1 Knight. From naught at first thou cam'st to little wealth, From little unto more, from more to most: If your first curse fall heavy on thy head, And make thee poor and scorned of all the world, 'Tis not our fault, but thy inherent sin.
Bar. What, bring you scripture to confirm your wrongs?110 Preach me not out of my possessions. Some Jews are wicked, as all Christians are: But say the tribe that I descended of Were all in general cast away for sin, Shall I be tried by their transgression? 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 justify thyself, As if we knew not thy profession?120 If thou rely upon thy righteousness, Be patient and thy riches will increase. Excess of wealth is cause of covetousness: And covetousness, O, 'tis a monstrous sin.
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 forced to steal and compass more.
1 Knight. Grave governor, [25] listen not to his exclaims. Convert his mansion to a nunnery; His house will harbour many holy nuns.130
Gov. It shall be so.
Enter Officers.
Now, officers, have you done?
Off. I, my lord, we have seized upon the goods And wares of Barabas, which being valued, Amount to more than all the wealth in Malta, And of the other we have seizèd half.
Gov.[26] Then we'll take order for the residue.