Katherine).

MATHIAS. What makes the Jew and Lodowick so private?
   I fear me tis about fair Abigail.
BARABAS. Yonder comes Don Mathias. Let us stay.
   He loves my daughter, and she holds him dear,
   But I have sworn to frustrate both their hopes,
   And be revenged upon the - Governor.

   Exit Lodowick

KATHARINE. This Moor is comeliest, is he not? Speak, son.
MATHIAS. No, this is the better, mother, view this well.
BARABAS. Seem not to know me here before your mother,
   Lest she mistrust the match that is in hand.
   When you have brought her home, come to my house.
   Think of me as thy father. Son, farewell.
MATHIAS. But wherefore talked Don Lodowick with you?
BARABAS. Tush, man, we talked of diamonds, not of Abigail.
KATHARINE. Tell me, Mathias, is not that the Jew?
BARABAS. As for the comment on the Maccabees,
   I have it, sir, and 'tis at your command.
MATHIAS. Yes, madam, and my talk with him was
   about the borrowing of a book or two.
KATHARINE. Converse not with him; he is cast off from heaven.
   Thou hast thy crowns, fellow. Come, lets away.
MATHIAS. Sirrah Jew, remember the book.
BARABAS. Marry, will I, sir.

   Exeunt Katherine and Mathias (with a slave)

FIRST OFFICER. Come, I have made a reasonable market. Let's away.

   Exeunt Officers, with Slaves.

BARABAS. Now let me know thy name, and therewithal
   Thy birth, condition, and profession.
ITHAMORE. Faith, sir, my birth is but mean; my name's
   Ithamore. My profession what you please.
BARABAS. Hast thou no trade? then listen to my words,
   And I will teach thee that shall stick by thee.
   First, be thou void of these affections:
   Compassion, love, vain hope, and heartless fear.
   Be moved at nothing. See thou pity none,
   But to thyself smile when the Christians moan.
ITHAMORE. Oh, brave master! I worship your nose for this.
BARABAS. As for myself, I walk abroad a-nights
   And kill sick people groaning under walls.
   Sometimes I go about and poison wells,
   And now and then, to cherish Christian thieves,
   I am content to lose some of my crowns
   That I may, walking in my gallery,
   See 'em go pinioned along by my door.
   Being young, I studied physic, and began
   To practise first upon the Italian.
   There I enriched the priests with burials
   And always kept the sexton's arms in ure
   With digging graves and ringing dead men's knells.
   And after that was I an engineer,
   And in the wars 'twixt France and Germany,
   Under pretence of helping Charles the Fifth,
   Slew friend and enemy with my stratagems.
   Then after that was I an usurer,
   And with extorting, cozening, forfeiting,
   And tricks belonging unto brokery,
   I filled the gaols with bankrupts in a year,
   And with young orphans planted hospitals,
   And every moon made some or other mad,
   And now and then one hang himself for grief,
   Pinning upon his breast a long great scroll
   How I with interest tormented him.
   But mark how I am blest for plaguing them.
   I have as much coin as will buy the town.
   But tell me now, how hast thou spent thy time?
ITHAMORE. Faith master,
   In setting Christian villages on fire,
   Chaining of eunuchs, binding galley slaves.
   One time I was an hostler at an inn,
   And in the night time secretly would steal
   To travellers' chambers, and there cut their throats.
   Once at Jerusalem, where the pilgrims kneeled,
   I strewed powder on the marble stones,
   And therewithal their knees would rankle so,
   That I have laughed a-good to see the cripples
   Go limping home to Christendom on stilts.
BARABAS. Why, this is something. Make account of me
   As of thy fellow; we are villains both.
   Both circumcised; we hate Christians both.
   Be true and secret; thou shalt want no gold.
   But stand aside. Here comes Don Lodowick.

   Enter Lodowick

LODOWICK. Oh, Barabas, well met;
   Where is the diamond you told me of?
BARABAS. I have it for you, sir. Please you walk in with me.
   What, ho, Abigail! open the door, I say.

   Enter Abigail.

ABIGAIL. In good time, father. Here are letters come
   From Ormus, and the post stays here within.
BARABAS. Give me the letters. Daughter, do you hear?
   Entertain Lodowick, the Governor's son,
   With all the courtesy you can afford,
   Provided that you keep your maidenhead.
   Use him as if he were (Aside) a Philistine.
   Dissemble, swear, protest, vow love to him;
   He is not of the seed of Abraham. -
   I am a little busy, sir; pray, pardon me.
   Abigail, bid him welcome for my sake.
ABIGAIL. For your sake and his own he's welcome hither.
BARABAS. Daughter, a word more. Kiss him, speak him fair,
   And like a cunning Jew so cast about
   That ye be both made sure ere you come out.
ABIGAIL. Oh, father, Don Mathias is my love.
BARABAS. I know it. Yet I say make love to him.
   Do, it is requisite it should be so. -
   Nay, on my life, it is my factor's hand.
   But go you in, I'll think upon the account.

   Exeunt Abigail and Lodowick.

   The account is made, for Lodowico dies.
   My factor sends me word a merchant's fled
   That owes me for a hundred tun of wine.
   I weigh it thus much, I have wealth enough.
   For now by this has he kissed Abigail,
   And she vows love to him and he to her.
   As sure as heaven rained manna for the Jews,
   So sure shall he and Don Mathias die.
   His father was my chiefest enemy.

   Enter Mathias.

   Whither goes Don Mathias? stay a while.
MATHIAS. Whither but to my fair love, Abigail?
BARABAS. Thou know'st, and heaven can witness it is true,
   That I intend my daughter shall be thine.
MATHIAS. Ay, Barabas, or else thou wrong'st me much.
BARABAS. Oh, heaven forbid I should have such a thought.
   Pardon me though I weep: the Governor's son
   Will, whether I will or no, have Abigail.
   He sends her letters, bracelets, jewels, rings.
MATHIAS. Does she receive them?
BARABAS. She? No, Mathias, no, but sends them back,
   And, when he comes, she locks herself up fast.
   Yet through the keyhole will he talk to her,
   While she runs to the window, looking out
   When you should come and hale him from the door.
MATHIAS. Oh treacherous Lodowick!
BARABAS. Even now, as I came home, he slipped me in,
   And I am sure he is with Abigail.
MATHIAS. Ill rouse him thence.
BARABAS. Not for all Malta; therefore sheathe your sword.
   If you love me, no quarrels in my house,
   But steal you in, and seem to see him not.
   I'll give him such a warning ere he goes
   As he shall have small hopes of Abigail.
   Away, for here they come.

   Enter Lodowick, Abigail.

MATHIAS. What, hand in hand! I cannot suffer this.
BARABAS. Mathias, as thou lov'st me, not a word.
MATHIAS. Well, let it pass; another time shall serve.

   Exit Mathias.

LODOWICK. Barabas, is not that the widow's son?
BARABAS. Ay, and take heed, for he hath sworn your death.
LODOWICK. My death? what, is the base-born peasant mad?
BARABAS. No, no; but happily he stands in fear
   Of that which you, I think, ne'er dream upon, -
   My daughter here, a paltry silly girl.
LODOWICK. Why, loves she Don Mathias?
BARABAS. Doth she not with her smiling answer you?
ABIGAIL. (Aside) He has my heart; I smile against my will.
LODOWICK. Barabas, thou know'st I have loved thy daughter long.
BARABAS. And so has she done you, even from a child.
LODOWICK. And now I can no longer hold my mind.
BARABAS. Nor I the affection that I bear to you.
LODOWICK. This is thy diamond; tell me, shall I have it?
BARABAS. Win it, and wear it; it is yet unfoiled.
   Oh, but I know your lordship would disdain
   To marry with the daughter of a Jew,
   And yet I'll give her many a golden cross
   With Christian posies round about the ring.
LODOWICK. 'Tis not thy wealth, but her that I esteem.
   Yet crave I thy consent.
BARABAS. And mine you have; yet let me talk to her.
    (Aside) This offspring of Cain, this Jebusite
   That never tasted of the Passover,
   Nor e'er shall see the land of Canaan,
   Nor our Messiah that is yet to come,
   This gentle maggot, Lodowick, I mean,
   Must be deluded. Let him have thy hand,
    (Aside) But keep thy heart till Don Mathias comes.
ABIGAIL. What? Shall I be betrothed to Lodowick?
BARABAS. It's no sin to deceive a Christian,
   For they themselves hold it a principle,
   Faith is not to be held with heretics;
   But all are heretics that are not Jews.
   This follows well, and therefore, daughter, fear not.
   I have entreated her, and she will grant.
LODOWICK. Then, gentle Abigail, plight thy faith to me.
ABIGAIL. I cannot choose, seeing my father bids.
   Nothing but death shall part my love and me.
LODOWICK. Now have I that for which my soul hath longed.
BARABAS. (Aside) So have not I; but yet I hope I shall.
ABIGAIL. Oh wretched Abigail, what hast thou done?
LODOWICK. Why on the sudden is your colour changed?
ABIGAIL. I know not. But farewell; I must be gone.
BARABAS. Stay her, but let her not speak one word more.
LODOWICK. Mute o' the sudden! Here's a sudden change.
BARABAS. Oh muse not at it. 'Tis the Hebrew's guise,
   That maidens new betrothed should weep a while.
   Trouble her not. Sweet Lodowick, depart.
   She is thy wife, and thou shalt be mine heir.
LODOWICK. Oh, is't the custom? Then I am resolved.
   But rather let the brightsome heavens be dim,
   And natures beauty choke with stifling clouds,
   Than my fair Abigail should frown on me.
   There comes the villain; now I'll be revenged.

   Enter Mathias.

BARABAS. Be quiet, Lodowick. It is enough
   That I have made thee sure to Abigail.
LODOWICK. Well, let him go.

   Exit Lodowick.

BARABAS. Well, but for me, as you went in at doors
   You had been stabbed: but not a word on't now.
   Here must no speeches pass, nor swords be drawn.
MATHIAS. Suffer me, Barabas, but to follow him.
BARABAS. No; so shall I, if any hurt be done,
   Be made an accessory of your deeds.
   Revenge it on him when you meet him next.
MATHIAS. For this I'll have his heart.
BARABAS. Do so. Lo, here I give thee Abigail.
MATHIAS. What greater gift can poor Mathias have?
   Shall Lodowick rob me of so fair a love?
   My life is not so dear as Abigail.
BARABAS. My heart misgives me that to cross your love
   He's with your mother. Therefore, after him.
MATHIAS. What, is he gone unto my mother?
BARABAS. Nay, if you will, stay till she comes herself.
MATHIAS. I cannot stay; for, if my mother come,
   She'll die with grief.

   Exit Mathias.

ABIGAIL. I cannot take my leave of him for tears.
   Father, why have you thus incensed them both?
BARABAS. What's that to thee?
ABIGAIL. I'll make 'em friends again.
BARABAS. You'll make 'em friends?
   Are there not Jews enow In Malta,
    But thou must dote upon a Christian?
ABIGAIL. I will have Don Mathias; he is my love.
BARABAS. Yes, you shall have him. Go put her in.
ITHAMORE. Ay, I'll put her in.

   Exit Abigail.

BARABAS. Now tell me, Ithamore, how lik'st thou this?
ITHAMORE. Faith, master, I think by this
   You purchase both their lives. Is it not so?
BARABAS. True, and it shall be cunningly performed.
ITHAMORE. Oh, master, that I might have a hand in this!
BARABAS. Ay, so thou shalt; 'tis thou must do the deed.
   Take this and bear it to Mathias straight,
   And tell him that it comes from Lodowick.
ITHAMORE. 'Tis poisoned, is it not?
BARABAS. No, no; and yet it might be done that way.
   It is a challenge feigned from Lodowick.
ITHAMORE. Fear not. I will so set his heart afire,
   That he shall verily think it comes from him.
BARABAS. I cannot choose but like thy readiness.
   Yet be not rash, but do it cunningly.
ITHAMORE. As I behave myself in this, employ me hereafter.

   Exit Ithamore.

BARABAS. Away, then!
   So, now will I go in to Lodowick,
   And, like a cunning spirit, feign some lie
   Till I have set 'em both at enmity.

   Exit.

ACT THREE, SCENE ONE
 

   Enter Bellamira, a courtesan.

BELLAMIRA. Since this town was besieged, my gain grows cold.
   The time has been that but for one bare night
   A hundred ducats have been freely given,
   But now against my will I must be chaste.
   And yet I know my beauty doth not fail.
   From Venice merchants, and from Padua
   Were wont to come rare witted gentlemen,
   Scholars I mean, learned and liberal;
   And now, save Pilia-Borza, comes there none,
   And he is very seldom from my house.
   And here he comes.

   Enter Pilia-Borza.

PILIA-BORZA. Hold thee, wench, there's something for thee to spend.
BELLAMIRA. 'Tis silver; I disdain it.
PILIA-BORZA. Ay, but the Jew has gold,
   And I will have it, or it shall go hard.
BELLAMIRA. Tell me, how camest thou by this?
PILIA-BORZA. Faith, walking the back lanes, through the gardens,
    I chanced to cast my eye up to the jews counting-
   house, where I saw some bags of money, and in the
   night I clambered up with my hooks; and, as I was
   taking my choice, I heard a rumbling in the house; so
   I took only this, and run my way. - but here's the
   Jew's man.

   Enter Ithamore.

BELLAMIRA. Hide the bag.
PILIA-BORZA. Look not towards him, lets away. Zounds, what a
   looking thou keep'st; thou'lt betray us anon.

   Exeunt Bellamira and Pilia-Borza.

ITHAMORE. O, the sweetest face that evr I beheld! I know
   she is a courtesan by her attire. Now would I give a
   hundred of the Jew's crowns that I had such a concubine.
   Well, I have delivered the challenge in such sort,
   as meet they will and fighting die -- brave sport!

   Exit.

ACT THREE, SCENE TWO
 

   Enter Mathias.

MATHIAS. This is the place. Now Abigail shall see
   Whether Mathias holds her dear or no.

   Enter Lodowick, reading.

LODOWICK. What, dares the villain write in such base terms?
MATHIAS. I did it -- and revenge it, if thou dar'st.

   Fight. Enter Barabas above.

BARABAS. Oh, bravely fought! And yet they thrust not home.
   Now, Lodowico; now, Mathias; so!
   (Both fall)
   So, now they have showed themselves to be tall fellows.
VOICES. (Within) Part 'em, part 'em!
BARABAS. Ay, part 'em, now they are dead. Farewell, farewell.

   Exit. Enter Ferneze, Katherine and Attendants.

FERNEZE. What sight is this? my Lodowico slain!
   These arms of mine shall be thy sepulchre.
KATHARINE. Who is this? my son Mathias slain!
FERNEZE. Oh, Lodowick, hadst thou perished by the Turk,
   Wretched Ferneze might have venged thy death!
KATHARINE. Thy son slew mine, and I'll revenge his death.
FERNEZE. Look, Katharine, look! Thy son gave mine these wounds.
KATHARINE. O, leave to grieve me; I am grieved enough.
FERNEZE. Oh, that my sighs could turn to lively breath,
   And these my tears to blood, that he might live.
KATHARINE. Who made them enemies?
FERNEZE. I know not, and that grieves me most of all.
KATHARINE. My son loved thine.
FERNEZE. And so did Lodowick him.
KATHARINE. Lend me that weapon that did kill my son,
   And it shall murder me.
FERNEZE. Nay, madam, stay. That weapon was my son's,
   And on that rather should Ferneze die.
KATHARINE. Hold; let's inquire the causers of their deaths,
   That we may venge their blood upon their heads.
FERNEZE. Then take them up, and let them be interred
   Within one sacred monument of stone,
   Upon which altar I will offer up
   My daily sacrifice of sighs and tears,
   And with my prayers pierce impartial heavens,
   Till they reveal the causers of our smarts,
   Which forced their hands divide united hearts.
   Come, Katharine, our losses equal are;
   Then of true grief let us take equal share.

   Exeunt.

ACT THREE, SCENE THREE
 

   Enter Ithamore.

ITHAMORE. Why, was there ever seen such villainy.
   So neatly plotted, and so well performed?
   Both held in hand, and flatly both beguiled?

   Enter Abigail

ABIGAIL. Why, how now, Ithamore! Why laugh'st thou so?
ITHAMORE. Oh, mistress! ha, ha, ha!
ABIGAIL. Why, what ail'st thou?
ITHAMORE. Oh, my master!
ABIGAIL. Ha?
ITHAMORE. Oh, mistress, I have the bravest, gravest, secret
   subtle, bottle-nosed knave to my master, that ever
   gentleman had.
ABIGAIL. Say, knave, why rail'st upon my father thus?
ITHAMORE. Oh, my master has the bravest policy.
ABIGAIL. Wherein?
ITHAMORE. Why, know you not?
ABIGAIL. Why, no.
ITHAMORE. Know you not of Mathias' and Don Lodowick's disaster?
ABIGAIL. No. What was it?
ITHAMORE. Why, the devil invented a challenge, my master
   writ it, and I carried it, first to Lodowick, and
   imprimis to Mathias.
   And then they met, and as the story says,
   In doleful wise they ended both their days.
ABIGAIL. And was my father furtherer of their deaths?
ITHAMORE. Am I Ithamore?
ABIGAIL. Yes.
ITHAMORE. So sure did your father write and I carry the challenge.
ABIGAIL. Well, Ithamore, let me request thee this:
   Go to the new made nunnery, and inquire
   For any of the friars of Saint Jaques,
   And say, I pray them come and speak with me.
ITHAMORE. I pray, mistress, will you answer me to one question?
ABIGAIL. Well, sirrah, what is't?
ITHAMORE. A very feeling one. Have not the nuns fine sport
   with the friars now and then?
ABIGAIL. Go to, Sirrah Sauce. Is this your question? Get thee gone!
ITHAMORE. I will, forsooth, mistress.

   Exit Ithamore.

ABIGAIL. Hardhearted father, unkind Barabas,
   Was this the pursuit of thy policy?
   To make me show them favour severally,
   That by my favour they should both be slain?
   Admit thou lov'dst not Lodowick for his sire,
   Yet Don Mathias ne'er offended thee.
   But thou wert set upon extreme revenge
   Because the Prior dispossessed thee once,
   And could'st not venge it but upon his son,
   Nor on his son but by Mathias means,
   Nor on Mathias but by murdering me.
   But I perceive there is no love on earth,
   Pity in Jews, nor piety in Turks.
   But here comes cursed Ithamore with the friar.

   Enter Ithamore and Jacomo.

JACOMO. Virgo, salve.
ITHAMORE. When duck you?
ABIGAIL. Welcome, grave friar. Ithamore, begone.

   Exit Ithamore.

   Know, holy sir, I am bold to solicit thee.
JACOMO. Wherein?
ABIGAIL. To get me be admitted for a nun.
JACOMO. Why, Abigail, it is not yet long since
   That I did labour thy admission,
   And then thou didst not like that holy life.
ABIGAIL. Then were my thoughts so frail and unconfirmed
   As I was chained to follies of the world,
   But now experience, purchased with grief,
   Has made me see the difference of things.
   My sinful soul, alas, hath paced too long
   The fatal labyrinth of misbelief,
   Far from the son that gives eternal life.
JACOMO. Who taught thee this?
ABIGAIL. The abbess of the house,
   Whose zealous admonition I embrace.
   Oh, therefore, Jacomo, let me be one,
   Although unworthy, of that sisterhood.
JACOMO. Abigail, I will. But see thou change no more,
   For that will be most heavy to thy soul.
ABIGAIL. That was my father's fault.
JACOMO. Thy father's, how?
ABIGAIL. Nay, you shall pardon me. O Barabas,
   Though thou deservest hardly at my hands,
   Yet never shall these lips bewray thy life.
JACOMO. Come, shall we go?
ABIGAIL. My duty waits on you.

   Exeunt.

ACT THREE, SCENE FOUR
 

   Enter Barabas, reading a letter.

BARABAS. What, Abigail become a nun again?
   False and unkind! What, hast thou lost thy father?
   And, all unknown and unconstrained of me,
   And thou again got to the nunnery?
   Now here she writes, and wills me to repent.
   Repentance? Spurca! what pretendeth this?
   I fear she knows - 'tis so - of my device
   In Don Mathias' and Lodovico's deaths.
   If so, 'tis time that it be seen into,
   For she that varies from me in belief
   Gives great presumption that she loves me not,
   Or, loving, doth dislike of something done.
   But who comes here? Oh Ithamore, come near.
   Come near, my love; come near, thy master's life,
   My trusty servant, nay, my second self,
   For I have now no hope but even in thee,
   And on that hope my happiness is built.
   When sawst thou Abigail?
ITHAMORE. Today.
BARABAS. With whom?
ITHAMORE. A friar.
BARABAS. A friar! False villain, he hath done the deed.
ITHAMORE. How, sir?
BARABAS. Why, made mine Abigail a nun.
ITHAMORE. That's no lie, for she sent me for him.
BARABAS. Oh unhappy day!
   False, credulous, inconstant Abigail!
   But let 'em go. And, Ithamore, from hence
   Ne'er shall she grieve me more with her disgrace;
   Ne'er shall she live to inherit aught of mine,
   Be blest of me, nor come within my gates,
   But perish underneath my bitter curse,
   Like Cain by Adam, for his brother's death.
ITHAMORE. Oh, master!
BARABAS. Ithamore, entreat not for her. I am moved,
   And she is hateful to my soul and me,
   And, lest thou yield to this that I entreat,
   I cannot think but that thou hat'st my life.
ITHAMORE. Who, I, master? why, I'll run to some rock,
   And throw myself headlong into the sea.
   Why, I'll do anything for your sweet sake.
BARABAS. Oh trusty Ithamore, no servant, but my friend,
   I here adopt thee for mine only heir.
   All that I have is thine when I am dead,
   And whilst I live use half. Spend as myself.
nbsp;  Here, take my keys, - I'll give 'em thee anon.
   Go buy thee garments. But thou shalt not want,
   Only know this, that thus thou art to do.
   But first go fetch me in the pot of rice
   That for our supper stands upon the fire.
ITHAMORE. I hold my head my master's hungry. I go, sir.

   Exit.

BARABAS. Thus every villain ambles after wealth,
   Although he ne'er be richer than in hope.
   But, husht!

   Enter Ithamore with the pot.

ITHAMORE. Here 'tis, master.
BARABAS. Well said, Ithamore.
   What, hast thou brought the ladle with thee too?
ITHAMORE. Yes, sir. The proverb says, he that eats with
   the devil had need of a long spoon. I have brought
   you a ladle.
BARABAS. Very well, Ithamore. Then now be secret,
   And for thy sake, whom I so dearly love,
   Now shalt thou see the death of Abigail,
   That thou mayst freely live to be my heir.
ITHAMORE. Why, master, will you poison her with a mess of
   rice porridge? That will preserve life, make her
   round and plump, and batten more than you are aware.
BARABAS. Ay, but Ithamore, seest thou this?
   It is a precious powder that I bought
   Of an Italian in Ancona once,
   Whose operation is to bind, infect,
   And poison deeply, yet not appear
   In forty hours after it is ta'en.
ITHAMORE. How, master?
BARABAS. Thus, Ithamore:
   This even they use in Malta here, - 'tis called
   Saint Jaques even, - and then, I say, they use
   To send their alms unto the nunneries.
   Among the rest bear this, and set it there.
   There's a dark entry where they take it in,
   Where they must neither see the messenger,
   Nor make inquiry who hath sent it them.
ITHAMORE. How so?
BARABAS. Belike there is some ceremony in't.
   There, Ithamore, must thou go place this pot.
   Stay; let me spice it first.
ITHAMORE. Pray do, and let me help you, master.
   Pray, let me taste first.
BARABAS. Prithee do. What sayst thou now?
ITHAMORE. Troth, master, I'm loath such a pot of pottage
   should be spoiled.
BARABAS. Peace, Ithamore; 'tis better so than spared.
   Assure thyself thou shalt have broth by the eye.
   My purse, my coffer, and myself is thine.
ITHAMORE. Well, master, I go.
BARABAS. Stay! First let me stir it, Ithamore.
   As fatal be it to her as the draught
   Of which great Alexander drunk, and died,
   And with her let it work like Borgia's wine,
   Whereof his sire, the Pope, was poisoned.
   In few, the blood of Hydra, Lerna's bane,
   The juice of hebon, and Cocytus' breath,
   And all the poisons of the Stygian pool
   Break from the fiery kingdom, and in this
   Vomit your venom and envenom her
   That like a fiend hath left her father thus!
ITHAMORE. What a blessing has he given't! Was ever pot
   of rice porridge so sauced? What shall I do with it?
BARABAS. Oh my sweet Ithamore, go set it down,
   And come again as soon as thou hast done,
   For I have other business for thee.
ITHAMORE. Heres a drench to poison a whole stable of
   Flanders mares. Ill carry it to the nuns with a powder.
BARABAS. And the horse pestilence to boot. Away!
ITHAMORE. I am gone.
   Pay me my wages, for my work is done.

   Exit.

BARABAS. I'll pay thee with a vengeance, Ithamore.

   Exit.

ACT THREE, SCENE FIVE
 

   Enter Ferneze, Bosco, Knights, meeting a Basso.

FERNEZE. Welcome, great Basso, how fares Calymath?
   What wind drives you thus into Malta road?
BASSO. The wind that bloweth all the world besides,
   Desire of gold.
FERNEZE. Desire of gold, great sir?
   That's to be gotten in the Western Inde;
   In Malta are no golden minerals.
BASSO. To you of Malta thus saith Calymath:
   The time you took for respite is at hand
   For the performance of your promise past;
   And for the tribute money I am sent.
FERNEZE. Basso, in brief, shalt have no tribute here,
   Nor shall the heathens live upon our spoil.
   First will we raze the city walls ourselves,
   Lay waste the island, hew the temples down,
   And, shipping off our goods to Sicily,
   Open an entrance for the wasteful sea,
   Whose billows, beating the resistless banks,
   Shall overflow it with their refluence.
BASSO. Well, Governor, since thou hast broke the league
   By flat denial of the promised tribute,
   Talk not of razing down your city walls.
   You shall not need trouble yourselves so far,
   For Selim-Calymath shall come himself,
   And with brass bullets batter down your towers,
   And turn proud Malta to a wilderness
   For these intolerable wrongs of yours.
   And so, farewell.

   Exit.

FERNEZE. Farewell:
   And now, you men of Malta, look about,
   And let's provide to welcome Calymath.
   Close your portcullis, charge your basilisks,
   And as you profitably take up arms,
   So now courageously encounter them,
   For by this answer broken is the league,
   And nought is to be looked for now but wars,
   And nought to us more welcome is than wars.

   Exeunt.

ACT THREE, SCENE SIX
 

   Enter Jacomo and Barnardine.

JACOMO. Oh, brother, brother, all the nuns are sick,
   And physic will not help them; they must die.
BARNARDINE. The abbess sent for me to be confessed:
   Oh, what a sad confession will there be.
JACOMO. And so did fair Maria send for me.
   I'll to her lodging; hereabouts she lies.

   Exit. Enter Abigail.

BARNARDINE. What, all dead save only Abigail?
ABIGAIL. And I shall die too, for I feel death coming.
   Where is the friar that conversed with me?
BARNARDINE. Oh, he is gone to see the other nuns.
ABIGAIL. I sent for him, but seeing you are come,
   Be you my ghostly father. And first know
   That in this house I lived religiously,
   Chaste, and devout, much sorrowing for my sins.
   But, ere I came...
BARNARDINE. What then?
ABIGAIL. I did offend high heaven so grievously
   As I am almost desperate for my sins,
   And one offence torments me more than all.
   You knew Mathias and Don Lodowick?
BARNARDINE. Yes, what of them?
ABIGAIL. My father did contract me to 'em both:
   First to Don Lodowick; him I never loved.
   Mathias was the man that I held dear,
   And for his sake did I become a nun.
BARNARDINE. So say, how was their end?
ABIGAIL. Both, jealous of my love, envied each other,
   And by my father's practice, which is there
   Set down at large, the gallants were both slain.
BARNARDINE. Oh, monstrous villainy!
ABIGAIL. To work my peace, this I confess to thee.
   Reveal it not, for then my father dies.
BARNARDINE. Know that confession must not be revealed.
   The canon law forbids it, and the priest
   That makes it known, being degraded first,
   Shall be condemned, and then sent to the fire.
ABIGAIL. So I have heard. Pray, therefore, keep it close.
   Death seizeth on my heart. Ah, gentle friar,
   Convert my father that he may be saved,
   And witness that I die a Christian.
       (Dies.)
BARNARDINE. Ay, and a virgin too; that grieves me most.
   But I must to the Jew, and exclaim on him
   And make him stand in fear of me.

   Enter Jacomo.

JACOMO. Oh, brother, all the nuns are dead. Let's bury them.
BARNARDINE. First help to bury this. Then go with me,
   And help me to exclaim against the Jew.
JACOMO. Why, what has he done?
BARNARDINE. A thing that makes me tremble to unfold.
JACOMO. What, has he crucified a child?
BARNARDINE. No, but a worse thing. T'was told me in shrift.
   Thou know'st tis death and if it be revealed.
   Come, lets away.

   Exeunt.

ACT FOUR, SCENE ONE
 

   Enter Barabas and Ithamore. Bells within.

BARABAS. There is no music to a Christian's knell.
   How sweet the bells ring, now the nuns are dead,
   That sound at other times like tinkers' pans.
   I was afraid the poison had not wrought,
   Or, though it wrought, it would have done no good,
   For every year they swell, and yet they live.
   Now all are dead. Not one remains alive.
ITHAMORE. That's brave, master: but think you it will not
   be known?
BARABAS. How can it, if we two be secret?
ITHAMORE. For my part, fear you not.
BARABAS. I'd cut thy throat, if I did.
ITHAMORE. And reason too.
   But here's a royal monastery hard by;
   Good master, let me poison all the monks.
BARABAS. Thou shalt not need, for now the nuns are dead,
   They'll die with grief.
ITHAMORE. Do you not sorrow for your daughter's death?
BARABAS. No, but I grieve because she lived so long,
   An Hebrew born, and would become a Christian.
   Cazzo, diabolo! [Cock, the Devil!]

   Enter the two Friars.

ITHAMORE. Look, look, master. Here come two religious caterpillars.
BARABAS. I smelt 'em ere they came.
ITHAMORE. God-a-mercy, nose! come, let's begone.
BARNARDINE. Stay, wicked Jew; repent, I say, and stay.
JACOMO. Thou hast offended, therefore must be damned.
BARABAS. I fear they know we sent the poisoned broth.
ITHAMORE. And so do I, master; therefore speak 'em fair.
BARNARDINE. Barabas, thou hast...
JACOMO. Ay, that thou hast...
BARABAS. True, I have money. What though I have?
BARNARDINE. Thou art a...
JACOMO. Ay, that thou art a...
BARABAS. What needs all this? I know I am a Jew.
BARNARDINE. Thy daughter...
JACOMO. Ay, thy daughter...
BARABAS. Oh, speak not of her; then I die with grief.
BARNARDINE. Remember that...
JACOMO. Ay, remember that...
BARABAS. I must needs say that I have been a great usurer.
BARNARDINE. Thou hast committed...
BARABAS. Fornication? But that was in another country;
   And besides the wench is dead.
BARNARDINE. Ay, but Barabas, remember Mathias and Don Lodowick.
BARABAS. Why, what of them?
BARNARDINE. I will not say that by a forged challenge they met.
BARABAS. She has confessed, and we are both undone,
   My bosom intimates. (Aside) But I must dissemble.
   Oh holy friars, the burden of my sins
   Lies heavy on my soul; then pray you tell me
   Is't not too late now to turn Christian?
   I have been zealous in the Jewish faith,
   Hardhearted to the poor, a covetous wretch,
   That would for lucres sake have sold my soul.
   A hundred for a hundred I have ta'en,
   And now for store of wealth may I compare
   With all the Jews in Malta. But what is wealth?
   I am a Jew, and therefore am I lost.
   Would penance serve for this my sin,
   I could afford to whip myself to death.
ITHAMORE. And so could I, but penance will not serve.
BARABAS. To fast, to pray, and wear a shirt of hair,
   And on my knees creep to Jerusalem.
   Cellars of wine, and sollars full of wheat,
   Warehouses stuffed with spices and with drugs,
   Whole chests of gold in bullion and in coin,
   Besides I know not how much weight in pearl,
   Orient and round, have I within my house;
   At Alexandria merchandise unsold.
   But yesterday two ships went from this town;
   Their voyage will be worth ten thousand crowns.
   In Florence, Venice, Antwerp, London, Seville,
   Frankfort, Lubeck, Moscow, and where not,
   Have I debts owing; and, in most of these
   Great sums of money lying in the banco.
   All this I'll give to some religious house,
   So I may be baptized, and live therein.
JACOMO. Oh, good Barabas, come to our house.
BARNARDINE. Oh no, good Barabas, come to our house.
   And Barabas, you know...
BARABAS. I know that I have highly sinned.
   You shall convert me. You shall have all my wealth.
JACOMO. Oh Barabas, their laws are strict.
BARABAS. I know they are, and I will be with you.
BARNARDINE. They wear no shirts, and they go barefoot too.
BARABAS. Then 'tis not for me; and I am resolved
   You shall confess me, and have all my goods.
JACOMO. Good Barabas, come to me.
BARABAS. (To Barnardine) You see, I answer him, and yet he stays.
   Rid him away, and go you home with me.
JACOMO. I'll be with you tonight.
BARABAS. Come to my house at one oclock this night.
BARNARDINE. Why go, get you away.
JACOMO. I will not go for thee.
BARNARDINE. Not? then I'll make thee, rogue.
JACOMO. How! dost call me rogue?
   (They fight.).
ITHAMORE. Part 'em, master, part 'em.
BARABAS. This is mere frailty. Brethren, be content.
   Friar Barnardine, go you with Ithamore.
   You know my mind; let me alone with him.
JACOMO. Why does he go to thy house? Let him begone.
BARABAS. I'll give him something and so stop his mouth.

   Exeunt Ithamore and Barnardine

   I never heard of any man but he
   Maligned the order of the Jacobins.
   But do you think that I believe his words?
   Why, brother, you converted Abigail,
   And I am bound in charity to requite it,
   And so I will. Oh Jacomo, fail not, but come.
JACOMO. But, Barabas, who shall be your godfathers?
   For presently you shall be shrived.
BARABAS. Marry, the Turk shall be one of my godfathers,
   But not a word to any of your convent.
JACOMO. I warrant thee, Barabas.

   Exit Jacomo.

BARABAS. So, now the fear is past, and I am safe,
   For he that shrived her is within my house.
   What if I murdered him ere Jacomo comes?
   Now I have such a plot for both their lives
   As never Jew nor Christian knew the like:
   One turned my daughter; therefore he shall die.
   The other knows enough to have my life;
   Therefore 'tis not requisite he should live.
   But are not both these wise men to suppose
   That I will leave my house, my goods, and all,
   To fast and be well whipped? I'll none of that.
   Now, friar Barnardine, I come to you,
   Ill feast you, lodge you, give you fair words,
   And after that, I and my trusty Turk --
   No more, but so. It must and shall be done.

   Enter Ithamore.

   Ithamore, tell me, is the friar asleep?
ITHAMORE. Yes, and I know not what the reason is.
   Do what I can, he will not strip himself,
   Nor go to bed, but sleeps in his own clothes.
BARABAS. No; 'tis an order which the friars use.
   Yet, if he knew our meanings, could he scape?
ITHAMORE. No, none can hear him, cry he ne'er so loud.
BARABAS. Why, true; therefore did I place him there.
   The other chambers open towards the street.
ITHAMORE. You loiter, master. Wherefore stay we thus?
   Oh, how I long to see him shake his heels.
BARABAS. Come on, sirrah,
   Off with your girdle. Make a handsome noose.
   Friar, awake!

   Enter Barnardine

BARNARDINE. What! do you mean to strangle me?
ITHAMORE. Yes, 'cause you use to confess.
BARABAS. Blame not us, but the proverb, confess and be hanged.
   Pull hard.
BARNARDINE. What, will you have my life?
BARABAS. Pull hard, I say. You would have had my goods.
ITHAMORE. Ay, and our lives too. Therefore pull amain.
   'Tis neatly done, sir. Here's no print at all.
BARABAS. Then is it as it should be. Take him up.
ITHAMORE. Nay, master, be ruled by me a little.
   So, let him lean upon his staff. Excellent! he
   Stands as if he were begging of bacon.
BARABAS. Who would not think but that this friar lived?
   What time a night is't now, sweet Ithamore?
ITHAMORE. Towards one.
BARABAS. Then will not Jacomo be long from hence.

   Exeunt. Enter Jacomo.

JACOMO. This is the hour wherein I shall proceed;
   Oh, happy hour, wherein I shall convert
   An infidel and bring his gold into our treasury.
   But soft! is not this Barnardine? It is;
   And understanding I should come this way,
   Stands here a purpose, meaning me some wrong,
   And intercept my going to the Jew.
   Bernardine!
   Wilt thou not speak? Thou think'st I see thee not?
   Away, I'd wish thee, and let me go by.
   No, wilt thou not? Nay, then I'll force my way.
   And see, a staff stands ready for the purpose.
   As thou lik'st that, stop me another time.

   He strikes Barnardine, who falls.
   Enter Barabas.

BARABAS. Why how now, Jacomo! what hast thou done?
JACOMO. Why, stricken him that would have struck at me.
BARABAS. Who is it? Barnardine? Now out, alas, he is slain.
ITHAMORE. Ay, master, he's slain. Look how his brains drop
   out on's nose.
JACOMO. Good sirs, I have done't, but nobody knows
   it but you two. I may escape.
BARABAS. So might my man and I hang with you for company.
ITHAMORE. No; let us bear him to the magistrates.
JACOMO. Good Barabas, let me go.
BARABAS. No, pardon me. The law must have his course.
   I must be forced to give in evidence
   That being importuned by this Barnardine
   To be a Christian, I shut him out,
   And there he sat. Now I, to keep my word
   And give my goods and substance to your house,
   Was up thus early, with intent to go
   Unto your friary because you stayed.
ITHAMORE. Fie upon 'em, master, will you turn Christian,
   When holy friars turn devils and murder one another?
BARABAS. No; for this example I'll remain a Jew.
   Heaven bless me! what, a friar a murderer?
   When shall you see a Jew commit the like?
ITHAMORE. Why, a Turk could ha' done no more.
BARABAS. Tomorrow is the sessions; you shall to it.
   Come, Ithamore, let's help to take him hence.
JACOMO. Villains, I am a sacred person. Touch me not.
BARABAS. The law shall touch you. We'll but lead you, we.
   'Las, I could weep at your calamity.
   Take in the staff too, for that must be shown.
   Law wills that each particular be known.

   Exeunt.

ACT FOUR, SCENE TWO
 

   Enter Coutesan (Bellamira) and Pilia-Borza..

BELLAMIRA. Pilia-Borza, didst thou meet with Ithamore?
PILIA-BORZA. I did.
BELLAMIRA. And didst thou deliver my letter?
PILIA-BORZA. I did.
BELLAMIRA. And what think'st thou? Will he come?
PILIA-BORZA. I think so. And yet I cannot tell, for, at the
   reading of the letter he looked like a man of another
   world.
BELLAMIRA. Why so?
PILIA-BORZA. That such a base slave as he should be saluted by
   such a tall man as I am, from such a beautiful dame as
   you.
BELLAMIRA. And what said he?
PILIA-BORZA. Not a wise word; only gave me a nod, as who
   should say, "Is it even so?". And so I left him, being
   driven to a nonplus at the critical aspect of my
   terrible countenance.
BELLAMIRA. And where didst meet him?
PILIA-BORZA. Upon mine own freehold, within 40 foot of the
   gallows, conning his neck verse, I take it, looking of
   A friar's execution, whom I saluted with an old hempen
   proverb, hodie tibi, cras mihi, [Your turn today, mine tomorrow]
   and so I left him to the mercy of the hangman.
   But, the exercise being done, see where he comes.

   Enter Ithamore.

ITHAMORE. I never knew a man take his death so patiently as
   this friar. He was ready to leap off ere the halter
   was about his neck. And when the hangman had put on
   his hempen tippet, he made such haste to his prayers,
   as if he had had another cure to serve. Well, go
   whither he will, I'll be none of his followers in
   haste. And now I think on't, coming to the execution,
   a fellow met me with a muschatoes like a ravens wing,
   and a dagger with a hilt like a warming pan, and he
   gave me a letter from one madam Bellamira, saluting me
   in such sort as if he had meant to make clean my
   boots with his lips. The effect was that I should
   come to her house. I wonder what the reason is. It
   may be she sees more in me than I can find in myself,
   for she writes further that she loves me ever since
   she saw me. And who would not requite such love?
   Here's her house, and here she comes, and now would I
   were gone. I am not worthy to look upon her.
PILIA-BORZA. This is the gentleman you writ to.
ITHAMORE. Gentleman! he flouts me. What gentry can be in a
   poor Turk of ten pence? I'll be gone.
BELLAMIRA. Is't not a sweet faced youth, Pilia?
ITHAMORE. Again, sweet youth. Did not you, sir bring
   the sweet youth a letter?
PILIA-BORZA. I did, sir, and from this gentlewoman, who, as
   myself and the rest of the family, stand or fall at
   your service.
BELLAMIRA. Though woman's modesty should hale me back,
   I can withold no longer. Welcome, sweet love.
ITHAMORE. Now am I clean, or rather foully, out of the way.
BELLAMIRA. Whither so soon?
ITHAMORE. Ill go steal some money from my master to make
   me handsome. Pray, pardon me; I must go see a ship
   discharged.
BELLAMIRA. Canst thou be so unkind to leave me thus?
PILIA-BORZA. And ye did but know how she loves you, sir!
ITHAMORE. Nay, I care not how much she loves me. -
   Sweet Allamira, would I had my master's wealth for thy
   sake!
PILIA-BORZA. And you can have it, sir, and if you please.
ITHAMORE. If 'twere above ground, I could and would have it,
   But he hides and buries it up as partridges do their
   eggs, under the earth.
PILIA-BORZA. And is't not possible to find it out?
ITHAMORE. By no means possible.
BELLAMIRA. What shall we do with this base villain, then?
PILIA-BORZA. Let me alone; do but you speak him fair.
   But you know some secrets of the Jew,
   Which, if they were revealed, would do him harm.
ITHAMORE. Ay, and such as - go to, no more! I'll make him
   send me half he has, and glad he 'scapes so too. Pen
   and ink! I'll write unto him. Well have money
   straight.
PILIA-BORZA. Send for a hundred crowns at least.
   (He writes.)
ITHAMORE. Ten hundred thousand crowns. - master Barabas...
PILIA-BORZA. Write not so submissively, but threatening him.
ITHAMORE. Sirrah Barabas, send me a hundred crowns.
PILIA-BORZA. Put in two hundred at least.
ITHAMORE. I charge thee send me 300 by
   this bearer, and this shall be your warrant. If you
   do not - no more, but so.
PILIA-BORZA. Tell him you will confess.
ITHAMORE. 'Otherwise I'll confess all'; vanish, and
   return in a twinkle.
PILIA-BORZA. Let me alone. Ill use him in his kind.

   Exit Pilia-Borza.

ITHAMORE. Hang him, Jew!
BELLAMIRA. Now, gentle Ithamore, lie in my lap.
   Where are my maids? Provide a running banquet.
   Send to the merchant: bid him bring me silks.
   Shall Ithamore, my love, go in such rags?
ITHAMORE. And bid the jeweller come hither too.
BELLAMIRA. I have no husband; sweet; I'll marry thee.
ITHAMORE. Content, but we will leave this paltry land
   And sail from hence to Greece, to lovely Greece.
   I'll be thy Jason, thou my golden fleece.
   Where painted carpets o'er the meads are hurled,
   And Bacchus' vineyards overspread the world,
   Where woods and forests go in goodly green,
   I'll be Adonis: thou shalt be Love's Queen.
   The meads, the orchards, and the primrose lanes,
   Instead of sedge and reed, bear sugar canes.
   Thou in those groves, by Dis above,
   Shalt live with me, and be my love.
BELLAMIRA. Whither will I not go with gentle Ithamore?

   Enter Pilia-Borza

ITHAMORE. How now? Hast thou the gold?
PILIA-BORZA. Yes.
ITHAMORE. But came it freely? Did the cow give down her
   milk freely?
PILIA-BORZA. At reading of the letter, he stared and stamped,
   And turned aside. I took him by the beard, and looked
   upon him thus, told him he were best to send it. Then
   he hugged and embraced me.
ITHAMORE. Rather for fear than love.
PILIA-BORZA. Then, like a Jew, he laughed and jeered, and told
   me he loved me for your sake, and said what a faithful
   servant you had been.
ITHAMORE. The more villain he to keep me thus. Here's
   goodly 'parel, is there not?
PILIA-BORZA. To conclude, he gave me ten crowns.
ITHAMORE. But ten? I'll not leave him worth a grey groat.
   Give me a ream of paper. We'll have a kingdom of
   gold for't.
PILIA-BORZA. Write for five hundred crowns.
ITHAMORE. 'Sirrah Jew, as you love your life, send me
   five hundred crowns and give the bearer one
   hundred'. Tell him I must hav't.
PILIA-BORZA. I warrant, your worship shall hav't.
ITHAMORE. And, if he ask why I demand so much, tell him I
   scorn to write a line under a hundred crowns.
PILIA-BORZA. You'd make a rich poet, sir. I am gone.

   Exit Pilia-Borza.

ITHAMORE. Take thou the money; spend it for my sake.
BELLAMIRA. 'Tis not thy money, but thyself I weigh.
   Thus Bellamira esteems of gold, (Throws it aside)
   But thus of thee.. ,(Kisses him).
ITHAMORE. That kiss again. She runs division of my lips.
   What an eye she casts on me! It twinkles like a star.
BELLAMIRA. Come, my dear love, let's in and sleep together.
ITHAMORE. Oh, that ten thousand nights were put in one,
   That we might sleep seven years together afore we
   wake.
BELLAMIRA. Come, amorous wag; first banquet, and then sleep.

   Exeunt.

ACT FOUR, SCENE THREE
 

   Enter Barabas, reading a letter.

BARABAS. 'Barabas, send me three hundred crowns.
   Plain Barabas? oh, that wicked courtesan!
   He was not wont to call me Barabas.
   Or else I will confess. Ay, there it goes.
   But, if I get him, coupe de gorge for that.
   He sent a shaggy, tottered, staring slave,
   That when he speaks draws out his grisly beard
   And winds it twice or thrice about his ear,
   Whose face has been a grindstone for mens swords;
   His hands are hacked, some fingers cut quite off,
   Who when he speaks grunts like a hog, and looks
   Like one that is employed in catzerie
   And cross biting; such a rogue
   As is the husband to a hundred whores;
   And I by him must send three hundred crowns.
   Well, my hope is, he will not stay there still;
   And, when he comes: oh that he were but here!

   Enter Pilia-Borza.

PILIA-BORZA. Jew, I must ha' more gold.
BARABAS. Why? want'st thou any of thy tale?
PILIA-BORZA. No, but three hundred will not serve his turn.
BARABAS. Not serve his turn, sir?
PILIA-BORZA. No, sir, and therefore I must have five hundred more.
BARABAS. I'll rather...
PILIA-BORZA. Oh, good words, sir, and send it you were best.
   See, there's his letter.
BARABAS. Might he not as well come as send; pray, bid him
   Come and fetch it. What he writes for you,
   Ye shall have straight.
PILIA-BORZA. Ay, and the rest too, or else...
BARABAS. I must make this villain away. Please you
   dine with me, sir? and you shall be most heartily
   (Aside) poisoned.
PILIA-BORZA. No, God-a-mercy. Shall I have these crowns?
BARABAS. I cannot do it. I have lost my keys.
PILIA-BORZA. Oh, if that be all, I can pick ope your locks.
BARABAS. Or climb up to my counting-house window? You
   know my meaning?
PILIA-BORZA. I know enough, and therefore talk not to me of
   your counting-house. The gold, or know, Jew, it is in
   my power to hang thee.
BARABAS. I am betrayed.
   'Tis not five hundred crowns that I esteem.
   I am not moved at that. This angers me,
   That he who knows I love him as myself
   Should write in this imperious vein. Why, sir,
   You know I have no child, and unto whom
   Should I leave all but unto Ithamore?
PILIA-BORZA. Here's many words, but no crowns. The crowns!
BARABAS. Commend me to him, sir, most humbly,
   And unto your good mistress as unknown.
PILIA-BORZA. Speak, shall I have 'em, sir?
BARABAS. Sir, here they are.
   (Aside) Oh, that I should part with so much gold!
   Here, take 'em, fellow, with as good a will -
   (Aside) As I would see thee hanged: oh, love stops my breath.
   Never loved man servant as I do Ithamore.
PILIA-BORZA. I know it, sir.
BARABAS. Pray, when sir, shall I see you at my house?
PILIA-BORZA. Soon enough to your cost, sir. Fare you well.

   Exit.

BARABAS. Nay, to thine own cost, villain, if thou com'st.
   Was ever Jew tormented as I am?
   To have a shag-rag knave to come convey
   Three hundred crowns, and then five hundred crowns!
   Well, I must seek a means to rid 'em all,
   And presently; for in his villainy
   He will tell all he knows, and I shall die for't.
   I have it.
   I will in some disguise go see the slave,
   And how the villain revels with my gold.

   Exit.

ACT FOUR, SCENE FOUR
 

   Enter Courtesan, Ithamore, Pilia-Borza.

BELLAMIRA. I'll pledge thee love, and therefore drink it off.
ITHAMORE. Sayst thou me so? Have at it! And do you hear?
   (Whispers in her ear.)
BELLAMIRA. Go to, it shall be so.
ITHAMORE. Of that condition I will drink it up. Here's to thee.
BELLAMIRA. Nay, I'll have all or none.
ITHAMORE. There. If thou lovs't me, do not leave a drop.
BELLAMIRA. Love thee? Fill me three glasses.
ITHAMORE. Three and fifty dozen! I'll pledge thee.
PILIA-BORZA. Knavely spoke and like a knight at arms.
ITHAMORE. Hey, rivo castiliano, a man's a man.
BELLAMIRA. Now to the Jew.
ITHAMORE. Ha! to the Jew! And send me money you were best.
PILIA-BORZA. What would'st thou do, if he should send thee none?
ITHAMORE. Do nothing, but I know what I know. Hes a murderer.
BELLAMIRA. I had not thought he had been so brave a man.
ITHAMORE. You knew Mathias and the Governor's son. He and I
   killed 'em both, and yet never touched 'em.
PILIA-BORZA. Oh, bravely done!
ITHAMORE. I carried the broth that poisoned the nuns, and he
   and I, snickle hand too fast, strangled a friar.
BELLAMIRA. You two alone?
ITHAMORE. We two. And 'twas never known, nor never shall be
   for me.
PILIA-BORZA. (Aside to Bellamira) This shall with me unto the Governor.
BELLAMIRA. (Aside to Pilia-Borza) And fit it should. But first lets ha' more gold.
   Come, gentle Ithamore, lie in my lap.
ITHAMORE. Love me little, love me long; let music rumble,
   Whilst I in thy incony lap do tumble.

   Enter Barabas with a lute, disguised.

BELLAMIRA. A French musician! Come, let's hear your skill.
BARABAS. Must tuna my lute for sound, twang, twang, first.
ITHAMORE. Wilt drink, Frenchman? Here's to thee with a -
   pox on this drunken hiccup!
BARABAS. Gramercy, monsieur.
BELLAMIRA. Prithee, Pilia-Borza, bid the fiddler give me the
   posy in his hat there.
PILIA-BORZA. Sirrah, you must give my mistress your posy.
BARABAS. A votre commandement, madame.
BELLAMIRA. How sweet, my Ithamore, the flowers smell.
ITHAMORE. Like thy breath, sweetheart; no violet like 'em.
PILIA-BORZA. Foh, methinks they stink like a hollyhock.
BARABAS. So, now I am revenged upon 'em all.
   The scent thereof was death; I poisoned it.
ITHAMORE. Play, fiddler, or I'll cut your cats guts into
   chitterlings.
BARABAS. Pardonnez moi, be no in tune yet; so now, now,
   All be in.
ITHAMORE. Give him a crown, and fill me out more wine.
PILIA-BORZA. There's two crowns for thee. Play.
BARABAS. (Aside) How liberally the villain gives me mine own gold.
PILIA-BORZA. Methinks he fingers very well.
BARABAS. (Aside) So did you when you stole my gold.
PILIA-BORZA. How swift he runs.
BARABAS. (Aside) You ran swifter when you threw my gold out of my
   window.
BELLAMIRA. Musician, hast been in Malta long?
BARABAS. Two, three, four month, madam.
ITHAMORE. Dost not know a Jew, one Barabas?
BARABAS. Very mush, monsieur, you no be his man?
PILIA-BORZA. His man?
ITHAMORE. I scorn the peasant; tell him so.
BARABAS. (Aside) He knows it already.
ITHAMORE. 'Tis a strange thing of that Jew: he lives upon
   pickled grasshoppers and sauced mushrumps.
BARABAS. (Aside) What a slave's this! The Governor feeds not as I
   do.
ITHAMORE. He never put on clean shirt since he was circumcised.
BARABAS. (Aside) Oh rascal! I change myself twice a day.
ITHAMORE. The hat he wears, Judas left under the elder when
   he hanged himself.
BARABAS. (Aside) 'Twas sent me for a present from the Great Cham.
PILIA-BORZA. A nasty slave he is. Whither now, fiddler?
BARABAS. Pardonnez moi, monsieur; me be no well.

   Exit.

PILIA-BORZA. Farewell, fiddler. One letter more to the Jew.
BELLAMIRA. Prithee, sweet love, one more, and write it sharp.
ITHAMORE. No, I'll send by word of mouth now. Bid him
   deliver thee a thousand crowns, by the same token,
   that the nuns loved rice, that friar Barnardine slept
   in his own clothes. Any of 'em will do it.
PILIA-BORZA. Let me alone to urge it, now I know the meaning.
ITHAMORE. The meaning has a meaning. Come, lets in.
   To undo a Jew is charity, and not sin.

   Exeunt.

ACT FIVE, SCENE ONE
 

   Enter Governor (Ferneze), knights, Martin del Bosco
   and Officers.

FERNEZE. Now, gentlemen, betake you to your arms,
   And see that Malta be well fortified.
   And it behoves you to be resolute,
   For Calymath, having hovered here so long,
   Will win the town or die before the walls.
FIRST KNIGHT. And die he shall, for we will never yield.

   Enter courtesan (Bellamira) and Pilia-Borza.

BELLAMIRA. Oh, bring us to the Governor.
FERNEZE. Away with her! She is a courtesan.
BELLAMIRA. Whate'er I am, yet, Governor, hear me speak.
   I bring thee news by whom thy son was slain.
   Mathias did it not: it was the Jew.
PILIA-BORZA. Who, besides the slaughter of these gentlemen,
   Poisoned his own daughter and the nuns,
   Strangled a friar, and I know not what
   Mischief beside.
FERNEZE. Had we but proof of this...
BELLAMIRA. Strong proof, my lord. His man's now at my lodging
   That was his agent, he'll confess it all.
FERNEZE. Go fetch him straight. I always feared that Jew.

   Officers go and fetch in Barabas and Ithamore

BARABAS. I'll go alone. Dogs, do not hale me thus.
ITHAMORE. Nor me neither. I cannot outrun you, constable.
   Oh, my belly.
BARABAS. One dram of powder more had made all sure.
   What a damned slave was I!
FERNEZE. Make fires! Heat irons! Let the rack be fetched!
FIRST KNIGHT. Nay, stay, my lord; 'tmay be he will confess.
BARABAS. Confess? What mean you, lords? Who should confess?
FERNEZE. Thou and thy Turk; 'twas you that slew my son.
ITHAMORE. Guilty, my lord, I confess; your son and Mathias
   Were both contracted unto Abigail.
    He forged a counterfeit challenge.
BARABAS. Who carried that challenge?
ITHAMORE. I carried it, I confess. But who writ it?
   Marry, even he that strangled Barnardine,
   Poisoned the nuns and with them his own daughter.
FERNEZE. Away with him! His sight is death to me.
BARABAS. For what? You men of Malta, hear me speak.
   She is a courtesan, and he a thief,
   And he my bondman. Let me have law,
   For none of this can prejudice my life.
FERNEZE. Once more, away with him! You shall have law.
BARABAS. Devils, do your worst. I live in spite of you.
   As these have spoke, so be it to their souls!
   (Aside) I hope the poisoned flowers will work anon.

   Enter Katharine.

KATHARINE. Was my Mathias murdered by the Jew?
   Ferneze, 'twas thy son that murdered him.
FERNEZE. Be patient, gentle madam; it was he.
   He forged the daring challenge made them fight.
KATHARINE. Where is the Jew? Where is that murderer?
FERNEZE. In prison, till the law has passed on him.

   Enter First Officer.

FIRST OFFICER. My lord, the courtesan and her man are dead;
   So is the Turk and Barabas the Jew.
FERNEZE. Dead?
FIRST OFFICER. Dead, my lord, and here they bring his body.
BOSCO. This sudden death of his is very strange.

   Enter Officers, carrying Barabas as dead.

FERNEZE. Wonder not at it, sir; the heavens are just.
   Their deaths were like their lives; then think not of 'em.
   Since they are dead, let them be buried.
   For the Jew's body, throw that o'er the walls
   To be a prey for vultures and wild beasts.
   So, now away and fortify the town.

   Exeunt all except Barabas.

BARABAS. What, all alone? well fare, sleepy drink!
   I'll be revenged on this accursed town;
   For by my means Calymath shall enter in.
   I'll help to slay their children and their wives,
   To fire the churches, pull their houses down,
   Take my goods too, and seize upon my lands.
   I hope to see the Governor a slave
   And, rowing in a galley, whipped to death.

   Enter Calymath, Bassoes, Turks.

CALYMATH. Whom have we there? A spy?
BARABAS. Yes, my good lord, one that can spy a place
   Where you may enter and surprise the town.
   My name is Barabas; I am a Jew.
CALYMATH. Art thou that Jew whose goods we heard were sold
   For tribute money?
BARABAS. The very same, my lord.
   And since that time they have hired a slave, my man,
   To accuse me of a thousand villainies.
   I was imprisoned, but scaped their hands.
CALYMATH. Didst break prison?
BARABAS. No, no.
   I drank of poppy and cold mandrake juice,
   And being asleep, belike they thought me dead
   And threw me o'er the walls. So, or how else,
   The Jew is here and rests at your command.
CALYMATH. 'Twas bravely done. But tell me, Barabas,
   Canst thou, as thou report'st, make Malta ours?
BARABAS. Fear not, my lord; for here against the sluice,
   The rock is hollow, and of purpose digged
   To make a passage for the running streams
   And common channels of the city.
   Now, whilst you give assault unto the walls,
   I'll lead five hundred soldiers through the vault
   And rise with them i'th' middle of the town,
   Open the gates for you to enter in,
   And by this means the city is your own.
CALYMATH. If this be true, I'll make thee Governor.
BARABAS. And if it be not true, then let me die.
CALYMATH. Thou'st doomed thyself. - assault it presently.

   Exeunt.

ACT FIVE, SCENE TWO
 

   Alarms. Enter Turks and Barabas; Ferneze
   and the Knights prisoners.

CALYMATH. Now vail your pride, you captive Christians,
   And kneel for mercy to your conquering foe.
   Now where's the hope you had of haughty Spain?
   Ferneze, speak. Had it not been much better
   To have kept thy promise than be thus surprised?
FERNEZE. What should I say? We are captives, and must yield.
CALYMATH. Ay, villains, you must yield, and under Turkish yokes
   Shall groaning bear the burden of our ire.
   And, Barabas, as erst we promised thee,
   For thy desert we make thee Governor.
   Use them at thy discretion.
BARABAS. Thanks, my lord.
FERNEZE. Oh fatal day! to fall into the hands
   Of such a traitor and unhallowed Jew!
   What greater misery could heaven inflict?
CALYMATH. 'Tis our command. And Barabas, we give,
   To guard thy person, these our janizaries.
   Entreat them well, as we have used thee.
   And now, brave bassoes, come. Well walk about
   The ruined town, and see the wrack we made.
   Farewell, brave Jew. Farewell, great Barabas.
BARABAS. May all good fortune follow Calymath.

   Exeunt Calymath and Bassoes.

   And now, as entrance to our safety,
   To prison with the Governor and these
   Captains, his consorts and confederates.
FERNEZE. Oh villain, heaven will be revenged on thee.

   Exeunt all except Barabas.

BARABAS. Away! No more! let him not trouble me.
   Thus hast thou gotten, by thy policy
   No simple place, no small authority.
   I now am Governor of Malta, true,
   But Malta hates me, and, in hating me
   My life's in danger. And what boots it thee,
   Poor Barabas, to be the Governor,
   Whenas thy life shall be at their command?
   No, Barabas, this must be looked into;
   And since by wrong thou gott'st authority,
   Maintain it bravely by firm policy;
   At least, unprofitably lose it not,
   For he that liveth in authority,
   And neither gets him friends nor fills his bags,
   Lives like the ass that Aesop speaketh of,
   That labours with a load of bread and wine
   And leaves it off to snap on thistle tops.
   But Barabas will be more circumspect.
   Begin betimes; occasion's bald behind.
   Slip not thine opportunity, for fear too late
   Thou seek'st for much, but canst not compass it.
   Within here!

   Enter Ferneze with a guard.

FERNEZE. My lord?
BARABAS. Ay, lord! Thus slaves will learn.
   Now, Governor, - stand by there; wait within.

   Exeunt guard.

   This is the reason that I sent for thee:
   Thou seest thy life and Malta's happiness
   Are at my arbitrament, and Barabas
   At his discretion may dispose of both.
   Now tell me, Governor, and plainly too,
   What think'st thou shall become of it and thee?
FERNEZE. This, Barabas: since things are in thy power,
   I see no reason but of Malta's wrack,
   Nor hope of thee but extreme cruelty:
   Nor fear I death, nor will I flatter thee.
BARABAS. Governor, good words. Be not so furious.
   'Tis not thy life which can avail me aught;
   Yet you do live, and live for me you shall;
   And as for Malta's ruin, think you not
   'Twere slender policy for Barabas
   To dispossess himself of such a place?
   For sith, as once you said, within this isle,
   In Malta here, that I have got my goods,
   And in this city still have had success,
   And now at length am grown your Governor,
   Yourselves shall see it shall not be forgot;
   For, as a friend not known but in distress,
   I'll rear up Malta, now remediless.
FERNEZE. Will Barabas recover Malta's loss?
   Will Barabas be good to Christians?
BARABAS. What wilt thou give me, Governor, to procure
   A dissolution of the slavish bands
   Wherein the Turk hath yoked your land and you?
   What will you give me if I render you
   The life of Calymath, surprise his men,
   And in an outhouse of the city shut
   His soldiers till I have consumed 'em all with fire?
   What will you give him that procureth this?
FERNEZE. Do but bring this to pass which thou pretendest,
   Deal truly with us as thou intimatest,
   And I will send amongst the citizens
   And by my letters privately procure
   Great sums of money for thy recompense.
   Nay more, do this, and live thou Governor still.
BARABAS. Nay, do thou this, Ferneze, and be free.
   Governor, I enlarge thee. Live with me.
   Go walk about the city; see thy friends.
   Tush, send not letters to 'em; go thyself,
   And let me see what money thou canst make.
   Here is my hand that I'll set Malta free;
   And thus we cast it: to a solemn feast
   I will invite young Selim-Calymath.
   Where be thou present only to perform
   One stratagem that I'll impart to thee,
   Wherein no danger shall betide thy life,
   And I will warrant Malta free forever.
FERNEZE. Here is my hand. Believe me, Barabas,
   I will be there, and do as thou desirest.
   When is the time?
BARABAS. Governor, presently;
   For Calymath, when he hath viewed the town,
   Will take his leave and sail toward Ottoman.
FERNEZE. Then will I, Barabas, about this coin,
   And bring it with me to thee in the evening.
BARABAS. Do so, but fail not. Now farewell, Ferneze.

   Exit Ferneze.

   And thus far roundly goes the business.
   Thus, loving neither, will I live with both,
   Making a profit of my policy,
   And he from whom my most advantage comes
   Shall be my friend.
   This is the life we Jews are used to lead -
   And reason too, for Christians do the like.
   Well, now about effecting this device:
   First to surprise great Selim's soldiers,
   And then to make provision for the feast,
   That at one instant all things may be done.
   My policy detests prevention.
   To what event my secret purpose drives
   I know - and they shall witness with their lives.

   Exit.

ACT FIVE, SCENE THREE
 

   Enter Calymath, Bassoes.

CALYMATH. Thus have we viewed the city, seen the sack,
   And caused the ruins to be new-repaired,
   Which with our bombards' shot and basilisk
   We rent in sunder at our entry.
   Two lofty turrets that command the town.
   And now I see the situation,
   And how secure this conquered island stands,
   Environed with the Mediterranean sea,
   Strong countermured with other petty isles,
   And, toward Calabria, backed by Sicily,
   Where Syracusian Dionysius reigned,
   I wonder how it could be conquered thus.

   Enter a Messenger.

MESSENGER. From Barabas, Malta's Governor, I bring
   A message unto mighty Calymath.
   Hearing his sovereign was bound for sea,
   To sail to Turkey, to great Ottoman,
   He humbly would entreat your majesty
   To come and see his homely citadel
   And banquet with him ere thou leav'st the isle.
CALYMATH. To banquet with him in his citadel?
   I fear me, messenger, to feast my train
   Within a town of war so lately pillaged
   Will be too costly and too troublesome;
   Yet would I gladly visit Barabas,
   For well has Barabas deserved of us.
MESSENGER. Selim, for that, thus saith the Governor:
   That he hath in store a pearl so big,
   So precious, and withal so orient,
   As, be it valued but indifferently,
   The price thereof will serve to entertain
   Selim and all his soldiers for a month.
   Therefore he humbly would entreat your highness
   Not to depart till he has feasted you.
CALYMATH. I cannot feast my men in Malta walls,
   Except he place his tables in the streets.
MESSENGER. Know, Selim, that there is a monastery
   Which standeth as an out-house to the town;
   There will he banquet them, but thee at home,
   With all thy bassoes and brave followers.
CALYMATH. Well, tell the Governor we grant his suit.
   We'll in this summer evening feast with him.
MESSENGER. I shall, my lord.

   Exit Messenger.

CALYMATH. And now, bold bassoes, let us to our tents,
   And meditate how we may grace us best
   To solemnize our Governor's great feast.

   Exeunt.

ACT FIVE, SCENE FOUR
 

   Enter Ferneze, Knights, Del Bosco.

FERNEZE. In this, my countrymen, be ruled by me.
   Have special care that no man sally forth
   Till you shall hear a culverin discharged
   By him that bears the linstock, kindled thus.
   Then issue out and come to rescue me,
   For happily I shall be in distress,
   Or you released of this servitude.
FIRST KNIGHT. Rather than thus to live as Turkish thralls,
   What will we not adventure?
FERNEZE. On, then; begone.
KNIGHTS. Farewell, grave Governor.

   Exeunt.

ACT FIVE, SCENE FIVE
 

   Enter Barabas with a hammer, above, very busy.
   and Carpenters.

BARABAS. How stand the cords? How hang these hinges? Fast?
   Are all the cranes and pulleys sure?
FIRST CARPENTER. All fast.
BARABAS. Leave nothing loose, all levelled to my mind.
   Why, now I see that you have art indeed.
   There, carpenters, divide that gold amongst you.
   Go, swill in bowls of sack and muscadine.
   Down to the cellar; taste of all my wines.
FIRST CARPENTER. We shall, my lord, and thank you.

   Exeunt Carpenters.

BARABAS. And if you like them, drink your fill and die!
   For, so I live, perish may all the world!
   Now, Selim-Calymath, return me word
   That thou wilt come, and I am satisfied.

   Enter Messenger.

   Now, sirrah; what, will he come?
MESSENGER. He will; and has commanded all his men
   To come ashore, and march through Malta streets,
   That thou may'st feast them in thy citadel.
BARABAS. Then now are all things as my wish would have 'em.
   There wanteth nothing but the Governor's pelf,
   And see, he brings it.

   Enter Ferneze.

   Now Governor, the sum.
FERNEZE. With free consent, a hundred thousand pounds.
BARABAS. Pounds, sayst thou, Governor? Well, since it is no more,
   I'll satisfy myself with that. Nay, keep it still,
   For if I keep not promise, trust not me.
   And, Governor, now partake my policy:
   First, for his army, they are sent before,
   Entered the monastery, and underneath
   In several places are field-pieces pitched,
   Bombards, whole barrels full of gunpowder,
   That on the sudden shall dissever it
   And batter all the stones about their ears,
   Whence none can possibly escape alive.
   Now, as for Calymath and his consorts,
   Here have I made a dainty gallery,
   The floor whereof, this cable being cut,
   Doth fall asunder, so that it doth sink
   Into a deep pit past recovery.
   Here, hold that knife. And when thou seest he comes
   And with his bassoes shall be blithely set,
   A warning piece shall be shot off from the tower,
   To give thee knowledge when to cut the cord
   And fire the house. Say, will not this be brave?
FERNEZE. Oh, excellent! Here, hold thee, Barabas.
   I trust thy word; take what I promised thee.
BARABAS. No, Governor. I'll satisfy thee first;
   Thou shalt not live in doubt of anything.
   Stand close, for here they come.

   Ferneze retires.

   Why, is not this
   A kingly kind of trade, to purchase towns
   By treachery, and sell 'em by deceit?
   Now tell me, worldlings, underneath the sun
   If greater falsehood ever has been done?

   Enter Calymath and Bassoes.

CALYMATH. Come, my companion bassoes. See, I pray,
   How busy Barabas is there above
   To entertain us in his gallery.
   Let us salute him. Save thee, Barabas!
BARABAS. Welcome, great Calymath.
FERNEZE. How the slave jeers at him.
BARABAS. Will't please thee, mighty Selim-Calymath,
   To ascend our homely stairs?
CALYMATH. Ay, Barabas. Come bassoes, ascend.
FERNEZE. (Coming forward.) Stay, Calymath!
   For I will show thee greater courtesy
   Than Barabas would have afforded thee.
KNIGHT. (Within.) Sound a charge there!

   A charge, the cable cut, a cauldron discovered
   (into which Barabas falls).
   Enter Knights and Del Bosco.

CALYMATH. How now! what means this?
BARABAS. Help, help me, Christians, help.
FERNEZE. See, Calymath. This was devised for thee.
CALYMATH. Treason, treason! Bassoes, fly!
FERNEZE. No, Selim, do not fly.
   See his end first, and fly then if thou canst.
BARABAS. Oh, help me, Selim! Help me, Christians!
   Governor, why stand you all so pitiless?
FERNEZE. Should I in pity of thy plaints or thee,
   Accursed Barabas, base Jew, relent?
   No, thus I'll see thy treachery repaid,
   But wish thou hadst behaved thee otherwise.
BARABAS. You will not help me, then?
FERNEZE. No, villain, no.
BARABAS. And, villains, know you cannot help me now.
   Then, Barabas, breathe forth thy latest fate,
   And in the fury of thy torments strive
   To end thy life with resolution.
   Know, Governor, 'twas I that slew thy son.
   I framed the challenge that did make them meet.
   Know, Calymath, I aimed thy overthrow,
   And had I but escaped this stratagem,
   I would have brought confusion on you all,
   Damned Christian dogs, and Turkish infidels!
   But now begins the extremity of heat
   To pinch me with intolerable pangs.
   Die, life! Fly, soul! Tongue, curse thy fill, and die!
   (Dies)
CALYMATH. Tell me, you Christians, what doth this portend?
FERNEZE. This train he laid to have entrapped thy life.
   Now, Selim, note the unhallowed deeds of Jews.
   Thus he determined to have handled thee,
   But I have rather chose to save thy life.
CALYMATH. Was this the banquet he prepared for us?
   Let's hence, lest further mischief be pretended.
FERNEZE. Nay, Selim, stay; for, since we have thee here,
   We will not let thee part so suddenly.
   Besides, if we should let thee go, all's one,
   For with thy galleys could'st thou not get hence,
   Without fresh men to rig and furnish them.
CALYMATH. Tush, Governor, take thou no care for that.
   My men are all aboard,
   And do attend my coming there by this.
FERNEZE. Why, heard'st thou not the trumpet sound a charge?
CALYMATH. Yes, what of that?
FERNEZE. Why, then the house was fired,
   Blown up and all thy soldiers massacred.
CALYMATH. Oh, monstrous treason!
FERNEZE. A Jew's courtesy;
   For he that did by treason work our fall
   By treason hath delivered thee to us.
   Know, therefore, till thy father hath made good
   The ruins done to Malta and to us,
   Thou canst not part. For Malta shall be freed,
   Or Selim ne'er return to Ottoman.
CALYMATH. Nay, rather, Christians, let me go to Turkey,
   In person there to mediate your peace.
   To keep me here will nought advantage you.
FERNEZE. Content thee, Calymath, here thou must stay,
   And live in Malta prisoner, for come all the world
   To rescue thee, so will we guard us now,
   As sooner shall they drink the ocean dry
   Than conquer Malta or endanger us.
   So march away, and let due praise be given
   Neither to Fate nor Fortune, but to Heaven.

   Exeunt.

FINIS

© This edition and HTML version, Peter Farey, 2001-2
Based upon an e-text from:
The Complete Works of Christopher Marlowe. Fredson Bowers, ed.
Cambridge, England: The University Press, 1973
Welcome corrections to my original attempt supplied by Michael Blanc.