Second Thief: Ohé, a very rich man?
First Thief: A very rich man!
Third Thief: We will share his ill-gotten gains in right neighborly fashion—if he be willing.
Second Thief: But if not—?
First Thief: If not? With a crack on the head!
Second Thief: Aye!
Third Thief: Aye! (They listen, then creep cautiously into shrubbery.)
(Enter the Jew and his Servants. They carry big bales of merchandise and advance fearfully.)
Jew: Come on, my men, come on; what do ye fear?
First Servant (trembling): Master, I like not the look of the lonely road; they say thieves lie in wait here to rob rich travelers.