Bosc. Will Knights of Malta be in league with Turks, And buy it basely too for sums of gold? My lord, remember that, to Europe's shame,30 The Christian Isle of Rhodes, from whence you came, Was lately lost, and you were stated [53] here To be at deadly enmity with Turks.
Gov. Captain, we know it, but our force is small.
Bosc. What is the sum that Calymath requires?
Gov. A hundred thousand crowns.
Bosc. My lord and king hath title to this isle, And he means quickly to expel you hence; Therefore be ruled by me, and keep the gold: I'll write unto his majesty for aid,40 And not depart until I see you free.
Gov. On this condition shall thy Turks be sold: Go, officers, and set them straight in show. [Exeunt Officers. Bosco, thou shall be Malta's general; We and our warlike Knights will follow thee Against these barb'rous misbelieving Turks.
Bosc. So shall you imitate those you succeed: For when their hideous force environed Rhodes, Small though the number was that kept the town, They fought it out, and not a man survived50 To bring the hapless news to Christendom.
Gov. So will we fight it out; come, let's away: Proud daring Calymath, instead of gold, We'll send thee bullets wrapt [54] in smoke and fire: Claim tribute where thou wilt, we are resolved, Honour is bought with blood and not with gold. [Exeunt.
SCENE III.
Enter [55] Officers with Ithamore and other slaves.