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ln 0001The Famous
ln 0002TRAGEDY
ln 0003OF THE RICH IEVV
ln 0004OF MALTA.


ln 0005AS IT WAS PLAYD
ln 0006BEFORE THE KING AND
ln 0007QVEENE, IN HIS MAJESTIES
ln 0008Theatre at White-Hall, by her Majesties
ln 0009Servants at the Cock-pit.
ln 0010Written by CHRISTOPHER MARLO.
ln 0011[ ···· ]ON
ln 0012Printed by I. B. for Nicholas Vavasour, and are to be sold
ln 0013at his Shop in the Inner-Temple, neere the
ln 0014Church. 1633.


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ln 0001TO
ln 0002MY VVORTHY
ln 0003FRIEND, Mr. THOMAS
ln 0004HAMMON, OF GRAYES
ln 0005INN, &c.



ln 0006THis Play, composed by so
ln 0007worthy an Authour as Mr.
ln 0008Marlo; and the part of the
ln 0009Jew presented by so vnimi-
ln 0010table an Actor as Mr. Allin,
ln 0011being in this later Age com-
ln 0012mended to the Stage: As I
ln 0013vsher’d it unto the Court, and
ln 0014presented it to the Cock-pit,
ln 0015with these Prologues and E-
ln 0016pilogues here inserted, so now being newly brought to
ln 0017the Presse, I was loath it should be published without
ln 0018the ornament of an Epistle; making choyce of you
ln 0019vnto whom to deuote it; then whom (of all those
ln 0020Gentlemen and acquaintance, within the compasse of
ln 0021my long knowledge) there is none more able to taxe
A3
Ignorance

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The Epistle Dedicatory:

ln 0022Ignorance, or attribute right to merit. Sir, you haue bin
ln 0023pleased to grace some of mine owne workes with your
ln 0024curteous patronage; I hope this will not be the worse
ln 0025accepted, because commended by mee; ouer whom,
ln 0026none can clayme more power or priuilege than your
ln 0027 selfe. I had no better a New-yeares gift to present you
ln 0028with; receiue it therefore as a continuance of that in-
ln 0029uiolable obliegement, by which, he rests stil ingaged;
ln 0030who as he euer hath, shall alwayes remaine,


ln 0031Tuissmus:


ln 0032THO. HEYVVOOD.

The

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wln 0001The Prologue spoken at Court.

wln 0002GRacious and Great, that we so boldly dare,
wln 0003(’Mo[ · ]gst other Playes that now in fashion are)
wln 0004To present this; writ many yeares agone,
wln 0005And in that Age, thought second vnto none;
wln 0006We humbly c[ · ]ave your pardon: we pursue
wln 0007The story of a rich and famous Jew
wln 0008Who liu’d in Malta: you shall find him still,
wln 0009In all his p[ · ]oiects, a sound Macheuill;
wln 0010And that’s his Character: He that hath past
wln 0011So many Censures, is now come at last
wln 0012To haue your princely Eares, grace you him; then
wln 0013You crowne the Action, and renowne the pen.





wln 0014Epilogue.

wln 0015IT is our feare (dread Soueraigne) we haue bin
wln 0016Too tedious; neither can’t be lesse than sinne
wln 0017To wrong your Princely patience: If we haue,
wln 0018(Thus low deiected) we your pardon craue:
wln 0019And if ought here offend your eare or sight,
wln 0020We onely Act, and Speake, what others write.


The

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wln 0021The Prologue to the Stage, at
wln 0022the Cocke-pit.


wln 0023WE know not how this Play may passe this Stage,
wln 0024*Marlo.But by the best of * Poets in that age
wln 0025The Malta-Jew had being, and was made;
wln 0026*Allin.And He, then by the best of * Actors play’d:
wln 0027In Hero and Leander, one did gaine
wln 0028A lasting memorie: in Tamberlaine,
wln 0029This Jew, with others many: th’ other man
wln 0030The Attribute of peerelesse, being a man
wln 0031Whom we may ranke with (doing no one wrong)
wln 0032Proteus for shapes, and Roseius for a tongue,
wln 0033So could he speake, so vary; nor is’t hate
wln 0034*Perkins.To merit: in * him who doth personate
wln 0035Our Jew this day, nor is it his ambition
wln 0036To exceed, or equall, being of condition
wln 0037More modest; this is all that he intends,
wln 0038(And that too, at the vrgence of some friends)
wln 0039To proue his best, and if none here gaine-say it,
wln 0040The part he hath studied, and intends to play it.





wln 0041Epilogue.

wln 0042IN Graving, with Pigmalion to contend;
wln 0043Or Painting, with Apelles; doubtlesse the end
wln 0044Must be disgrace: our Actor did not so,
wln 0045He onely aym’d to goe, but not out goe.
wln 0046Nor thinke that this day any prize was plaid,
wln 0047Here were no betts at all, no wagers laid;
wln 0048All the ambition that his mind doth swell,
wln 0049Is but to heare from you, (by me) ’twas well.


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wln 0050THE
wln 0051IEW OF
wln 0052MALTA.



wln 0053Macheuil.
wln 0054ALbeit the world thinke Macheuill is dead,
wln 0055Yet was his soule but flowne beyond the Alpes,
wln 0056And now the Guize is dead, is come from France
wln 0057To view this Land, and frolicke with his friends.
wln 0058To some perhaps my name is odious,
wln 0059But such as loue me, gard me from their tongues,
wln 0060And let them know that I am Macheuill,
wln 0061And weigh not men, and therefore not mens words:
wln 0062Admir’d I am of those that hate me most.
wln 0063Though some speake openly against my bookes,
wln 0064Yet will they reade me, and thereby attaine
wln 0065To Peters Chayre: And when they cast me off;
wln 0066Are poyson’d by my climing followers.
wln 0067I count Religion but a childish Toy,
wln 0068And hold there is no sinne but Ignorance.
wln 0069Birds of the Aire will tell of murders past;
wln 0070I am asham’d to heare such fooleries:
wln 0071Many will talke of Title to a Crowne.
wln 0072What right had Caesar to the Empire?
wln 0073Might first made Kings, and Lawes were then most sure
wln 0074When like the Drancus they were writ in blood.
B
Hence

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 0075Hence comes it, that a strong built Citadell
wln 0076Commands much more then letters can import:
wln 0077Which maxime had Phaleris obseru’d,
wln 0078H’had neuer bellowed in a brasen Bull
wln 0079Of great ones enuy; o’th poore petty wites,
wln 0080Let me be enuy’d and not pittied!
wln 0081But whither am I bound, I come not, I,
wln 0082To reade a lecture here in Britaine,
wln 0083But to present the Tragedy of a Iew,
wln 0084Who smiles to see how full his bags are cramb’d
wln 0085Which mony was not got without my meanes.
wln 0086I craue but this, Grace him as he deserues,
wln 0087And let him not be entertain’d the worse
wln 0088Because he fauours me.
wln 0089Enter Barabas in his Counting-house,
wln 0090with heapes of gold before him.

wln 0091Iew,So that of thus much that returne was made:
wln 0092And of the third part of the Persian ships,
wln 0093There was the venture summ’d and satisfied.
wln 0094As for those Samintes, and the men of Vzz,
wln 0095That bought my Spanish Oyles, and Wines of Greece,
wln 0096Here haue I purst their paltry siluerbings.
wln 0097Fye; what a trouble tis to count this trash.
wln 0098Well fare the Arabians, who so richly pay,
wln 0099The things they traffique for with wedge of gold,
wln 0100Whereof a man may easily in a day
wln 0101Tell that which may maintaine him all his life.
wln 0102The needy groome that neuer fingred groat,
wln 0103Would make a miracle of thus much coyne:
wln 0104But he whose steele-bard coffers are cramb’d full,
wln 0105And all his life time hath bin tired,
wln 0106Wearying his fingers ends with telling it,
wln 0107Would in his age be loath to labour so,
wln 0108And for a pound to sweat himselfe to death:
wln 0109Giue me the Merchants of the Indian Mynes,
wln 0110That trade in mettall of the purest mould;
wln 0111The wealthy Moore, that in the Easterne rockes
Without

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 0112Without controule can picke his riches vp,
wln 0113And in his house heape pearle like pibble-stones:
wln 0114Receiue them free, and sell them by the weight,
wln 0115Bags of fiery Opals, Saphires, Amatists,
wln 0116Iacints, hard Topas, grasse-greene Emeraulds,
wln 0117Beauteous Rubyes, sparkling Diamonds,
wln 0118And seildsene costly stones of so great price,
wln 0119As one of them indifferently rated,
wln 0120And of a Carrect of this quantity,
wln 0121May serue in perill of calamity
wln 0122To ransome great Kings from captiuity.
wln 0123This is the ware wherein consists my wealth:
wln 0124And thus me thinkes should men of iudgement frame
wln 0125Their meanes of traffique from the vulgar trade,
wln 0126And as their wealth increaseth, so inclose
wln 0127Infinite riches in a little roome.
wln 0128But now how stands the wind?
wln 0129Into what corner peeres my Halcions bill?
wln 0130Ha, to the East? yes: See how stands the Vanes?
wln 0131East and by-South: why then I hope my ships
wln 0132I sent for Egypt and the bordering Iles
wln 0133Are gotten vp by Nilus winding bankes:
wln 0134Mine Argosie from Alexandria,
wln 0135Loaden with Spice and Silkes, now vnder saile,
wln 0136Are smoothly gliding downe by Candie shoare
wln 0137To Malta, through our Mediterranean sea.
wln 0138But who comes heare? How now.
wln 0139Enter a Merchant.
wln 0140Merch.Barabas, thy ships are safe,
wln 0141Riding in Malta Rhode: And all the Merchants
wln 0142With other Merchandize are safe arriu’d,
wln 0143And haue sent me to know whether your selfe
wln 0144Will come and custome them.
wln 0145Iew.The ships are safe thou saist, and richly fraught.
wln 0146Merch.They are.
wln 0147Iew.VVhy then goe bid them come ashore,
wln 0148And bring with them their bils of entry:
B2
I

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 0149I hope our credit in the Custome-house
wln 0150Will serue as well as I were present there.
wln 0151Goe send ’vm threescore Camels, thirty Mules,
wln 0152And twenty Waggons to bring vp the ware.
wln 0153But art thou master in a ship of mine,
wln 0154And is thy credit not enough for that?
wln 0155Merch.The very Custome barely comes to more
wln 0156Then many Merchants of the Towne are worth,
wln 0157And therefore farre exceeds my credit, Sir.
wln 0158Iew.Goe tell ’em the Iew of Malta sent thee, man.
wln 0159Tush, who amongst ’em knowes not Barrabas?
wln 0160Merch.I goe.
wln 0161Iew.So then, there’s somewhat come.
wln 0162Sirra, which of my ships art thou Master off?
wln 0163Merch.Of the Speranza, Sir.
wln 0164Iew.And saw’st thou not mine Argosie at Alexandria
wln 0165Thou couldst not come from Egypt, or by Caire
wln 0166But at the entry there into the sea,
wln 0167Where Nilus payes his tribute to the maine,
wln 0168Thou needs must saile by Alexandria.
wln 0169Merch.I neither saw them, nor inquir’d of them.
wln 0170But this we heard some of our sea-men say,
wln 0171They wondred how you durst with so much wealth
wln 0172Trust such a crazed Vessell, and so farre.
wln 0173Iew.Tush; they are wise, I know her and her strength:
wln 0174By goe, goe thou thy wayes, discharge thy Ship,
wln 0175And bid my Factor bring his loading in.
wln 0176And yet I wonder at this Argosie,
wln 0177Enter a second Merchant.
wln 01782. Merch.Thine Argosie from Alexandria,
wln 0179Know Barabas doth ride in Malta Rhode.
wln 0180Laden with riches, and exceeding store
wln 0181Of Persian silkes, of gold, and Orient Perle:
wln 0182Iew.How chance you came not with those other ships
wln 0183That sail’d by Egypt?
wln 01842 Merch.Sir we saw ’em not.
wln 0185Iew.Belike they coasted round by Candie shoare
About

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 0186About their Oyles, or other businesses.
wln 0187But ’twas ill done of you to come so farre
wln 0188Without the ayd or conduct of their ships.
wln 01892. Merch.Sir, we were wafted by a Spanish Fleet
wln 0190That neuer left vs till within a league,
wln 0191That had the Gallies of the Turke in chase.
wln 0192Iew.Oh they were going vp to Sicily: well, goe
wln 0193And bid the Merchants and my men dispatch
wln 0194And come ashore, and see the fraught discharg’d.
wln 0195Merch.I goe.Exit.
wln 0196Iew.Thus trowles our fortune in by land and Sea,
wln 0197And thus are wee on euery side inrich’d:
wln 0198These are the Blessings promis’d to the Iewes,
wln 0199And herein was old Abrams happinesse:
wln 0200What more may Heaven doe for earthly man
wln 0201Then thus to powre out plenty in their laps,
wln 0202Ripping the bowels of the earth for them,
wln 0203Making the Sea their seruants, and the winds
wln 0204To driue their substance with successefull blasts?
wln 0205Who hateth me but for my happinesse?
wln 0206Or who is honour’d now but for his wealth?
wln 0207Rather had I a Iew be hated thus,
wln 0208Then pittied in a Christian pouerty:
wln 0209For I can see no fruits in all their faith,
wln 0210But malice, falshood, and excessiue pride,
wln 0211Which me thinkes fits not their profession.
wln 0212Happily some haplesse man hath conscience,
wln 0213And for his conscience liues in beggery.
wln 0214They say we are a scatter’d Nation:
wln 0215I cannot tell, but we haue scambled vp
wln 0216More wealth by farre then those that brag of faith.
wln 0217There’s Kirriah Iairim, the great Iew of Greece,
wln 0218Obed in Bairseth, Nones in Portugall,
wln 0219My selfe in Malta, some in Italy,
wln 0220Many in France, and wealthy euery one:
wln 0221I, wealthier farre then any Christian.
wln 0222I must confesse we come not to be Kings:
B3
That’s

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 0223That’s not our fault: Alas, our number’s few,
wln 0224And Crownes come either by succession
wln 0225Or vrg’d by force; and nothing violent,
wln 0226Oft haue I heard tell, can be permanent.
wln 0227Giue vs a peacefull rule, make Christians Kings,
wln 0228That thirst so much for Principality.
wln 0229I haue no charge, nor many children,
wln 0230But one sole Daughter, whom I hold as deare
wln 0231As Agamemnon did his Iphigen:
wln 0232And all I haue is hers. But who comes here?
wln 0233Enter three Iewes.
wln 02341.Tush, tell not me ’twas done of policie.
wln 02352.Come therefore let vs goe to Barrabas;
wln 0236For he can counsell best in these affaires;
wln 0237And here he comes.
wln 0238Iew.Why how now Countrymen?
wln 0239Why flocke you thus to me in multitudes?
wln 0240What accident’s betided to the Iewes?
wln 02411.A Fleet of warlike Gallyes, Barabas,
wln 0242Are come from Turkey, and lye in our Rhode:
wln 0243And they this day sit in the Counsell-house
wln 0244To entertaine them and their Embassie.
wln 0245Iew.Why let ’em come, so they come not to warre;
wln 0246Or let ’em warre, so we be conquerors:
wln 0247Nay, let ’em combat, conquer, and kill all,Aside.
wln 0248So they spare me, my daughter, and my wealth.
wln 02491.Were it for confirmation of a League,
wln 0250They would not come in warlike manner thus.
wln 02512.I feare their comming will afflict vs all.
wln 0252Iew.Fond men, what dreame you of their multitudes?
wln 0253What need they treat of peace that are in league?
wln 0254The Turkes and those of Malta are in league.
wln 0255Tut, tut, there is some other matter in’t.
wln 02561.Why, Barabas, they come for peace or warre.
wln 0257Iew.Happily for neither, but to passe along
wln 0258Towards Venice by the Adriatick Sea;
wln 0259With whom they haue attempted many times,
But

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 0260But neuer could effect their Stratagem.
wln 02613.And very wisely sayd, it may be so.
wln 02622.But there’s a meeting in the Senate-house,
wln 0263And all the Iewes in Malta must be there.
wln 0264Iew.Vmh; All the Iewes in Malta must be there?
wln 0265I, like enough, why then let euery man
wln 0266Prouide him, and be there for fashion-sake.
wln 0267If any thing shall there concerne our state
wln 0268Assure your selues I’le looke vnto my selfe.aside,
wln 02691.I know you will; well brethren let vs goe.
wln 02702.Let’s take our leaues; Farewell good Barabas.
wln 0271Iew.Doe so; Farewell Zaareth, farewell Temainte.
wln 0272And Barabas now search this secret out.
wln 0273Summon thy sences, call thy wits togethre:
wln 0274These silly men mistake the matter cleane.
wln 0275Long to the Turke did Malta contribute;
wln 0276Which Tribute all in policie, I feare,
wln 0277The Turkes haue let increase to such a summe,
wln 0278As all the wealth of Malta cannot pay;
wln 0279And now by that aduantage thinkes, belike,
wln 0280To seize vpon the Towne: I, that he seekes.
wln 0281How ere the world goe, I’le make sure for one,
wln 0282And seeke in time to intercept the worst,
wln 0283Warily garding that which I ha got.
wln 0284Ego mihimet sum semper proximas.
wln 0285Why let ’em enter, let ’em take the Towne.
wln 0286Enter Gouernors of Malta, Knights met by
wln 0287Bassoes of the Turke; Calymath.

wln 0288Gouer.Now Bassoes, what demand you at our hands?
wln 0289Bass.Know Knights of Malta, that we came from Rhodes
wln 0290From Cyprus, Candy, and those other Iles
wln 0291That lye betwixt the Mediterranean seas.
wln 0292Gov.What’s Cyprus, Candy, and those other Iles
wln 0293To vs, or Malta? What at our hands demand ye?
wln 0294Calim.The ten yeares tribute that remaines vnpaid.
wln 0295Gov.Alas, my Lord, the summe is ouergreat,
wln 0296I hope your Highnesse will consider vs.
Calim.

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The Iew of Malta.


wln 0297Calim.I wish, graue Gouernours ’twere in my power
wln 0298To fauour you, but ’tis my fathers cause,
wln 0299Wherein I may not, nay I dare not dally.
wln 0300Gov.Then giue vs leaue, great Selim-Calymath.
wln 0301Caly.Stand all aside, and let the Knights determine,
wln 0302And send to keepe our Gallies vnder-saile,
wln 0303For happily we shall not tarry here:
wln 0304Now Gouernours how are you resolu’d?
wln 0305Gov.Thus: Since your hard conditions are such
wln 0306That you will needs haue ten yeares tribute past,
wln 0307We may haue time to make collection
wln 0308Amongst the Inhabitants of Malta for’t.
wln 0309Bass.That’s more then is in our Commission.
wln 0310Caly.What Callapine a little curtesie.
wln 0311Let’s know their time, perhaps it is not long;
wln 0312And ’tis more Kingly to obtaine by peace
wln 0313Then to enforce conditions by constraint.
wln 0314What respit aske you Gouernours?
wln 0315Gov.But a month.
wln 0316Caly.We grant a month, but see you keep your promise.
wln 0317Now lanch our Gallies backe againe to Sea,
wln 0318VVhere wee’ll attend the respit you haue tane,
wln 0319And for the mony send our messenger.
wln 0320Farewell great Gouernors, and braue Knights of Malta.
wln 0321Exeunt.
wln 0322Gov.And all good fortune wait on Calymath.
wln 0323Goe one and call those Iewes of Malta hither:
wln 0324VVere they not summon’d to appeare to day.
wln 0325Officer.They were, my Lord, and here they come.
wln 0326Enter Barabas, and three Iewes.
wln 03271 Knight.Haue you determin’d what to say to them?
wln 0328Gov.Yes, giue me leaue, and Hebrwes now come neare.
wln 0329From the Emperour of Turkey is arriu’d
wln 0330Great Selim-Calymath, his Highnesse sonne,
wln 0331To leuie of vs ten yeares tribute past,
wln 0332Now then here know that it concerneth vs:
wln 0333Bar.Then good my Lord, to keepe your quiet still,
Your

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 0334Your Lordship shall doe well to let them haue it.
wln 0335Gov.Soft Barabas, there’s more longs too’t than so.
wln 0336To what this ten yeares tribute will amount
wln 0337That we haue cast, but cannot compasse it
wln 0338By reason of the warres, that robb’d our store;
wln 0339And therefore are we to request your ayd.
wln 0340Bar.Alas, my Lord, we are no souldiers:
wln 0341And what’s our aid against so great a Prince?
wln 03421 Kni.Tut, Iew, we know thou art no souldier;
wln 0343Thou art a Merchant, and a monied man,
wln 0344And ’tis thy mony, Barabas, we seeke.
wln 0345Bar.How, my Lord, my mony?
wln 0346Gov.Thine and the rest.
wln 0347For to be short, amongst you ’tmust be had,
wln 0348Iew.Alas, my Lord, the most of vs are poore.
wln 0349Gov.Then let the rich increase your portions:
wln 0350Bar.Are strangers with your tribute to be tax’d?
wln 03512 Kni.Haue strangers leaue with vs to get their wealth?
wln 0352Then let them with vs contribute.
wln 0353Bar.How, equally?
wln 0354Gov.No, Iew, like infidels.
wln 0355For through our sufferance of your hatefull liues,
wln 0356Who stand accursed in the sight of heauen,
wln 0357These taxes and afflictions are befal’ne,
wln 0358And therefore thus we are determined;
wln 0359Reade there the Articles of our decrees.
wln 0360Reader.First, the tribute mony of the Turkes shall all be
wln 0361Leuyed amongst the Iewes, and each of them to pay one
wln 0362Halfe of his estate.
wln 0363Bar.How, halfe his estate? I hope you meane not mine.
wln 0364Gov.Read on.
wln 0365Read.Secondly, hee that denies to pay, shal straight be- (come
wln 0366A Christian.
wln 0367Bar.How a Christian? Hum, what’s here to doe?
wln 0368Read.Lastly, he that denies this, shall absolutely lose al he has.
wln 0369All 3 Iewes.Oh my Lord we will giue halfe.
wln 0370Bar.Oh earth-mettall’d villaines, and no Hebrews born!
C
And

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 0371And will you basely thus submit your selues
wln 0372To leaue your goods to their arbitrament?
wln 0373Gov.Why Barabas wilt thou be christned[ · ]
wln 0374Bar.No, Gouernour, I will be no conuertite.
wln 0375Gov,Then pay thy halfe.
wln 0376Bar.Why know you what you did by this deuice?
wln 0377Halfe of my substance is a Cities wealth.
wln 0378Governour, it was not got so easily;
wln 0379Nor will I part so slightly therewithall.
wln 0380Gov.Sir, halfe is the penalty of our decree,
wln 0381Either pay that, or we will seize on all.
wln 0382Bar.Corpo di deo; stay, you shall haue halfe,
wln 0383Let me be vs’d but as my brethren are.
wln 0384Gov.No, Iew, thou hast denied the Articles,
wln 0385And now it cannot be recall’d.
wln 0386Bar,Will you then steale my goods?
wln 0387Is theft the ground of your Religion?
wln 0388Gov.No, Iew, we take particularly thine
wln 0389To saue the ruine of a multitude:
wln 0390And better one want for a common good,
wln 0391Then many perish for a priuate man:
wln 0392Yet Barrabas we will not banish thee,
wln 0393But here in Malta, where thou gotst thy wealth,
wln 0394Liue still; and if thou canst, get more.
wln 0395Bar.Christians; what, or how can I multiply?
wln 0396Of nought is nothing made.
wln 03971 Knight.From nought at first thou camst to little welth,
wln 0398From little vnto more, from more to most:
wln 0399If your first curse fall heauy on thy head,
wln 0400And make thee poore and scorn[ * ]d of all the world,
wln 0401’Tis not our fault, but thy inherent sinne.
wln 0402Bar.What? bring you Scripture to confirm your wronge?
wln 0403Preach me not out of my possessions.
wln 0404Some Iewes are wicked, as all Christians are:
wln 0405But say the Tribe that I descended of
wln 0406Were all in generall cast away for sinne,
wln 0407Shall I be tryed by their transgression?
The

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 0408The man that dealeth righteously shall liue:
wln 0409And which of you can charge me otherwise?
wln 0410Gov.Out wretched Barabas, sham’st thou not thus
wln 0411To iustifie thy selfe, as if we knew not
wln 0412Thy profession? If thou rely vpon thy righteousnesse,
wln 0413Be patient and thy riches will increase.
wln 0414Excesse of wealth is cause of covetousnesse:
wln 0415And couetousnesse, oh ’tis a monstrous sinne.
wln 0416Bar.I, but theft is worse: tush, take not from me then,
wln 0417For that is theft; and if you rob me thus,
wln 0418I must be forc’d to steale and compasse more.
wln 04191 Kni.Graue Gouernors, list not to his exclames:
wln 0420Conuert his mansion to a Nunnery,Enter Officers.
wln 0421His house will harbour many holy Nuns.
wln 0422Gov.It shall be so: now Officers haue you done?
wln 0423Offic.I, my Lord, we haue seiz’d vpon the goods
wln 0424And wares of Barabas, which being valued
wln 0425Amount to more then all the wealth in Malta.
wln 0426And of the other we haue seized halfe.
wln 0427Then wee’ll take order for the residue.
wln 0428Bar.Well then my Lord, say, are you satisfied?
wln 0429You haue my goods, my mony, and my wealth,
wln 0430My ships, my store, and all that I enioy’d;
wln 0431And hauing all, you can request no more;
wln 0432Vnlesse your vnrelenting flinty hearts
wln 0433Suppresse all pitty in your stony breasts,
wln 0434And now shall move you to bereave my life.
wln 0435Gov.No, Barabas, to staine our hands with blood
wln 0436Is farre from vs and our profession.
wln 0437Bar.Why I esteeme the iniury farre lesse,
wln 0438To take the liues of miserable men,
wln 0439Then be the causers of their misery.
wln 0440You haue my wealth the labour of my life,
wln 0441The comfort of mine age, my childrens hope,
wln 0442And therefore ne’re distinguish of the wrong.
wln 0443Gov.Content thee, Barabas, thou hast nought but right.
wln 0444Bar.Your extreme right does me exceeding wrong:
C2
But

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 0445But take it to you i’th deuils name.
wln 0446Gov.Come, let vs in, and gather of these goods
wln 0447The mony for this tribute of the Turke.
wln 04481 Knight,’Tis necessary that be look’d vnto:
wln 0449For if we breake our day, we breake the league,
wln 0450And that will proue but simple policie.Exeunt,
wln 0451Bar.I, policie? that’s their profession,
wln 0452And not simplicity, as they suggest.
wln 0453The plagues of Egypt, and the curse of heauen,
wln 0454Earths barrennesse, and all mens hatred
wln 0455Inflict vpon them, thou great Primas Motor.
wln 0456And here vpon my knees, striking the earth,
wln 0457I banne their soules to everlasting paines
wln 0458And extreme tortures of the fiery deepe,
wln 0459That thus haue dealt with me in my distresse.
wln 04601 Iew.Oh yet be patient, gentle Barabas.
wln 0461Bar.Oh silly brethren, borne to see this day!
wln 0462Why stand you thus vnmou’d with my laments?
wln 0463Why weepe you not to thinke vpon my wrongs?
wln 0464Why pine not I, and dye in this distresse?
wln 04651 Iew.Why, Barabas, as hardly can we brooke
wln 0466The cruell handling of our selues in this:
wln 0467Thou seest they haue taken halfe our goods.
wln 0468Bar.Why did you yeeld to their extortion?
wln 0469You were a multitude, and I but one,
wln 0470And of me onely haue they taken all.
wln 04711 Iew.Yet brother Barabas remember Iob,
wln 0472Bar.What tell you me of Iob? I wot his wealth
wln 0473Was written thus: he had seuen thousand sheepe,
wln 0474Three thousand Camels, and two hundred yoake
wln 0475Of labouring Oxen, and fiue hundred
wln 0476Shee Asses: but for euery one of those,
wln 0477Had they beene valued at indifferent rate,
wln 0478I had at home, and in mine Argosie
wln 0479And other ships that came from Egypt last,
wln 0480As much as would haue bought his beasts and him,
wln 0481And yet haue kept enough to liue vpon;
So,

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 0482So that not he, but I may curse the day,
wln 0483Thy fatall birth-day, forlorne Barabas;
wln 0484And henceforth wish for an eternall night,
wln 0485That clouds of darknesse may inclose my flesh,
wln 0486And hide these extreme sorrowes from mine eyes:
wln 0487For onely I haue toyl’d to inherit here
wln 0488The months of vanity and losse of time,
wln 0489And painefull nights haue bin appointed me.
wln 04902 Iew.Good Barabas be patient.
wln 0491Bar.I, I pray leave me in my patience.
wln 0492You that were ne’re possest of wealth, are pleas’d with (want.
wln 0493But giue him liberty at least to mourne,
wln 0494That in a field amidst his enemies,
wln 0495Doth see his souldiers slaine, himselfe disarm’d,
wln 0496And knowes no meanes of his recouerie:
wln 0497I, let me sorrow for this sudden chance,
wln 0498’Tis in the trouble of my spirit I speake;
wln 0499Great iniuries are not so soone forgot.
wln 05001 Iew.Come, let vs leaue him in his irefull mood,
wln 0501Our words will but increase his extasie.
wln 05022 Iew.On then: but trust me ’tis a misery
wln 0503To see a man in such affliction:
wln 0504Farewell Barabas.Exeunt.
wln 0505Bar.I, fare you well.
wln 0506See the simplicitie of these base slaues,
wln 0507Who for the villaines haue no wit themselues,
wln 0508Thinke me to be a senselesse lumpe of clay
wln 0509That will with euery water wash to dirt:
wln 0510No, Barabas is borne to better chance,
wln 0511And fram’d of finer mold then common men,
wln 0512That measure nought but by the present time.
wln 0513A reaching thought will search his deepest wits,
wln 0514And cast with cunning for the time to come:
wln 0515For euils are apt to happen euery day
wln 0516But whither wends my beauteous Abigall?
wln 0517Enter Ahigall the Iewes daughter.
wln 0518Oh what has made my louely daughter sad?
C3
What,

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 0519What? woman, moane not for a little losse:
wln 0520Thy father has enough in store for thee.
wln 0521Abig.Not for my selfe, but aged Barabas:
wln 0522Father, for thee lamenteth Abigaile:
wln 0523But I will learne to leaue these fruitlesse teares.
wln 0524And vrg’d thereto with my afflictions,
wln 0525With fierce exclaimes run to the Senate-house,
wln 0526And in the Senate reprehend them all,
wln 0527And rent their hearts with tearing of my haire,
wln 0528Till they reduce the wrongs done to my father.
wln 0529Bar.No, Abigail, things past recouery
wln 0530Are hardly cur’d with exclamations.
wln 0531Be silent, Daughter, sufferance breeds ease,
wln 0532And time may yeeld vs an occasion
wln 0533Which on the sudden cannot serue the turne.
wln 0534Besides, my girle, thinke me not all so fond
wln 0535As negligently to forgoe so much
wln 0536Without prouision for thy selfe and me.
wln 0537Ten thousand Portagues, besides great Perles,
wln 0538Rich costly Iewels, and Stones infinite,
wln 0539Fearing the worst of this before it fell,
wln 0540I closely hid.
wln 0541Abig.Where father?
wln 0542Bar.In my house my girle.
wln 0543Abig.Then shall they ne’re be seene of Barrabas:
wln 0544For they haue seiz’d vpon thy house and wares.
wln 0545Bar.But they will giue me leaue once more, I trow,
wln 0546To goe into my house.
wln 0547Abig.That may they not:
wln 0548For there I left the Gouernour placing Nunnes,
wln 0549Displacing me; and of thy house they meane
wln 0550To make a Nunnery, where none but their owne sect
wln 0551Must enter in; men generally barr’d.
wln 0552Bar.My gold, my gold, and all my wealth is gone.
wln 0553You partiall heauens, haue I deseru’d this plague?
wln 0554What will you thus oppose me, lucklesse Starres,
wln 0555To make me desperate in my pouerty?
And

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 0556And knowing me impatient in distresse
wln 0557Thinke me so mad as I will hang my selfe,
wln 0558That I may vanish ore the earth in ayre,
wln 0559And leaue no memory that e’re I was.
wln 0560No, I will liue; nor loath I this my life:
wln 0561And since you leaue me in the Ocean thus
wln 0562To sinke or swim, and put me to my shifts,
wln 0563I’le rouse my senses, and awake my selfe.
wln 0564Daughter, I haue it: thou perceiu’st the plight
wln 0565Wherein these Christians haue oppressed me:
wln 0566Be rul’d by me, for in extremitie
wln 0567We ought to make barre of no policie.
wln 0568Abig.Father, what e’re it be to iniure them
wln 0569That haue so manifestly wronged vs,
wln 0570What will not Abigall attempt?
wln 0571Bar.Why so; then thus, thou toldst me they haue turn’d (my house
wln 0572Into a Nunnery, and some Nuns are there.
wln 0573Abig.I did.
wln 0574Bar.Then Abigall, there must my girle
wln 0575Intreat the Abbasse to be entertain’d.
wln 0576Abig.How, as a Nunne?
wln 0577Bar.I, Daughter, for Religion
wln 0578Hides many mischiefes from suspition.
wln 0579Abig.I, but father they will suspect me there.
wln 0580Bar.Let ’em suspect, but be thou so precise
wln 0581As they may thinke it done of Holinesse.
wln 0582Intreat ’em faire, and giue them friendly speech,
wln 0583And seeme to them as if thy sinnes were great,
wln 0584Till thou hast gotten to be entertain’d.
wln 0585Abig.Thus father shall I much dissemble.
wln 0586Bar.Tush, as good dissemble that thou neuer mean’st
wln 0587As first meane truth, and then dissemble it,
wln 0588A counterfet profession is better
wln 0589Then vnseene hypocrisie.
wln 0590Abig.Well father, say I be entertain’d,
wln 0591What then shall follow?
wln 0592Bar.This shall follow then;
There

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 0593There haue I hid close underneath the plancke
wln 0594That runs along the vpper chamber floore,
wln 0595The gold and Iewels which I kept for thee.
wln 0596But here they come; be cunning Abigall.
wln 0597Abig.Then father goe with me.
wln 0598Bar.No, Abigall, in this
wln 0599It is not necessary I be seene.
wln 0600For I will seeme offended with thee for’t.
wln 0601Be close, my girle, for this must fetch my gold.
wln 0602Enter three Fryars and two Nuns.
wln 06031 Fry.Sisters, we now are almost at the new made Nun- (nery.
wln 06041 Nun.The better; for we loue not to be seene:
wln 0605’Tis 30 winters long since some of vs
wln 0606Did stray so farre amongst the multitude.
wln 06071 Fry.But, Madam, this house
wln 0608And waters of this new made Nunnery
wln 0609Will much delight you.
wln 0610Nun.It may be so: but who comes here?
wln 0611Abig.Grave Abbasse, and you happy Virgins guide,
wln 0612Pitty the state of a distressed Maid.
wln 0613Abb.What art thou daughter?
wln 0614Abig.The hopelesse daughter of a haplesse Iew,
wln 0615The Iew of Malta, wretched Barabas;
wln 0616Sometimes the owner of a goodly house,
wln 0617Which they haue now turn’d to a Nunnery.
wln 0618Abb.Well, daughter, say, what is thy suit with vs?
wln 0619Abig.Fearing the afflictions which my father feeles,
wln 0620Proceed from sinne, or want of faith in vs,
wln 0621I’de passe away my life in penitence,
wln 0622And be a Nouice in your Nunnery,
wln 0623To make attonement for my labouring soule.
wln 06241. Fry.No doubt, brother, but this proceedeth of the (spirit.
wln 06252 Fry.I, and of a moving spirit too, brother; but come,
wln 0626Let vs intreat she may be entertain’d.
wln 0627Abb.Well, daughter, we admit you for a Nun.
wln 0628Abig.First let me as a Novice learne to frame
wln 0629My solitary life to your streight lawes,
A

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 0630And let me lodge where I was wont to lye,
wln 0631I doe not doubt by your divine precepts
wln 0632And mine owne industry, but to profit much.
wln 0633Bar.As much I hope as all I hid is worth.aside.
wln 0634Abb.Come daughter, follow vs.
wln 0635Bar.Why how now Abigall, what mak’st thou
wln 0636Amongst these hateful Christians?
wln 06371 Fry.Hinder her not, thou man of little faith,
wln 0638For she has mortified her selfe.
wln 0639Bar.How, mortified!
wln 06401 Fry.And is admitted to the Sister-hood.
wln 0641Bar.Child of perdition, and thy fathers shame,
wln 0642What wilt thou doe among these hatefull fiends?
wln 0643I charge thee on my blessing that thou leaue
wln 0644These diuels, and their damned heresie.
wln 0645Abig.Father giue me
wln 0646Bar.Nay backe, Abigall,
wln 0647And thinke vpon the Iewels and the gold,
{Whispers
to her.

wln 0648The boord is marked thus that couers it.
wln 0649Away accursed from thy fathers sight.
wln 06501 Fry.Barabas, although thou art in mis-beleefe,
wln 0651And wilt not see thine owne afflictions,
wln 0652Yet let thy daughter be no longer blinde.
wln 0653Bar.Blind, Fryer, I wrecke not thy perswasions.
wln 0654The boord is marked thus that couers it,
wln 0655For I had rather dye, then see her thus.
wln 0656Wilt thou forsake mee too in my distresse,
wln 0657Seduced Daughter, Goe forget net.aside to her.
wln 0658Becomes it Iewes to be so credulous,
wln 0659To morrow early Il’e be at the doore.aside to her.
wln 0660No come not at me, if thou wilt be damn’d,
wln 0661Forget me, see me not, and so be gone.
wln 0662Farewell, Remember to morrow morning.aside.
wln 0663Out, out thou wretch.
wln 0664Enter Mathias.
wln 0665Math.Whose this? Faire Abigall the rich Iewes daugh- (ter
wln 0666Become a Nun, her fathers sudden fall
D
Has

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 0667Has humbled her and brought her downe to this:
wln 0668Tut, she were fitter for a tale of loue
wln 0669Then to be tired out with Orizons:
wln 0670And better would she farre become a bed
wln 0671Embraced in a friendly louers armes,
wln 0672Then rise at midnight to a solemne masse.

wln 0673Enter Lodowicke.
wln 0674Lod.Why how now Don Mathias, in a dump?
wln 0675Math.Beleeue me, Noble Lodowicke, I haue seene
wln 0676The strangest sight, in my opinion,
wln 0677That euer I beheld.
wln 0678Lod.What wast I prethe?
wln 0679Math.A faire young maid scarce 14 yeares of age,
wln 0680The sweetest flower in Citherea’s field,
wln 0681Cropt from the pleasures of the fruitfull earth,
wln 0682And strangely metamorphis’d Nun.
wln 0683Lod.But say, What was she?
wln 0684Math.Why the rich Iewes daughter.
wln 0685Lod.What Barabas, whose goods were lately seiz’d?
wln 0686Is she so faire?
wln 0687Math.And matchlesse beautifull;
wln 0688As had you seene her ’twould haue mou’d your heart,
wln 0689Tho countermin’d with walls of brasse, to loue,
wln 0690Or at the least to pitty.
wln 0691Lod.And if she be so faire as you report,
wln 0692’Twere time well spent to goe and visit her:
wln 0693How say you, shall we?
wln 0694Math,I must and will, Sir, there’s no remedy.
wln 0695Lod.And so will I too, or it shall goe hard.
wln 0696Farewell Mathias.
wln 0697Mat.Farewell Lodowicke.Exeunt.



Actus

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The Iew of Malta.


wln 0698Actus Secundus.

wln 0699Enter Barabas with a light.

wln 0700Bar.THus like the sad presaging Rauen that tolls
wln 0701The sicke mans passeport in her hollow beake,
wln 0702And in the shadow of the silent night
wln 0703Doth shake contagion from her sable wings;
wln 0704Vex’d and tormented runnes poore Barabas
wln 0705With fatall curses towards these Christians.
wln 0706The incertaine pleasures of swift-footed time
wln 0707Haue tane their flight, and left me in despaire;
wln 0708And of my former riches rests no more
wln 0709But bare remembrance; like a souldiers skarre,
wln 0710That has no further comfort for his maime.
wln 0711Oh thou that with a fiery piller led’st
wln 0712The sonnes of Israel through the dismall shades,
wln 0713Light Abrahams off-spring; and direct the hand
wln 0714Of Abigall this night; or let the day
wln 0715Turne to eternall darkenesse after this:
wln 0716No sleepe can fasten on my watchfull eyes,
wln 0717Nor quiet enter my distemper’d thoughts,
wln 0718Till I haue answer of my Abigall.
wln 0719Enter Abigall aboue.
wln 0720Abig.Now haue I happily espy’d a time
wln 0721To search the plancke my father did appoint;
wln 0722And here behold (vnseene) where I haue found
wln 0723The gold, the perles, and Iewels which he hid.
wln 0724Bar.Now I remember those old womens words,
wln 0725Who in my wealth wud tell me winters tales,
wln 0726And speake of spirits and ghosts that glide by night
wln 0727About the place where Treasure hath bin hid:
wln 0728And now me thinkes that I am one of those:
wln 0729For whilst I liue, here liues my soules sole hope,
wln 0730And when I dye, here shall my spirit walke.
wln 0731Abig.Now that my fathers fortune were so good
D2
As

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 0732As but to be about this happy place;
wln 0733’Tis not so happy: yet when we parted last,
wln 0734He said he wud attend me in the morne.
wln 0735Then, gentle sleepe, where e’re his bodie rests,
wln 0736Give charge to Morpheus that he may dreame
wln 0737A golden dreame, and of the sudden walke,
wln 0738Come and receiue the Treasure I haue found.
wln 0739Bar.Birn para todos, my ganada no er:
wln 0740As good goe on, as fit so sadly thus.
wln 0741But stay, what starre shines yonder in the East?
wln 0742The Loadstarre of my life, if Abigall.
wln 0743Who’s there?
wln 0744Abig.Who’s that?
wln 0745Bar.Peace, Abigal, ’tis I.
wln 0746Abig.Then father here receiue thy happinesse.
wln 0747Bar.Hast thou’t?Throwes downe bags,
wln 0748Abig.Here,
wln 0749Hast thou’t?
wln 0750There’s more, and more, and more.
wln 0751Bar.Oh my girle,
wln 0752My gold, my fortune, my felicity;
wln 0753Strength to my soule, death to mine enemy;
wln 0754Welcome the first beginner of my blisse:
wln 0755Oh Aigal, Abigal, that I had thee here too,
wln 0756Then my desires were fully satisfied,
wln 0757But I will practise thy enlargement thence:
wln 0758Oh girle, oh gold, oh beauty, oh my blisse!hugs his bags
wln 0759Abig.Father, it draweth towards midnight now,
wln 0760And ’bout this time the Nuns begin to wake;
wln 0761To shun suspition, therefore, let vs part.
wln 0762Bar.Farewell my ioy, and by my fingers take
wln 0763A kisse from him that sends it from his soule.
wln 0764Now Phœbus ope the eye-lids of the day,
wln 0765And for the Rauen wake the morning Larke,
wln 0766That I may houer with her in the Ayre;
wln 0767Singing ore these, as she does ore her young.
wln 0768Hermoso Piarer, de les Denireh.Exeunt.
Enter

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 0769Enter Governor, Martin del Bosco, the knights.
wln 0770Gov.Now Captaine tell vs whither thou art bound?
wln 0771Whence is thy ship that anchors in our Rhoad?
wln 0772And why thou cam’st ashore without our leaue?
wln 0773Bosc.Governor of Malta, hither am I bound;
wln 0774My Ship, the flying Dragon, is of Spaine,
wln 0775And so am I, Delbosco is my name;
wln 0776Vizadmirall vnto the Catholike King.
wln 07771 Kni.’Tis true, my Lord, therefore intreat him well.
wln 0778Bosc.Our fraught is Grecians, Turks, and Africk Moores.
wln 0779For late vpon the coast of Corsica,
wln 0780Because we vail’d not to the Spanish Fleet,
wln 0781Their creeping Gallyes had vs in the chase:
wln 0782But suddenly the wind began to rise,
wln 0783And then we left, and tooke, and fought at ease:
wln 0784Some have we fir’d, and many haue we sunke;
wln 0785But one amongst the rest became our prize:
wln 0786The Captain’s slaine, the rest remaine our slaues,
wln 0787Of whom we would make sale in Malta here.
wln 0788Gov.Martin del Bosco, I haue heard of thee;
wln 0789Welcome to Malta, and to all of vs;
wln 0790But to admit a sale of these thy Turkes
wln 0791We may not, nay we dare not giue consent
wln 0792By reason of a Tributary league.
wln 07931 Kni.Delbosco, as thou louest and honour’st vs,
wln 0794Perswade our Gouernor against the Turke;
wln 0795This truce we haue is but in hope of gold,
wln 0796And with that summe he craues might we wage warre.
wln 0797Bosc.Will Knights of Malta be in league with Turkes,
wln 0798And buy it basely too for summes of gold?
wln 0799My Lord, Remember that to Europ’s shame,
wln 0800The Christian Ile of Rhodes, from whence you came,
wln 0801Was lately lost, and you were stated here
wln 0802To be at deadly enmity with Turkes
wln 0803Gov.Captaine we know it, but our force is small:
wln 0804Bosc.What is the summe that Calymath requires?
wln 0805Gov.A hundred thousand Crownes.
D3
Bosco

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 0806Bosc.My Lord and King hath title to this Isle,
wln 0807And he meanes quickly to expell you hence;
wln 0808Therefore be rul’d by me, and keepe the gold:
wln 0809I’le write unto his Maiesty for ayd,
wln 0810And not depart vntill I see you free.
wln 0811Gov.On this condition shall thy Turkes be sold.
wln 0812Goe Officers and set them straight in shew.
wln 0813Bosco, thou shalt be Malta’s Generall;
wln 0814We and our warlike Knights will follow thee
wln 0815Against these barbarous mis-beleeuing Turkes.
wln 0816Bosc.So shall you imitate those you succeed:
wln 0817For when their hideous force inuiron’d Rhodes,
wln 0818Small though the number was that kept the Towne,
wln 0819They fought it out, and not a man suruiu’d
wln 0820To bring the haplesse newes to Christendome.
wln 0821Gov.So will we fight it out; come, let’s away:
wln 0822Proud-daring Calymath, instead of gold,
wln 0823Wee’ll send the bullets wrapt in smoake and fire:
wln 0824Claime tribute where thou wilt, we are resolu’d,
wln 0825Honor is bought with bloud and not with gold.Extunt
wln 0826Enter Officers with slaues.
wln 08271 Off.This is the Market-place, here let ’em stand:
wln 0828Feare not their sale, for they’ll be quickly bought.
wln 08292 Off.Euery ones price is written on his backe,
wln 0830And so much must they yeeld or not be sold.Ent. Bar.
wln 08311 Off.Here comes the Iew, had not his goods bin seiz’d,
wln 0832He’de giue vs present mony for them all.
wln 0833Enter Barabas.
wln 0834Bar,In spite of these swine-eating Christians,
wln 0835(Vnchosen Nation, neuer circumciz’d;
wln 0836Such as poore villaines were ne’re thought vpon
wln 0837Till Titus and Vespasian conquer’d vs.)
wln 0838Am I become as wealthy as I was:
wln 0839They hop’d my daughter would ha bin a Nun;
wln 0840But she’s at home, and I haue bought a house
wln 0841As great and faire as is the Gouernors;
wln 0842And there in spite of Malta will I dwell:
Hauing

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 0843Hauing Fernezes hand, whose heart I’le haue;
wln 0844I, and his sonnes too, or it shall goe hard.
wln 0845I am not of the Tribe of Levy, I,
wln 0846That can so soone forget an iniury.
wln 0847We Iewes can fawne like Spaniels when we please;
wln 0848And when we grin we bite, yet are our lookes
wln 0849As innocent aud harmelesse as a Lambes.
wln 0850I learn’d in Florence how to kisse my hand,
wln 0851Heave vp my shoulders when they call me dogge,
wln 0852And ducke as low as any bare-foot Fryar,
wln 0853Hoping to see them starue vpon a stall,
wln 0854Or else be gather’d for in our Synagogue;
wln 0855That when the offering-Bason comes to me,
wln 0856Euen for charity I may spit intoo’t.
wln 0857Here comes Don Lodowicke the Gouernor’s sonne,
wln 0858One that I loue for his good fathers sake.
wln 0859Enter Lodowicke.
wln 0860Lod.I heare the wealthy Iew walked this way;
wln 0861I’le seeke him out, and so insinuate,
wln 0862That I may haue a sight of Abigall;
wln 0863For Don Mathias tels me she is faire.
wln 0864Bar.Now will I shew my selfe to haue more of the Ser- (pent
wln 0865Then the Doue; that is, more knaue than foole.
wln 0866Lod.Yond walks the Iew, now for faire Abigall.
wln 0867Bar.I, I, no doubt but shee’s at your command.
wln 0868Lod.Barabas, thou know’st I am the Gouernors sonne.
wln 0869Bar.I wud you were his father too, Sir, that’s al the harm
wln 0870I wish you: the slaue looks like a hogs cheek new sindg’d.
wln 0871Lod.Whither walk’st thou Barabas?
wln 0872Bar.No further: ’tis a custome held with vs,
wln 0873That when we speake with Gentiles like to you,
wln 0874We turne into the Ayre to purge our selues:
wln 0875For vnto vs the Promise doth belong.
wln 0876Lod.Well, Barabas, canst helpe me to a Diamond?
wln 0877Bar.Oh, Sir, your father had my Diamonds.
wln 0878Yet I haue one left that will serve your turne:
wln 0879I meane my daughter: but e’re he shall haue her
I’le

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 0880I’le sacrifice her on a pile of wood.aside.
wln 0881I ha the poyson of the City for him, and the
wln 0882White leprosie.
wln 0883Lod.What sparkle does it give without a foile?
wln 0884Bar.The Diamond that I talke of, ne’r was foild:
wln 0885But when he touches it, it will be foild:
wln 0886Lord Lodowicke, it sparkles bright and faire.
wln 0887Lod.Is it square or pointed, pray let me know.
wln 0888Bar.Pointed it is, good Sir, but not for you.aside
wln 0889Lod.I like it much the better.
wln 0890Brr.So doe I too.
wln 0891Lod.How showes it by night?
wln 0892BarOut shines Cinthia’s rayes:
wln 0893Yeu’le like it better farre a nights than dayes.aside.
wln 0894Lod.And what’s the price?
wln 0895Bar.Your life and if you haue it. Oh my Lord
wln 0896We will not iarre about the price; come to my house
wln 0897And I will giu’t your honour with a vengeance.aside
wln 0898Lod.No, Barabas, I will deserue it first.
wln 0899Bar.Good Sir, your father has deseru’d it at my hands,
wln 0900Who of meere charity and Christian ruth,
wln 0901To bring me to religious purity,
wln 0902And as it were in Catechising sort,
wln 0903To make me mindfull of my mortall sinnes,
wln 0904Against my will, and whether I would or no,
wln 0905Seiz’d all I had, and thrust me out a doores,
wln 0906And made my house a place for Nuns most chast.
wln 0907Lod.No doubt your soule shall reape the fruit of it.
wln 0908Bar.I, but my Lord, the haruest is farre off:
wln 0909And yet I know the prayers of those Nuns
wln 0910And holy Fryers, hauing mony for their paines,
wln 0911Are wondrous; and indeed doe no man good:aside.
wln 0912And seeing they are not idle, but still doing,
wln 0913’Tis likely they in time may reape some fruit,
wln 0914I meane in fulnesse of perfection.
wln 0915Lod.Good Barabas glance not at our holy Nuns.
wln 0916Bar.No, but I doe it through a burning zeale,
Hoping

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 0917Hoping ere long to set the house a fire;
wln 0918For though they doe a while increase and multiply,aside.
wln 0919I’le haue a saying to that Nunnery.

wln 0920As for the Diamond, Sir, I told you of,
wln 0921Come home and there’s no price shall make vs part,
wln 0922Euen for your Honourable fathers sake.
wln 0923It shall goe hard but I will see your death,aside.
wln 0924But now I must be gone to buy a slaue.
wln 0925Lod.And, Barabas, I’le beare thee company.
wln 0926Bar.Come then, here’s the marketplace; whats the price
wln 0927Of this slaue, 200 Crowns? Do the Turke weigh so much?
wln 0928Off.Sir, that’s his price.
wln 0929Bar.What, can he steale that you demand so much?
wln 0930Belike he has some new tricke for a purse;
wln 0931And if he has, he is worth 300 plats.
wln 0932So that, being bought, the Towne-seale might be got
wln 0933To keepe him for his life time from the gallowes.
wln 0934The Sessions day is criticall to theeues,
wln 0935And few or none scape but by being purg’d.
wln 0936Lod.Ratest thou this Moore but at 200 plats?
wln 09371 Off.No more, my Lord.
wln 0938Bar.Why should this Turke be dearer then that Moore?
wln 0939Off.Because he is young and has more qualities.
wln 0940Bar.What, hast the Philosophers stone? and thou hast,
wln 0941Breake my head with it, I’le forgiue thee.
wln 0942Itha.No Sir, I can cut and shaue.
wln 0943Bar.Let me see, sirra, are you not an old shauer?
wln 0944Ith.Alas, Sir, I am a very youth.
wln 0945Bar.A youth? I’le buy you, and marry you to Lady va- (nity
wln 0946If you doe well.
wln 0947Ith.I will serue you, Sir.
wln 0948Bar.Some wicked trick or other. It may be vnder colour
wln 0949Of shauing, thou’lt cut my throat for my goods.
wln 0950Tell me, hast thou thy health well?
wln 0951Ith.I, passing well.
wln 0952Bar.So much the worse; I must haue one that’s sickly,
wln 0953And be but for sparing vittles: ’tis not a stone of beef a day
E
Will

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 0954Will maintaine you in these chops; let me see one
wln 0955That’s some what leaner.
wln 09561 Off.Here’s a leaner, how like you him?
wln 0957Bar.Where was thou borne?
wln 0958Itha.In Trace; brought vp in Arabia.
wln 0959Bar.So much the better, thou art for my turne,
wln 0960An hundred Crownes, I’le haue him; there’s the coyne.
wln 09611 Off.Then marke him, Sir, and take him hence.
wln 0962Bar.I, marke him, you were best, for this is he
wln 0963That by my helpe shall doe much villanie.
wln 0964My Lord farewell: Come Sirra you are mine.
wln 0965As for the Diamond it shall be yours;
wln 0966I pray, Sir, be no stranger at my house,
wln 0967All that I haue shall be at your command.
wln 0968Enter Mathias, Mater.
wln 0969Math.What makes the Iew and Lodowicke so priuate?
wln 0970I feare me ’tis about faire Abigall.
wln 0971Bar.Yonder comes Don Mathias, let vs stay;
wln 0972He loues my daughter, and she holds him deare:
wln 0973But I haue sworne to frustrate both their hopes,
wln 0974And be reveng’d upon the Gouernor.
wln 0975Mater.This Moore is comeliest, is he not? speake son.
wln 0976Math.No, this is the better, mother, view this well.
wln 0977Bar.Seeme not to know me here before your mother
wln 0978Lest she mistrust the match that is in hand:
wln 0979When you haue brought her home, come to my house;
wln 0980Thinke of me as thy father; Sonne farewell.
wln 0981Math.But wherefore talk’d Don Lodowick with you?
wln 0982Bar.Tush man, we talk’d of Diamonds, not of Abigal.
wln 0983Mater.Tell me, Mathias, is not that the Iew?
wln 0984Bar.As for the Comment on the Machabees
wln 0985I haue it, Sir, and ’tis at your command.
wln 0986Math.Yes, Madam, and my talke with him was
wln 0987About the borrowing of a booke or two.
wln 0988Mater.Conuerse not with him, he is cast off from hea- (uen.
wln 0989Thou hast thy Crownes, fellow, come let’s away.exeunt
wln 0990Math.Sirra, Iew, remember the booke.
Bar.

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The Iew of Malta.


wln 0991Bar.Marry will I, Sir.
wln 0992Off.Come, I haue made a reasonable market, let’s away.
wln 0993Bar.Now let me know thy name, and there withall
wln 0994Thy birth, condition, and profession.
wln 0995Ithi.Faith, Sir, my birth is but meane, my name’s Ithimer,
wln 0996My profession what you please.
wln 0997Bar.Hast thou no Trade? then listen to my words,
wln 0998And I will teach that shall sticke by thee:
wln 0999First be thou voyd of these affections,
wln 1000Compassion, loue, vaine hope, and hartlesse feare,
wln 1001Be mou’d at nothing, see thou pitty none,
wln 1002But to [ * ]hy selfe smile when the Christians moane.
wln 1003Ithi.Oh braue, master, I worship your nose for this.
wln 1004Bar.As for my selfe, I walke abroad a nights
wln 1005And kill sicke people groaning under walls:
wln 1006Sometimes I goe about and poyson wells;
wln 1007And now and then, to cherish Christian theeves,
wln 1008I am content to lose some of my Crownes;
wln 1009That I may, walking in my Gallery,
wln 1010See ’em goe pinion’d along by my doore.
wln 1011Being young I studied Physicke, and began
wln 1012To practise first vpon the Italian;
wln 1013There I enric’d the Priests with burials,
wln 1014And alwayes kept the Sexton’s armes in vre
wln 1015With digging graues and ringing dead mens knels:
wln 1016And after that was I an Engineere,
wln 1017And in the warres ’twixt France and Germanie,
wln 1018Vnder pretence of helping Charles the fifth,
wln 1019Slew friend and enemy with my stratagems.
wln 1020Then after that was I an Vsurer,
wln 1021And with extorting, cozening, forfeiting,
wln 1022And tricks belonging vnto Brokery,
wln 1023I fill’d the Iailes with Bankrouts in a yeare,
wln 1024And with young Orphans planted Hospitals,
wln 1025And euery Moone made some or other mad,
wln 1026And now and then one hang himselfe for griefe,
wln 1027Pinning vpon his breast a long great Scrowle
E2
How

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 1028How I with interest tormented him.
wln 1029But marke how I am blest for plaguing them,
wln 1030I haue as much coyne as will buy the Towne.
wln 1031But tell me now, How hast thou spent thy time?
wln 1032Ithi.Faith, Master, in setting Christian villages on fire,
wln 1033Chaining of Eunuches, binding gally-slaues.
wln 1034One time I was an Hostler in an Inne,
wln 1035And in the night time secretly would I steale
wln 1036To trauellers Chambers, and there cut their throats:
wln 1037Once at Ierusalem, where the pilgrims kneel’d,
wln 1038I strowed powder on the Marble stones,
wln 1039And therewithall their knees would ranckle, so
wln 1040That I haue laugh’d agood to see the cripples
wln 1041Goe limping home to Christendome on stilts.
wln 1042Bar.Why this is something: make account of me
wln 1043As of thy fellow; we are villaines both:
wln 1044Both circumcized, we hate Christians both:
wln 1045Be true and secret, thou shalt want no gold.
wln 1046But stand aside, here comes Don Lodowicke.
wln 1047Enter Lodowicke.
wln 1048Lod.Oh Barabas well met; where is the Diamond
wln 1049You told me of?
wln 1050Bar.I haue it for you, Sir; please you walke in with me:
wln 1051What, ho, Abigall; open the doore I say.
wln 1052Enter Abigall.
wln 1053Abig.In good time, father, here are letters come
wln 1054From Ormus, and the Post stayes here within.
wln 1055Bar.Giue me the letters, daughter, doe you heare?
wln 1056Entertaine Lodowicke the Gouernors sonne
wln 1057With all the curtesie you can affoord;
wln 1058Prouided, that you keepe your Maiden-head.
wln 1059Vse him as if he were a Philistine.aside.
wln 1060Dissemble, sweare, protest, vow to loue him,
wln 1061He is not of the seed of Abraham.

wln 1062I am a little busie, Sir, pray pardon me.
wln 1063Abigall, bid him welcome for my sake.
wln 1064Abig.For your sake and his own he’s welcome hither.
Bar.

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The Iew of Malta.


wln 1065Bar.Daughter, a word more; kisse him, speake him faire,
wln 1066And like a cunning Iew so cast about,
wln 1067That ye be both made sure e’re you come out.
wln 1068Abig.Oh father, Don Mathias is my loue.
wln 1069Bar.I know it: yet I say make loue to him;
wln 1070Doe, it is requisite it should be so.
wln 1071Nay on my life it is my Factors hand,
wln 1072But goe you in, I’le thinke vpon the account:
wln 1073The account is made, for Lodowicke dyes.
wln 1074My Factor sends me word a Merchant’s fled
wln 1075That owes me for a hundred Tun of Wine:
wln 1076I weigh it thus much; I haue wealth enough.
wln 1077For now by this has he kist Abigall;
wln 1078And she vowes loue to him, and hee to her.
wln 1079As sure as heauen rain’d Manna for the Iewes,
wln 1080So sure shall he and Don Mathias dye:
wln 1081His father was my chiefest enemie.
wln 1082Whither goes Don Mathias? stay a while.
wln 1083Enter Mathias.
wln 1084Math.Wither but to my faire loue Abigall?
wln 1085Bar.Thou know’st, and heauen can witnesse it is true,
wln 1086That I intend my daughter shall be thine.
wln 1087Math.I, Barabas, or else thou wrong’st me much:
wln 1088Bar.Oh heauen forbid I should haue such a thought.
wln 1089Pardon me though I weepe; the Gouernors sonne
wln 1090Will, whether I will or no, haue Abigall:
wln 1091He sends her letters, bracelets, jewels, rings.
wln 1092Math.Does she receiue them?
wln 1093Bar.Shee? No, Mathias, no, but sends them backe,
wln 1094And when he comes, she lockes her selfe vp fast;
wln 1095Yet through the key[ · ]hole will he talke to her,
wln 1096While she runs to the window looking out
wln 1097When you should come and hale him from the doore:
wln 1098Math.Oh treacherous Lodowicke!
wln 1099Bar.Even now as I came home, he slipt me in,
wln 1100And I am sure he is with Abigall.
wln 1101Math.I’le rouze him thence.
E3
Bar

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The Iew of Malta.


wln 1102Bar.Not for all Malta, therefore sheath your sword;
wln 1103If you loue me, no quarrels in my house;
wln 1104But steale you in, and seeme to see him not;
wln 1105I’le giue him such a warning e’re he goes
wln 1106As he shall haue small hopes of Abigall.
wln 1107Away, for here they come,
wln 1108Enter Lodowicke, Abigall.
wln 1109Math.What hand in hand, I cannot suffer this.
wln 1110Bar.Mathias, as thou lou’st me, not a word.
wln 1111Math.Well, let it passe, another time shall serue.
wln 1112Exit.
wln 1113Lod.Barabas, is not that the widowes sonne?
wln 1114Bar.I, and take heed, for he hath sworne your death.
wln 1115Lod.My death? what is the base borne peasant mad?
wln 1116BarNo, no, but happily he stands in feare
wln 1117Of that which you, I thinke, ne’re dreame vpon,
wln 1118My daughter here, a paltry silly girle.
wln 1119Lod.Why loues she Don Mathias?
wln 1120Bar.Doth she not with her smiling answer you?
wln 1121Abig.He has my heart, I smile against my will.
wln 1122Lod.Barabas, thou know’st I haue lou’d thy daughter (long.

wln 1123Bar.And so has she done you, euen from a child.
wln 1124Lod.And now I can no longer hold my minde.
wln 1125Bar.Nor I the affection that I beare to you.
wln 1126Lod.This is thy Diamond, tell me, shall I haue it?
wln 1127Bar.Win it, and weare it, it is yet vnsoyl’d,
wln 1128Oh but I know your Lordship wud disdaine
wln 1129To marry with the daughter of a Iew:
wln 1130And yer I’le giue her many a golden crosse
wln 1131With Christian posies round about the ring.
wln 1132Lod.’Tis not thy wealth, but her that I esteeme,
wln 1133Yet craue I thy consent.
wln 1134Bar.And mine you haue, yet let me talke to her;
wln 1135This off-spring of Cain, this Iebusite
wln 1136That neuer tasted of the Passeouer,
wln 1137Nor e’re shall see the land of Canaan,
Nor

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 1138Nor our Messias that is yet to come,aside.
wln 1139This gentle Magot Lodowicke I meane,
wln 1140Must be deluded: let him haue thy hand,
wln 1141But keepe thy heart till Don Mathias comes.
wln 1142Abig.What shall I be betroth’d to Lodowicke?
wln 1143Bar.It’s no sinne to deceiue a Christian;
wln 1144For they them selues hold it a principle,
wln 1145Faith is not to be held with Heretickes;
wln 1146But all are Hereticks that are not Iewes;
wln 1147This followes well, and therefore daughter feare not.
wln 1148I haue intreated her, and she will grant.
wln 1149Lod.Then gentle Abigal plight thy faith to me.
wln 1150Abig.I cannot chuse, seeing my father bids:
wln 1151Nothing but death shall part my loue and me.
wln 1152Lod.Now haue I that for which my soule hath long’d.
wln 1153Bar.So haue not I, but yet I hope I shall.aside.
wln 1154Abig.Oh wretched Abigal, what hast thee done?
wln 1155Lod.Why on the sudden is your colour chang’d?
wln 1156Abig.I know not, but farewell, I must be gone.
wln 1157Bar.Stay her, but let her not speake one word more.
wln 1158Lod.Mute a the sudden; here’s a sudden change.
wln 1159Bar.Oh muse not at it, ’tis the Hebrewes guize,
wln 1160That maidens new betroth’d should weepe a while:
wln 1161Trouble her not, sweet Lodowicke depart:
wln 1162Shee is thy wife, and thou shalt be mine heire.
wln 1163Lod.Oh, is’t the custome, then I am resolu’d:
wln 1164But rathe let the brightsome heauens be dim,
wln 1165And Natures beauty choake with stifeling clouds,
wln 1166Then my faire Abigal should frowne on me.
wln 1167There comes the villaine, now I’le be reueng’d.
wln 1168Enter Mathias.
wln 1169Bar.Be quiet Lodowicke, it is enough
wln 1170That I haue made thee sure to Abigal.
wln 1171Lod.Well, let him goe.Exit.
wln 1172Bar.Well, but for me, as you went in at dores
wln 1173You had bin stab’d, but not a word on’t now;
wln 1174Here must no speeches passe, nor swords be drawne.
Math.

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The Iew of Malta.


wln 1175Math.Suffer me, Barabas, but to follow him.
wln 1176Bar.No; so shall I, if any hurt be done,
wln 1177Be made an accessary of your deeds;
wln 1178Reuenge it on him when you meet him next.
wln 1179Math.For this I’le haue his heart.
wln 1180Bar.Doe so; loe here I giue thee Abigall.
wln 1181Math.What greater gift can poore Mathias haue?
wln 1182Shall Lodowicke rob me of so faire a loue?
wln 1183My life is not so deare as Abigall.
wln 1184Bar.My heart misgiues me, that to crosse your loue,
wln 1185Hee’s with your mother, therefore after him.
wln 1186Math.What, is he gone vnto my mother?
wln 1187Bar.Nay, if you will, stay till she comes her selfe.
wln 1188Math.I cannot stay; for if my mother come,
wln 1189Shee’ll dye with griefe.Exit.
wln 1190Abig.I cannot take my leaue of him for teares:
wln 1191Father, why haue you thus incenst them both?
wln 1192Bar.What’s that to thee?
wln 1193Abig.I’le make ’em friends againe.
wln 1194Bar.You’ll make ’em friends? are there not Iewes
wln 1195Enow in Malta.
wln 1196But thou must dote vpon a Christian?
wln 1197Abig.I will haue Don Mathias, he is my loue.
wln 1198Bar.Yes, you shall haue him: Goe put her in.
wln 1199Ith.I, I’le put her in.
wln 1200Bar.Now tell me, Ithimore, how lik’st thou this?
wln 1201Ith.Faith Master, I thinke by this
wln 1202You purchase both their liues; is it not so?
wln 1203Bar.True; and it shall be cunningly perform’d.
wln 1204Ith.Oh, master, that I might haue a hand in this.
wln 1205Bar.I, so thou shalt, ’tis thou must doe the deed:
wln 1206Take this and beare it to Mathias streight,
wln 1207And tell him that it comes from Lodowicke.
wln 1208Ith.’Tis poyson’d, is it not?
wln 1209Bar.No, no, and yet it might be done that way:
wln 1210It is a challenge feign’d from Lodowicke.
wln 1211Ith.Feare not, I’le so set his heart a fire, that he
Shall

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 1212Shall verily thinke it comes from him.
wln 1213Bar.I cannot choose but like thy readinesse:
wln 1214Yet be not rash, but doe it cunningly.
wln 1215Ith.As I behaue my selfe in this, imploy me hereafter.
wln 1216Bar.Away then.Exit.
wln 1217So, now will I goe in to Lodowicke,
wln 1218And like a cunning spirit feigne some lye,
wln 1219Till I haue set ’em both at enmitie.Exit





wln 1220Actus Tertius.


wln 1221Enter a Curtezane.

wln 1222SInce this Towne was besieg’d, my gaine growes cold
wln 1223The time has bin, that but for one bare night
wln 1224A hundred Duckets haue bin freely giuen:
wln 1225But now against my will I must be chast.
wln 1226And yet I know my beauty doth not faile.
wln 1227From Venice Merchants, and from Padua,
wln 1228Were wont to come rare witted Gentlemen,
wln 1229Schollers I meane, learned and liberall;
wln 1230And now, saue Pilia-borza, comes there none,
wln 1231And he is very seldome from my house;
wln 1232And here he comes.
wln 1233Enter Pilia-borza.
wln 1234Pilia.Hold thee, wench, there’s something for thee to (spend.
wln 1235Curt.’Tis siluer, I disdaine it.
wln 1236Pilia.I, but the Iew has gold,
wln 1237And I will haue it or it shall goe hard.
wln 1238Curt.Tell me, how cam’st thou by this?
wln 1239Pilia.Faith, walking the backe lanes through the Gar- (dens
wln 1240I chanc’d to cast mine eye vp to the Iewes counting-house
wln 1241Where I saw some bags of mony, and in the night I
wln 1242Clamber’d vp with my hooks, and as I was taking
wln 1243My choyce, I heard a rumbling in the house; so I tooke
F
Onely

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 1244Onely this, and runne my way: but here’s the Iews man.
wln 1245Enter Ithimore.
wln 1246Curt.Hide the bagge.
wln 1247Pilia.Looke not towards him, let’s away:
wln 1248Zoon’s what a looking thou keep’st,
wln 1249Thou’lt betraye’s anon.
wln 1250Ith.O the sweetest face that euer I beheld! I know she is
wln 1251A Curtezane by her attire: now would I giue a hundred
wln 1252Of the Iewes Crownes that I had such a Concubine.
wln 1253Well, I haue deliuer’d the challenge in such sort,
wln 1254As meet they will, and fighting dye; braue sport.
wln 1255Exit.
wln 1256Enter Mathias.
wln 1257Math.This is the place, now Abigall shall see
wln 1258Whether Mathias holds her deare or no.
wln 1259Enter Lodow. reading.
wln 1260Math.What, dares the villain write in such base terms?
wln 1261Lod.I did it, and reuenge it if thou dar’st.
wln 1262Fight: Enter Barabas aboue.
wln 1263Bar.Oh brauely fought, and yet they thrust not home.
wln 1264Now Lodowicke, now Mathias, so;
wln 1265So now they haue shew’d themselues to be tall fellowes.
wln 1266Within,Part ’em, part ’em.
wln 1267Bar.I, part ’em now they are dead: Farewell, farewell.
wln 1268Exit.
wln 1269Enter Gouernor. Mater.
wln 1270Gov.What sight is this? my Lodowicke slaine!
wln 1271These armes of mine shall be thy Sepulchre.
wln 1272Mater,Who is this? my sonne Mathias slaine!
wln 1273Gov.Oh Lodowicke! hadst thou perish’d by the Turke,
wln 1274Wretched Ferneze might haue veng’d thy death.
wln 1275Mater.Thy sonne slew mine, and I’le reuenge his death.
wln 1276Gov.Looke, Katherin, looke, thy sonne gaue mine these (woũds
wln 1277Mat.O leaue to griue me, I am grieu’d enough.
wln 1278Gov.Oh that my sighs could turne to liuely breath;
wln 1279And these my teares to blood, that he might liue.
wln 1280Mater.Who made them enemies?
Gov.

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The Iew of Malta.


wln 1281Gov.I know not, and that grieues me most of all.
wln 1282Mat.My sonne lou’d thine.
wln 1283Gov.And so did Lodowicke him.
wln 1284Mat.Lend me that weapon that did kill my sonne,
wln 1285And it shall murder me.
wln 1286Gov,Nay Madem stay, that weapon was my son’s,
wln 1287And on that rather should Ferneze dye.
wln 1288Mat.Hold, let’s inquire the causers of their deaths,
wln 1289That we may venge their blood vpon their heads.
wln 1290Gov.Then take them vp, and let them be interr’d
wln 1291Within one sacred monument of stone;
wln 1292Vpon which Altar I will offer vp
wln 1293My daily sacrifice of sighes and teares,
wln 1294And with my prayers pierce impartiall heauens,
wln 1295Till they the causers of our smarts,
wln 1296Which forc’d their hands diuide vnited hearts:
wln 1297Come, Katherina, our losses equall are,
wln 1298Then of true griefe let vs take equall share.
wln 1299Exeunt.
wln 1300Enter Ithimore.
wln 1301Ith.Why was there euer seene such villany, so neatly
wln 1302Plotted, and so well perform’d? both held in hand, and
wln 1303Flatly both beguil’d.
wln 1304Enter Abigall.
wln 1305Abig.Why how now Ithimore, why laugh’st thou so?
wln 1306Ith.Oh, Mistresse, ha ha ha.
wln 1307Abig.Why what ayl’st thou?
wln 1308Ith.Oh my master.
wln 1309Abig.Ha.
wln 1310Ith.Oh Mistris! I haue the brauest, grauest, secret, subtil
wln 1311Bottle-nos’d knaue to my Master, that euer Gentleman had
wln 1312Abig.Say, knaue, why rail’st vpon my father thus?
wln 1313Ith.Oh, my master has the brauest policy.
wln 1314Abig.Wherein?
wln 1315Ith.Why, know you not?
wln 1316Abig.Why no.
wln 1317Ith.Know you not of Mathia & Don Lodowick disaster?
F2
Abig.

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The Iew of Malta.


wln 1318Abig.No, what was it?
wln 1319Ith.Why the deuil inuented a challenge, my Mr. writ it,
wln 1320And I carried it, first to Lodowicke, and imprimis to Mathia.
wln 1321And then they met, as the story sayes,
wln 1322In dolefull wise they ended both their dayes.
wln 1323Abig.And was my father furtherer of their deaths?
wln 1324Ith.Am I Ithimore?
wln 1325Abig.Yes.
wln 1326Ith.So sure did your father write, & I cary the chalenge.
wln 1327Abig.Well, Ithimore, let me request thee this,
wln 1328Goe to the new made Nunnery, and inquire
wln 1329For any of the Fryars of St. Iaynes,
wln 1330And say, I pray them come and speake with me.
wln 1331Ith.I pray, mistris, wil you answer me to one question?
wln 1332Abig.Well, sirra, what is’t?
wln 1333Ith.A very feeling one; haue not the Nuns fine sport
wln 1334With the Fryars now and then?
wln 1335Abig.Go to, sirra sauce, is this your question? get ye gon
wln 1336Ith.I will forsooth, Mistris.Exit
wln 1337Abig.Hard-hearted Father, unkind Barabas,
wln 1338Was this the pursuit of thy policie?
wln 1339To make me shew them fauour seuerally,
wln 1340That by my fauour they should both be slaine?
wln 1341Admit thou lou’dst not Lodowicke for his sinne,
wln 1342Yet Don Mathias ne’re offended thee:
wln 1343But thou wert set vpon extreme reuenge,
wln 1344Because the Pryor dispossest thee once,
wln 1345And couldst not venge it, but vpon his sonne,
wln 1346Nor on his sonne, but by Mathias meanes;
wln 1347Nor on Mathias, but by murdering me.
wln 1348But I perceiue there is no loue on earth,
wln 1349Pitty in Iewes, nor piety in Turkes.
wln 1350But here Comes cursed Ithimore with the Fryar.
wln 1351Enter Ithimore. Fryar.
wln 1352Fry.Virgo, salve.
wln 1353Ith.When ducke you?
wln 1354Abig.Welcome graue Fryar Ithamore: begon,Exit
Know

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 1355Know, holy Sir, I am bold to sollicite thee.
wln 1356Fry.Wherein?
wln 1357Abig.To get me be admitted for a Nun.
wln 1358Fry.Why Abigal it is not yet long since
wln 1359That I did labour thy admition,
wln 1360And then thou didst not like that holy life.
wln 1361Abig.Then were my thoughts so fraile & vnconfirm’d,
wln 1362And I was chain’d to follies of the world:
wln 1363But now experience, purchased with griefe,
wln 1364Has made me see the difference of things.
wln 1365My sinfull soule, alas, hath pac’d too long
wln 1366The fatall Labyrinth of misbeleefe,
wln 1367Farre from the Sonne that giues eternall life.
wln 1368Fry.Who taught thee this?
wln 1369Abig.The Abbasse of the house,
wln 1370Whose zealous admonition I embrace:
wln 1371Oh therefore, Iacomi, let me be one,
wln 1372Although unworthy of that Sister-hood.
wln 1373Fry.Abigal I will, but see, thou change no more,
wln 1374For that will be most heauy to thy soule.
wln 1375Abig.That was my father’s fault.
wln 1376Fry.Thy father’s, how?
wln 1377Abig.Nay, you shall pardon me: oh Barabas,
wln 1378Though thou deseruest hardly at my hands,
wln 1379Yet neuer shall these lips bewray thy life.
wln 1380Fry.Come, shall we goe?
wln 1381Abig.My duty waits on you.Exeunt.
wln 1382Enter Barabas reading a letter.
wln 1383Bar.What, Abigall become a Nunne againe?
wln 1384False, and vnkinde; what hast thou lost thy father?
wln 1385And all vnknowne, and vnconstrain’d of me,
wln 1386Art thou againe got to the Nunnery?
wln 1387Now here she writes, and wils me to repent.
wln 1388Repentance? Spurca: what pretendeth this?
wln 1389I feare she knowes (’tis so) of my deuice
wln 1390In Don Mathias and Lodovicoes deaths:
wln 1391If so, ’tis time that it be seene into:
F3
For

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 1392For she that varies from me in beleefe
wln 1393Giues great presumption that she loues me not;
wln 1394Or louing, doth dislike of something done:
wln 1395But who comes here? Oh Ithimore come neere;
wln 1396Come neere my loue, come neere thy masters life,
wln 1397My trusty seruant, nay, my second life;
wln 1398For I haue now no hope but euen in thee;
wln 1399And on that hope my happinesse is built:
wln 1400When saw’st thou Abigall?
wln 1401Ith.To day.
wln 1402Bar.With whom?
wln 1403Ith.A Fryar.
wln 1404Bar.A Fryar? false villaine, he hath done the deed.
wln 1405Ith.How, Sir?
wln 1406Bar.Why made mine Abigall a Nunne.
wln 1407Ith.That’s no lye, for she sent me for him.
wln 1408Brr.Oh vnhappy day,
wln 1409False, credulous, inconstant Abigall!
wln 1410But let ’em goe: And Ithimore, from hence
wln 1411Ne’re shall she grieue me more with her disgrace;
wln 1412Ne’re shall she liue to inherit ought of mine,
wln 1413Be blest of me, nor come within my gates,
wln 1414But perish vnderneath my bitter curse
wln 1415Like Cain by Adam, for his brother’s death.
wln 1416Ith.Oh master.
wln 1417Bar.Ithimore, intreat not for her, I am mou’d,
wln 1418And she is hatefull to my soule and me:
wln 1419And least thou yeeld to this that I intreat,
wln 1420I cannot thinke but that thou hat’st my life.
wln 1421Ith.Who I, master? Why I’le run to some rocke and
wln 1422Throw my selfe headlong into the sea; why I’le doe any
wln 1423Thing for your sweet sake.
wln 1424Bar.Oh trusty Ithimore; no seruant, but my friend;
wln 1425I here adopt thee for mine onely heire,
wln 1426All that I haue is thine when I am dead,
wln 1427And whilst I liue vse helfe; spend as my selfe;
wln 1428Here take my keyes, I’le giue ’em thee anon:
Goe

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 1429Goe buy thee garments: but thou shalt not want:
wln 1430Onely know this, that thus thou art to doe:
wln 1431But first goe fetch me in the pot of Rice
wln 1432That for our supper stands vpon the fire.
wln 1433Ith.I hold my head my master’s hungry: I goe Sir.
wln 1434Exit:
wln 1435Bar.Thus euery villaine ambles after wealth
wln 1436Although he ne’re be richer then in hope:
wln 1437But hush’t.
wln 1438Enter Ithimore with the pot.
wln 1439Ith.Here ’tis, Master.
wln 1440Bar.Well said, Ithimore; what hast thou brought
wln 1441The Ladle with thee too?
wln 1442Ith.Yes, Sir, the prouerb saies, he that eats with the deuil
wln 1443Had need of a long spoone, I haue brought you a Ladle.
wln 1444Bar.Very well, Ithimore, then now be secret;
wln 1445And for thy sake, whom I so dearely loue,
wln 1446Now shalt thou see the death of Abigall,
wln 1447That thou mayst freely liue to be my heire.
wln 1448Ith.Why, master, wil you poison her with a messe of rice
wln 1449Porredge that wil preserue life, make her round & plump,
wln 1450And batten more then you are aware.
wln 1451Bar.I but Ithimore seest thou this?
wln 1452It is a precious powder that I bought
wln 1453Of an Italian in Ancona once,
wln 1454Whose operation is to binde, infect,
wln 1455And poyson deeply: yet not appeare
wln 1456In forty houres after it is tane.
wln 1457Ith.How master?
wln 1458Bar.Thus Ithimore:
wln 1459This Euen they vse in Malta here (’tis call’d
wln 1460Saint Iagues Euen) and then I say they vse
wln 1461To send their Almes vnto the Nunneries:
wln 1462Among the rest beare this, and set it there;
wln 1463There’s a darke entry where they take it in,
wln 1464Where they must neither see the messenger,
wln 1465Nor make enquiry who hath sent it them.
Ith.

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The Iew of Malta.


wln 1466Ith.How so?
wln 1467Bar.Belike there is some Ceremony in’t.
wln 1468There Ithimore must thou goe place this plot:
wln 1469Stay, let me spice it first.
wln 1470Ith.Pray doe, and let me help you Mr. Pray let me taste (first.
wln 1471Bar.Prethe doe: what saist thou now?
wln 1472Ith.Troth Mr. I’m loth such a pot of pottage should be (spoyld.

wln 1473Bar.Peace, Ithimore, ’tis better so then spar’d.
wln 1474Assure thy selfe thou shalt haue broth by the eye.
wln 1475My purse, my Coffer, and my selfe is thine.
wln 1476Ith.Well, master, I goe.
wln 1477Bar.Stay, first let me stirre it Ithimore.
wln 1478As fatall be it to her as the draught
wln 1479Of which great Alexander drunke, and dyed:
wln 1480And with her let it worke like Borgias wine,
wln 1481Whereof his sire, the Pope, was poyson’d.
wln 1482In few, the blood of Hydra, Lerna’s bane;
wln 1483The iouyce of Hebon, and Cocitus breath,
wln 1484And all the poysons of the Stygian poole
wln 1485Breake from the fiery kingdome; and in this
wln 1486Vomit your venome, and inuenome her
wln 1487That like a fiend hath left her father thus.
wln 1488Ith.What a blessing has he giu’nt? was euer pot of
wln 1489Rice porredge so sauc’t? what shall I doe with it?
wln 1490Bar.Oh my sweet Ithimore goe set it downe
wln 1491And come againe so soone as thou hast done,
wln 1492For I haue other businesse for thee.
wln 1493Ith.Here’s a drench to poyson a whole stable of
wln 1494Flanders mares: I’le carry’t to the Nuns with a powder.
wln 1495BarAnd the horse pestilence to boot; away.
wln 1496Ith,I am gone.
wln 1497Pay me my wages for my worke is done.Exit.
wln 1498Bar.Ile pay thee with a vengeance Ithamore.Exit.
wln 1499Enter Govern. Bosco. Knights. Bashaw.
wln 1500Gov.Welcome great Bashaws, how fares Callymath,
wln 1501What wind drives you thus into Malta rhode?
Bash.

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The Iew of Malta.


wln 1502Bash.The wind that bloweth all the world besides,
wln 1503Desire of gold.
wln 1504Gov.Desire of gold, great Sir?
wln 1505That’s to be gotten in the Westerne Inde:
wln 1506In Malta are no golden Minerals.
wln 1507Bash.To you of Malta thus saith Calymath:
wln 1508The time you tooke for respite, is at hand,
wln 1509For the performance of your promise past;
wln 1510And for the Tribute-mony I am sent.
wln 1511Gov.Bashaw, in briefe, shalt haue no tribute here,
wln 1512Nor shall the Heathens liue vpon our spoyle:
wln 1513First will we race the City wals our selues,
wln 1514Lay waste the Iland, hew the Temples downe,
wln 1515And shipping of our goods to Sicily,
wln 1516Open an entrance for the wastfull sea,
wln 1517Whose billowes beating the resistlesse bankes,
wln 1518Shall ouerflow it with their refluence.
wln 1519Bash.Well, Gouernor, since thou hast broke the league
wln 1520By flat denyall of the promis’d Tribute,
wln 1521Talke not of racing downe your City wals,
wln 1522You shall not need trouble your selues so farre,
wln 1523For Selim-Calymath shall come himselfe,
wln 1524And with brasse-bullets batter downe your Towers,
wln 1525And turne proud Malta to a wildernesse
wln 1526For these intolerable wrongs of yours; And so farewell.
wln 1527Gov.Farewell:
wln 1528And now you men of Malta looke about,
wln 1529And let’s prouide to welcome Calymath:
wln 1530Close your Port-cullise, charge your Basiliskes,
wln 1531And as you profitably take vp Armes,
wln 1532So now couragiously encounter them;
wln 1533For by this Answer, broken is the league,
wln 1534And nought is to be look’d for now but warres,
wln 1535And nought to vs more welcome is then wars.Exeunt
wln 1536Enter two Fryars and Abigall.
wln 15371 Fry.Oh brother, brother, all the Nuns are sicke,
wln 1538And Physicke will not helpe them, they must dye.
G
2 Fry

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The Iew of Malta.


wln 15392 Fry.The Abbasse sent for me to be confest:
wln 1540Oh what a sad confession will there be?
wln 15411 Fry.And so did faire Maria send for me:
wln 1542I’le to her lodging; hereabouts she lyes.Exit.
wln 1543Enter Abigall.
wln 15442 Fry.What, all dead saue onely Abigall?
wln 1545Abig.And I shall dye too, for I feele death comming.
wln 1546Where is the Fryar that conuerst with me?
wln 15472 Fry.Oh he is gone to see the other Nuns.
wln 1548Abig.I sent for him, but seeing you are come
wln 1549Be you my ghostly father; and first know,
wln 1550That in this house I liu’d religiously,
wln 1551Chast, and deuout, much sorrowing for my sinnes,
wln 1552But e’re I came
wln 15532 Fry.What then?
wln 1554Abig.I did offend high heauen so grieuously,
wln 1555As I am almost desperate for my sinnes:
wln 1556And one offence torments me more then all.
wln 1557You knew Mathias and Don Lodowicke?
wln 15582 Fry.Yes, what of them?
wln 1559Abig.My father did contract me to ’em both:
wln 1560First to Don Lodowicke, him I neuer lou’d;
wln 1561Mathias was the man that I held deare,
wln 1562And for his sake did I become a Nunne.
wln 15632 Fry.So, say how was their end?
wln 1564Abig.Both iealous of my loue, enuied each other:
wln 1565And by my father’s practice, which is there
wln 1566Set downe at large, the Gallants were both slaine.
wln 15672 Fry.Oh monstrous villany:
wln 1568Abig.To worke my peace, this I confesse to thee:
wln 1569Reueale it not, for then my father dyes.
wln 15702 Fry.Know that Confession must not be reueal’d,
wln 1571The Canon Law forbids it, and the Priest
wln 1572That makes it knowne, being degraded first,
wln 1573Shall be condemn’d, and then sent to the fire,
wln 1574Abig.So I haue heard; pray therefore keepe it close,
wln 1575Death seizeth on my heart, ah gentle Fryar
Conuert

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 1576Conuert my father that he may be sau’d,
wln 1577And witnesse that I dye a Christian.
wln 15782 Fry.I, and a Virgin too, that grieues me most:
wln 1579But I must to the Iew and exclaime on him,
wln 1580And make him stand in feare of me.
wln 1581Enter 1 Fryar.
wln 15821 Fry.Oh brother, all the Nuns are dead, let’s bury them.
wln 15832 Fry.First helpe to bury this, then goe with me
wln 1584And helpe me to exclaime against the Iew.
wln 15851 Fry.Why? what has he done?
wln 15862 Fry.A thing that makes me tremble to vnfold.
wln 15871 Fry.What haa he crucified a child?
wln 15882 Fry.No, but a worse thing: ’twas told me in shrift,
wln 1589Thou know’st ’tis death and if it be reueal’d.
wln 1590Come let’s away.Exeunt.





wln 1591Actus Quartus.

wln 1592Enter Barabas. Itha. Bells within.

wln 1593Bar.THere is no musicke to a Christians knell:
wln 1594How sweet the Bels ring now the Nuns are dead
wln 1595That sound at other times like Tinkers pans?
wln 1596I was afraid the poyson had not wrought;
wln 1597Or though it wrought, it would haue done no good,
wln 1598For euery yeare they swell, and yet they liue;
wln 1599Now all are dead, not one remaines aliue.
wln 1600Ith.That’s braue, Mr. but think you it wil not be known
wln 1601Bar.How can it if we two be secret.
wln 1602Ith.For my part feare you not.
wln 1603Bar.I’de cut thy throat if I did.
wln 1604Ith.And reason too; but here’s a royall Monastry hard
wln 1605By, good master let me poyson all the Monks.
wln 1606Bar.Thou shalt not need, for now the Nuns are dead,
G2
They’ll

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 1607They’ll dye with griefe.
wln 1608Ith.Doe you not sorrow for your daughters death?
wln 1609Bar.No, but I gr[ * ]eue because she liu’d so long an Hebrew
wln 1610Borne, and would become a Christian. Catho diabola.
wln 1611Enter the two Fryars.
wln 1612Ith.Look, look, Mr. here come two religious Caterpil- (lers.
wln 1613Bar.I smelt ’em e’re they came.
wln 1614Ith.God-a-mercy nose; come let’s begone.
wln 16152 Fry.Stay wicked Iew, repent, I say, and stay.
wln 16161 Fry.Thou hast offended, therefore must be damn’d.
wln 1617Bar.I feare they know we sent the poyson’d broth.
wln 1618Ith,And so doe I, master, therefore speake ’em faire.
wln 16192.Barabas, thou hast
wln 16201.I, that thou hast
wln 1621Bar.True, I haue mony, what though I haue?
wln 16222.Thou art a
wln 16231.I, that thou art a
wln 1624Bar.What needs all this? I know I am a Iew.
wln 16252.Thy daughter
wln 16261.I, thy daughter,
wln 1627Bar.Oh speake not of her, then I dye with griefe.
wln 16282.Remember that
wln 16291.I, remember that
wln 1630Bar.I must needs say that I haue beene a great usurer.
wln 16312.Thou hast committed
wln 1632Bar.Fornication? but that was in another Country:
wln 1633And besides, the Wench is dead.
wln 16342.I, but Barabas remember Mathias and Don Lodowick.
wln 1635Bar.Why, what of them?
wln 16362.I will not say that by a forged challenge they met.
wln 1637Bar.She has confest, and we are both vndone;
wln 1638My bosome inmates, but I must dissemble.aside.
wln 1639Oh holy Fryars, the burthen of my sinnes
wln 1640Lye heauy on my soule; then pray you tell me,
wln 1641Is’t not too late now to turne Christian?
wln 1642I haue beene zealous in the Iewish faith,
wln 1643Hard harted to the poore, a couetous wretch,
That

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 1644That would for Lucars sake haue sold my soule.
wln 1645A hundred for a hundred I haue tane;
wln 1646And now for store of wealth may I compare
wln 1647With all the Iewes in Malta; but what is wealth?
wln 1648I am a Iew, and therefore am I lost.
wln 1649Would pennance serue for this my sinne,
wln 1650I could afford to whip my selfe to death.
wln 1651Ith.And so could I; but pennance will not serue.
wln 1652Bar.To fast, to pray, and weare a shirt of haire,
wln 1653And on my knees creepe to Ierusalem,
wln 1654Cellers of Wine, and Sollers full of Wheat,
wln 1655Ware-houses stuft with spices and with drugs,
wln 1656Whole Chests of Gold, in Bulloine, and in Coyne,
wln 1657Besides I know not how much weight in Pearle
wln 1658Orient and round, haue I within my house;
wln 1659At Alexandria, Merchandize vnsold:
wln 1660But yesterday two ships went from this Towne,
wln 1661Their voyage will be worth ten thousand Crownes.
wln 1662In Florence, Venice, Antwerpe, London, Ciuill,
wln 1663Frankeford, Lubecke, Mosco, and where not,
wln 1664Haue I debts owing; and in most of these,
wln 1665Great summes of mony lying in the bancho;
wln 1666All this I’le giue to some religious house
wln 1667So I may be baptiz’d and liue therein.
wln 16681.Oh good Barabas come to our house.
wln 16692.Oh no, good Barabas come to our house.
wln 1670And Barabas, you know
wln 1671Bar.I know that I haue highly sinn’d,
wln 1672You shall conuert me, you shall haue all my wealth.
wln 16731.Oh Barabas, their Lawes are strict.
wln 1674Bar.I know they are, and I will be with you.
wln 16751.They weare no shirts, and they goe bare-foot too.
wln 1676Bar.Then ’tis not for me; and I am resolu’d
wln 1677You shall confesse me, and haue all my goods.
wln 16781.Good Barabas come to me.
wln 1679Bar.You see I answer him, and yet he stayes;
wln 1680Rid him away, and goe you home with me.
G3
2. I’le

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The Iew of Malta.


wln 16812.I’le be with you to night.
wln 1682Bar.Come to my house at one a clocke this night.
wln 16831.You heare your answer, and you may be gone.
wln 16842,Why goe get you away.
wln 16851.I will not goe for thee.
wln 16862.Not, then I’le make thee goe.
wln 16871.How, dost call me rogue?Fight.
wln 1688Ith.Part ’em, master, part ’em.
wln 1689Bar.This is meere frailty, brethren, be content.
wln 1690Fryar Barnardine goe you with Ithimore.
wln 1691Ith.You know my mind, let me alone with him;
wln 1692Why does he goe to thy house, let him begone.
wln 1693Bar.I’le giue him something and so stop his mouth.
wln 1694Exit.
wln 1695I neuer heard of any man but he
wln 1696Malign’d the order of the Iacobines:
wln 1697But doe you thinke that I beleeue his words?
wln 1698Why Brother you conuerted Abigall;
wln 1699And I am bound in charitie to requite it,
wln 1700And so I will, oh Iocome, faile not but come.
wln 1701Fry,But Barabas who shall be your godfathers,
wln 1702For presently you shall be shriu’d.
wln 1703Bar.Marry the Turke shall be one of my godfathers,
wln 1704But not a word to any of your Couent.
wln 1705Fry.I warrant thee, Barabas.Exit
wln 1706Bar.So now the feare is past, and I am safe:
wln 1707For he that shriu’d her is within my house,
wln 1708What if I murder’d him e’re Iocoma comes?
wln 1709Now I haue such a plot for both their liues,
wln 1710As neuer Iew nor Christian knew the like:
wln 1711One turn’d my daughter, therefore he shall dye;
wln 1712The other knowes enough to haue my life,
wln 1713Therefore ’tis not requisite he should liue.
wln 1714But are not both these wise men to suppose
wln 1715That I will leaue my house, my goods, and all,
wln 1716To fast and be well whipt; I’le none of that.
wln 1717Now Fryar Bernardine I come to you,
I’le

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 1718I’le feast you, lodge you, giue you faire words,
wln 1719And after that, I and my trusty Turke
wln 1720No more but so: it must and shall be done.
wln 1721Ithimore, tell me, is the Fryar asleepe?
wln 1722Enter Ithimore.
wln 1723Ith.Yes; and I know not what the reason is.
wln 1724Doe what I can he will not strip himselfe,
wln 1725Nor goe to bed, but sleepes in his owne clothes;
wln 1726I feare me he mistrusts what we intend.
wln 1727Bar.No, ’tis an order which the Fryars vse:
wln 1728Yet if he knew our meanings, could he scape?
wln 1729Ith.No, none can heare him, cry he ne’re so loud.
wln 1730Bar.Why true, therefore did I place him there:
wln 1731The other Chambers open towards the street.
wln 1732Ith.You loyter, master, wherefore stay we thus?
wln 1733Oh how I long to see him shake his heeles.
wln 1734Bar.Come on, sirra, off with your girdle, make a hansom (noose;
wln 1735Fryar awake.
wln 1736Fry.What doe you meane to strangle me?
wln 1737Ith.Yes, ’cause you vse to confesse.
wln 1738Bar.Blame not vs but the prouerb, Confes & be hang’d
wln 1739Pull hard.
wln 1740Fry.What, will you saue my life?
wln 1741Bar.Pull hard, I say, you would haue had my goods.
wln 1742Ith.I, and our liues too. therefore pull amaine.
wln 1743’Tis neatly done, Sir, here’s no print at all.
wln 1744Bar.Then is it as it should be, take him vp.
wln 1745Ith.Nay, Mr. be rul’d by me a little; so, let him leane
wln 1746Vpon his staffe; excellent, he stands as if he were begging (of Bacon.

wln 1747Bar.Who would not thinke but that this Fryar liu’d?
wln 1748What time a night is’t now, sweet Ithimore?
wln 1749Ith.Towards one.
wln 1750Enter Iocoma.
wln 1751Bar.Then will not Iocoma be long from hence.
wln 1752Ioco.This is the houre wherein I shall proceed;
wln 1753Oh happy houre, wherein I shall conuert
An

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 1754An Infidell, and bring his gold into our treasury.
wln 1755But soft, is not this Bernardine? it is;
wln 1756And vnderstanding I should come this way,
wln 1757Stands here a purpose, meaning me some wrong,
wln 1758And intercept my going to the Iew; Bernardine;
wln 1759Wilt thou not speake? thou think’st I see thee not;
wln 1760Away, I’de wish thee, and let me goe by:
wln 1761No, wilt thou not? nay then I’le force my way;
wln 1762And see, a staffe stands ready for the purpose:
wln 1763As thou lik’st that, stop me another time.
wln 1764Strike him, he fals. Enter Barabas.
wln 1765Bar.Why how now Iocoma, what hast thou done?
wln 1766Ioco.Why stricken him that would haue stroke at me.
wln 1767Bar.Who is it Bernardine? now out alas, he is slaine.
wln 1768Ith.I, Mr. he’s slain; look how his brains drop out on’s (nose.

wln 1769Ioco.Good sirs I haue don’t, but nobody knowes it but
wln 1770You two, I may escape.
wln 1771Bar.So might my man and I hang with you for com- (pany.
wln 1772Ith.No, let vs beare him to the Magistrates.
wln 1773Ioco.Good Barabas let me goe.
wln 1774Bar.No, pardon me, the Law must haue his course.
wln 1775I must be forc’d to giue in euidence,
wln 1776That being importun’d by this Bernardine
wln 1777To be a Christian, I shut him out,
wln 1778And there he sate: now I to keepe my word,
wln 1779And giue my goods and substance to your house,
wln 1780Was vp thus early; with intent to goe
wln 1781Vnto your Friery, because you staid.
wln 1782Ith.Fie vpon ’em, Mr. will you turne Christian, when
wln 1783Holy Friars turne deuils and murder one another.
wln 1784Bar.No, for this example I’le remaine a Iew:
wln 1785Heauen blesse me; what, a Fryar a murderer?
wln 1786When shall you see a Iew commit the like?
wln 1787Ith.Why a Turke could ha done no more.
wln 1788Bar.To morrow is the Sessions; you shall to it.
wln 1789Come Ithimore, let’s helpe to take him hence.
Ioco.

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The Iew of Malta.


wln 1790Ioco.Villaines, I am a sacred person, touch me not.
wln 1791Bar.The Law shall touch you, we’ll but lead you, we.
wln 1792’Las I could weepe at your calamity.
wln 1793Take in the staffe too, for that must be showne:
wln 1794Law wils that each particular be knowne.Exeunt.
wln 1795Enter Curtezant, and Pilia-borza.
wln 1796Curt.Pilia-borza, didst thou meet with Ithimore?
wln 1797Pil.I did.
wln 1798Curt.And didst thou deliuer my letter?
wln 1799Pil.I did.
wln 1800Curt.And what think’st thou, will he come?
wln 1801Pil.I think so, and yet I cannot tell, for at the reading of
wln 1802The letter, he look’d like a man of another world.
wln 1803Curt.Why so?
wln 1804Pil.That such a base slaue as he should be saluted by such
wln 1805A tall man as I am, from such a beautifull dame as you.
wln 1806Curt.And what said he?
wln 1807Pil.Not a wise word, only gaue me a nod, as who shold
wln 1808say, Is it euen so; and so I left him, being driuen to a
wln 1809Non-plus at the critical aspect of my terrible countenance.
wln 1810Curt.And where didst meet him?
wln 1811Pil.Vpon mine owne free-hold within 40 foot of the
wln 1812Gallowes, conning his neck-verse I take it, looking of a
wln 1813Fryars Execution, whom I saluted with an old hempen
wln 1814prouerb, Hidie tibi, cras mihi, and so I left him to the mercy
wln 1815Of the Hangman: but the Exercise being done, see where
wln 1816He comes.
wln 1817Enter Ithimore.
wln 1818Ith.I neuer knew a man take his death so patiently as
wln 1819This Fryar; he was ready to leape off e’re the halter was
wln 1820About his necke; and when the Hangman had put on his
wln 1821Hempen Tippet, he made such haste to his prayers, as if
wln 1822Hee had had another Cure to serue; well, goe whither
wln 1823He will, I’le be none of his followers in haste:
wln 1824And now I thinke on’t, going to the execution, a fellow
wln 1825Met me with a muschatoes like a Rauens wing, and
wln 1826A Dagger with a hilt like a warming-pan, and he
H
Gaue

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 1827Gaue me a letter from one Madam Bellamira,
wln 1828Saluting me in such sort as if he had meant to make
wln 1829Cleane my Boots with his lips; the effect was, that
wln 1830I should come to her house, I wonder what the reason is;
wln 1831It may be she sees more in me than I can find in
wln 1832My selfe: for she writes further, that she loues me
wln 1833Euer since she saw me, and who would not requite such
wln 1834Loue? here’s her house, and here she comes, and now
wln 1835Would I were gone, I am not worthy to looke vpon her.
wln 1836Pilia.This is the Gentleman you writ to.
wln 1837Ith.Gentleman, he flouts me, what gentry can be in a
wln 1838Poore Turke of ten pence? I’le be gone.
wln 1839Curt.Is’t not a sweet fac’d youth, Pilia?
wln 1840Ith.Agen, sweet youth; did not you, Sir, bring the sweet
wln 1841Youth a letter?
wln 1842Pilia.I did Sir, and from this Gentlewoman, who as my
wln 1843Selfe, & the rest of the family, stand or fall at your seruice.
wln 1844Curt.Though womans modesty should hale me backe,
wln 1845I can with-hold no longer; welcome sweet loue.
wln 1846Ith.Now am I cleane, or rather fouly out of the way.
wln 1847Curt.Whither so soone?
wln 1848Ith.I’le goe steale some mony from my Master to
wln 1849Make me hansome:
wln 1850Pray pardon me, I must goe see a ship discharg’d.
wln 1851Curt.Canst thou be so vnkind to leaue me thus?
wln 1852Pilia.And ye did but know how she loues you, Sir.
wln 1853Ith.Nay, I care not how much she loues me;
wln 1854Sweet Allamira, would I had my Masters wealth for thy (sake:

wln 1855Pilia.And you can haue it, Sir, and if you please.
wln 1856Ith.If ’twere aboue ground I could, and would haue it;
wln 1857But hee hides and buries it vp as Partridges doe
wln 1858Their egges, vnder the earth.
wln 1859Pil.And is’t not possible to find it out?
wln 1860Ith.By no meanes possible.
wln 1861Curt.What shall we doe with this base villaine then?
wln 1862Pil.Let me alone, doe but you speake him faire:
But

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 1863But you know some secrets of the Iew, which if they were
wln 1864Reueal’d, would doe him harme.
wln 1865Ith.I, and such as Goe to, no more,
wln 1866I’le make him send me half he has, & glad he scapes so too.
wln 1867Pen and Inke:
wln 1868I’le write vnto him, we’le haue mony strait.
wln 1869Pil,Send for a hundred Crownes at least.
wln 1870He writes.
wln 1871Ith.Ten hundred thousand crownes, Mr. Barabas.
wln 1872Pil.Write not so submissiuely, but threatning him.
wln 1873Ith.Sirra Barabas, send me a hundred crownes.
wln 1874Pil.Put in two hundred at least.
wln 1875Ith.I charge thee send me 300 by this bearer, and this
wln 1876Shall be your warrant; if you doe not, no more but so.
wln 1877Pil.Tell him you will confesse.
wln 1878Ith.Otherwise I’le confesse all, vanish and returne in a
wln 1879Twinckle.
wln 1880Pil.Let me alone, I’le vse him in his kinde.
wln 1881Ith.Hang him Iew.
wln 1882Curt.Now, gentle Ithimore, lye in my lap.
wln 1883Where are my Maids? prouide a running Banquet;
wln 1884Send to the Merchant, bid him bring me silkes,
wln 1885Shall Ithimore my loue goe in such rags?
wln 1886Ith.And bid the Ieweller come hither too.
wln 1887Curt.I haue no husband, sweet, I’le marry thee.
wln 1888Ith.Content, but we will leaue this paltry land,
wln 1889And saile from hence to Greece, to louely Greece,
wln 1890I’le be thy Iason, thou my golden Fleece;
wln 1891Where painted Carpets o’re the meads are hurl’d,
wln 1892And Bacchus vineyards ore-spread the world:
wln 1893Where Woods and Forrests goe in goodly greene,
wln 1894I’le be Adonis, thou shalt be Loues Queene.
wln 1895The Meads, the Orchards, and the Primrose lanes,
wln 1896Instead of Sedge and Reed, beare Sugar Canes:
wln 1897Thou in those Groues, by Dis aboue,
wln 1898Shalt liue with me and be my loue.
wln 1899Curt.Whiiher will I not goe with gentle Ithimore?
H2
Enter

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 1900Enter Pilea-borza.
wln 1901Ith.How now? hast thou the gold?
wln 1902Pil.Yes.
wln 1903Ith.But came it freely, did the Cow giue down her milk (freely?
wln 1904Pil.At reading of the letter, he star’d & stamp’d, & turnd
wln 1905Aside, I tooke him by the sterd, & look’d vpon him thus;
wln 1906Told him he were best to send it, then he hug’d & imbrac’d (me.
wln 1907Ith.Rather for feare then loue.
wln 1908Pil.Then like a Iew he laugh’d & jeer’d, and told me he
wln 1909lou’d me for your sake, & said what a faithfull seruant you (had bin.
wln 1910Ith.The more villaine he to keep me thus:
wln 1911Here’s goodly parrell, is there not?
wln 1912Pil.To conclude, he gaue me ten crownes.
wln 1913Ith.But ten? I’le not leaue him worth a gray groat, giue
wln 1914Me a Reame of paper, we’ll haue a kingdome of gold for’t.
wln 1915Pil.Write for 500 Crownes.
wln 1916Ith.Sirra Iew, as you loue your life send me 500 crowns,
wln 1917And giue the Bearer 100. Tell him I must hau’t.
wln 1918Pil.I warrant your worship shall hau’t.
wln 1919Ith,And if he aske why I demand so much, tell him,
wln 1920I scorne to write a line vnder a hundred crownes.
wln 1921Pil.You’d make a rich Poet, Sir. I am gone.Exit.
wln 1922Ith.Take thou the mony, spend it for my sake.
wln 1923Curt.’Tis not thy mony, but thy selfe I weigh:
wln 1924Thus Bellamira esteemes of gold;
wln 1925But thus of thee. Kisse him.
wln 1926Ith.That kisse againe; she runs diuision of my lips.
wln 1927What an eye she casts on me?
wln 1928It twinckles like a Starre.
wln 1929Curt.Come my deare loue, let’s in and sleepe together.
wln 1930Ith.Oh that ten thousand nights were put in one,
wln 1931That wee might sleepe seuen yeeres together afore
wln 1932We wake.
wln 1933Curt.Come Amorous wag, first banquet and then sleep.
wln 1934Enter Barabas reading a letter.
wln 1935Bar.Barabas send me 300 Crownes.
wln 1936Plaine Barabas: oh that wicked Curtezane!
He

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 1937He was not wont to call me Barabas.
wln 1938Or else I will confesse: I, there it goes:
wln 1939But if I get him Coupe de Gorge, for that
wln 1940He sent a shaggy totter’d staring slaue,
wln 1941That when he speakes, drawes out his grisly beard,
wln 1942And winds it twice or thrice about his eare;
wln 1943Whose face has bin a grind-stone for mens swords,
wln 1944His hands are hackt, some fingers cut quite off;
wln 1945Who when he speakes, grunts like a hog, and looks
wln 1946Like one that is imploy’d in Catzerie,
wln 1947And crosbiting such a Rogue
wln 1948As is the husband to a hundred whores:
wln 1949And I by him must send three hundred crownes.
wln 1950Well, my hope is, he will not stay there still;
wln 1951And when he comes: Oh that he were but here!
wln 1952Enter Pilia-borza.
wln 1953Pil.Iew, I must ha more gold.
wln 1954Bar.Why wantst thou any of thy tale?
wln 1955Pil.No; but 300 will not serue his turne.
wln 1956Bar.Not serue his turne, Sir?
wln 1957Pil.No Sir; and therefore I must haue 500 more.
wln 1958Bar.I’le rather
wln 1959Pil.Oh good words, Sir, and send it you were best; see,
wln 1960There’s his letter.
wln 1961Bar.Might he not as well come as send; pray bid him
wln 1962Come & fetch it, what hee writes for you, ye shall haue (streight.
wln 1963Pil.I, and the rest too, or else
wln 1964Bar.I must make this villaine away: please you dine
wln 1965With me, Sir, & you shal be most hartily poyson’d.aside
wln 1966Pil.No god-a-mercy, shall I haue these crownes?
wln 1967Bar.I cannot doe it, I haue lost my keyes.
wln 1968Pil.Oh, if that be all, I can picke ope your locks.
wln 1969Bar.Or climbe vp to my Counting-house window:
wln 1970You know my meaning.
wln 1971Pil.I know enough, and therfore talke not to me of your
wln 1972Counting-house, the gold, or know Iew it is in my power (to hang thee.
wln 1973Bar.I am betraid.
H3
’Tis

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 1974’Tis not 500 Crownes that I esteeme,
wln 1975I am not mou’d at that: this angers me,
wln 1976That he who knowes I loue him as my selfe
wln 1977Should write in this imperious vaine? why Sir,
wln 1978You know I haue no childe, and vnto whom
wln 1979Should I leaue all but vnto Ithimore?
wln 1980Pil.Here’s many words but no crownes; the crownes.
wln 1981Bar.Commend me to him, Sir, most humbly,
wln 1982And vnto your good mistris as vnknowne.
wln 1983Pil.Speake, shall I haue ’vm, Sir?
wln 1984Bar.Sir here they are.
wln 1985Oh that I should part with so much gold!
wln 1986Here take ’em, fellow, with as good a will
wln 1987 As I wud see thee hang’d; oh, loue stops my breath:
wln 1988Neuer lou’d man seruant as I doe Ithimore.
wln 1989Pil.I know it, Sir.
wln 1990Bar.Pray when, Sir, shall I see you at my house?
wln 1991Pil.Soone enough to your cost, Sir:
wln 1992Fare you well.Exit.
wln 1993Bar.Nay to thine owne cost, villaine, if thou com’st.
wln 1994Was euer Iew tormented as I am?
wln 1995To haue a shag-rag knaue to come
wln 1996300 Crownes, and then 500 Crownes?
wln 1997Well, I must seeke a meanes to rid ’em all,
wln 1998And presently: for in his villany
wln 1999He will tell all he knowes and I shall dye for’t. I haue it.
wln 2000I will in some disguize goe see the slaue,
wln 2001And how the villaine reuels with my gold.Exit.
wln 2002Enter Curtezane. Ithimore. Pilia-borza.
wln 2003Curt.I’le pledge thee, loue, and therefore drinke it off.
wln 2004Ith.Saist thou me so? haue at it; and doe you heare?
wln 2005Curt.Goe to, it shall be so.
wln 2006Ith.Of that condition I wil drink it vp; here’s to thee.
wln 2007Pil.Nay, I’le haue all or none.
wln 2008Ith.There, if thou lou’st me doe not leaue a drop.
wln 2009Curt.Loue thee, fill me three glasses.
wln 2010Ith.Three and fifty dozen, I’le pledge thee,
Pil.

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The Iew of Malta.


wln 2011Pil.Knauely spoke, and like a Knight at Armes.
wln 2012Ith.Hey Riuo Castiliano, a man’s a man.
wln 2013Curt.Now to the Iew.
wln 2014Ith.Ha to the Iew, and send me mony you were best.
wln 2015Pil.What wudst thou doe if he should send thee none?
wln 2016Ith.Doe nothing; but I know what I know,
wln 2017He’s a murderer.
wln 2018Curt.I had not thought he had been so braue a man.
wln 2019Ith.You knew Mathias and the Gouernors son, he and
wln 2020I kild ’em both, and yet neuer touch’d ’em.
wln 2021Pil.Oh brauely done.
wln 2022Ith.I carried the broth that poyson’d the Nuns, and he
wln 2023And I snicle hand too fast, strangled a Fryar.
wln 2024Curt.You two alone.
wln 2025Ith.We two, and ’twas neuer knowne, nor neuer shall
wln 2026Be for me.
wln 2027Pil.This shall with me vnto the Gouernor.
wln 2028Curt.And fit it should: but first let’s ha more gold:
wln 2029Come gentle Ithimore, lye in my lap.
wln 2030Ith.Loue me little, loue me long, let musicke rumble,
wln 2031Whilst I in thy incoomy lap doe tumble.
wln 2032Enter Barabas with a Lute, disguis’d.
wln 2033Curt.A French Musician, come let’s heare your skill?
wln 2034Bar.Must tuna my Lute for sound, twang twang first.
wln 2035Ith.Wilt drinke French-man, here’s to thee with a
wln 2036Pox on this drunken hick-vp.
wln 2037Bar.Gramercy Mounsier.
wln 2038Curt.Prethe, Pilia-borza, bid the Fidler giue me
wln 2039The posey in his hat there.
wln 2040Pil.Sirra, you must giue my mistris your posey.
wln 2041Bar.A voustre commandemente Madam.
wln 2042Curt.How sweet, my Ithimore, the flowers smell.
wln 2043Ith.Like thy breath, sweet-hart, no violet like ’em.
wln 2044Pil.Foh, me thinkes they stinke like a Holly-Hoke.
wln 2045Bar.So, now I am reueng’d vpon ’em all.
wln 2046The scent thereof was death, I poyson’d it.
wln 2047Ith.Play, Fidler, or I’le cut your cats guts into chitterlins
Bar.

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The Iew of Malta.


wln 2048Pardona moy, be no in tune yet; so now, now all be in.
wln 2049Ith.Giue him a crowne, and fill me out more wine.
wln 2050Pil.There’s two crownes for thee, play.
wln 2051Bar.How liberally the villain giues me mine own gold.aside.

wln 2052Pil.Me thinkes he fingers very well.
wln 2053Bar.So did you when you stole my gold.aside
wln 2054Pil.How swift he runnes.
wln 2055Bar.You run swifter when you threw my gold out of
wln 2056My Window.aside.
wln 2057Curt.Musician, hast beene in Malta long?
wln 2058Bar.Two, three, foure month Madam.
wln 2059Ith.Dost not know a Iew, one Barabas?
wln 2060Bar.Very mush, Mounsier, you no be his man.
wln 2061Pil.His man?
wln 2062Ith.I scorne the Peasant, tell him so.
wln 2063Bar.He knowes it already.
wln 2064Ith.’Tis a strange thing of that Iew, he liues vpon
wln 2065Pickled Grashoppers, and sauc’d Mushrumbs.
wln 2066Bar.What a slaue’s this?
wln 2067The Gouernour feeds not as I doe.aside.
wln 2068Ith.He neuer put on cleane shirt since he was circumcis’d
wln 2069Bar.Oh raskall! I change my selfe twice a day.aside
wln 2070Ith.The Hat he weares, Iudas left vnder the Elder
wln 2071When he hang’d himselfe.
wln 2072Bar.’Twas sent me for a present from the great Cham.aside

wln 2073Pil.A masty slaue he is;
wln 2074Whether now, Fidler?
wln 2075Bar.Pardona moy, Mounsier, we be no well.Exit.
wln 2076Pil.Farewell Fidler: One letter more to the Iew.
wln 2077Curt.Prethe sweet loue, one more, and write it sharp.
wln 2078Ith.No, I’le send by word of mouth now;
wln 2079Bid him deliuer thee a thousand Crownes, by the same
wln 2080Token, that the Nuns lou’d Rice, that Fryar Bernardine
wln 2081Slept in his owne clothes,
wln 2082Any of ’em will doe it.
Pil.

img: 32-b
sig: I1r

The Iew of Malta.


wln 2083Pil.Let me alone to vrge it now I know the meaning.
wln 2084Ith.The meaning has a meaning; come let’s in:
wln 2085To vndoe a Iew is charity, and not sinne.Exeunt.





wln 2086Actus Quintus.

wln 2087Enter Gouernor. Knights. Martin Del-Bosco.

wln 2088Gov.NOw, Gentlemen, betake you to your Armes,
wln 2089And see that Malta be well fortifi’d;
wln 2090And it behoues you to be resolute;
wln 2091For Calymath hauing houer’d here so long,
wln 2092Will winne the Towne, or dye before the wals.
wln 2093Kni.And dye he shall, for we will neuer yeeld.
wln 2094Enter Curtezane, Pilia-borza.
wln 2095Curt.Oh bring vs to the Gouernor.
wln 2096Gov.Away with her, she is a Curtezane.
wln 2097Curt.What e’re I am, yet Gouernor heare me speake;
wln 2098I bring thee newes by whom thy sonne was slaine:
wln 2099Mathias did it not, it was the Iew.
wln 2100Pil.Who, besides the slaughter of these Gentlemen,
wln 2101Poyson’d his owne daughter and the Nuns,
wln 2102Strangled a Fryar, and I know not what
wln 2103Mischiefe beside.
wln 2104Gov.Had we but proofe of this.
wln 2105Curt.Strong proofe, my Lord, his man’s now at my
wln 2106Lodging that was his Agent, he’ll confesse it all.
wln 2107Gov.Goe fetch him straight, I alwayes fear’d that Iew.
wln 2108Enter Iew, Ithimore.
wln 2109Bar.I’le goe alone, dogs do not hale me thus.
wln 2110Ith.Nor me neither, I cannot out-run you Constable, oh (my belly.
wln 2111Bar.One dram of powder more had made all sure,
wln 2112What a damn’d slaue was I?
I
Gov.

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The Iew of Malta.


wln 2113Gov.Make fires, heat irons, let the racke be fetch’d.
wln 2114Kni.Nay stay, my Lord, ’tmay be he will confesse.
wln 2115Bar.Confesse; what meane you, Lords, who should (confesse?

wln 2116Gov.Thou and thy Turk; ’twas you that slew my son.
wln 2117Ith.Gilty, my Lord, I confesse; your sonne and Mathias
wln 2118Were both contracted vnto Abigall,
wln 2119Forg’d a counterfeit challenge.
wln 2120Iew.Who carried that challenge?
wln 2121Ith.I carried it, I confesse, but who writ it?
wln 2122Marry euen he that strangled Bernardine, poyson’d the
wln 2123Nuns, and his owne daughter.
wln 2124Gov.Away with him, his sight is death to me.
wln 2125Bar.For what, you men of Malta, heare me speake;
wln 2126Shee is a Curtezane and he a theefe,
wln 2127And he my bondman, let me haue law,
wln 2128For none of this can preiudice my life:
wln 2129Gov.Once more away with him; you shall haue law.
wln 2130Bar.Deuils doe your worst, I liue in spite of you.
wln 2131As these haue spoke so be it to their soules:
wln 2132I hope the poyson’d flowers will worke anon.Exit.
wln 2133Enter Mater.
wln 2134Mater.Was my Mathias murder’d by the Iew?
wln 2135Ferneze, ’twas thy sonne that murder’d him.
wln 2136Gov.Be patient, gentle Madam, it was he,
wln 2137He forged the daring challenge made them fight.
wln 2138Mat.Where is the Iew, where is that murderer?
wln 2139Gov.In prison till the Law has past on him.
wln 2140Enter Officer.
wln 2141Offi.My Lord, the Curtezane and her man are dead;
wln 2142So is the Turke, and Barabas the Iew.
wln 2143Gov.Dead?
wln 2144Offi.Dead, my Lord, and here they bring his body.
wln 2145Bosco.This sudden death of his is very strange.
wln 2146Gov.Wonder not at it, Sir, the heauens are iust:
wln 2147Their deaths were like their liues, then think not of ’em
wln 2148Since they are dead, let them be buried.
For

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 2149For the Iewes body, throw that o’re the wals,
wln 2150To be a prey for Vultures and wild beasts.
wln 2151So, now away and fortifie the Towne.Exeunt.
wln 2152Bar.What, all alone? well fare sleepy drinke.
wln 2153I’le be reueng’d on this accursed Towne;
wln 2154For by my meanes Calymath shall enter in.
wln 2155I’le helpe to slay their children and their wiues,
wln 2156To fire the Churches, pull their houses downe,
wln 2157Take my goods too, and seize vpon my lands:
wln 2158I hope to see the Gouernour a slaue,
wln 2159And, rowing in a Gally, whipt to death.
wln 2160Enter Calymath, Bashawes, Turkes.
wln 2161Caly.Whom haue we there, a spy?
wln 2162Bar.Yes, my good Lord, one that can spy a place
wln 2163Where you may enter, and surprize the Towne:
wln 2164My name is Barabas; I am a Iew.
wln 2165Caly.Art thou that Iew whose goods we heard were sold
wln 2166For Tribute-mony?
wln 2167Bar.The very same, my Lord:
wln 2168And since that time they haue hir’d a slaue my man
wln 2169To accuse me of a thousand villanies:
wln 2170I was imprison’d, but scap’d their hands.
wln 2171Caly.Didst breake prison?
wln 2172Bar.No, no:
wln 2173I dranke of Poppy and cold mandrake juyce;
wln 2174And being asleepe, belike they thought me dead,
wln 2175And threw me o’re the wals: so, or how else,
wln 2176The Iew is here, and rests at your command.
wln 2177Caly.’Twas brauely done: but tell me, Barabas,
wln 2178Canst thou, as thou reportest, make Malta ours?
wln 2179Bar.Feare not, my Lord, for here against the Truce,
wln 2180The rocke is hollow, and of purpose digg’d,
wln 2181To make a passage for the running streames
wln 2182And common channels of the City.
wln 2183Now whilst you giue assault vnto the wals,
wln 2184I’le lead 500 souldiers through the Vault,
wln 2185And rise with them i’th middle of the Towne,
I2
Open

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 2186Open the gates for you to enter in,
wln 2187And by this meanes the City is your owne.
wln 2188Caly.If this be true, I’le make thee Gouernor.
wln 2189Iew.And if it be not true, then let me dye.
wln 2190Caly.Thou’st doom’d thy selfe, assault it presently.
wln 2191Exeunt.
wln 2192Alarmes. Enter Turkes, Barabas, Gouernour,
wln 2193and Knights prisoners.

wln 2194Caly.Now vaile your pride you captiue Christians,
wln 2195And kneele for mercy to your conquering foe:
wln 2196Now where’s the hope you had of haughty Spaine?
wln 2197Ferneze, speake, had it not beene much better
wln 2198To kept thy promise then be thus surpriz’d?
wln 2199Gov.What should I say, we are captiues and must yeeld.
wln 2200Caly.I, villains, you must yeeld, and vnder Turkish yokes
wln 2201Shall groning beare the burthen of our ire;
wln 2202And Barabas, as erst we promis’d thee,
wln 2203For thy desert we make the Gouernor,
wln 2204Vse them at thy discretion.
wln 2205Bar.Thankes, my Lord.
wln 2206Gov.Oh fatall day to fall into the hands
wln 2207Of such a Traitor and vnhallowed Iew!
wln 2208What greater misery could heauen inflict?
wln 2209Caly.’Tis our command: and Barabas, we giue
wln 2210To guard thy person, these our Ianizaries:
wln 2211Intreat them well, as we haue vsed thee.
wln 2212And now, braue Bashawes, come, wee’ll walke about
wln 2213The ruin’d Towne, and see the wracke we made:
wln 2214Farewell braue Iew, farewell great Barabas.Exeunt.
wln 2215Bar.May all good fortune follow Calymath.
wln 2216And now, as entrance to our safety,
wln 2217To prison with the Gouernour and these
wln 2218Captaines, his consorts and confederates.
wln 2219Gov.Oh villaine, Heauen will be reueng’d on thee.
wln 2220Exeunt.
wln 2221Bar.Away, no more, let him not trouble me.
wln 2222Thus hast thou gotten, by thy policie,
No

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 2223No simple place, no small authority,
wln 2224I now am Gouernour of Malta; true,
wln 2225But Malta hates me, and in hating me
wln 2226My life’s in danger, and what boots it thee
wln 2227Poore Barabas, to be the Gouernour,
wln 2228When as thy life shall be at their command?
wln 2229No, Barabas, this must be look’d into;
wln 2230And since by wrong thou got’st Authority,
wln 2231Maintaine it brauely by firme policy,
wln 2232At least vnprofitably lose it not:
wln 2233For he that liueth in Authority,
wln 2234And neither gets him friends, nor fils his bags,
wln 2235Liues like the Asse that Æsope speaketh of,
wln 2236That labours with a load of bread and wine,
wln 2237And leaues it off to snap on Thistle tops:
wln 2238But Barabas will be more circumspect.
wln 2239Begin betimes, Occasion’s bald behind,
wln 2240Slip not thine oportunity, for feare too late
wln 2241Thou seek’st for much, but canst not compasse it
wln 2242Within here.
wln 2243Enter Gouernor with a guard.
wln 2244Gov.My Lord?
wln 2245Bar.I, Lord, thus slaues will learne.
wln 2246Now Gouernor stand by there, wait within,
wln 2247This is the reason that I sent for thee;
wln 2248Thou seest thy life, and Malta’s happinesse,
wln 2249Are at my Arbitrament; and Barabas
wln 2250At his discretion may dispose of both:
wln 2251Now tell me, Gouernor, and plainely too,
wln 2252What thinkst thou shall become of it and thee?
wln 2253Gov.This; Barabas, since things are in thy power,
wln 2254I see no reason but of Malta’s wracke,
wln 2255Nor hope of thee but extreme cruelty,
wln 2256Nor feare I death, nor will I flatter thee.
wln 2257Bar.Gouernor, good words, be not so furious;
wln 2258’Tis not thy life which can availe me ought,
wln 2259Yet you doe liue, and liue for me you shall:
I3
And

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 2260And as for Malta’s ruine, thinke you not
wln 2261’Twere slender policy for Barabas
wln 2262To dispossesse himselfe of such a place?
wln 2263For sith, as once you said, within this Ile
wln 2264In Malta here, that I haue got my goods,
wln 2265And in this City still haue had successe,
wln 2266And now at length am growne your Governor,
wln 2267Your selues shall see it shall not be forgot:
wln 2268For as a friend not knowne, but in distresse,
wln 2269I’le reare vp Malta now remedilesse.
wln 2270Gov.Will Barabas recouer Malta’s losse?
wln 2271Will Barabas be good to Christians?
wln 2272Bar.What wilt thou giue me, Gouernor, to procure
wln 2273A dissolution of the slauish Bands
wln 2274Wherein the Turke hath yoak’d your land and you?
wln 2275What will you giue me if I render you
wln 2276The life of Calymath, surprize his men,
wln 2277And in an out-house of the City shut
wln 2278His souldiers, till I haue consum’d ’em all with fire?
wln 2279What will you giue him that procureth this?
wln 2280Gov.Doe but bring this to passe which thou pretendest,
wln 2281Deale truly with vs as thou intimatest,
wln 2282And I will send amongst the Citizens
wln 2283And by my letters priuately procure
wln 2284Great summes of mony for thy recompence:
wln 2285Nay more, doe this, and liue thou Gouernor still.
wln 2286Bar.Nay, doe thou this, Ferneze, and be free;
wln 2287Gouernor, I enlarge thee, liue with me,
wln 2288Goe walke about the City, see thy friends:
wln 2289Tush, send not letters to ’em, goe thy selfe,
wln 2290And let me see what mony thou canst make;
wln 2291Here is my hand that I’le set Malta free:
wln 2292And thus we cast it: To a solemne feast
wln 2293I will inuite young Selim-Calymath,
wln 2294Where be thou present onely to performe
wln 2295One stratagem that I’le impart to thee,
wln 2296Wherein no danger shall betide thy life,
And

img: 35-b
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The Iew of Malta.

wln 2297And I will warrant Malta free for euer.
wln 2298Gov.Here is my hand, beleeue me, Barabas,
wln 2299I will be there, and doe as thou desirest;
wln 2300When is the time?
wln 2301Bar.Gouernor, presently.
wln 2302For Callymath, when he hath view’d the Towne,
wln 2303Will take his leaue and saile toward, Ottoman,
wln 2304Gov.Then will I, Barabas, about this coyne,
wln 2305And bring it with me to thee in the euening.
wln 2306Bar.Doe so, but faile not; now farewell Ferneze:
wln 2307And thus farre roundly goes the businesse:
wln 2308Thus louing neither, will I liue with both,
wln 2309Making a profit of my policie;
wln 2310And he from whom my most aduantage comes,
wln 2311Shall be my friend.
wln 2312This is the life we Iewes are vs’d to lead;
wln 2313And reason too, for Christians doe the like:
wln 2314Well, now about effecting this deuice:
wln 2315First to surprize great Selims souldiers,
wln 2316And then to make prouision for the feast,
wln 2317That at one instant all things may be done,
wln 2318My policie detests preuention:
wln 2319To what euent my secret purpose driues,
wln 2320I know; and they shall witnesse with their liues.Exit.
wln 2321Enter Calymath, Bashawes.
wln 2322Caly.Thus haue we view’d the City, seene the sacke,
wln 2323And caus’d the ruines to be new repair’d,
wln 2324Which with our Bombards shot and Basiliske,
wln 2325We rent in sunder at our entry:
wln 2326And now I see the Scituation,
wln 2327And how secure this conquer’d Iland stands
wln 2328Inuiron’d with the mediterranean Sea,
wln 2329Strong contermin’d with other petty Iles;
wln 2330And toward Calabria back’d by Sicily,
wln 2331Two lofty Turrets that command the Towne.
wln 2332When Siracusian Dionisius reign’d;
wln 2333I wonder how it could be conquer’d thus?
Enter

img: 36-a
sig: I4v

The Iew of Malta.


wln 2334Enter a messenger.
wln 2335Mess.From Barabas, Malta’s Gouernor, I bring
wln 2336A message vnto mighty Calymath;
wln 2337Hearing his Soueraigne was bound for Sea,
wln 2338To saile to Turkey, to great Ottamon,
wln 2339He humbly would intreat your Maiesty
wln 2340To come and see his homely Citadell,
wln 2341And banquet with him e’re thou leau’st the Ile.
wln 2342Caly.To banquet with him in his Citadell,
wln 2343I feare me, Messenger, to feast my traine
wln 2344Within a Towne of warre so lately pillag’d,
wln 2345Will be too costly and too troublesome:
wln 2346Yet would I gladly visit Barabas.
wln 2347For well has Barabas deseru’d of vs.
wln 2348Mess.Selim, for that, thus saith the Gouernor,
wln 2349That he hath in store a Pearle so big,
wln 2350So precious, and withall so orient,
wln 2351As be it valued but indifferently,
wln 2352The price thereof will serue to entertaine
wln 2353Selim and all his souldiers for a month;
wln 2354Therefore he humbly would intreat your Highnesse
wln 2355Not to depart till he has feasted you.
wln 2356Caly.I cannot feast my men in Malta wals,
wln 2357Except he place his Tables in the streets.
wln 2358Mess.Know, Selim, that there is a monastery
wln 2359Which standeth as an out-house to the Towne;
wln 2360There will he banquet them, but thee at home,
wln 2361With all thy Bashawes and braue followers.
wln 2362Caly.Well, tell the Gouernor we grant his suit,
wln 2363Wee’ll in this Summer Euening feast with him.
wln 2364Mess.I shall, my Lord,Exit.
wln 2365Caly.And now, bold Bashawes, let vs to our Tents,
wln 2366And meditate how we may grace vs best
wln 2367To solemnize our Gouernors great feast.Exeunt.
wln 2368Enter Gouernor, Knights, Del-bosco.
wln 2369Gov.In this, my Countrimen, be rul’d by me,
wln 2370Haue speciall care that no man sally forth
Till

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 2371Till you shall heare a Culuerin discharg’d
wln 2372By him that beares the Linstocke, kindled thus;
wln 2373Then issue out and come to rescue me,
wln 2374For happily I shall be in distresse,
wln 2375Or you released of this seruitude.
wln 23761 Kni.Rather then thus to liue as Turkish thrals,
wln 2377What will we not aduenture?
wln 2378Gov.On then, begone.
wln 2379Kni:Farewell graue Gouernor.
wln 2380Enter with a Hammar aboue, very busie.
wln 2381Bar.How stand the cords? How hang these hinges, fast?
wln 2382Are all the Cranes and Pulleyes sure?
wln 2383Serv.All fast.
wln 2384Bar.Leaue nothing loose, all leueld to my mind.
wln 2385Why now I see that you haue Art indeed.
wln 2386There, Carpenters, diuide that gold amongst you:
wln 2387Goe swill in bowles of Sacke and Muscadine:
wln 2388Downe to the Celler, taste of all my wines.
wln 2389Carp.We shall, my Lord, and thanke you:Exeunt.
wln 2390Bar.And if you like them, drinke your fill and dye:
wln 2391For so I liue, perish may all the world.
wln 2392Now Selim-Calymath returne me word
wln 2393That thou wilt come, and I am satisfied.
wln 2394Now sirra, what, will he come?
wln 2395Enter Messenger.
wln 2396Mess.He will; and has commanded all his men
wln 2397To come ashore, and march through Malta streets,
wln 2398That thou maist feast them in thy Citadell.
wln 2399Bar.Then now are all things as my wish wud haue ’em,
wln 2400There wanteth nothing but the Gouernors pelfe,
wln 2401And see he brings it: Now, Gouernor, the summe.
wln 2402Enter Gouernour.
wln 2403Gou.With free consent a hundred thousand pounds.
wln 2404Bar.Pounds saist thou, Gouernor, wel since it is no more
wln 2405I’le satisfie my selfe with that; nay, keepe it still,
wln 2406For if I keepe not promise, trust not me.
wln 2407And Gouernour, now partake my policy:
K
First

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 2408First for his Army, they are sent before,
wln 2409Enter’d the Monastery, and vnderneath
wln 2410In seuerall places are field-pieces pitch’d,
wln 2411Bombards, whole Barrels full of Gunpowder,
wln 2412That on the sudden shall disseuer it,
wln 2413And batter all the stones about their eares,
wln 2414Whence none can possibly escape aliue:
wln 2415Now as for Calymath and his consorts,
wln 2416Here haue I made a dainty Gallery,
wln 2417The floore whereof, this Cable being cut,
wln 2418Doth fall asunder; so that it doth sinke
wln 2419Into a deepe pit past recouery.
wln 2420Here, hold that knife, and when thou seest he comes,
wln 2421And with his Bashawes shall be blithely set,
wln 2422A warning-peece shall be shot off from the Tower,
wln 2423To giue thee knowledge when to cut the cord,
wln 2424And fire the house; say, will not this be braue?
wln 2425Gov.Oh excellent! here, hold thee, Barabas,
wln 2426I trust thy word, take what I promis’d thee.
wln 2427Bar.No, Gouernor, I’le satisfie thee first,
wln 2428Thou shalt not liue in doubt of any thing.
wln 2429Stand close, for here they come: why, is not this
wln 2430A kingly kinde of trade to purchase Townes
wln 2431By treachery, and sell ’em by deceit?
wln 2432Now tell me, worldlings, vnderneath the summe,
wln 2433If greater falshood euer has bin done.
wln 2434Enter Calymath and Bashawes.
wln 2435Caly.Come, my Companion-Bashawes, see I pray
wln 2436How busie Barrabas is there aboue
wln 2437To entertaine vs in his Gallery;
wln 2438Let vs salute him, Saue thee, Barabas.
wln 2439Bar.Welcome great Calymath.
wln 2440Gov.How the slaue jeeres at him?
wln 2441Bar.Will’t please thee, mighty Selim-Calymath,
wln 2442To ascend our homely stayres?
wln 2443Caly.I, Barabas, come Bashawes, attend.
wln 2444Gov.Stay, Calymath;
For

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The Iew of Malta.

wln 2445For I will shew thee greater curtesie
wln 2446Then Barabas would haue affoorded thee.
wln 2447Kni.Sound a charge there.
{A charge, the cable cut,
A Caldron discouered.

wln 2448Cal.How now, what means this
wln 2449Bar.Helpe, helpe me, Christians, helpe.
wln 2450Gov.See Calymath, this was deuis’d for thee.
wln 2451Caly.Treason, treason Bashawes, flye.
wln 2452Gov.No, Selim, doe not flye;
wln 2453See his end first, and flye then if thou canst.
wln 2454Bar.Oh helpe me, Selim, helpe me, Christians.
wln 2455Gouernour, why stand you all so pittilesse?
wln 2456Gov.Should I in pitty of thy plaints or thee,
wln 2457Accursed Barabas; base Iew relent:
wln 2458No, thus I’le see thy treachery repaid,
wln 2459But wish thou hadst behau’d thee otherwise.
wln 2460Bar.You will not helpe me then?
wln 2461Gov.No, villaine, no.
wln 2462Bar.And villaines, know you cannot helpe me now.
wln 2463Then Barabas breath forth thy latest fate,
wln 2464And in the fury of thy torments, striue
wln 2465To end thy life with resolution:
wln 2466Know, Gouernor, ’twas I that slew thy sonne;
wln 2467I fram’d the challenge that did make them meet:
wln 2468Know, Calymath, I aym’d thy ouerthrow,
wln 2469And had I but escap’d this stratagem,
wln 2470I would haue brought confusion on you all,
wln 2471Damn’d Christians, dogges, and Turkish Infidels;
wln 2472But now begins the extremity of heat
wln 2473To pinch me with intolerable pangs:
wln 2474Dye life, flye soule, tongue curse thy fill and dye:
wln 2475Caly.Tell me, you Christians, what doth this portend?
wln 2476Gov.This traine he laid to haue intrap’d thy life;
wln 2477Now Selim note the vnhallowed deeds of Iewes:
wln 2478Thus he determin’d to haue handled thee,
wln 2479But I haue rather chose to saue thy life.
wln 2480Caly.Was this the banquet he prepar’d for vs?
wln 2481Let’s hence, lest further mischiefe be pretended.
K2
Gov:

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The Iew of Malta.


wln 2482Gov.Nay, Selim, stay, for since we haue thee here,
wln 2483We will not let thee part so suddenly:
wln 2484Besides, if we should let thee goe, all’s one,
wln 2485For with thy Gallyes couldst thou not get hence,
wln 2486Without fresh men to rigge and furnish them.
wln 2487Caly.Tush, Gouernor, take thou no care for that,
wln 2488My men are all aboord,
wln 2489And doe attend my comming there by this.
wln 2490Gov.Why hardst thou not the trumpet sound a charge?
wln 2491Caly.Yes, what of that?
wln 2492Gov.Why then the house was fir’d,
wln 2493Blowne vp, and all thy souldiers massacred.
wln 2494Caly.Oh monstrous treason!
wln 2495Gov.A Iewes curtesie:
wln 2496For he that did by treason worke our fall,
wln 2497By treason hath deliuered thee to vs:
wln 2498Know therefore, till thy father hath made good
wln 2499The ruines done to Malta and to vs,
wln 2500Thou canst not part: for Malta shall be freed,
wln 2501Or Selim ne’re returne to Ottamen.
wln 2502Caly.Nay rather, Christians, let me goe to Turkey,
wln 2503In person there to meditate your peace;
wln 2504To keepe me here will nought aduantage you.
wln 2505Gov.Content thee, Calymath, here thou must stay,
wln 2506And liue in Malta prisoner; for come call the world
wln 2507To rescue thee, so will we guard vs now
wln 2508No sooner shall they drinke the Ocean dry,
wln 2509Then conquer Malta, or endanger vs.
wln 2510So march away, and let due praise be giuen
wln 2511Neither to Fate nor Fottune, but to Heauen.


wln 2512FINIS.



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