In all these allusions, of which an attentive reader might easily find scores, there is no systematic order of thoughts. Only in the religious questions we meet with a clear system: they are all addressed to Malevole, who is represented as a kind of freethinker, similar to the one whom Marston, in his preface, wishes to be outlawed, and of whom he says that he fully merits the 'tartness' and freedom of his satire. In the very beginning of 'The Malcontent,' Pietro asks Malevole:
I wonder what religion thou art of?
Malevole. Of a souldiers religion. [61]
Pietro. And what doost thinke makes most infidells now?
Malevole. Sects. Sects! I have seene seeming Pietie change her roabe so oft, that sure none but some arch-divell can shape her pitticoate.
Pietro. O! a religious pllicie.
Malevole. But damnation on a politique religion!
In act ii. sc. 5 we find the following:—
Malevole. I meane turne pure Rochelchurchman. [62] I—
Mendozo. Thou Churchman! Why? Why?