Gov. Why, Barabas, wilt thou be christenèd?
Bar. No, governor, I will be no convertite.[24]
Gov. Then pay thy half.
Bar. Why, know you what you did by this device? Half of my substance is a city's wealth. Governor, it was not got so easily; Nor will I part so slightly therewithal.
Gov. Sir, half is the penalty of our decree, Either pay that, or we will seize on all.
Bar. Corpo di Dio! stay! you shall have the half;90 Let me be used but as my brethren are.
Gov. No, Jew, thou hast denied the articles, And now it cannot be recalled.
Bar. Will you then steal my goods? Is theft the ground of your religion?
Gov. No, Jew, we take particularly thine To save the ruin of a multitude: And better one want for the common good Than many perish for a private man: Yet, Barabas, we will not banish thee,100 But here in Malta, where thou gott'st thy wealth, Live still; and, if thou canst, get more.
Bar. Christians, what or how can I multiply? Of naught is nothing made.