Bar. Fond men! what dream you of their multitudes. What need they treat of peace that are in league? The Turks and those of Malta are in league. Tut, tut, there is some other matter in't.
1 Jew. Why, Barabas, they come for peace or war.
Bar. Haply for neither, but to pass along Towards Venice by the Adriatic Sea; With whom they have attempted many times, But never could effect their stratagem.
3 Jew. And very wisely said. It may be so.170
2 Jew. But there's a meeting in the senate-house, And all the Jews in Malta must be there.
Bar. Hum; all the Jews in Malta must be there? I, like enough, why then let every man Provide him, and be there for fashion-sake. If anything shall there concern our state, Assure yourselves I'll look—unto myself. [Aside.
1 Jew. I know you will; well, brethren, let us go.
2 Jew. Let's take our leaves; farewell, good Barabas.
Bar. Farewell, [19] Zaareth; farewell, Temainte. [Exeunt Jews.180 And, Barabas, now search this secret out; Summon thy senses, call thy wits together: These silly men mistake the matter clean. Long to the Turk did Malta contribute; Which tribute, all in policy I fear, The Turks have let increase to such a sum As all the wealth in Malta cannot pay; And now by that advantage thinks belike To seize upon the town: I, that he seeks. Howe'er the world go, I'll make sure for one,190 And seek in time to intercept the worst, Warily guarding that which I ha' got. Ego mihimet sum semper proximus. [20] Why, let 'em enter, let 'em take the town. [Exit.