Bar. How! equally?
Gov. No, Jew, like infidels. For through our sufferance of your hateful lives, Who stand accursèd in the sight of Heaven, These taxes and afflictions are befallen, And therefore thus we are determinèd. Read there the articles of our decrees.
Reader. First, the tribute-money of the Turks shall all be levied amongst the Jews, and each of them to pay one half of his estate.70
Bar. How, half his estate? I hope you mean not mine. [Aside.
Gov. Read on.
Reader. Secondly, he that denies to pay shall straight become a Christian.
Bar. How! a Christian? Hum, what's here to do? [Aside.
Reader. Lastly, he that denies this shall absolutely lose all he has.
All 3 Jews. O my lord, we will give half.
Bar. O earth-mettled villains, and no Hebrews born! And will you basely thus submit yourselves80 To leave your goods to their arbitrament?