Or who is honoured now but for his wealth? I cannot tell, but we have scambled1 up More wealth by far than those that brag of faith. Many in France, and wealthy every one; I must confess we come not to be kings; Or urged by force; and nothing violent, Give us a peaceful rule, make Christians kings, I have no charge, nor many children, But one sole daughter, whom I hold as dear And all I have is hers. But who comes here? 1 A recognised form of "scrambled." Cf. Henry V. i, 1 :— "But that the scambling and unquiet time Did push it out of farther question." 120 130 140 Enter three Jews.1 1 Jew. Tush, tell not me; 'twas done of policy. 2 Jew. Come, therefore, let us go to Barabas, For he can counsel best in these affairs; And here he comes. Bar. Why, how now, countrymen ! Why flock you thus to me in multitudes ? What accident's betided to the Jews? I Jew. A fleet of warlike galleys, Barabas, Are come from Turkey, and lie in our road : And they this day sit in the council-house To entertain them and their embassy. Bar. Why, let 'em come, so they come not to war; Or let 'em war, so we be conquerors— Nay, let 'em combat, conquer, and kill all! 150 So they spare me, my daughter, and my wealth. [Aside. 1 Jew. Were it for confirmation of a league, 160 They would not come in warlike manner thus. 1 Jew. Why, Barabas, they come for peace or war. VOL. II. 1 The scene is shifted to the Exchange. B 3 Jew. And very wisely said. It may be so. 2 Jew. But there's a meeting in the senate-house, And all the Jews in Malta must be there. Bar. Hum; all the Jews in Malta must be there? 170 [Aside. I Jew. I know you will; well, brethren, let us go. 2 Jew. Let's take our leaves; farewell, good Barabas. Bar. Farewell,1 Zaareth; farewell, Temainte. And, Barabas, now search this secret out; 180 [Exeunt Jews. The Turks have let increase to such a sum Why, let 'em enter, let 'em take the town. [Exit. " 1 Old ed. "Iew. Doe so; Farewell, Zaareth," &c. Dyce is doubtless right in considering that "doe so is a stage direction (= Exeunt Merchants), which has crept into the text. 2 A misquotation from Terence's Andria, iv. 1. 12, egomet mihi," "Proximus sum SCENE II. Enter Governor of Malta, Knights, and Officers; met by Bassoes of the Turk, CALYMATH. Gov. Now, Bassoes, what demand you at our hands? 1 Bas. Know, Knights of Malta, that we come from Rhodes, From Cyprus, Candy, and those other Isles That lie betwixt the Mediterranean seas. Gov. What's Cyprus, Candy, and those other Isles Cal. I wish, grave governor,2 'twere in my power IO Gov. Then give us leave, great Selim Calymath. [Consults apart with the Knights. Cal. Stand all aside, and let the Knights determine, And send to keep our galleys under sail, For happily we shall not tarry here; Now, governor,2 [say,] how are you resolved? Gov. Thus since your hard conditions are such 1 Scene: the Senate-house. 2 Old ed. 66 governours," 20 I Bas. That's more than is in our commission. Cal. What, Callipine! a little courtesy. Than to enforce conditions by constraint. Gov. But a month. Cal. We grant a month, but see you keep your pro mise. Now launch our galleys back again to sea, Where we'll attend the respite you have ta'en, Farewell, great governor1 and brave Knights of Malta. 30 [Exeunt CALYMATH and Bassoes. Go one and call those Jews of Malta hither: Enter BARABAS and three Jews. 1 Knight. Have you determined what to say to them? Gov. Yes, give me leave:-and, Hebrews, now come near. From the Emperor of Turkey is arrived. Now then, here know that it concerneth us— 40 1 Old ed. "governours." |