The Jew of Malta.
The man that dealeth righteously shall live:
And which of you can charge me otherwise?
Gov.
Out wretched Barabas, sham'st thou not thus
To justifie thy selfe, as if we knew not
Thy profession? If thou rely upon thy righteousnesse,
Be patient and thy riches will increase.
Excesse of wealth is cause of covetousnesse:
And covetousnesse, oh 'tis a monstrous sinne.
Bar.
I, but theft is worse: tush, take not from me then,
For that is theft; and if you rob me thus,
I must be forc'd to steale and compasse more.
1 Kni.
Grave Governors, list not to his exclames:
Convert his mansion to a Nunnery, Enter Officers.
His house will harbour many holy Nuns.
Gov.
It shall be so: now Officers have you done?
Offic.
I, my Lord, we have seiz'd upon the goods
And wares of Barabas, which being valued
Amount to more then all the wealth in Malta.
And of the other we have seized halfe.
Then wee'll take order for the residue.
Bar.
Well then my Lord, say, are you satisfied?
You have my goods, my mony, and my wealth,
My ships, my store, and all that I enjoy'd;
And having all, you can request no more;
Unlesse your unrelenting flinty hearts
Suppresse all pitty in your stony breasts,
And now shall move you to bereave my life.
Gov.
No, Barabas, to staine our hands with blood
Is farre from us and our profession.
Bar.
Why I esteeme the injury farre lesse,
To take the lives of miserable men,
Then be the causers of their misery,
You have my wealth the labour of my life,
The comfort of mine age, my childrens hope,
And therefore ne're distinguish of the wrong.
Gov.
Content thee, Barabas, thou hast nought but right.
Bar.
Your extreme right does me exceeding wrong:
But
