2 Merch. I go. [Exit.
Bar. Thus trowls our fortune in by land and sea, And thus are we on every side enriched: These are the blessings promised to the Jews, And herein was old Abram's happiness: What more may heaven do for earthly man110 Than thus to pour out plenty in their laps, Ripping the bowels of the earth for them, Making the sea their servants, and the winds To drive their substance with successful blasts? Who hateth me but for my happiness? Or who is honoured now but for his wealth? Rather had I a Jew be hated thus, Than pitied in a Christian poverty: For I can see no fruits in all their faith, But malice, falsehood, and excessive pride,120 Which methinks fits not their profession. Haply some hapless man hath conscience. And for his conscience lives in beggary. They say we are a scattered nation: I cannot tell, but we have scambled[17] up More wealth by far than those that brag of faith. There's Kirriah Jairim, the great Jew of Greece, Obed in Bairseth, Nones in Portugal, Myself in Malta, some in Italy, Many in France, and wealthy every one;130 I, wealthier far than any Christian. I must confess we come not to be kings; That's not our fault: alas, our number's few, And crowns come either by succession, Or urged by force; and nothing violent, Oft have I heard tell, can be permanent. Give us a peaceful rule, make Christians kings, That thirst so much for principality. I have no charge, nor many children, But one sole daughter, whom I hold as dear140 As Agamemnon did his Iphigene: And all I have is hers. But who comes here?
Enter three Jews.[18]
1 Jew. Tush, tell not me; 'twas done of policy.
2 Jew. Come, therefore, let us go to Barabas, For he can counsel best in these affairs; And here he comes.
Bar. Why, how now, countrymen! Why flock you thus to me in multitudes? What accident's betided to the Jews?
1 Jew. A fleet of warlike galleys, Barabas,150 Are come from Turkey, and lie in our road: And they this day sit in the council-house To entertain them and their embassy.
Bar. Why, let 'em come, so they come not to war; Or let 'em war, so we be conquerors— Nay, let 'em combat, conquer, and kill all! So they spare me, my daughter, and my wealth. [Aside.
1 Jew. Were it for confirmation of a league, They would not come in warlike manner thus.
2 Jew. I fear their coming will afflict us all.160