Mount. How weakly do's this court then
Send Vessels forth to Sea, to guard the Land
Taking such special care to save one Bark,
Or strive to add fam'd men unto our cloak,
When they lurk in our bosomes would subvert
This State, and us, presuming on their blood,
And partial indulgence to their sex?
Val. Who can this be?
Mount. Your Sister, great Valetta,
Which thus I prove: demand the Bassa's Letter.
Ori. 'Tis here, nor from this pocket hath been mov'd
Nor answer'd, nor perus'd by ——
Mount. Do not swear
Cast not away your fair soul, to your treason
Add not foul perjury: is this your hand?
Ori. 'Tis very like it.
Mount. May it please the Master,
Confer these Letters, and then read her answer,
Which I have intercepted; pardon me
Reverend Valetta, that am made the means
To punish this most beautious Treachery;
Even in your Sister, since in it I save
Malta from ruine: I am bolder in't,
Because it is so palpable and withall
Know our great Master to this Countrey, firm.
As was the Roman Marcus, who spar'd not
As dear a Sister in the publique cause.
Val. I am amaz'd; attend me.
Reads the Letter.
Let your Forces by the next even be ready, my Brother feasts then; put in at St. Michaels, the ascent at that Port is easiest; the Keys of the Castle, you shall receive at my hands: that possest, you are Lord of Malta, and may soon destroy all by fire, then which I am hotter, till I embrace you,