Christopher Marlowe

The Jew of Malta

Marlowe, Christopher. <<The Jew of Malta>> . Edited by Richard van Fossen. Loncoln / London: University of Nebraska / Edward Arnold, 1965. Regents Renaissance Drama Series.

Joan Oleza Simó (Investigador principal) van Fossen, Richard (Editor de la edición crítica) Tronch Pérez, Jesús (Editor digital)

English · Verso · 386 versos

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) License

https://playcode.fly.dev/plays/EMOTHE0695_TheJewOfMalta

Note on this digital edition

Reproduced by kind permission of the University of Nebraska Press. Copyright 1965 by the University of Nebraska Press. This digital edition reproduces the text edited by Richard van Fossen, except for the modernization of the past participle when its vowel “e” is sounded (that is, "usher’d" is here modernized as "ushered", and “crazed” as “crazêd”), and in other formal aspects derived from the adaptation of the printed text to the electronic format and XML-TEI encoding for the EMOTHE Digital Library.

[Dramatis Personae

Ferneze Governor of Malta

Lodowick his son

Selim Calymath son of the Emperor of Turkey

Martin del Bosco Vice-Admiral of Spain

Mathias a gentleman

Barabas the Jew of Malta

Ithamore his slave

Callapine bashaw to Calymath

Friar Jacomo

Friar Barnardine

Pilia-Borza a bully

Two Merchants

Three Jews

Knights of Malta, Bashaws, Officers, Friars, Slaves, Guard, Messenger, Attendants, Carpenters

Katherine mother to Mathias

Abigail daughter to Barabas

Bellamira a courtesan

Abbess

Nun

Machiavel speaker of the Prologue

Knights

The Prologue Spoken at Court

Gracious and great, that we so boldly dare 1

(¨Mongst other plays that now in fashion are) 2

To present this, writ many years agone, 3

And in that age, thought second unto none, 4

We humbly crave your pardon; we pursue 5

The story of a rich and famous Jew 6

Who lived in Malta. You shall find him still, 7

In all his projects, a sound Machevill; 8

And that’s his character. He that hath past 9

So many censures, is now come at last 10

To have your princely ears. Grace you him; then 11

You crown the action, and renown the pen. 12

The Prologue to the Stage, at the Cock-pit

We know not how our play may pass this stage, 13

But by the best of best of Marlowe poets in that age 14

The Malta Jew had being, and was made; 15

And he, then by the best of best of Alleyn actors played. 16

In Hero and Leander , one did gain 17

A lasting memory; in Tamburlaine , 18

This Jew, with others many, th’ other wan 19

The attribute of peerless, being a man 20

Whom we may rank with (doing no one wrong) 21

Proteus for shapes, and Roscius for a tongue, 22

So could he speak, so vary; nor is ’t hate 23

To merit in merit in Perkins him who doth personate 24

Our Jew this day, nor is it his ambition 25

To exceed, or equal, being of condition 26

More modest; this is all that he intends 27

(And that, too, at the urgence of some friends): 28

To prove his best, and if none here gainsay it, 29

The part he hath studied, and intends to play it. 30

[Prologue]

([Enter] Machiavel.)

Machiavel

Albeit the world think Machiavel is dead, 31

Yet was his soul but flown beyond the Alps, 32

And, now the Guise is dead, is come from France, 33

To view this land, and frolic with his friends. 34

To some, perhaps, my name is odious, 35

But such as love me, guard me from their tongues, 36

And let them know that I am Machiavel, 37

And weigh not men, and therefore not men’s words. 38

Admired I am of those that hate me most: 39

Though some speak openly against my books, 40

Yet will they read me, and thereby attain 41

To Peter’s chair; and when they cast me off, 42

Are poisoned by my climbing followers. 43

I count religion but a childish toy, 44

And told there is no sin but ignorance. 45

Birds of the air will tell of murders past; 46

I am ashamed to hear such fooleries. 47

Many will talk of title to a crown; 48

What right had Caesar to the empire? 49

Might first made kings, and laws were then most sure 50

When, like the Draco’s, they were writ in blood. 51

Hence comes it, that a strong-built citadel 52

Commands much more than letters can import. 53

Which maxim had Phalaris observed, 54

H’ had never bellowed in a brazen bull 55

Of great ones’ envy; o’ th’ poor, petty wights, 56

Let me be envied and not pitied! 57

But whiter am I bound? I come not, I, 58

To read a lecture here in Britain, 59

But to present the tragedy of a Jew, 60

Who smiles to see how full his bags are crammed, 61

Which money was not got without my means. 62

I crave but this: grace him as he deserves, 63

And let him not be entertained the worse 64

Because he favors me. 65

([Exit.])

[I.i]

(Enter Barabas in his countinghouse, with heaps of gold before him.)

Barabas

So that of thus much that return was made: 1

And of the third part of the Persian ships, 2

There was the venture summed and satisfied. 3

As for those Scenites, and the men of Uz, 4

That bought my Spanish oils, and wines of Greece, 5

Here have I pursed their paltry silverlings. 6

Fie! what a trouble ’tis to count this trash. 7

Well fare the Arabians, who so richly pay 8

The things they traffic for with wedge of gold, 9

Whereof a man may easily in a day 10

Tell that which may maintain him all his life. 11

The needy groom, that never fingered groat, 12

Would make a miracle of thus much coin; 13

But he whose steel-barred coffers are crammed full, 14

And all his lifetime hath been tired, 15

Wearying his fingers’ ends with telling it, 16

Would in his age be loath to labor so, 17

And for a pound to sweat himself to death. 18

Give me the merchants of the Indian mines, 19

That trade in metal of the purest mold; 20

The wealthy Moor, that in the eastern rocks 21

Without control can pick his riches up, 22

And in his house heap pearl like pebble-stones, 23

Receive them free, and sell them by the weight, 24

Bags of fiery opals, sapphires, amethysts, 25

Jacinths, hard topaz, grass-green emeralds, 26

Beauteous rubies, sparkling diamonds, 27

And seld-seen costly stones of so great price 28

As one of them, indifferently rated, 29

And of a carat of this quantity, 30

May serve in peril of calamity 31

To ransom great kings from captivity. 32

This is the ware wherein consists my wealth: 33

And thus methinks should men of judgment frame 34

Their means of traffic from the vulgar trade, 35

And as their wealth increaseth, so enclose 36

Infinite riches in a little room. 37

But now how stands the wind? 38

Into what corner peers my halcyon’s bill? 39

Ha! to the east? yes: see how stands the vanes? 40

East by south. Why then I hope my ships 41

I sent for Egypt and the bordering isles 42

Are gotten up by Nilus’ winding banks: 43

Mine argosy from Alexandria, 44

Loaden with spice and silks, now under sail, 45

Are smoothly gliding down by Candy shore 46

To Malta, through our Mediterranean sea. 47

But who comes here? How now? 48

(Enter a Merchant.)

1 Merchant

Barabas, thy ships are safe,

Riding in Malta road; and all the merchants 49

With other merchandise are safe arrived, 50

And have sent me to know whether yourself 51

Will come and custom them. 52

Barabas

The ships are safe, thou say’st, and richly fraught? 53

1 Merchant

They are. 54

Barabas

Why then go bid them come ashore,

And bring with them their bills of entry: 55

I hope our credit in the customhouse 56

Will serve as well as I were present there. 57

Go send ’em threescore camels, thirty mules, 58

And twenty wagons to bring up the ware. 59

But art thou master in a ship of mine, 60

And is thy credit not enough for that? 61

1 Merchant

The very custom barely comes to more 62

Than many merchants of the town are worth, 63

And therefore far exceeds my credit, sir. 64

Barabas

Go tell ’em the Jew of Malta sent thee, man: 65

Tush, who amongst ’em knows not Barabas? 66

1 Merchant

I go. 67

Barabas

So then, there’s somewhat come. Sirrah,

Which of my ships art thou master of? 68

1 Merchant

Of the Speranza , sir. 69

Barabas

And saw’st thou not

Mine argosy at Alexandria? 70

Thou couldst not come from Egypt, or by Caire, 71

But at the entry there into the sea 72

Where Nilus pays his tribute to the main; 73

Thou needs must sail by Alexandria. 74

1 Merchant

I neither saw them, nor inquired of them. 75

But this we heard some of our seamen say, 76

They wondered how you durst with so much wealth 77

Trust such a crazèd vessel, and so far. 78

Barabas

Tush; they are wise! I know her and her strength. 79

But go, go thou thy ways, discharge thy ship, 80

And bid my factor bring his loading in. 81

([Exit 1 Merchant.])

And yet I wonder at this argosy. 82

(Enter a second Merchant.)

2 Merchant

Thine argosy from Alexandria, 83

Know, Barabas, doth ride in Malta road, 84

Laden with riches, and exceeding store 85

Of Persian silks, of gold, and orient pearl. 86

Barabas

How chance you came not with those other ships 87

That sailed by Egypt? 88

2 Merchant

Sir, we saw ’em not.

Barabas

Belike they coasted round by Candy shore 89

About their oils, or other businesses. 90

But ’twas ill done of you to come so far 91

Without the aid or conduct of their ships. 92

2 Merchant

Sir, we were wafted by a Spanish fleet 93

That never left us till within a league, 94

That had the galleys of the Turk in chase. 95

Barabas

O, they were going up to Sicily. Well, go 96

And bid the merchants and my men despatch 97

And come ashore, and see the fraught discharged. 98

2 Merchant

I go. 99

(Exit.)

Barabas

Thus trolls our fortune in by land and sea, 100

And thus are we on every side enriched: 101

These are the blessings promised to the Jews, 102

And herein was old Abraham’s happiness. 103

What more may heaven do for earthly man 104

Than thus to pour out plenty in their laps, 105

Ripping the bowels of the earth for them, 106

Making the sea their servants, and the winds 107

To drive their substance with successful blasts? 108

Who hateth me but for my happiness? 109

Or who is honored now but for his wealth? 110

Rather had I, a Jew, be hated thus, 111

Than pitied in a Christian poverty; 112

For I can see no fruits in all their faith, 113

But malice, falsehood, and excessive pride, 114

Which methinks fits not their profession. 115

Happily some hapless man hath conscience, 116

And for his conscience lives in beggary. 117

They say we are a scattered nation: 118

I cannot tell; but we have scambled up 119

More wealth by far than those that brag of faith. 120

There’s Kirrian Jairim, the great Jew of Greece, 121

Obed in Bairseth, Nones in Portugal, 122

Myself in Malta, some in Italy, 123

Many in France, and wealthy every one: 124

Ay, wealthier far than any Christian. 125

I must confess we come not to be kings; 126

That’s not our fault: alas, our number’s few, 127

And crowns come either by succession, 128

Or urged by force; and nothing violent, 129

Oft have I heard tell, can be permanent. 130

Give us a peaceful rule; make Christian kings, 131

That thirst so much for principality. 132

I have no charge, nor many children, 133

But one sole daughter, whom I hold as dear 134

As Agamemnon did his Iphigen; 135

And all I have is hers. But who comes here? 136

(Enter three Jews.)

1 Jew

Tush, tell not me ’twas done of policy. 137

2 Jew

Come, therefore, let us go to Barabas, 138

For he can counsel best in these affairs; 139

And here he comes. 140

Barabas

Why, how now, countrymen?

Why flock you thus to me in multitudes? 141

What accident’s betided to the Jews? 142

1 Jew

A fleet of warlike galleys, Barabas, 143

Are come from Turkey, and lie in our road; 144

And they this day sit in the council-house 145

To entertain them and their embassy. 146

Barabas

Why, let ’em come, so they come not to war; 147

Or let ’em war, so we be conquerors. 148

Nay, let ’em combat, conquer, and kill all, 149

So they spare me, my daughter, and my wealth. 150

1 Jew

Were it for confirmation of a league, 151

They would not come in warlike manner thus. 152

2 Jew

I fear their coming will afflict us all. 153

Barabas

Fond men, what dream you of their multitudes? 154

What need they treat of peace that are in league? 155

The Turks and those of Malta are in league. 156

Tut, tut, there is some other matter in ’t. 157

1 Jew

Why, Barabas, they come for peace or war. 158

Barabas

Happily for neither, but to pass along 159

Towards Venice by the Adriatic sea, 160

With whom they have attempted many times, 161

But never could effect their stratagem. 162

3 Jew

And very wisely said; it may be so. 163

2 Jew

But there’s a meeting in the senate-house, 164

And all the Jews in Malta must be there. 165

Barabas

Hum; all the Jews in Malta must be there? 166

Ay, like enough; why, then, let every man 167

Provide him, and be there for fashion sake. 168

If anything shall there concern our state, 169

Assure yourselves I’ll look unto – 170

myself.

1 Jew

I know you will; well, brethren, let us go. 171

2 Jew

Let’s take our leaves; farewell, good Barabas. 172

Barabas

Do so; farewell, Zaareth, farewell, Temainte. 173

([Exeunt Jews.])

And, Barabas, now search this secret out. 174

Summon thy senses, call thy wits together: 175

These silly men mistake the matter clean. 176

Long to the Turk did Malta contribute, 177

Which tribute – all in policy, I fear – 178

The Turks have let increase to such a sum 179

As all the wealth of Malta cannot pay; 180

And now by that advantage thinks, belike, 181

To seize upon the town. Ay, that he seeks. 182

Howe’er the world go, I’ll make sure for one, 183

And seek in time to intercept the worst, 184

Warily guarding that which I ha’ got. 185

Ego mihimet sum semper proximus. 186

Why, let ’em enter, let ’em take the town. 187

([Exit.])

[I.ii]

(Enter [FERNEZE,] Governors of Malta (Knights) [, and Officers,] met by [Callapine and other] Bashaws of the Turk [and] Calymath.)

Ferneze

Now, bashaws, what demand you at our hands? 1

Callapine

Know, Knights of Malta, that we came from Rhodes, 2

From Cyprus, Candy, and those other isles 3

That lie betwixt the Mediterranean seas. 4

Ferneze

What’s Cyprus, Candy, and those other isles 5

To us, or Malta? What at our hands demand ye? 6

Calymath

The ten years’ tribute that remains unpaid. 7

Ferneze

Alas, my lord, the sum is overgreat; 8

I hope your Highness will consider us. 9

Calymath

I wish, grave governors, ’twere in my power 10

To favour you, but ’tis my father’s cause, 11

Wherein I may not, nay, I dare not dally. 12

Ferneze

Then give us leave, great Selim Calymath. 13

Calymath

[to the bashaws] Stand all aside, and let the knights determine – 14

And send to keep our galleys under sail, 15

For happily we shall not tarry here. 16

[to the Maltese] Now, governors, how are you resolved? 17

Ferneze

Thus: since your hard conditions are such 18

That you will needs have ten years’ tribute past, 19

We may have time to make collection 20

Amongst the inhabitants of Malta for ’t. 21

Callapine

That’s more than is in our commission. 22

Calymath

What, Callapine, a little courtesy! 23

Let’s know their time. Perhaps it is not long; 24

And ’tis more kingly to obtain by peace 25

Than to enforce conditions by constraint. 26

What respite ask you, governors? 27

Ferneze

But a month.

Calymath

We grant a month, but see you keep your promise. 28

Now launch our galleys back again to sea, 29

Where we’ll attend the respite you have ta’en, 30

And for the money send our messenger. 31

Farewell, great governors, and brave Knights of Malta. 32

(Exeunt [Calymath, Callapine, and Bashaws].)

Ferneze

And all go fortune wait on Calymath. 33

Go, one, and call those Jews of Malta hither: 34

Were they not summoned to appear today? 35

1 Officer

They were, my lord, and here they come. 36

(Enter Barabas and three Jews.)

1 Knight

Have you determined what to say to them? 37

Ferneze

Yes, give me leave; and, Hebrews, now come near. 38

From the Emperor of Turkey is arrived 39

Great Selim Calymath, his Highness’ son, 40

To levy of us ten years’ tribute past; 41

Now then, here know that it concerneth us – 42

Barabas

Then, good my lord, to keep your quiet still, 43

Your lordship shall do well to let them have it. 44

Ferneze

Soft, Barabas, there’s more ’longs to ’t than so. 45

To what this ten years’ tribute will amount, 46

That we have cast, but cannot compass it 47

By reason of the wars, that robbed our store; 48

And therefore are we to request your aid. 49

Barabas

Alas, my lord, we are no soldiers: 50

And what’s our aid against so great a prince? 51

1 Knight

Tut, Jew, we know thou art no soldier; 52

Thou art a merchant, and a moneyed man, 53

And ’tis thy money, Barabas, we seek. 54

Barabas

How, my lord, my money? 55

Ferneze

Thine and the rest;

For, to be short, amongst you ’t must be had. 56

1 Jew

Alas, my lord, the most of us are poor. 57

Ferneze

Then let the rich increase your portions. 58

Barabas

Are strangers with your tribute to be taxed? 59

2 Knight

Have strangers leave with us to get their wealth? 60

Then let them with us contribute. 61

Barabas

How, equally? 62

Ferneze

No, Jew, like infidels.

For through our sufferance of your hateful lives, 63

Who stand accursèd in the sight of heaven, 64

These taxes and afflictions are befall’n, 65

And therefore thus we are determinèd: 66

Read there the articles of our decrees. 67

1 Officer

[reading] 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! 71

Ferneze

Read on. 72

1 Officer

[reading] Secondly, he that denies to pay, shall straight become a Christian.

Barabas

How! a Christian! Hum, what’s here to do? 75

1 Officer

[reading] Lastly, he that denies this, shall absolutely lose all he has.

All 3 Jews

O, my lord, we will give half. 77

Barabas

O, earth-mettled villains, and no Hebrews born! 78

And will you basely thus submit yourselves 79

To leave your goods to their arbitrament? 80

Ferneze

Why, Barabas, wilt thou be christened? 81

Barabas

No, governor, I will be no convertite. 82

Ferneze

Then pay thy half. 83

Barabas

Why, know you what you did by this device? 84

Half of my substance is a city’s wealth. 85

Governor, it was not got so easily; 86

Nor will I part so slightly therewithal. 87

Ferneze

Sir, half is the penalty of our decree; 88

Either pay that, or we will seize on all. 89

([Exeunt Officers, on a sign from Ferneze.])

Barabas

Corpo di Dio! stay: you shall have half; 90

Let me be used but as my brethren are. 91

Ferneze

No, Jew, thou hast denied the articles, 92

And now it cannot be recalled. 93

Barabas

Will you then steal my goods? 94

Is theft the ground of your religion? 95

Ferneze

No, Jew, we take particularly thine 96

To save the ruin of a multitude: 97

And better one want for a common good, 98

Than many perish for a private man. 99

Yet, Barabas, we will not banish thee, 100

But here in Malta, where thou gott’st thy wealth, 101

Live still; and, if thou canst, get more. 102

Barabas

Christians – what, or how can I multiply? 103

Of naught is nothing made. 104

1 Knight

From naught at first thou cam’st to little wealth, 105

From little unto more, from more to most: 106

If your first curse fall heavy on thy head, 107

And make thee poor and scorned of all the world, 108

’Tis not our fault, but thy inherent sin. 109

Barabas

What? bring you scripture to confirm your wrongs? 110

Preach me not out of my possessions. 111

Some Jews are wicked, as all Christians are: 112

But say the tribe that I descended of 113

Were all in general cast away for sin, 114

Shall I be tried by their transgression? 115

The man that dealeth righteously shall live: 116

And which of you can charge me otherwise? 117

Ferneze

Out, wretched Barabas! 118

Sham’st thou not thus to justify thyself 119

As if we knew not thy profession? 120

If thou rely upon thy righteousness, 121

Be patient and thy riches will increase. 122

Excess of wealth is cause of covetousness, 123

And covetousness, O, ’tis a monstrous sin. 124

Barabas

Ay, but theft is worse; tush, take not from me then, 125

For that is theft; and if you rob me thus, 126

I must be forced to steal and compass more. 127

1 Knight

Grave governors, list not to his exclaims: 128

Convert his mansion to a nunnery; 129

(Enter Officers.)

His house will harbour many holy nuns. 130

Ferneze

It shall be so: now, officers, have you done? 131

1 Officer

Ay, my lord, we have seized upon the goods 132

And wares of Barabas, which being valued 133

Amount to more than all the wealth in Malta. 134

And of the other we have seizèd half. 135

Ferneze

Then we’ll take order for the residue. 136

Barabas

Well then, my lord, say, are you satisfied? 137

You have my goods, my money, and my wealth, 138

My ships, my store, and all that I enjoyed; 139

And having all, you can request no more, 140

Unless your unrelenting flinty hearts 141

Supress all pity in your stony breasts, 142

And now shall move you to bereave my life. 143

Ferneze

No, Barabas, to stain our hands with blood 144

Is far from us and our profession. 145

Barabas

Why, I esteem the injury far less, 146

To take the lives of miserable men, 147

Than be the causers of their misery; 148

You have my wealth, the labor of my life, 149

The comfort of mine age, my children’s hope; 150

And therefore ne’er distinguish of the wrong. 151

Ferneze

Content thee, Barabas; thou hast naught but right. 152

Barabas

Your extreme right does me exceeding wrong: 153

But take it to you i’ th’ devil’s name. 154

Ferneze

Come, let us in, and gather of these goods 155

The money for this tribute of the Turk. 156

1 Knight

’Tis necessary that be looked unto: 157

For if we break our day, we break the league, 158

And that will prove but simple policy. 159

(Exeunt. [Manent Barabas and the three Jews.])

Barabas

Ay, policy! that’s their profession, 160

And not simplicity, as they suggest. 161

The plagues of Egypt, and the curse of heaven, 162

Earth’s barrenness, and all men’s hatred 163

Inflict upon them, thou great Primus Motor . 164

And here upon my knees, striking the earth, 165

I ban their souls to everlasting pains 166

And extreme tortures of the fiery deep 167

That thus have dealt with me in my distress. 168

1 Jew

O, yet be patient, gentle Barabas. 169

Barabas

O, silly brethren, born to see this day! 170

Why stand you thus unmoved with my laments? 171

Why weep you not to think upon my wrongs? 172

Why pine not I, and die in this distress? 173

1 Jew

Why, Barabas, as hardly can we brook 174

The cruel handling of ourselves in this: 175

Thou seest they have taken half our goods. 176

Barabas

Why did you yield to their extortion? 177

You were a multitude, and I but one, 178

And of me only have they taken all. 179

1 Jew

Yet, brother Barabas, remember Job. 180

Barabas

What tell you me of Job? I wot his wealth 181

Was written thus: he had seven thousand sheep, 182

Three thousand camels, and two hundred yoke 183

Of laboring oxen, and five hundred 184

She asses; but for every one of those, 185

Had they been valued at indifferent rate, 186

I had at home, and in mine argosy 187

And other ships that came from Egypt last, 188

As much as would have bought his beasts and him, 189

And yet have kept enough to live upon; 190

So that not he, but I may curse the day, 191

Thy fatal birthday, forlorn Barabas, 192

And henceforth wish for an eternal night, 193

That clouds of darkness may enclose my flesh, 194

And hide these extreme sorrows from mine eyes: 195

For only I have toiled to inherit here 196

The months of vanity and loss of time, 197

And painful nights have been appointed me. 198

2 Jew

Good Barabas, be patient. 199

Barabas

Ay, ay;

Pray leave me in my patience. You that 200

Were ne’er possessed of wealth, are pleased with want. 201

But give him liberty at least to mourn, 202

Than in a field amidst his enemies 203

Doth see his soldiers slain, himself disarmed, 204

And knows no means of his recovery: 205

Ay, let me sorrow for this sudden chance; 206

’Tis in the trouble of my spirit I speak. 207

Great injuries are not so soon forgot. 208

1 Jew

Come, let us leave him in his ireful mood; 209

Our words will but increase his ecstasy. 210

2 Jew

On then; but trust me ’tis a misery 211

To see a man in such affliction. 212

Farewell, Barabas. 213

(Exeunt. [Manet Barabas.])

Barabas

Ay, fare you well.

See the simplicity of these base slaves, 214

Who, for the villains have no wit themselves, 215

Think me to be a senseless lump of clay 216

That will with every water wash to dirt: 217

No, Barabas is born to better chance, 218

And framed of finer mold than common men, 219

That measure naught but by the present time. 220

A reaching thought will search his deepest wits, 221

And cast with cunning for the time to come: 222

For evils are apt to happen every day – 223

But whither wends my beauteous Abigail? 224

(Enter Abigail, the Jew’s daughter.)

O, what has made my lovely daughter sad? 225

What? woman, moan not for a little loss: 226

Thy father has enough in store for thee. 227

Abigail

Not for myself, but agèd Barabas: 228

Father, for thee lamenteth Abigail. 229

But I will learn to leave these fruitless tears, 230

And, urged thereto with my afflictions, 231

With fierce exclaims run to the senate-house, 232

And in the senate reprehend them all, 233

And rent their hearts with tearing of my hair, 234

Till they reduce the wrongs done to my father. 235

Barabas

No, Abigail, things past recovery 236

Are hardly cured with exclamations. 237

Be silent, daughter; sufferance breeds ease, 238

And time may yield us an occasion 239

Which on the sudden cannot serve the turn. 240

Besides, my girl, think me not all so fond 241

As negligently to forgo so much 242

Without provision for thyself and me. 243

Ten thousand portagues, besides great pearls, 244

Rich, costly jewels, and stones infinite, 245

Fearing the worst of this before it fell, 246

I closely hid. 247

Abigail

Where, father?

Barabas

In my house, my girl.

Abigail

Then shall they ne’er be seen of Barabas: 248

For they have seized upon thy house and wares. 249

Barabas

But they will give me leave once more, I trow, 250

To go into my house. 251

Abigail

That may they not:

For there I left the governor placing nuns, 252

Displacing me; and of thy house they mean 253

To make a nunnery, where none but their own sect 254

Must enter in, men generally barred. 255

Barabas

My gold, my gold, and all my wealth is gone! 256

You partial heavens, have I deserved this plague? 257

What, will you thus oppose me, luckless stars, 258

To make me desperate in my poverty? 259

And knowing me impatient in distress 260

Think me so mad as I will hang myself, 261

That I may vanish o’er the earth in air, 262

And leave no memory that e’er I was? 263

No! I will live; nor loathe I this my life; 264

And since you live me in the ocean thus 265

To sink or swim, and put me to my shifts, 266

I’ll rouse my senses, and awake myself. 267

Daughter, I have it: thou perceiv’st the plight 268

Wherein these Christians have oppressèd me: 269

Be ruled by me, for in extremity 270

We ought to make bar of no policy. 271

Abigail

Father, whate’er it be, to injure them 272

That have so manifestly wrongèd us, 273

What will not Abigail attempt? 274

Barabas

Why, so;

Then thus: thou told’st me they have turned my house 275

Into a nunnery, and some nuns are there. 276

Abigail

I did. 277

Barabas

Then, Abigail, there must my girl

Entreat the Abbess to be entertained. 278

Abigail

How, as a nun? 279

Barabas

Ay, daughter, for religion

Hides many mischiefs from suspicion. 280

Abigail

Ay, but, father, they will suspect me there. 281

Barabas

Let ’em suspect, but be thou so precise 282

As they may think it done of holiness. 283

Entreat ’em fair, and give them friendly speech, 284

And seem to them as if thy sins were great, 285

Till thou hast gotten to be entertained. 286

Abigail

Thus, father, shall I much dissemble. 287

Barabas

Tush!

As good dissemble that thou never mean’st, 288

As first mean truth, and then dissemble it. 289

A counterfeit profession is better 290

Than unseen hypocrisy. 291

Abigail

Well, father,

Say I be entertained; what then shall follow? 292

Barabas

This shall follow then: 293

There have I hid close underneath the plank 294

That runs along the upper-chamber floor, 295

The gold and jewels which I kept for thee. 296

But here they come; be cunning, Abigail. 297

Abigail

Then, father, go with me. 298

Barabas

No, Abigail, in this

It is not necessary I be seen, 299

For I will seem offended with thee for ’t. 300

Be close, my girl, for this must fetch my gold. 301

(Enter three Friars [including Jacomo and Barnardine] and two Nuns [one an Abbess].)

Friar Jacomo

Sisters, we now are almost at the new-made nunnery. 302

Abbess

The better; for we love not to be seen: 303

’Tis thirty winters long since some of us 304

Did stray so far amongst the multitude. 305

Friar Jacomo

But, madam, this house and waters of this new-made 306

nunnery will much delight you. 307

Abbess

It may be so; but who comes here? 308

Abigail

Grave Abbess, and you, happy virgins’ guide, 309

Pity the state of a distressèd maid. 310

Abbess

What art thou, daughter? 311

Abigail

The hopeless daughter of a hapless Jew, 312

The Jew of Malta, wretched Barabas, 313

Sometimes the owner of a goodly house, 314

Which they have now turned to a nunnery. 315

Abbess

Well, daughter, say, what is thy suit with us? 316

Abigail

Fearing the afflictions which my father feels 317

Proceed from sin, or want of faith in us, 318

I’d pass away my life in penitence, 319

And be a novice in your nunnery, 320

To make atonement for my laboring soul. 321

Friar Jacomo

No doubt, brother, but this proceedeth of the spirit. 322

Friar Barnardine

Ay, and of a moving spirit too, brother; but come, 323

Let us entreat she may be entertained. 324

Abbess

Well, daughter, we admit you for a nun. 325

Abigail

First let me as a novice learn to frame 326

My solitary life to your strait laws, 327

And let me lodge where I was wont to lie; 328

I do not doubt, by your divine precepts 329

And mine own industry, but to profit much. 330

Barabas

As much, I hope, as all I hid is worth. 331

Abbess

Come, daughter, follow us. 332

Barabas

Why, how now, Abigail?

What mak’st thou amongst these hateful Christians? 333

Friar Jacomo

Hinder her not, thou man of little faith, 334

For she has mortified herself. 335

Barabas

How, mortified!

Friar Jacomo

And is admitted to the sisterhood. 336

Barabas

Child of perdition, and thy father’s shame, 337

What wilt thou do among these hateful fiends? 338

I charge thee on my blessing that thou leave 339

These devils, and their damnèd heresy. 340

Abigail

Father, give me – 341

Barabas

Nay, back, Abigail.

(whispers to her) And think upon the jewels and the gold; 342

The board is markèd thus 343

[makes cross] that covers it.

– Away, accursèd, from thy father’s sight. 344

Friar Jacomo

Barabas, although thou art in misbelief, 345

And wilt not see thine own afflictions, 346

Yet let thy daughter be no longer blind. 347

Barabas

Blind? Friar, I reck not thy persuasions. 348

The board is markèd thus 349

that covers it.

– For I had rather die, than see her thus. 350

Wilt thou forsake me too in my distress, 351

Seducèd daughter? 352

Go, forget not.

– Becomes it Jews to be so credulous? 353

Tomorrow early I’ll be at the door. 354

– No, come not at me, if thou wilt be damned. 355

Forget me, see me not, and so be gone. 356

Farewell; remember tomorrow morning. 357

– Out, out, thou wretch. 358

([Exeunt, Barabas separately.])

(Enter Mathias.)

Mathias

Who’s this? fair Abigail, the rich Jew’s daughter, 359

Become a nun! Her father’s sudden fall 360

Has humbled her and brought her down to this. 361

Tut, she were fitter for a tale of love 362

Than to be tired out with orisons; 363

And better would she far become a bed, 364

Embracèd in a friendly lover’s arms, 365

Than rise at midnight to a solemn mass. 366

(Enter Lodowick.)

Lodowick

Why, how now, Don Mathias, in a dump? 367

Mathias

Believe me, noble Lodowick, I have seen 368

The strangest sight, in my opinion, 369

That ever I beheld. 370

Lodowick

What was ’t, I prithee?

Mathias

A fair young maid, scarce fourteen years of age, 371

The sweetest flower in Cytherea’s field, 372

Cropped from the pleasures of the fruitful earth, 373

And strangely metamorphosed nun. 374

Lodowick

But say, what was she? 375

Mathias

Why, the rich Jew’s daughter.

Lodowick

What, Barabas, whose goods were lately seized? 376

Is she so fair? 377

Mathias

And matchless beautiful;

As had you seen her ’twould have moved your heart, 378

Though countermured with walls of brass, to love, 379

Or at the least to pity. 380

Lodowick

And if she be so fair as you report, 381

’Twere time well spent to go and visit her: 382

How say you, shall we? 383

Mathias

I must and will, sir; there’s no remedy. 384

Lodowick

And so will I too, or it shall go hard. 385

Farewell, Mathias. 386

Mathias

Farewell, Lodowick.

(Exeunt [severally].)

[II.i]

(Enter Barabas with a light.)

Barabas

Thus like the sad presaging raven that tolls 1

The sick man’s passport in her hollow beak, 2

And in the shadow of the silent night 3

Doth shake contagion from her sable wings, 4

Vexed and tormented runs poor Barabas 5

With fatal curses towards these Christians. 6

The incertain pleasures of swift-footed time 7

Have ta’en their flight, and left me in despair; 8

And of my former riches rests no more 9

But bare remembrance, like a soldier’s scar, 10

That has no further comfort for his maim. 11

O, Thou, that with a fiery pillar ledd’st 12

The sons of Israel through the dismal shades, 13

Light Abraham’s offspring, and direct the hand 14

Of Abigail this night; or let the day 15

Turn the eternal darkness after this: 16

No sleep can fasten on my watchful eyes, 17

Nor quiet enter my distempered thoughts, 18

Till I have answer of my Abigail. 19

(Enter Abigail above.)

Abigail

Now have I happily espied a time 20

To search the plank my father did appoint; 21

And here, behold, unseen, where I have found 22

The gold, the pearls, and jewels which he hid. 23

Barabas

Now I remember those old women’s words, 24

Who in my wealth would tell me winter’s tales, 25

And speak of spirits and ghosts that glide by night 26

About the place where treasure hath been hid; 27

And now methinks that I am one of those: 28

For whilst I live, here lives my soul’s sole hope, 29

And when I die, here shall my spirit walk. 30

Abigail

Now that my father’s fortune were so good 31

As but to be about this happy place – 32

’Tis not so happy; yet when we parted last, 33

He said he would attend me in the morn. 34

Then, gentle sleep, where’er his body rests, 35

Give charge to Morpheus that he may dream 36

A golden dream, and of the sudden walk, 37

Come and receive the treasure I have found. 38

Barabas

Bien para todos mi ganada no es: 39

As good go on, as sit so sadly thus. 40

But stay! what star shines yonder in the east? 41

The lodestar of my life, if Abigail. 42

Who’s there? 43

Abigail

Who’s that?

Barabas

Peace, Abigail, ’tis I.

Abigail

Then father, here receive thy happiness. 44

Barabas

Hast thou ’t? 45

Abigail

Here. (Throws down bags.) Hast thou ’t? 46

There’s more, and more, and more. 47

Barabas

O, my girl,

My gold, my fortune, my felicity; 48

Strength to my soul, death to mine enemy; 49

Welcome, the first beginner of my bliss! 50

O, Abigail, that I had thee here too, 51

Then my desires were fully satisfied; 52

But I will practice thy enlargement thence. 53

O girls, O gold, O beauty, O my bliss! 54

(Hugs his bags.)

Abigail

Father, it draweth towards midnight now, 55

And ’bout this time the nuns begin to wake; 56

To shun suspicion, therefore, let us part. 57

Barabas

Farewell, my joy, and by my fingers take 58

A kiss from him that sends it from his soul. 59

([Exit Abigail above.])

Now, Phoebus, ope the eyelids of the day, 60

And, for the raven, wake the morning lark, 61

That I may hover with her in the air, 62

Singing o’er these, as she does o’er her young. 63

Hermoso placer de los dineros. 64

[II.ii]

(Enter Ferneze, Martin del Bosco, the Knights [, and Officers].)

Ferneze

Now, captain, tell us whither thou art bound, 1

Whence is thy ship that anchors in our road, 2

And why thou cam’st ashore without our leave? 3

Del Bosco

Governor of Malta, hither am I bound; 4

My ship, The Flying Dragon , is of Spain, 5

And so am I; del Bosco is my name, 6

Vice-admiral unto the Catholic king. 7

1 Knight

’Tis true, my lord; therefore entreat him well. 8

Del Bosco

Our fraught is Grecians, Turks, and Afric Moors. 9

For late upon the coast of Corsica, 10

Because we vailed not to the Turkish fleet, 11

Their creeping galleys had us in the chase; 12

But suddenly the wind began to rise, 13

And then we luffed and tacked, and fought at ease. 14

Some have we fired, and many have we sunk, 15

But one amongst the rest became our prize: 16

The captain’s slain, the rest remain our slaves, 17

Of whom we would make sale in Malta here. 18

Ferneze

Martin del Bosco, I have heard of thee; 19

Welcome to Malta, and to all of us. 20

But to admit a sale of these thy Turks 21

We may not, nay, we dare not give consent, 22

By reason of a tributary league. 23

1 Knight

Del Bosco, as thou lovest and honor’st us, 24

Persuade our governor against the Turk. 25

This truce we have is but in hope of gold, 26

And with that sum he craves might we wage war. 27

Del Bosco

Will Knights of Malta be in league with Turks, 28

And buy it basely, too, for sums of gold? 29

My lord, remember that, to Europe’s shame, 30

The Christian isle of Rhodes, from whence you came, 31

Was lately lost, and you were stated here 32

To be at deadly enmity with Turks. 33

Ferneze

Captain, we know it, but our force is small. 34

Del Bosco

What is the sum that Calymath requires? 35

Ferneze

A hundred thousand crowns. 36

Del Bosco

My lord and king hath title to this isle, 37

And he means quickly to expel you hence; 38

Therefore be ruled by me, and keep the gold. 39

I’ll write unto his Majesty for aid 40

And not depart until I see you free. 41

Ferneze

On this condition shall thy Turks be sold. 42

Go, officers, and set them straight in show. 43

([Exeunt Officers.])

Bosco, thou shalt be Malta’s general; 44

We and our warlike knights will follow thee 45

Against these barbarous misbelieving Turks. 46

Del Bosco

So shall you imitate those you succeed: 47

For when their hideous force environed Rhodes, 48

Small though the number was that kept the town, 49

They fought it out, and not a man survived 50

To bring the hapless news to Christendom. 51

Ferneze

So will we fight it out; come, let’s away. 52

Proud, daring Calymath, instead of gold, 53

We’ll send thee bullets wrapped in smoke and fire; 54

Claim tribute where thou wilt, we are resolved; 55

Honor is bought with blood and not with gold. 56

(Exeunt.)

[II.iii]

(Enter Officers with [Ithamore and other] Slaves.)

1 Officer

This is the marketplace; here let ’em stand: 1

Fear not their sale, for they’ll be quickly bought. 2

2 Officer

Every one’s price is written on his back, 3

And so much must they yield or not be sold. 4

(Enter Barabas.)

1 Officer

Here comes the Jew; had not his goods been seized, 5

He’d give us present money for them all. 6

Barabas

In spite of these swine-eating Christians 7

(Unchosen nation, never circumcised, 8

Such as, poor villains, were ne’er thought upon 9

Till Titus and Vespasian conquered us), 10

Am I become as wealthy as I was. 11

They hoped my daughter would ha’ been a nun, 12

But she’s at home, and I have bought a house 13

As great and fair as is the governor’s; 14

And there in spite of Malta will I dwell, 15

Having Ferneze’s hand, whose heart I’ll have; 16

Ay, and his son’s, too, or it shall go hard. 17

I am not of the Tribe of Levi, I, 18

That can so soon forget an injury. 19

We Jews can fawn like spaniels when we please, 20

And when we grin, we bite; yet are our looks 21

As innocent and harmless as a lamb’s. 22

I learned in Florence how to kiss my hand, 23

Heave up my shoulders when they call me dog, 24

And duck as low as any barefoot friar, 25

Hoping to see them starve upon a stall, 26

Or else be gathered for in our synagogue, 27

That when the offering basin comes to me, 28

Even for charity I may spit into ’t. 29

Here comes Don Lodowick, the governor’s son, 30

One that I love for his good father’s sake. 31

(Enter Lodowick.)

Lodowick

I hear the wealthy Jew walkèd this way; 32

I’ll seek him out, and so insinuate 33

That I may have a sight of Abigail; 34

For Don Mathias tells me she is fair. 35

Barabas

Now will I show myself to have more of the serpent than the dove; that is, more knave than fool.

Lodowick

Yond walks the Jew; now for fair Abigail. 38

Barabas

Ay, ay; no doubt but she’s at your command. 39

Lodowick

Barabas, thou know’st I am the governor’s son. 40

Barabas

– The slave looks like a hog’s cheek new singed.

Lodowick

Whither walk’st thou, Barabas? 44

Barabas

No further: ’tis a custom held with us, 45

That when we speak with Gentiles like to you, 46

We turn into the air to purge ourselves: 47

For unto us the promise doth belong. 48

Lodowick

Well, Barabas, canst help me to a diamond? 49

Barabas

O, sir, your father had my diamonds. 50

Yet I have one left that will serve your turn: 51

I mean my daughter; but ere he shall have her, 52

I’ll sacrifice her on a pile of wood. 53

I ha’ the poison of the city for him, 54

And the white leprosy. 55

Lodowick

What sparkle does it give without a foil? 56

Barabas

The diamond that I talk of ne’er was foiled; 57

But when he touches it, it will be foiled. 58

[to him] Lord Lodowick it sparkles bright and fair. 59

Lodowick

Is it square or pointed? pray let me know. 60

Barabas

Pointed it is, good sir; 61

– but not for you.

Lodowick

I like it much the better. 62

Barabas

So do I, too.

Lodowick

How shows it by night? 63

Barabas

Outshines Cynthia’s rays:

You’ll like it better far a’ nights than days. 64

Lodowick

And what’s the price? 65

Barabas

Your life, and if you have it.

[to him] – O, my lord, 66

We will not jar about the price; come to my house, 67

And I will give ‘t your honor – 68

with a vengeance.

Lodowick

No, Barabas, I will deserve it first. 69

Barabas

Good sir, 70

Your father has deserved it at my hands, 71

Who, of mere charity and Christian ruth, 72

To bring me to religious purity, 73

And, as it were, in catechizing sort, 74

To make me mindful of my mortal sins, 75

Against my will, and whether I would or no, 76

Seized all I had, and thrust me out a’ doors, 77

And made my house a place for nuns most chaste. 78

Lodowick

No doubt your soul shall reap the fruit of it. 79

Barabas

Ay, but, my lord, the harvest is far off; 80

And yet I know the prayers of those nuns 81

And holy friars, having money for their pains, 82

Are wondrous; 83

and indeed do no man good.

[to him] – And seeing they are not idle, but still doing, 84

’Tis likely they in time may reap some fruit; 85

I mean in fullness of perfection. 86

Lodowick

Good Barabas, glance not at our holy nuns. 87

Barabas

No, but I do it through a burning zeal, 88

Hoping ere long to set the house afire; 89

For though they do a while increase and multiply, 90

I’ll have a saying to that nunnery. 91

[to him] – As for the diamond, sir, I told you of, 92

Come home, and there’s no price shall make us part, 93

Even for your honourable father’s sake. 94

It shall go hard but I will see your death. 95

[to him] – But now I must be gone to buy a slave. 96

Lodowick

And, Barabas, I’ll bear thee company. 97

Barabas

Come, then; here’s the marketplace. 98

What’s the price of this slave? Two hundred crowns? 99

Do the Turk weigh so much? 100

1 Officer

Sir, that’s his price.

Barabas

What, can he steal that you demand so much? 101

Belike he has some new trick for a purse; 102

And if he has, he is worth three hundred plates, 103

So that, being bought, the town seal might be got 104

To keep him for his lifetime from the gallows. 105

The sessions day is critical to thieves, 106

And few or none ’scape but by being purged. 107

Lodowick

Ratest thou this Moor but at two hundred plates? 108

1 Officer

No more, my lord. 109

Barabas

Why should this Turk be dearer than that Moor? 110

1 Officer

Because he is young and has more qualities. 111

Barabas

What, hast the philosopher’s stone? And thou hast, break my head with it; I’ll forgive thee.

1 Slave

No, sir; I can cut and shave.

Barabas

Let me see, sirrah; are you not an old shaver?

1 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.

1 Slave

I will serve you, sir.

Barabas

Some wicked trick or other. It may be under color of shaving thou ’It cut my throat for my goods. Tell me, hast thou thy health well?

1 Slave

Ay, passing well.

Barabas

So much the worse; I must have one that’s sickly, and be but for sparing victuals; ’tis not a stone of beef a day will maintain you in these chops. Let me see one that’s somewhat leaner.

1 Officer

Here’s a leaner. How like you him?

Barabas

Where was thou born? 128

Ithamore

In Thrace; brought up in Arabia. 129

Barabas

So much the better; thou art for my turn. 130

And hundred crowns? I’ll have him; there’s the coin. 131

1 Officer

Then mark him, sir, and take him hence. 132

Barabas

Ay, mark him, you were best; for this is he 133

That by my help shall do much villainy. 134

– My lord, farewell. [to Ithamore] Come, sirrah, you are mine. 135

[to Lodowick] As for the diamond, it shall be yours. 136

I pray, sir, be no stranger at my house; 137

All that I have shall be at your command. 138

(Enter Mathias [and his] Mother [,Katherine].)

Mathias

What makes the Jew and Lodowick so private? 139

I fear me ’tis about fair Abigail. 140

Barabas

Yonder comes Don Mathias; let us stay. 141

He loves my daughter, and she holds him dear, 142

But I have sworn to frustrate both their hopes, 143

And be revenged upon the – 144

governor.

([Exit Lodowick.])

Katherine

This Moor is comeliest, is he not? Speak, son. 145

Mathias

No, this is the better, mother; view this well. 146

Barabas

Seem not to know me here before your mother, 147

Lest she mistrust the match that is in hand. 148

When you have brought her home, come to my house; 149

Think of me as thy father; son, farewell. 150

Mathias

But wherefore talked Don Lodowick with you? 151

Barabas

Tush, man, we talked of diamonds, not of Abigail. 152

Katherine

Tell me, Mathias, is not that the Jew? 153

Barabas

As for the comment on the Maccabees, 154

I have it, sir, and ’tis at your command. 155

Mathias

Yes, madam, and my talk with him was but 156

About the borrowing of a book or two. 157

Katherine

Converse not with him; he is cast off from heaven. 158

Thou hast thy crowns, fellow. Come, let’s away. 159

Mathias

Sirrah Jew, remember the book. 160

Barabas

Marry, will I, sir. 161

(Exeunt [Mathias, Katherine, and Slave].)

1 Officer

Come, I have made a reasonable market; let’s away. 162

([Exeunt Officers with Slaves.])

Barabas

Now let me know thy name, and therewithal 163

Thy birth, condition, and profession. 164

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, 167

And I will teach thee that shall stick by thee. 168

First, be thou void of these affections: 169

Compassion, love, vain hope, and heartless fear; 170

Be moved at nothing, see thou pity none, 171

But to thyself smile when the Christians moan. 172

Ithamore

O brave, master; I worship your nose for this. 173

Barabas

As for myself, I walk abroad a’ nights 174

And kill sick people groaning under walls; 175

Sometimes I go about and poison wells; 176

And now and then, to cherish Christian thieves, 177

I am content to lose some of my crowns, 178

That I may, walking in my gallery, 179

See ’em go pinioned along by my door. 180

Being young, I studied physic, and began 181

To practice first upon the Italian; 182

There I enriched the priests with burials, 183

And always kept the sexton’s arms in ure 184

With digging graves and ringing dead men’s knells. 185

And after that was I an engineer, 186

And in the wars ’twixt France and Germany, 187

Under pretense of helping Charles the Fifth, 188

Slew friend and enemy with my stratagems. 189

Then after that was I an usurer, 190

And with extorting, cozening, forfeiting, 191

And tricks belonging unto brokery, 192

I filled the jails with bankrouts in a year, 193

And with young orphans planted hospitals, 194

And every moon made some or other mad, 195

And now and then one hang himself for grief, 196

Pinning upon his breast a long great scroll, 197

How I with interest tormented him. 198

But mark how I am blessed for plaguing them: 199

I have as much coin as will buy the town. 200

But tell me, now, how hast thou spent thy time? 201

Ithamore

Faith, master, 202

In setting Christian villages on fire, 203

Chaining of eunuchs, binding galley slaves. 204

One time I was an hostler in an inn, 205

And in the nighttime secretly would I steal 206

To travelers’ chambers, and there cut their throats. 207

Once at Jerusalem, where the pilgrims kneeled, 208

I strowèd powder on the marble stones, 209

And therewithal their knees would rankle, so 210

That I have laughed a-good to see the cripples 211

Go limping home to Christendom on stilts. 212

Barabas

Why, this is something! Make account of me 213

As of thy fellow; we are villains both. 214

Both circumcisèd, we hate Christians both. 215

Be true and secret, thou shalt want no gold. 216

But stand aside; here comes Don Lodowick. 217

(Enter Lodowick.)

Lodowick

O, Barabas, well met; 218

Where is the diamond you told me of? 219

Barabas

I have it for you, sir; please you walk in with me. 220

What ho, Abigail! open the door, I say. 221

(Enter Abigail.)

Abigail

In good time, father; here are letters come 222

From Ormus, and the post stays here within. 223

Barabas

Give me the letters; daughter, do you hear? 224

Entertain Lodowick, the governor’s son, 225

With all the courtesy you can afford, 226

Provided that you keep your maidenhead. 227

Use him as if he were a – 228

Philistine.

Dissemble, swear, protest, vow to love him; 229

He is not of the seed of Abraham. 230

– I am a little busy, sir; pray pardon me. 231

Abigail, bid him welcome for my sake. 232

Abigail

For your sake and his own he’s welcome hither. 233

Barabas

Daughter, a word more: 234

kiss him, speak him fair,

And like a cunning Jew so cast about 235

That ye be both made sure ere you come out. 236

Abigail

O, father, Don Mathias is my love! 237

Barabas

I know it; yet I say make love to him. 238

Do, it is requisite it should be so. 239

– Nay, on my life, it is my factor’s hand. 240

But go you in; I’ll think upon the account. 241

([Exeunt Lodowick and Abigail.])

The account is made, for Lodowick dies. 242

My factor sends me word a merchant’s fled 243

That owes me for a hundred tun of wine; 244

I weight it thus much 245

[snaps his fingers]: I have wealth enough.

For now by this has he kissed Abigail, 246

And she vows love him, and he to her. 247

As sure as heaven rained manna for the Jews, 248

So sure shall he and Don Mathias die. 249

His father was my chiefest enemy. 250

(Enter Mathias)

Whither goes Don Mathias? Stay a while. 251

Mathias

Whither but to my fair love Abigail? 252

Barabas

Thou know’st, and heaven can witness it is true, 253

That I intend my daughter shall be thine. 254

Mathias

Ay, Barabas, or else thou wrong’st me much. 255

Barabas

O, heaven forbid I should have such a thought. 256

Pardon me though I weep; the governor’s son 257

Will, whether I will or no, have Abigail: 258

He sends her letters, bracelets, jewels, rings. 259

Mathias

Does she receive them? 260

Barabas

She? no, Mathias, no, but sends them back, 261

And when he comes, she locks herself up fast; 262

Yet through the keyhole will he talk to her, 263

While she runs to the window, looking out 264

When you should come and hale him from the door. 265

Mathias

O, treacherous Lodowick! 266

Barabas

Even now, as I came home, he slipped me in, 267

And I am sure he is with Abigail. 268

Mathias

I’ll rouse him thence. 269

Barabas

Not for all Malta; therefore sheathe your sword. 270

If you love me, no quarrels in my house; 271

But steal you in, and seem to see him not. 272

I’ll give him such a warning ere he goes 273

As he shall have small hopes of Abigail. 274

Away, for here they come. 275

(Enter Lodowick [and] Abigail.)

Mathias

What, hand in hand! I cannot suffer this. 276

Barabas

Mathias, as thou lov’st me, not a word. 277

Mathias

Well, let it pass; another time shall serve. 278

(Exit.)

Lodowick

Barabas, is not that the widow’s son? 279

Barabas

Ay, and take heed, for he hath sworn your death. 280

Lodowick

My death? what, is the base-born peasant mad? 281

Barabas

No, no; but happily he stands in fear 282

Of that which you, I think, ne’er dream upon: 283

My daughter here, a paltry, silly girl. 284

Lodowick

Why, loves she Don Mathias? 285

Barabas

Doth she not with her smiling answer you? 286

Abigail

He has my heart; I smile against my will. 287

Lodowick

Barabas, thou know’st I have loved thy daughter long. 288

Barabas

And so has she done you, even from a child. 289

Lodowick

And now I can no longer hold my mind. 290

Barabas

Nor I the affection that I bear to you. 291

Lodowick

This is thy diamond; tell me, shall I have it? 292

Barabas

Win it, and wear it; it is yet unsoiled. 293

O, but I know your lordship would disdain 294

To marry with the daughter of a Jew; 295

And yet I’ll give her many a golden cross, 296

With Christian posies round about the ring. 297

Lodowick

’Tis not thy wealth, but her that I esteem, 298

Yet crave I thy consent. 299

Barabas

And mine you have; yet let me talk to her. 300

This offspring of Cain, this Jebusite, 301

That never tasted of the Passover, 302

Nor e’er shall see the land of Canaan, 303

Nor our Messias that is yet to come, 304

This gentle maggot Lodowick, I mean, 305

Must be deluded: let him have thy hand, 306

But keep thy heart till Don Mathias comes. 307

ABIGAIL at, shall I be betrothed to Lodowick? 308

Barabas

It’s no sin to deceive a Christian, 309

For they themselves hold it a principle 310

Faith is not to be held with heretics; 311

But all are heretics that are not Jews; 312

This follows well, and therefore, daughter, fear not. 313

– I have entreated her, and she will grant. 314

Lodowick

Then, gentle Abigail, plight thy faith to me. 315

Abigail

I cannot choose, seeing my father bids: 316

Nothing but death shall part my love and me. 317

Lodowick

Now have I that for which my soul hath longed. 318

Barabas

So have not I, but yet I hope I shall. 319

Abigail

O, wretched Abigail, what hast thee done? 320

Lodowick

Why on the sudden is your color changed? 321

Abigail

I know not; but farewell, I must be gone. 322

Barabas

Stay her, but let her not speak one word more. 323

Lodowick

Mute o’ the sudden; here’s a sudden change. 324

Barabas

O, muse not at it; ’tis the Hebrews’ guise 325

That maidens new-betrothed should weep a while. 326

Trouble her not, sweet Lodowick; depart; 327

She is thy wife, and thou shalt be mine heir. 328

Lodowick

O, is ’t the custom? Then I am resolved; 329

But rather let the brightsome heavens be dim, 330

And nature’s beauty choke with stifling clouds, 331

Than my fair Abigail should frown on me. 332

There comes the villain; now I’ll be revenged. 333

(Enter Mathias.)

Barabas

Be quiet, Lodowick; it is enough 334

That I have made thee sure to Abigail. 335

Lodowick

Well, let him go. 336

(Exit.)

Barabas

Well, but for me, as you went in at doors 337

You had been stabbed: but not a word on ’t now; 338

Here must no speeches pass, nor swords be drawn. 339

Mathias

Suffer me, Barabas, but to follow him. 340

Barabas

No; so shall I, if any hurt be done, 341

Be made an accessory of your deeds. 342

Revenge it on him when you meet him next. 343

Mathias

For this I’ll have his heart. 344

Barabas

Do so; lo, here I give thee Abigail. 345

Mathias

What greater gift can poor Mathias have? 346

Shall Lodowick rob me of so fair a love? 347

My life is not so dear as Abigail. 348

Barabas

My heart misgives me, that, to cross your love, 349

He’s with your mother; therefore after him. 350

Mathias

What, is he gone unto my mother? 351

Barabas

Nay, if you will, stay till she comes herself. 352

Mathias

I cannot stay; for if my mother come, 353

She’ll die with grief. 354

(Exit.)

Abigail

I cannot take my leave of him for tears. 355

Father, why have you thus incensed them both? 356

Barabas

What’s that to thee? 357

Abigail

I’ll make ’em friends again.

Barabas

You’ll make ’em friends? Are there not Jews enow in Malta 358

But thou must dote upon a Christian? 359

Abigail

I will have Don Mathias; he is my love. 360

Barabas

Yes, you shall have him. – Go, put her in. 361

Ithamore

Ay, I’ll put her in. 362

([Puts Abigail in.])

Barabas

Now tell me, Ithamore, how lik’st thou this? 363

Ithamore

Faith, master, I think by this you purchase both their lives; is it not so?

Barabas

True; and it shall be cunningly performed. 366

Ithamore

O, master, that I might have a hand in this! 367

Barabas

Ay, so thou shalt; ’tis thou must do the deed. 368

Take this and bear it to Mathias straight, 369

And tell him that it comes from Lodowick. 370

Ithamore

’Tis poisoned, is it not? 371

Barabas

No, no; and yet it might be done that way. 372

It is a challenge, feigned from Lodowick. 373

Ithamore

Fear not; I’ll so set his heart afire that he shall verily think it comes from him.

Barabas

I cannot choose but like thy readiness: 376

Yet be not rash, but do it cunningly. 377

Ithamore

As I behave myself in this, employ me hereafter. 378

Barabas

Away then. 379

(Exit [Ithamore].)

So, now will I go in to Lodowick, 380

And like a cunning spirit feign some lie, 381

Till I have set ’em both at enmity. 382

(Exit.)

[III.i]

(Enter [Bellamira,] a Courtesan.)

Bellamira

Since this town was besieged, my gain grows cold. 1

The time has been, that but for one bare night 2

A hundred ducats have been freely given; 3

But now against my will I must be chaste. 4

And yet I know my beauty doth not fail. 5

From Venice, merchants, and from Padua, 6

Were wont to come rare-witted gentlemen, 7

Scholars I mean, learnèd and liberal; 8

And now, save Pilia-Borza, comes there none, 9

And here is very seldom from my house. 10

And here he comes. 11

(Enter Pilia-Borza.)

Pilia-Borza

Hold thee, wench; there’s something for thee to spend. 12

Bellamira

’Tis silver; I disdain it. 13

Pilia-Borza

Ay, but the Jew has gold, 14

And I will have it, or it shall go hard. 15

Bellamira

Tell me, how cam’st thou by this? 16

Pilia-Borza

Faith, walking the back lanes through the gardens I chanced to cast mine eye up to the Jew’s countinghouse, 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. 23

Pilia-Borza

Look not towards him; let’s away. Zounds, what a looking thou keep’st; thou ’It betray ’s anon.

([Exeunt Bellamira and Pilia-Borza.])

Ithamore

O, the sweetest face that ever 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.

[III. ii]

(Enter Mathias.)

Mathias

This is the place; now Abigail shall see 1

Whether Mathias holds her dear or no. 2

(Enter Lodowick, reading.)

What, dares the villain write in such base terms? 3

Lodowick

I did it; and revenge it if thou dar’st! 4

([They] fight. Enter Barabas above.)

Barabas

O, bravely fought! and yet they thrust not home. 5

Now, Lodowick! now, Mathias! So! 6

([Both fall dead.])

So now they have showed themselves to be tall fellows. 7

[Cries] within

Part ’em! part ’em! 8

Barabas

Ay, part ’em now they are dead. Farewell, farewell. 9

(Exit.)

(Enter Ferneze, Katherine [, and Attendants].)

Ferneze

What sight is this? my Lodowick slain! 10

These arms of mine shall be thy sepulcher. 11

Katherine

Who is this? my son Mathias slain! 12

Ferneze

O, Lodowick, hadst thou perished by the Turk, 13

Wretched Ferneze might have venged thy death. 14

Katherine

Thy son slew mine, and I’ll revenge his death. 15

Ferneze

Look, Katherine, look; thy son gave mine these wounds. 16

Katherine

O, leave to grieve me; I am grieved enough 17

Ferneze

O, that my sighs could turn to lively breath, 18

And these my tears to blood, that he might live. 19

Katherine

Who made them enemies? 20

Ferneze

I know not; and that grieves me most of all. 21

Katherine

My son loved thine. 22

Ferneze

And so did Lodowick him.

Katherine

Lend me that weapon that did kill my son, 23

And it shall murder me. 24

Ferneze

Nay, madam, stay; that weapon was my son’s, 25

And on that rather should Ferneze die. 26

Katherine

Hold; let’s inquire the causers of their deaths, 27

That we may venge their blood upon their heads. 28

Ferneze

Then take them up, and let them be interred 29

Within one sacrèd monument of stone, 30

Upon which altar I will offer up 31

My daily sacrifice of sights and tears, 32

And with my prayers pierce impartial heavens, 33

Till they reveal the causers of our smarts, 34

Which forced their hands divide united hearts. 35

Come, Katherine, our losses equal are; 36

Then of true grief let us take equal share. 37

(Exeunt [with the bodies].)

([III. iii])

Enter Ithamore.

Ithamore

Why, was there ever seen such villainy, 1

So neatly plotted, and so well performed? 2

Both held in hand, and flatly both beguiled! 3

(Enter Abigail.)

Abigail

Why, how now, Ithamore, why laugh’st thou so? 4

Ithamore

O, mistress, ha, ha, ha! 5

Abigail

Why, what ail’st thou? 6

Ithamore

O, my master! 7

Abigail

Ha! 8

Ithamore

O, 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? 11

Ithamore

O, my master has the bravest policy.

Abigail

Wherein? 13

Ithamore

Why, know you not?

Abigail

Why, no. 15

Ithamore

Know you not of Mathias’ and Don Lodowick’s disaster?

Abigail

No, what was it? 17

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? 22

Ithamore

Am I Ithamore? 23

Abigail

Yes. 24

Ithamore

So sure did your father write, and I carry the challenge.

Abigail

Well, Ithamore, let me request thee this: 26

Go to the new-made nunnery, and inquire 27

For any of the friars of St. Jacques, 28

And say I pray them come and speak with me. 29

Ithamore

I pray, mistress, will you answer me to one question?

Abigail

Well, sirrah, what is ’t? 31

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 ye gone. 34

Ithamore

I will forsooth, mistress.

(Exit.)

Abigail

Hard-hearted father, unkind Barabas, 36

Was this the pursuit of thy policy? 37

To make me show them favor severally, 38

That by my favor they should both be slain? 39

Admit thou lov’st not Lodowick for his sire, 40

Yet Don Mathias ne’er offended thee. 41

But thou wert set upon extreme revenge, 42

Because the prior dispossessed thee once, 43

And couldst not venge it, but upon his son, 44

Nor on his son, but by Mathias’ means, 45

Nor on Mathias, but by murdering me. 46

But I perceive there is no love on earth, 47

Pity in Jews, nor piety in Turks. 48

But here comes cursèd Ithamore with the friar. 49

(Enter Ithamore [and] Friar [Jacomo].)

Friar Jacomo

Virgo, salve. 50

Ithamore

When! duck you?

Abigail

Welcome, grave friar; Ithamore, be gone. 52

(Exit [Ithamore].)

Know, holy sir, I am bold to solicit thee. 53

Friar Jacomo

Wherein? 54

Abigail

To get me be admitted for a nun. 55

Friar Jacomo

Why, Abigail, it is not yet long since 56

That I did labor thy admission, 57

And then thou didst not like that holy life. 58

Abigail

Then were my thoughts so frail and unconfirmed, 59

And I was chained to follies of the world; 60

But now experience, purchasèd with grief, 61

Has made me see the difference of things. 62

My sinful soul, alas, hath paced too long 63

The fatal labyrinth of misbelief, 64

Far from the Son that gives eternal life. 65

Friar Jacomo

Who taught thee this? 66

Abigail

The Abbess of the house,

Whose zealous admonition I embrace. 67

O, therefore, Jacomo, let me be one, 68

Although unworthy, of that sisterhood. 69

Friar Jacomo

Abigail, I will; but see thou change no more, 70

For that will be most heavy to thy soul. 71

Abigail

That was my father’s fault. 72

Friar Jacomo

Thy father’s, how?

Abigail

Nay, you shall pardon me. 73

O, Barabas,

Though thou deservest hardly at my hands, 74

Yet never shall these lips bewray thy life. 75

Friar Jacomo

Come, shall we go? 76

Abigail

My duty waits on you.

(Exeunt.)

[III. iv]

(Enter Barabas reading a letter.)

Barabas

What, Abigail become a nun again? 1

False and unkind! What, hast thou lost thy father? 2

And all unknown, and unconstrained of me, 3

Art thou again got to the nunnery? 4

Now here she writes, and wills me to repent. 5

Repentance? Spurca! What pretendeth this? 6

I fear she knows (’tis so) of my device 7

In Don Mathias’ and Lodovico’s deaths: 8

If so, ’tis time that it be seen into, 9

For she that varies from me in belief 10

Gives great presumption that she loves me not; 11

Or loving, doth dislike of something done. 12

But who comes here? 13

([Enter Ithamore.])

O, Ithamore, come near;

Come near, my love; come near, thy master’s life, 14

My trusty servant, nay, my second self, 15

For I have now no hope but even in thee, 16

And no that hope my happiness is built. 17

When saw’st thou Abigail? 18

Ithamore

Today.

Barabas

With whom?

Ithamore

A friar. 19

Barabas

A friar? false villain, he hath done the deed. 20

Ithamore

How, sir? 21

Barabas

Why, made mine Abigail a nun.

Ithamore

That’s no lie, for she sent me for him. 22

Barabas

O, unhappy day! 23

False, credulous, inconstant Abigail! 24

But let ’em go; and, Ithamore, from hence 25

Ne’er shall she grieve me more with her disgrace; 26

Ne’er shall she live to inherit aught of mine, 27

Be blessed of me, nor come within my gates, 28

But perish underneath my bitter curse, 29

Like Cain by Adam, for his brother’s death. 30

Ithamore

O, master! 31

Barabas

Ithamore, entreat not for her; I am moved, 32

And she is hateful to my soul and me: 33

And ’less thou yield to this that I entreat, 34

I cannot think but that thou hat’st my life. 35

Ithamore

Who, I, master? Why I’ll run to some rock 36

And throw myself headlong into the sea; 37

Why I’ll do anything for your sweet sake. 38

Barabas

O, trusty Ithamore! no servant, but my friend; 39

I here adopt thee for mine only heir. 40

All that I have is thine when I am dead, 41

And whilst I live, use half; spend as myself. 42

Here, take my keys, I’ll give ’em thee anon. 43

Go buy thee garments. But thou shalt not want. 44

Only know this, that thus thou art to do. 45

But first go fetch me in the pot of rice 46

That for our supper stands upon the fire. 47

Ithamore

I hold my head my master’s hungry. – 48

I go, sir. 49

(Exit.)

Barabas

Thus every villain ambles after wealth, 50

Although he ne’er be richer than in hope. 51

But hush ’t. 52

(Enter Ithamore with the pot.)

Ithamore

Here ’tis, master.

Barabas

Well said, Ithamore.

What, hast thou brought the ladle with thee too? 53

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, 56

And for thy sake, whom I so dearly love, 57

Now shalt thou see the death of Abigail, 58

That thou mayst freely live to be my heir. 59

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? 63

It is a precious powder that I bought 64

Of an Italian in Ancona once, 65

Whose operation is to bind, infect, 66

And poison deeply, yet not appear 67

In forty hours after it is ta’en. 68

Ithamore

How, master? 69

Barabas

Thus, Ithamore: 70

This even they use in Malta here (’tis called 71

Saint Jacques’ Even) and then, I say, they use 72

To send their alms unto the nunneries; 73

Among the rest, bear this, and set it there. 74

There’s a dark entry where they take it in, 75

Where they must neither see the messenger, 76

Nor make inquiry who hath sent it them. 77

Ithamore

How so? 78

Barabas

Belike there is some ceremony in ’t. 79

There, Ithamore, must thou go place this pot; 80

Stay, let me spice it first. 81

Ithamore

Pray do, and let me help you, master. Pray let me taste first.

Barabas

Prithee, do. What say’st thou now? 83

Ithamore

Troth, master, I’m loath such a pot of pottage should be spoiled.

Barabas

Peace, Ithamore; ’tis better so than spared. 86

Assure thyself thou shalt have broth by the eye. 87

My purse, my coffer, and myself is thine. 88

Ithamore

Well, master, I go. 89

Barabas

Stay, first let me stir it, Ithamore. 90

As fatal be it to her as the draught 91

Of which great Alexander drunk, and died; 92

And with her let it work like Borgia’s wine, 93

Whereof his sire, the Pope, was poisoned. 94

In few, the blood of Hydra, Lerna’s bane, 95

The juice of hebon, and Cocytus’ breath, 96

And all the poisons of the Stygian pool 97

Break from the fiery kingdom, and in this 98

Vomit your venom, and envenom her 99

That like a fiend hath left her father thus. 100

Ithamore

What a blessing has he giv’n ’t! Was ever pot of rice porridge so sauced? What shall I do with it?

Barabas

O, my sweet Ithamore, go set it down 103

And come again so soon as thou hast done, 104

For I have other business for thee. 105

Ithamore

Here’s a drench to poison a whole stable of Flanders mares. I’ll carry ’t to the nuns with a powder.

Barabas

And the horse pestilence to boot; away! 108

Ithamore

I am gone. 109

Pay me my wages, for my work is done. 110

(Exit.)

Barabas

I’ll pay thee with a vengeance, Ithamore. 111

(Exit.)

[III. v]

(Enter Ferneze, [Martin del] Bosco, Knights, [and] Callapine.)

Ferneze

Welcome, great bashaw; how fares Calymath? 1

What wind drives you thus into Malta road? 2

Callapine

The wind that bloweth all the world besides: 3

Desire of gold. 4

Ferneze

Desire of gold, great sir?

That’s to be gotten in the Western Inde: 5

In Malta are no golden minerals. 6

Callapine

To you of Malta thus saith Calymath: 7

The time you took for respite is at hand 8

For the performance of your promise past; 9

And for the tribute money I am sent. 10

Ferneze

Bashaw, in brief, shalt have no tribute here, 11

Nor shall the heathens live upon our spoil. 12

First will we raze the city walls ourselves, 13

Lay waste the island, hew the temples down, 14

And shipping of our goods to Sicily, 15

Open an entrance for the wasteful sea, 16

Whose billows, beating the resistless banks, 17

Shall overflow it with their refluence. 18

Callapine

Well, governor, since thou hast broke the league 19

By flat denial of the promised tribute, 20

Talk not of razing down your city walls: 21

You shall not need trouble yourselves so far, 22

For Selim Calymath shall come himself, 23

And with brass bullets batter down your towers, 24

And turn proud Malta to a wilderness 25

For these intolerable wrongs of yours. 26

And so, farewell. 27

Ferneze

Farewell. 28

([Exit Callapine.])

And now, you men of Malta, look about, 29

And let’s provide to welcome Calymath. 30

Close your portcullis, charge your basilisks, 31

And as you profitably tale up arms, 32

So now courageously encounter them; 33

For by this answer, broken is the league, 34

And naught is to be looked for now but wars, 35

And naught to us more welcome is than wars. 36

(Exeunt.)

[III.vi]

(Enter two Friars [, Jacomo and Barnardine].)

Friar Jacomo

O, brother, brother, all the nuns are sick, 1

And physic will not help them; they must die. 2

Friar Barnardine

The Abbess sent for me to be confessed: 3

O, what a sad confession will there be! 4

Friar Jacomo

And so did fair Maria send for me. 5

I’ll to her lodging; hereabouts she lies. 6

(Exit.)

(Enter Abigail.)

Friar Barnardine

What, all dead save only Abigail? 7

Abigail

And I shall die too, for I feel death coming. 8

Where is the friar that conversed with me? 9

Friar Barnardine

O, he is gone to see the other nuns. 10

Abigail

I sent for him, but seeing you are come, 11

Be you my ghostly father; and first know 12

That in this house I lived religiously, 13

Chaste, and devout, much sorrowing for my sins, 14

But ere I came – 15

Friar Barnardine

What then? 16

Abigail

I did offend high heaven so grievously 17

As I am almost desperate for my sins; 18

And one offense torments me more than all. 19

You knew Mathias and Don Lodowick? 20

Friar Barnardine

Yes, what of them? 21

Abigail

My father did contract me to ’em both: 22

First to Don Lodowick. Him I never loved. 23

Mathias was the man that I held dear, 24

And for his sake did I become a nun. 25

Friar Barnardine

So; say how was their end? 26

Abigail

Both, jealous of my love, envied each other, 27

And by my father’s practice, which is there 28

([Gives a paper.])

Set down at large, the gallants were both slain. 29

Friar Barnardine

O, monstrous villainy! 30

Abigail

To work my peace, this I confess to thee; 31

Reveal it not, for then my father dies. 32

Friar Barnardine

Know that confession must not be revealed; 33

The canon law forbids it, and the priest 34

That makes it known, being degraded first, 35

Shall be condemned, and then sent to the fire. 36

Abigail

So I have heard; pray; therefore, keep it close. 37

Death seizeth on my heart. Ah, gentle friar, 38

Convert my father, that he may be saved, 39

And witness that I die a Christian. 40

([Dies.])

Friar Barnardine

Ay, and a virgin, too; that grieves me most. 41

But I must to then Jew and exclaim on him, 42

And make him stand in fear of me. 43

(Enter 1 Friar [Jacomo].)

Friar Jacomo

O, brother,

All the nuns are dead; let’s bury them. 44

Friar Barnardine

First help to bury this, then go with me 45

And help me to exclaim against the Jew. 46

Friar Jacomo

Why? what has he done? 47

Friar Barnardine

A thing that makes me tremble to unfold. 48

Friar Jacomo

What, has he crucified a child? 49

Friar Barnardine

No, but a worse thing. ’Twas told me in shrift; 50

Thou know’st ’tis death and if it be revealed. 51

Come, let’s away. 52

(Exeunt [with the body].)

[IV.i]

(Enter Barabas [and] Ithamore. Bells within.)

Barabas

There is no music to a Christian’s knell. 1

How sweet the bells ring now the nuns are dead 2

That sound at other times like tinkers’ pans! 3

I was afraid the poison had not wrought; 4

Or, though it wrought, it would have done no good, 5

For every year they swell, and yet they live. 6

Now all are dead; not one remains alive. 7

Ithamore

That’s brave, master, but think you it will not be known? 8

Barabas

How can it if we two be secret? 9

Ithamore

For my part fear you not. 10

Barabas

I’d cut thy throat if I did. 11

Ithamore

And reason, too.

But here’s a royal monast’ry hard by; 12

Good master, let me poison all the monks. 13

Barabas

Thou shalt not need, for now the nuns are dead, 14

They’ll die with grief. 15

Ithamore

Do you not sorrow for your daughter’s death? 16

Barabas

No, but I grieve because she lived so long. 17

An Hebrew born, and would become a Christian! 18

Cazzo! diabolo! 19

(Enter the two Friars [, Jacomo and Barnardine].)

Ithamore

Look, look, master; here come two religious caterpillars.

Barabas

I smelt ’em ere they came. 21

Ithamore

God-a-mercy, nose; come, let’s be gone. 22

Friar Barnardine

Stay, wicked Jew; repent, I say, and stay. 23

Friar Jacomo

Thou hast offended, therefore must be damned. 24

Barabas

I fear they know we sent the poisoned broth. 25

Ithamore

And so do I, master; therefore speak ’em fair. 26

Friar Barnardine

Barabas, thou hast – 27

Friar Jacomo

Ay, that thou hast – 28

Barabas

True, I have money; what though I have? 29

Friar Barnardine

Thou art a – 30

Friar Jacomo

Ay, that thou art, a – 31

Barabas

What needs all this? I know I am a Jew. 32

Friar Barnardine

Thy daughter – 33

Friar Jacomo

Ay, thy daughter – 34

Barabas

O, speak not of her; then I die with grief. 35

Friar Barnardine

Remember that – 36

Friar Jacomo

Ay, remember that – 37

Barabas

I must needs say that I have been a great usurer. 38

Friar Barnardine

Thou hast committed – 39

Barabas

Fornication? but that was in another country: and besides, the wench is dead.

Friar Barnardine

Ay, but Barabas, remember Mathias and Don Lodowick. 42

Barabas

Why, what of them? 43

Friar Barnardine

I will not say that a forgèd challenge they met. 44

Barabas

She has confessed, and we are both undone; 45

My bosom inmates! but I must dissemble. 46

– O, holy friars, the burden of my sins 47

Lie heavy on my soul. Then, pray you, tell me, 48

Is ’t not too late now to turn Christian? 49

I have been zealous in the Jewish faith, 50

Hard-hearted to the poor, a covetous wretch, 51

That would for lucre’s sake have sold my soul. 52

A hundred for a hundred I have ta’en, 53

And now for store of wealth may I compare 54

With all the Jews in Malta. But what is wealth? 55

I am a Jew, and therefore am I lost. 56

Would penance serve for this my sin, 57

I could afford to whip myself to death. 58

Ithamore

And so could I; but penance will not serve. 59

Barabas

To fast, to pray, and wear a shirt of hair, 60

And on my knees creep to Jerusalem; 61

Cellars of wine, and sollars full of wheat, 62

Warehouses stuffed with spices and with drugs, 63

Whole chests of gold, in bullion, and in coin, 64

Besides I know not how much weight in pearl, 65

Orient and around, have I within my house; 66

At Alexandria, merchandise unsold; 67

But yesterday two ships went from this town; 68

Their voyage will be worth ten thousand crowns. 69

In Florence, Venice, Antwerp, London, Seville, 70

Frankfort, Lubeck, Moscow, and where not, 71

Have I debts owing, and, in most of these, 72

Great sums of money lying in the banco. 73

All this I’ll give to some religious house, 74

So I may be baptized and live therein. 75

Friar Jacomo

O, good Barabas, come to our house! 76

Friar Barnardine

O no, good Barabas, come to our house! 77

And, Barabas, you know – 78

Barabas

[to Barnardine] I know that I have highly sinned. 79

You shall convert me; you shall have all my wealth. 80

Friar Jacomo

O, Barabas, their laws are strict. 81

Barabas

I know they are, and I will be with you. 82

Friar Barnardine

They wear no shirts, and they go barefoot, too. 83

Barabas

[to Barnardine] Then ’tis not for me; and I am resolved 84

You shall confess me, and have all my goods. 85

Friar Jacomo

Good Barabas, come to me. 86

Barabas

You see I answer him, and yet he stays; 87

Rid him away, and go you home with me. 88

Friar Jacomo

I’ll be with you tonight. 89

Barabas

Come to my house at one o’clock this night. 90

Friar Jacomo

You hear your answer, and you may be gone. 91

Friar Barnardine

Why, go, get you away. 92

Friar Jacomo

I will not go for thee. 93

Friar Barnardine

Not! then I’ll make thee go. 94

Friar Jacomo

How, dost call me rogue? 95

([They] fight.)

Ithamore

Part ’em, master, part ’em! 96

Barabas

This is mere frailty, brethren; be content. 97

Friar Barnardine, go you with Ithamore. 98

You know my mind; let me alone with him. 99

Friar Jacomo

Why does he go to thy house? Let him be gone. 100

Barabas

I’ll give him something, and so stop his mouth. 101

(Exit [Ithamore with Friar Barnardine])

I never heard of any man but he 102

Maligned the order of the Jacobins; 103

But do you think that I believe his words? 104

Why, brother, you converted Abigail, 105

And I am bound in charity to requite it; 106

And so I will. O, Jacomo, fail not, but come. 107

Friar 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 covent.

Friar Jacomo

I warrant thee, Barabas. 112

(Exit.)

Barabas

So now the fear is past, and I am safe: 113

For he that shrived her is within my house. 114

What if I murdered him ere Jacomo comes? 115

Now I have such a plot for both their lives 116

As never Jew nor Christian knew the like. 117

One turned my daughter, therefore he shall die; 118

The other knows enough to have my life, 119

Therefore ’tis not requisite he should live. 120

But are not both these wise men to suppose 121

That I will leave my house, my goods, and all, 122

To fast and be well whipped? I’ll none of that. 123

Now, Friar Barnardine, I come to you. 124

I’ll feast you, lodge you, give you fair words, 125

And after that, I and my trusty Turk – 126

No more but so: it must and shall be done. 127

Ithamore, tell me, is the friar asleep? 128

(Enter Ithamore.)

Ithamore

Yes; and I know not what the reason is: 129

Do what I can, he will not strip himself, 130

Nor go to bed, but sleeps in his own clothes; 131

I fear me he mistrusts what we intend. 132

Barabas

No, ’tis an order which the friars use. 133

Yet if he knew our meanings, could he ’scape? 134

Ithamore

No, none can hear him, cry he ne’er so loud. 135

Barabas

Why, true; therefore did I place him there: 136

The other chambers open towards the street. 137

Ithamore

You loiter, master; wherefore stay we thus? 138

O, how I long to see him shake his heels. 139

Barabas

Come on, sirrah. 140

Off with your girdle; make a handsome noose. 141

Friar, awake! 142

([Draws curtains of the inner stage, revealing Barnardine asleep.])

Friar Barnardine

What, do you mean to strangle me? 143

Ithamore

Yes, ’cause you use to confess. 144

Barabas

Blame not us but the proverb, “Confess and be hanged.” 145

Pull hard! 146

Friar Barnardine

What, will you have my life? 147

Barabas

Pull hard, I say; you would have had my goods. 148

Ithamore

Ay, and our lives, too; therefore pull amain. 149

([Friar Barnardine dies.])

’Tis neatly done, sir; here’s no print at all. 150

Barabas

Then is it as it should be; take him up. 151

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? 154

What time a’ night is ’t now, sweet Ithamore? 155

Ithamore

Towards one. 156

Barabas

Then will not Jacomo be long from hence. 157

([Exit. Ithamore hides.])

(Enter [Friar] Jacomo.)

Friar Jacomo

This is the hour wherein I shall proceed; 158

O, happy hour, wherein I shall convert 159

An infidel, and bring his gold into our treasury. 160

But soft, is not this Barnardine? It is; 161

And, understanding I should come this way, 162

Stands here a’ purpose, meaning me some wrong, 163

And intercept my going to the Jew 164

Barnardine! 165

Wilt thou not speak? Thou think’st I see thee not. 166

Away, I’d wish thee, and let me go by. 167

No, wilt thou not? Nay, then, I’ll force my way; 168

And see, a staff stands ready for the purpose: 169

As thou lik’st that, stop me another time! 170

(Strike him, he falls.)

(Enter Barabas.)

Barabas

Why, how now, Jacomo, what hast thou done? 171

Friar Jacomo

Why, stricken him that would have stroke at me. 172

Barabas

Who is it? Barnardine? Now out, alas, he is slain. 173

Ithamore

Ay, master, he’s slain; look how his brains drop out on’s nose.

Friar 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. 177

Ithamore

No, let us bear him to the magistrates. 178

Friar Jacomo

Good Barabas, let me go. 179

Barabas

No, pardon me; the law must have his course. 180

I must be forced to give in evidence 181

That being importuned by this Barnardine 182

To be a Christian, I shut him out, 183

And there he sat. Now I, to keep my word, 184

And give my goods and substance to your house, 185

Was up thus early, with intent to go 186

Unto your friary, because you stayed. 187

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. 190

Heaven bless me! what, a friar a murderer? 191

When shall you see a Jew commit the like? 192

Ithamore

Why, a Turk could ha’ done no more. 193

Barabas

Tomorrow is the sessions; you shall to it. 194

Come, Ithamore, let’s help to take him hence. 195

Friar Jacomo

Villains, I am a sacrèd person. Touch me not. 196

Barabas

The law shall touch you; we’ll but lead you, we. 197

’Las, I could weep at your calamity. 198

Take in the staff too, for that must be shown: 199

Law wills that each particular be known. 200

(Exeunt [with the body].)

[IV.ii]

(Enter 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 tou, 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 non-plus at the critical aspect of my terrible countenance.

Bellamira

And where didst meet him? 15

Pilia-Borza

Upon mine own freehold, within forty 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, 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, going to the execution, a fellow met me with a muschatoes like a raven’s 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!”

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 withhold no longer: welcome, sweet love.

Ithamore

Now am I clean, or rather foully, out of the way.

Bellamira

Whither so soon?

Ithamore

I’ll go steal some money from my master to make me handsome.

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 Bellamira, 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. – 60

But you know some secrets of the Jew, 61

Which if they were revealed would do him harm. 62

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. We’ll have money straight.

Pilia-Borza

Send for a hundred crowns at least.

Ithamore

Ten hundred thousand crowns. (He writes.) “Master Barabas.”

Pilia-Borza

Write not so submissively, but threat’ning him.

Ithamore

“Sirrah Barabas, send me a hundred crowns.”

Pilia-Borza

Put in two hundred at least.

Ithamore

“I charge thee send me three hundred by this bearer, and this shall be tour 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; I’ll use him in his kind.

([Exit.])

Ithamore

Hang him, Jew.

Bellamira

Now, gentle Ithamore, lie in my lap. 77

Where are my maids? Provide a running banquet. 78

Send to the merchant, bid him bring me silks; 79

Shall Ithamore my love go in such rags? 80

Ithamore

And bid the jeweller come hither too. 81

Bellamira

I have no husband, sweet; I’ll marry thee. 82

Ithamore

Content; but we will leave this paltry land, 83

And sail from hence to Greece, to lovely Greece. 84

I’ll be thy Jason, thou my golden fleece; 85

Where painted carpets o’er the meads are hurled, 86

And Bacchus’ vineyards o’erspread the world; 87

Where woods and forests go in goodly green, 88

I’ll be Adonis, thou shalt be Love’s Queen. 89

The meads, the orchards, and the primrose lanes, 90

Instead of sedge and reed, bear sugar canes: 91

Thou in those groves, by Dis above, 92

Shalt live with me and be my love. 93

Bellamira

Whither will I not go with gentle Ithamore? 94

(Enter Pilia-Borza.)

Ithamore

How now? hast thou the gold? 95

Pilia-Borza

Yes. 96

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 gray 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 have ’t.

Pilia-Borza

I warrant your worship shall have ’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.)

Ithamore

Take thou the money; spend it for my sake. 115

Bellamira

’Tis not thy money, but thyself I weigh: 116

Thus Bellamira esteems of gold: 117

([Throws it aside.])

But thus of thee – 118

(Kiss him.)

Ithamore

That kiss again; she runs

Division of my lips. What an eye 119

She casts on me! It twinkles like a star. 120

Bellamira

Come, my dear love, let’s in and sleep together. 121

Ithamore

O, that ten thousand nights were put in one, 122

That we might sleep seven years together afore we wake. 123

Bellamira

Come, amorous wag; first banquet, and then sleep. 124

([Exeunt.])

[IV.iii]

(Enter Barabas reading a letter.)

Barabas

“Barabas, send me three hundred crown.” 1

Plain Barabas! O, that wicked courtesan! 2

He was not wont to call me Barabas. 3

“Or else I will confess.” Ay, there it goes. 4

But if I get him, coupe de gorge . For that 5

He sent a shaggy, tottered, staring slave, 6

That when he speaks, draws out his grisly beard, 7

And winds it twice or thrice about his ear; 8

Whose face has been a grindstone for men’s swords; 9

His hands are hacked, some fingers cut quite off; 10

Who when he speaks, grunts like a hog, and looks 11

Like one that is employed in catzerie 12

And crossbiting; such a rogue 13

As is the husband to a hundred whores – 14

And I by him must send three hundred crowns! 15

Well, my hope is he will not stay there still; 16

And when he comes – O, that he were but here! 17

(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

O, 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. and you shall be most heartily poisoned.

Pilia-Borza

No, God-a-mercy; shall I have these crowns?

Barabas

I cannot do it; I have lost my keys.

Pilia-Borza

O, if that be all, I can pick ope your locks.

Barabas

Or climb up to my countinghouse window: you know my meaning.

Pilia-Borza

I know enough, and therefore talk not to me of your countinghouse. The gold! or know, Jew, it is in my power to hang thee.

Barabas

I am betrayed. 39

[to him] ’Tis not five hundred crowns that I esteem, 40

I am not moved at that: this angers me, 41

That he who knows I love him as myself 42

Should write in this imperious vein! Why, sir, 43

You know I have no child, and unto whom 44

Should I leave all but unto Ithamore? 45

Pilia-Borza

Here’s many words, but no crowns; the crowns!

Barabas

Commend me to him, sir, most humbly, 47

And unto your good mistress, as unknown. 48

Pilia-Borza

Speak, shall I have ’em, sir? 49

Barabas

Sir, here they are.

O, that I should part with so much gold! 50

[to him] Here, take ’em, fellow, with as good a will – 51

As I would see thee hanged; 52

[to him] O, love stops my breath.

Never loved man servant as I do Ithamore. 53

Pilia-Borza

I know it, sir. 54

Barabas

Pray when, sir, shall I see you at my house? 55

Pilia-Borza

Soon enough to your cost, sir. Fare you well. 56

(Exit.)

Barabas

Nay, to thine own cost, villain, if thou com’st. 57

Was ever Jew tormented as I am? 58

To have a shag-rag knave to come – 59

Three hundred crowns, and then five hundred crowns! 60

Well, I must seek a means to rid ’em all, 61

And presently: for in his villainy 62

He will tell all he knows, and I shall die for ’t. 63

I have it: 64

I will in some disguise go see the slave, 65

And how the villain revels with my gold. 66

(Exit.)

[IV.iv]

(Enter Bellamira, Ithamore, [and] Pilia-Borza.)

Bellamira

I’ll pledge thee, love, and therefore drink it off. 1

Ithamore

Say’st thou me so? Have at it! And do you hear? 2

([Whispers.])

Bellamira

Go to, it shall be so. 3

Ithamore

Of that condition I will drink it up. 4

Here’s to thee. 5

Bellamira

Nay, I’ll have all or none.

Ithamore

There; if thou lov’st me do not leave a drop. 6

Bellamira

Love thee! fill me three glasses. 7

Ithamore

Three and fifty dozen I’ll pledge thee. 8

Pilia-Borza

Knavely spoke, and like a knight at arms. 9

Ithamore

Hey, Rivo Castiliano! a man’s a man. 10

Bellamira

Now to the Jew. 11

Ithamore

Ha! to the Jew. And send me money you were best! 12

Pilia-Borza

What wouldst thou do if he should send thee none? 13

Ithamore

Do nothing; but I know what I know. He’s a murderer.

Bellamira

I had not thought he had been so brave a man. 15

Ithamore

You knew Mathias and the governor’s son? He and I killed

’em both, and yet never touched ’em. 17

Pilia-Borza

O, bravely done. 18

Ithamore

I carried the broth that poisoned the nuns, and he and I, snicle hand too fast, strangled a friar.

Bellamira

You two alone? 21

Ithamore

We two; and ’twas never known, nor never shall be for me.

Pilia-Borza

This shall with me unto the governor. 23

Bellamira

And fit it should; but first let’s ha’ more gold. – 24

Come, gentle Ithamore, lie in my lap. 25

Ithamore

Love me little, love me long. Let music rumble, 26

Whilst I in thy incony lap do tumble. 27

(Enter Barabas with a lute, disguised.)

Bellamira

A French musician! Come, let’s hear your skill. 28

Barabas

Must tuna my lute for sound, twang, twang, first. 29

Ithamore

Wilt drink, Frenchman? Here’s to thee with a – pox on this drunken hiccup!

Barabas

Gramercy, monsieur. 32

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 . 36

Bellamira

How sweet, my Ithamore, the flowers smell. 37

Ithamore

Like thy breath, sweetheart; no violet like ’em. 38

Pilia-Borza

Foh! methinks they stink like a hollyhock. 39

Barabas

So, now I am revenged upon ’em all. 40

The scent thereof was death; I poisoned it. 41

Ithamore

Play, fiddler, or I’ll cut your cat’s guts into chitterlings.

Barabas

Pardona moy; be no in tune yet. So, now, now all be in.

Ithamore

Give him a crown, and fill me out more out. 44

Pilia-Borza

There’s two crowns for thee; play. 45

Barabas

How liberally the villain gives me mine own gold. 46

Pilia-Borza

Methinks he fingers very well. 47

Barabas

So did you when you stole my gold. 48

Pilia-Borza

How swift he runs! 49

Barabas

You run 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

He knows it already. 57

Ithamore

’Tis a strange thing of that Jew, he lives upon pickled grasshoppers, and sauced mushrooms.

Barabas

What a slave’s this! The governor feeds not as I do. 60

Ithamore

He never put on clean shirt since he was circumcised.

Barabas

O, rascal! I change myself twice a day. 62

Ithamore

The hat he wears, Judas left under the elder when he hanged himself.

Barabas

’Twas sent me for a present from the Great Cham. 64

Pilia-Borza

A masty slave he is. Whither now, fiddler?

Barabas

Pardona moy , 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 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, let’s in; 73

To undo a Jew is charity, and not sin. 74

(Exeunt.)

[V.i]

(Enter Ferneze, Knights, Martin del Bosco [, and Officers])

Ferneze

Now, gentlemen, betake you to your arms, 1

And see that Malta be well fortified; 2

And it behooves you to be resolute, 3

For Calymath, having hovered here so long, 4

Will win the town, or die before the walls. 5

1 Knight

And die he shall, for we will never yield. 6

(Enter Bellamira [and] Pilia-Borza.)

Bellamira

O, bring us to the governor! 7

Ferneze

Away with her, she is a courtesan. 8

Bellamira

Whate’er I am, yet, governor, hear me speak. 9

I bring thee news by whom thy son was slain: 10

Mathias did it not, it was the Jew. 11

Pilia-Borza

Who, besides the slaughter of these gentlemen, 12

Poisoned his own daughter and the nuns, 13

Strangled a friar, and I know not what 14

Mischief beside. 15

Ferneze

Had we but proof of this –

Bellamira

Strong proof, my lord. His man’s now at my lodging 16

That was his agent; he’ll confess it all. 17

Ferneze

Go fetch him straight. 18

([Exeunt Officers.])

I always feared that Jew.

(Enter [Officers with] Barabas [and] Ithamore.)

Barabas

I’ll go alone; dogs, do not hale me thus. 19

Ithamore

Nor me neither. I cannot outrun you, constable. O, my belly!

Barabas

One dram of powder more had made all sure. 22

What a damned slave was I! 23

Ferneze

Make fires, heat irons, let the rack be fetched. 24

1 Knight

Nay, stay, my lord; ’t may be he will confess. 25

Barabas

Confess! What mean you, lords? Who should confess? 26

Ferneze

Thou and thy Turk; ’twas you that slew my son. 27

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? 31

Ithamore

I carried it, I confess, but who writ it? Marry, even he that strangled Barnardine, poisoned the nuns, and his own daughter.

Ferneze

Away with him! His sight is death to me. 35

Barabas

For what? You men of Malta, hear me speak. 36

She is a courtesan, and he a thief, 37

And he my bondman. Let me have law, 38

For none of this can prejudice my life. 39

Ferneze

Once more, away with him! You shall have law. 40

Barabas

Devils, do your worst! I live in spite of you! 41

As these have spoke, so be it to their souls. 42

I hope the poisoned flowers will work anon. 43

([Exeunt Officers with Barabas, Ithamore, Pilia-Borza, and Bellamira.])

(Enter Katherine.)

Katherine

Was my Mathias murdered by the Jew? 44

Ferneze, ’twas thy son that murdered him. 45

Ferneze

Be patient, gentle madam; it was he. 46

He forged the daring challenge made them fight. 47

Katherine

Where is the Jew? Where is that murderer? 48

Ferneze

In prison till the law has passed on him. 49

(Enter Officer.)

1 Officer

My lord, the courtesan and her man are dead; 50

So is the Turk, and Barabas the Jew. 51

Ferneze

Dead? 52

1 Officer

Dead, my lord, and here they bring his body. 53

([Enter Officers, carrying Barabas as dead.])

Del Bosco

This sudden death of his is very strange. 54

Ferneze

Wonder not at it, sir, the heavens are just: 55

Their deaths were like their lives; then think not of ’em. 56

Since they are dead, let them be buried. 57

For the Jew’s body, throw that o’er the walls, 58

To be a prey for vultures and wild beasts. 59

So, now away, and fortify the town. 60

(Exeunt. [Manet Barabas.])

Barabas

What, all alone? well fare, sleepy drink. 61

I’ll be revenged on this accursèd town, 62

For by my means Calymath shall enter in. 63

I’ll help to slay their children and their wives, 64

To fire the churches, pull their houses down. 65

Take my goods, too, and seize upon my lands 66

I hope to see the governor a slave, 67

And, rowing in a gallery, whipped to death. 68

(Enter Calymath, Bashaws, [and] Turks.)

Calymath

Whom have we there, a spy? 69

Barabas

Yes, my good lord, one that can spy a place 70

Where you may enter, and surprise the town. 71

My name is Barabas; I am a Jew. 72

Calymath

Art thou that Jew whose goods we heard were sold 73

For tribute money? 74

Barabas

The very same, my lord.

And since that time they have hired a slave, my man, 75

To accuse me of a thousand villainies. 76

I was imprisoned, but escaped their hands. 77

Calymath

Didst break prison? 78

Barabas

No, no: 79

I drank of poppy and cold mandrake juice, 80

And, being asleep, belike they thought me dead, 81

And threw me o’er the walls; so, or how else, 82

The Jew is here, and rests at your command. 83

Calymath

’Twas bravely done. But tell me, Barabas, 84

Canst thou, as thou report’st, make Malta ours? 85

Barabas

Fear not, my lord, for here, against the truce, 86

The rock is hollow, and of purpose digged, 87

To make a passage for the running streams 88

And common channels of the city. 89

Now whilst you give assault unto the walls, 90

I’ll lead five hundred soldiers through the vault, 91

And rise with them i’ th’ middle of the town, 92

Open the gates for you to enter in, 93

And by this means the city is your own. 94

Calymath

If this be true, I’ll make thee governor. 95

Barabas

And if it be not true, then let me die. 96

Calymath

Thou’st doomed thyself. Assault it presently. 97

(Exeunt.)

[V.ii]

(Alarms. Enter Turks [and] Barabas [with] Ferneze and Knights prisoners.)

Calymath

Now vail your pride, you captive Christians, 1

And kneel for mercy to your conquering foe. 2

Now where’s the hope you had of haughty Spain? 3

Ferneze, speak: had it not been much better 4

To ’ve kept thy promise than be thus surprised? 5

Ferneze

What should I say? We are captives and must yield. 6

Calymath

Ay, villains, you must yield; and under Turkish yokes 7

Shall groaning bear the burden of our ire. 8

And, Barabas, as erst we promised thee, 9

For thy desert we make thee governor; 10

Use them at thy discretion. 11

Barabas

Thanks, my lord.

Ferneze

O, fatal day, to fall into the hands 12

Of such a traitor and unhallowed Jew! 13

What greater misery could heaven inflict? 14

Calymath

’Tis our command; and, Barabas, we give 15

To guard thy person, these our Janizaries: 16

Entreat them well, as we have usèd thee. 17

And now, brave bashaws, come, we’ll walk about 18

The ruined town, and see the wrack we made. 19

Farewell, brave Jew; farewell, great Barabas. 20

(Exeunt [Calymath and Bashaws].)

Barabas

May all good fortune follow Calymath. 21

And now, as entrance to our safety, 22

To prison with the governor and these 23

Captains, his consorts and confederates. 24

Ferneze

O, villain, heaven will be revenged on thee! 25

Barabas

Away! no more! let him not trouble me. 26

(Exeunt. [Manet Barabas.])

Thus hast thou gotten, by thy policy, 27

No simple place, no small authority. 28

I now am governor of Malta. True, 29

But Malta hates me, and in hating me 30

My life’s in danger, and what boots it thee, 31

Poor Barabas, to be the governor, 32

Whenas thy life shall be at their command? 33

No, Barabas, this must be looked into; 34

And since by wrong thou gott’st authority, 35

Maintain it bravely by firm policy; 36

At least unprofitably lose it not. 37

For he that liveth in authority, 38

And neither gets him friends nor fills his bags, 39

Lives like the ass that Aesop speaketh of, 40

That labors with a load of bread and wine, 41

And leaves it off to snap on thistle tops. 42

But Barabas will be more circumspect. 43

Begin betimes. Occasion’s bald behind; 44

Slip not thine opportunity, for fear too late 45

Thou seek’st for much, but canst not compass it. 46

Within here! 47

(Enter Ferneze with a Guard.)

Ferneze

My lord? 48

Barabas

Ay, “lord”; thus slaves will learn. 49

Now, governor – stand by there; wait within – 50

([Exeunt Guard.])

This is the reason that I sent for thee: 51

Thou seest thy life, and Malta’s happiness, 52

Are at my arbitrament, and Barabas 53

At his discretion may dispose of both. 54

Now tell me, governor, and plainly too, 55

What think’st thou shall become of it and thee? 56

Ferneze

This, Barabas: since things are in thy power, 57

I see no reason but of Malta’s wrack, 58

Nor hope of thee but extreme cruelty; 59

Nor fear I death, nor will I flatter thee. 60

Barabas

Governor, good words; be not so furious. 61

’Tis not thy life which can avail me aught; 62

Yet you do live, and live for me you shall. 63

And as for Malta’s ruin, think you not 64

’Twere slender policy for Barabas 65

To dispossess himself of such a place? 66

For sith, as once you said, within this isle, 67

In Malta here, that I have got my goods, 68

And in this city still have had success, 69

And now at length am grown your governor, 70

Yourselves shall see it shall not be forgot: 71

For as a friend not known but in distress, 72

I’ll rear up Malta, now remediless. 73

Ferneze

Will Barabas recover Malta’s loss? 74

Will Barabas be good to Christians? 75

Barabas

What wilt thou give me, governor, to procure 76

A dissolution of the slavish bands 77

Wherein the Turk hath yoked your land and you? 78

What will you give me if I render you 79

The life of Calymath, surprise his men, 80

And in an outhouse of the city shut 81

His soldiers, till I have consumed ’em all with fire? 82

What will you give him that procureth this? 83

Ferneze

Do but bring this to pass which thou pretendest, 84

Deal truly with us as thou intimatest, 85

And I will send amongst the citizens 86

And by my letters privately procure 87

Great sums of money for thy recompense: 88

Nay, more, do this, and live thou governor still. 89

Barabas

Nay, do thou this, Ferneze, and be free. 90

Governor, I enlarge thee; live with me, 91

Go walk about the city, see thy friends. 92

Tush, send not letters to ’em, go thyself, 93

And let me see what money thou canst make. 94

Here is my hand that I’ll set Malta free, 95

And thus we cast it: to a solemn fest 96

I will invite young Selim Calymath, 97

Where be thou present only to perform 98

One stratagem that I’ll impart to thee, 99

Wherein no danger shall betide thy life, 100

And I will warrant Malta free for ever. 101

Ferneze

Here is my hand. Believe me, Barabas, 102

I will be there, and do as thou desirest. 103

When is the time? 104

Barabas

Governor, presently.

For Calymath, when he hath viewed the town, 105

Will take his leave and sail toward Ottoman. 106

Ferneze

Then will I, Barabas, about this coin, 107

And bring it with me to thee in the evening. 108

Barabas

Do so, but fail not; now farewell, Ferneze. 109

([Exit Ferneze.])

And thus far roundly goes the business. 110

Thus, loving neither, will I live with both, 111

Making a profit of my policy; 112

And he from whom my most advantage comes 113

Shall be my friend. 114

This is the life we Jews are used to lead; 115

And reason, too, for Christians do the like. 116

Well, now about effecting this device. 117

First to surprise great Selim’s soldiers, 118

And then to make provision for the feast, 119

That at one instant all things may be done. 120

My policy detests prevention. 121

To what event my secret purpose drives, 122

I know; and they shall witness with their lives. 123

(Exit.)

[V.iii]

(Enter Calymath [and] Bashaws.)

Calymath

Thus have we viewed the city, seen the sack, 1

And caused the ruins to be new repaired, 2

Which with our bombards’ shot and basilisk 3

We rent in sunder at our entry. 4

And now I see the situation, 5

And how secure this conquered island stands, 6

Environed with the Mediterranean Sea, 7

Strong countermured with other petty isles, 8

And toward Calabria, backed by Sicily 9

(Where Syracusian Dionysius reigned), 10

Two lofty turrets that command the town, 11

I wonder how it could be conquered thus. 12

(Enter a Messenger.)

Messenger

From Barabas, Malta’s governor, I bring 13

A message unto mighty Calymath: 14

Hearing his Sovereign was bound for sea, 15

To sail to Turkey, to great Ottoman, 16

He humbly would entreat your Majesty 17

To come and see his homely citadel, 18

And banquet with him ere thou leav’st the isle. 19

Calymath

To banquet with him in his citadel? 20

I fear me, messenger, to feast my train 21

Within a town of war so lately pillaged 22

Will be too costly and too troublesome. 23

Yet would I gladly visit Barabas, 24

For well has Barabas deserved of us. 25

Messenger

Selim, for that, thus saith the governor, 26

That he hath in store a pearl so big, 27

So precious, and withal so orient, 28

As, be it valued but indifferently, 29

The price thereof will serve to entertain 30

Selim and all his soldiers for a month; 31

Therefore he humbly would entreat your Highness 32

Not to depart till he has feasted you. 33

Calymath

I cannot feast my men in Malta walls, 34

Except he place his tables in the streets. 35

Messenger

Know, Selim, that there is a monastery 36

Which standeth as an outhouse to the town; 37

There will he banquet them, but thee at home, 38

With all thy bashaws and brave followers. 39

Calymath

Well, tell the governor we grant his suit; 40

We’ll in this summer evening feast with him. 41

Messenger

I shall, my lord. 42

(Exit.)

Calymath

And now, bold bashaws, let us to our tents, 43

And meditate how we may grace us best 44

To solemnize our governor’s great feast. 45

(Exeunt.)

[V.iv]

(Enter Ferneze, Knights, [and Martin] del Bosco.)

Ferneze

In this, my countrymen, be ruled by me. 1

Have special care that no man sally forth 2

Till you shall hear a culverin discharged 3

By him that bears the linstock, kindled thus; 4

Then issue out and come to rescue me, 5

For happily I shall be in distress, 6

Or you releasèd of this servitude. 7

1 Knight

Rather than thus to live as Turkish thralls, 8

What will we not adventure? 9

Ferneze

On then, be gone. 10

Knights

Farewell, grave governor.

([Exeunt.])

[V.v]

(Enter [Barabas] with a hammer above, very busy [, and Carpenters].)

Barabas

How stand the cords? How long these hinges? Fast? 1

Are all the cranes and pulleys sure? 2

1 Carpenter

All fast.

Barabas

Leave nothing loose, all leveled to my mind. 3

Why, now I see that you have art indeed. 4

There, carpenters, divide that gold amongst you. 5

Go swill in bowls of sack and muscadine: 6

Down to the cellar; taste of all my wines. 7

Carpenters

We shall, my lord, and thank you. 8

(Exeunt.)

Barabas

And if you like them, drink your fill and die; 9

For so I live, perish may all the world. 10

Now, Selim Calymath, return me word 11

That thou wilt come, and I am satisfied. 12

(Enter Messenger.)

Now, sirrah, what, will he come? 13

Messenger

He will; and has commanded all his men 14

To come ashore, and march through Malta streets, 15

That thou mayst feast them in thy citadel. 16

Barabas

Then now are all things as my wish would have ’em. 17

There wanteth nothing but the governor’s pelf, 18

(Enter Ferneze.)

And see, he brings it. Now, governor, the sum? 19

Ferneze

With free consent, a hundred thousand pounds. 20

Barabas

Pounds, say’st thou, governor? Well, since it is no more, 21

I’ll satisfy myself with that. Nay, keep it still, 22

For if I keep not promise, trust not me. 23

And, governor, now partake my policy: 24

First, for his army, they are sent before, 25

Entered the monastery, and underneath 26

In several places are fieldpieces pitched, 27

Bombards, whole barrels full of gunpowder, 28

That on the sudden shall dissever it, 29

And batter all the stones about their ears, 30

Whence none can possibly escape alive. 31

Now as for Calymath and his consorts, 32

Here have I made a dainty gallery, 33

The floor whereof, this cable being cut, 34

Doth fall asunder, so that it doth sink 35

Into a deep pit past recovery. 36

Here, hold that knife, and when thou seest he comes, 37

And with his bashaws shall be blithely set, 38

A warning-piece shall be shot off from the tower, 39

To give thee knowledge when to cut the cord, 40

And fire the house. Say, will not this be brave? 41

Ferneze

O, excellent! Here, hold thee, Barabas, 42

I trust thy word; take what I promised thee. 43

Barabas

No, governor, I’ll satisfy thee first; 44

Thou shalt not live in doubt of anything. 45

Stand close, for here they come. 46

[Ferneze retires.] Why, is not this

A kingly kind of trade, to purchase towns 47

By treachery, and sell ’em by deceit? 48

Now tell me, worldlings, underneath the sun, 49

If greater falsehood ever has been done? 50

(Enter Calymath and Bashaws.)

Calymath

Come, my companion bashaws, see, I pray, 51

How busy Barabas is there above 52

To entertain us in his gallery. 53

Let us salute him. Save thee, Barabas. 54

Barabas

Welcome, great Calymath. 55

Ferneze

How the slave jeers at him! 56

Barabas

Will ’t please thee, mighty Selim Calymath, 57

To ascend our homely stairs? 58

Calymath

Ay, Barabas.

Come, bashaws, attend. 59

Ferneze

Stay, Calymath!

For I will show thee greater courtesy 60

Than Barabas would have afforded thee. 61

1 Knight

[within] Sound a charge there! 62

(A charge [sounded within;] the cable cut [by Ferneze; the floor of the upper stage giving way, Barabas falls into] a caldron, discovered [below].)

([Enter Martin del Bosco and Knights.])

Calymath

How now! what means this? 63

Barabas

Help, help me! Christians, help! 64

Ferneze

See, Calymath, this was devised for thee. 65

Calymath

Treason, treason! Bashaws, fly! 66

Ferneze

No, Selim, do not fly. 67

See his end first, and fly then if thou canst. 68

Barabas

O, help me, Selim; help me, Christians. 69

Governor, why stand you all so pitiless? 70

Ferneze

Should I in pity of thy plaints or thee, 71

Accursèd Barabas, base Jew, relent? 72

No, thus I’ll see thy treachery repaid, 73

But wish thou hadst behaved thee otherwise. 74

Barabas

You will not help me, then? 75

Ferneze

No, villain, no.

Barabas

And, villains, know you cannot help me now. 76

Then, Barabas, breathe forth thy latest fate, 77

And in the fury of thy torments, strive 78

To end thy life with resolution. 79

Know, governor, ’twas I that slew thy son; 80

I framed the challenge that did make them meet. 81

Know, Calymath, I aimed thy overthrow, 82

And had I but escaped this stratagem, 83

I would have brought confusion on you all, 84

Damned Christians, dogs, and Turkish infidels. 85

But now begins the extremity of heat 86

To pinch me with intolerable pangs: 87

Die, life! fly, soul! tongue, curse thy fill and die! 88

([Dies.])

Calymath

Tell me, you Christians, what doth this portend? 89

Ferneze

This train he laid to have entrapped thy life. 90

Now, Selim, note the unhallowed deeds of Jews; 91

Thus he determined to have handled thee, 92

But I have rather chose to save thy life. 93

Calymath

Was this the banquet he prepared for us? 94

Let’s hence, lest further mischief be pretended. 95

Ferneze

Nay, Selim, stay, for since we have thee here, 96

We will not let thee part so suddenly: 97

Besides, if we should let thee go, all’s one, 98

For with thy galleys couldst thou not get hence, 99

Without fresh men to rig and furnish them. 100

Calymath

Tush, governor, take thou no care for that; 101

My men are all aboard, 102

And do attend my coming there by this. 103

Ferneze

Why, heard’st thou not the trumpet sound a charge? 104

Calymath

Yes, what of that? 105

Ferneze

Why then the house was fired,

Blown up, and all thy soldiers massacrèd. 106

Calymath

O, monstrous treason! 107

Ferneze

A Jew’s courtesy;

For he that did by treason work our fall, 108

By treason hath delivered thee to us. 109

Know, therefore, till thy father hath made good 110

The ruins done to Malta and to us, 111

Thou canst not part; for Malta shall be freed, 112

Or Selim ne’er return to Ottoman. 113

Calymath

Nay, rather, Christians, let me go to Turkey, 114

In person there to meditate your peace; 115

To keep me here will naught advantage you. 116

Ferneze

Content thee, Calymath; here thou must stay, 117

And live in Malta prisoner; for come all the world 118

To rescue thee, so will we guard us now, 119

As sooner shall they drink the ocean dry 120

Than conquer Malta, or endanger us. 121

So march away, and let due praise be given 122

Neither to fate nor fortune, but to heaven. 123

([Exeunt.])

Finis.

Epilogue Spoken at Court

It is our fear, dread Sovereign, we have been 124

Too tedious; neither can ’t be less than sin 125

To wrong your princely patience: if we have, 126

Thus low dejected, we your pardon crave; 127

And, if aught here offend your ear or sight, 128

We only act, and speak, what others write. 129

Epilogue to the Stage

In graving, with Pygmalion to contend, 130

Or painting, with Apelles, doubtless the end 131

Must be disgrace; our actor did not so: 132

He only aimed to go, but not outgo. 133

Nor think that this day any prize was played; 134

Here were no bets at all, no wagers laid; 135

All the ambition that his mind doth swell 136

Is butt to hear from you (by me) ’twas well. 137