The Gentleman of Venice | ||
Act. 3.
Enter Malipiero and Thomazo.Tho.
Not this Englishman to be found?
Mal.
Hee's not above ground
Where I could suspect him in the City—
Tho.
Let him goe, may be his hast topled him
Into the river, and we may eat his nose
In the next haddock.
Mal.
Wherefore did you fly?
27
Do'st think 'twas fear?
Mal.
'Twas something like a will,
To keep your skin from oilet-holes.
Tho.
I grant you,
What had I to do to bring up a fashion?
Mal.
We might ha' gone a sure and nearer way
To ha' kill'd him in a right line with a bullet,
But let him goe, so he quit Venice any way.
Tho.
Hee would spoile our mirth, but I much wonder
Bernardo is not come yet, whom I sent
Embassador for money to the Merchants.
Mal.
Nor Marcello, whom I employ'd to the same end,
To my most Costive Uncle for some goldfinches.
Tho.
Why should the state have an Exchequer, and
We want?
Mal.
For pious uses too, to drink their health;
And see the Common-wealth go round
In mutuall commerce of mirth and spirit,
Which phlegme and usury hath almost stifled,
Sobriety and long gownes spoile the City.
'Tis we would keep the body politick
From stinking, ulcer'd with long obligations,
And notaries, which now stuffe the Rialto,
And poyson honest natures, that would else
Live freely, and be drunk at their own charge.
Tho.
I would make new lawes, and I were Duke of Venice.
Mal.
We would not sit i'th chimney corner then,
And sing like Crickets.
Tho.
We would roare like Trumpets,
And deaf the Senators with, give us your monies—
Mal.
Their's? give us our own, their states, their wives,
And wardrobes Scanderbeg.
28
And their pretty daughters,
My valiant Turk, who should feed high o'purpose—
Mal.
To keep the wanton blood in titillations.
Tho.
It should be a Law, no maid should be in fashion.
Mal.
Yes let 'em be in fashion, but not hold.
Tho.
Not after fourteen be it then enacted.
Mal.
Wee would banish all the Advocates that refus'd
To pimp, and prove it Civill Law.
Tho.
No scribe should dare to shew his ears in our Dominions
Mal.
Hang 'em, they are labells of the Law, and stinke,
Worse then a fish-shambles in lent. No Iew
Should turn a Christian upon perill of
A Confiscation.
Tho.
Why?
Mal.
The slaves are rich,
To turn 'em Christians were to spoile their Conscience,
And make 'em hide their mony, 'tis lesse evill
In state to cherish Jewes, then Christian Usurers.
Tho.
I will have every Citizen a Jew then.
Mal.
We have built no Seraglio yet.
Tho.
That's true,
What think you of the Universities?
Would not they serve?
Mal.
O excellent,
They have severall schooles for severall games.
Tho.
And scaffolds
For the spectators when we keep our acts.
Mal.
The Colledge rents would find the wenches petticoates,
And the revenues of a score of Abbies
Wel stript, would serve to rowl 'em in clean linnen,
And keep the toyes in diet.
Tho.
excellent!
29
The Monasteries, where shall we bestow
The Fryers, and the thin religious men?
Mal.
You may
Keep them with little charge, water is all
The blessing their poor thirst requires, and taylors
Wo'not be troubled for new clothes, a hair shirt
Will outwear a Copy-hold, and warm 4 lives,
Or if you think 'em troublesome, it is
A fair pretence to send 'em to some wild
Country to plant the faith, and teach the infidells
A way to Heaven, for which they may be burn't
Or hang'd, and there's an end o'th honest men.
There be a thousand waies to quiet them.
Tho.
My admirable Counsellor, thou shouldst be
My supreme officer to see Justice done.
Mal.
You cannot honour men of worth too much.
Tho.
Wee'l ha the bridges all pull'd down, and made
Of silver.
Mal.
Drosse! Gold is our orient metall.
Enter Bernardo.
Here is Benardo, welcome, where's the mony?
Ber.
Not a gazet: the merchants are all sullen,
And say you owe too much already.
Mal.
These are Dogbolts.
'Tis time we had new lawes and they wo'not trust.
Tho.
But we must build
No golden bridges at this rate with sun-beames.
Mal.
They were best content themselves with honest stone,
Hard as the heart of your ungodly Merchants.
Tho.
Prethee let's leave our dream of frighting Sailors,
And say, what hope hast thou of getting money
30
Mal.
Some hope there is, if my Uncle have but faith
Enough, to credit what I never mean,
Thrift and submission, and holy matters;
'Tis all the waies are left to cozen him
And creep into his nature, I have pawn'd
All my religion that il'e turne Fryer.
Tho.
Hast pawn'd thy religion, much good do him,
Let him take the forfeit, so he send thee money—
Mal.
For present use, and howl, and hang himself.
I care not—oh—here's Marcello.
Enter Marcello.
Did'st speak with him?
Mar.
Yes.
Mal.
That's well.
Mar.
He doe's commend him to you, and with it this—
Mal.
I knew t'would take, his tender conscience
Tho.
Hast thou prevail'd?
Mar.
This halter—he ha's tyed the knot himself,
And saies next the Philosophers stone, hee knowes not
What thing of nobler value to present you:
And rather then you should delay for want
Of a convenient—you know what, you should
Once more peruse his Orchard, there's one tree
He would have bear no other fruit.
Mal.
I thank him.
For his fine noose, would I had his neck in't,
The Devill should not conjure him from this circle.
Is this the end of all?
Tho.
No, not of all.
Mal.
I prethee try how it will hold—d'ee hear
Let's lay our heads together. Which of you
Is best acquainted with the Turk?
Tho.
What Turk.
31
The great and mighty Sultan, the grand Signior.
Or have you but a Christian correspondence
With any of his heathen officers.
Tho.
What to doe?
Mal.
No rogue that lies purdue here for intelligence!
Ber.
What then?
Mal.
I would make a bargaine with him now and sell
This City to the Pagan instantly.
Venice is a Jewell, a rich pendant;
Would hang rarely at the great Turkes eare.
Tho.
No doubt.
Mal.
Or at one horne of his half Moon.
Mar.
I think so.
Mal.
I would betray if I knew how, the state
Or any thing for half a hundred Duccats
To make one merry night, though after I
Were broke upon a wheel, or set upright
To peep through a cleft tree like a pole-cat
In the high way—no money from the Mungrells?
Well if I live. I will to Amsterdam,
And adde another schisme to the two hundred
Fourscore and odd;
I am resolv'd.
Tho.
What?
Mal.
To cry down all things
That hang on wit, truth, or religion.
Tho.
Come, thou art passionate, is there no trick?
No lewd device? let me see?—I have thought
Away to raise us my dear Tully, a project
Shall raise us, or i'le venture—
Mal.
What?
Tho.
My neck
For hanging is the end of my device,
Unlesse I thrive in't: go to the randevouz,
32
Kiss her and call for wines, my bullyrookes,
A dish of dainty fidlers to curvet too,
And drink a health that I may prosper, tumble
And shake the house, I'le fetch you off.
Mal.
But signior—
Tho.
No more words, cannot you be gone, be drunk,
And leave me to the reckoning, i'le return
With Indian spoiles like Alexander.
Exit.
Mal.
Spoken
Like a true Macedonian, we are gone.
He's right, and may in time, and our good breeding
Be brought to something, may deserve the Gallies.
Follow your leaders Mirmidons.
Both.
We attend.
Exeunt.
Enter Giovanni and Georgio.
Ge.
But will you venture Signior Giovanni
Your body to the warrs indeed?
Gio.
I mean so.
Ge.
And leave me to be lost, or thrown away
Among the weeds here!
Gio.
Try thy fortune wo'me.
Ge.
Yes, and come hopping home upon one legg.
Will all my pay then buy a handsome halter
To hang my arm in, if it be but maim'd,
Yet I endure a battail everyday,
My mistris hath a mouth carries whole Cannon;
And if you took that engine to the warrs,
You would find it do rare service.
Gio.
What?
Ge.
Her tongue;
Make her but angry, and you'l need no more
Artillery to scoure them with a breach.
What spoile her breath would make in a market place?
33
Be lesse satyricall;
I must not hear this, she is my mother.
Geo.
She is my mistris, and thats worse, but I'me resolv'd,
I'le to the warrs w'e, do not tell her on't,
My prentiship is worse then killing there.
My hand, i'le w'ee.
Gio.
In the mean time buy yee a sword, and belt,
And what is fit.
Gives him money.
Ge.
No more, i'le be a souldier;
And kill according to my pay, this will
Suffice to vamp my body, I may rise
If I grow rich in valour, that will do't,
Mony and a tilting feather make a Captain.
Exit.
Gio.
There is no other way to quiet the
Afflictions here, beside 'tis honorable,
And warre a glorious mistris.
Enter Bellaura, and Roberto.
'Tis Bellaura and my Father.
Bel.
I know Madam you may break his resolution,
If you be pleas'd, you may command; hee's here.
Bel.
I'le try my skill.
Ro.
Blessings attend your Ladiship.
I'le waite for the successe.
Exit.
Bel.
How now Giovanni,
What with a sword, you were not us'd to appeare
Thus arm'd, your weapon is a spade I take it.
Gio.
It did become my late profession Madam;
But I am chang'd.
Bel.
Not to a souldier.
Gio.
It is a title Madam will much grace me,
And with the best collection of my thoughts
I have ambition to the warrs.
Be.
You have?
Gio.
Oh 'tis a brave profession, and rewards
34
A calling Princes still are proud to own,
And some do willingly forget their crownes
To be commanded, 'tis the spring of all
We here entitle fame to, Emperors
And all degrees of honors, owing all
Their names to this imployment, in her vast
And circular embraces holding Kings,
And making them; and yet so kind as not
To exclude such private things as I, who may
Learn and commence in her great arts. My life
Hath been too uselesse to my self and Country,
'Tis time I should imploy it to deserve
A name within their Registry, that bring
The wealth, the harvest home of well bought honor.
Bel.
It is an active time I must confesse,
And the unhappy scene of war too nere us
But that it should enflame you on the suddain
To leave a calm, and secure life, is more
Then commonly it workes on men of your
Birth, and condition, besides I hear
Your Father is not willing you should leave him,
To engage your self in such apparent danger.
Here you will forfeit your obedience
Unlesse you stay.
Gio.
I cannot despair Madam
Of his consent, and if by my own strength
Of reason I incline him not, it was
In my ambition to addresse my humble
Suite to your Ladiship to gain it for me,
At worst it is no breach of duty Madam,
If I preferre my Country and her cause
Now bleeding, before any formall ties
Of nature to a soft indulgent father.
For danger, let pale soules consider it,
It is beneath my fears.
35
Yet I can see
Through all this resolution iovanni?
'Tis somthing else hath wrought this violent change.
Pray let me be of counsel with your thoughts,
And know the serious motive, come be clear,
I am no enemy, and can assist
Where I allow the cause.
Gio.
You may be angry
Madam, and chide it as a sawcy pride
In me to name, or look at honor, nor
Can I but know what small addition
Is my unskilfull arme to aide a Country.
Bel.
I may therefore justly suspect, there is
Something of other force that moves you to
The warrs, enlarge my knowledge with the secret.
Gio.
At this command I open my heart, Madam
I must confesse there is another cause
Which I dare not in obedience
Obscure, since you will call it forth, and yet
I know you will laugh at me.
Bel.
It would ill
Become my breeding Giovanni.
Gio.
Then,
Know Madam, I'me in love.
Bel.
In love with whom?
Gio.
With one I dare not name, shee's so much
Above my birth and fortunes.
Bel.
I commend
Your flight, but does she know it?
Gio.
I durst never
Appear with so much boldnesse to discover
My hearts so great ambition, 'tis here still,
A strange and busie guest.
Bel.
And you think absence
May cure this wound.
Gio.
Or death.
36
I may presume;
You think shee's fair.
Gio.
I dare as soon question your beauty Madam,
The onely ornament, and starre of Venice,
Pardon the bold comparison, yet there is
Something in you resembles my great mistris
She blushes—
Such very beames dispearseth her bright eye
Powerfull to restore decrepit nature,
But when she frownes, and changes from her sweet
Aspect (as in my fears I see you now
Offended at my boldnesse) she does blast
Poor Giovanni thus, and thus I wither
At heart, and wish my self a thing lost in
My own forgotten dust, but it's not possible
At last (if any starres blesse but high thoughts)
By some desert in war, and deeds of honor.)
(For mean as I, have rais'd themselves to Empire)
That she without a blush to stain her cheek
May own me for a servant—I am lost
In wandring apprehensions.
Bel.
Poor Giovanni,
I pitty thee, but cannot cure—I like
Thy aspiring thoughts, and to this last of love,
Allow the warrs a noble remedy.
Enter Roberto and Ursula.
I have argu'd against your sonns resolve, but find
His reasons overcome my weak dispute.
And I must counsell you to allow 'em too.
Urs.
Nay, I was never much against it Madam.
Ro.
She loves him not, but does your Ladiship
Think fitting, he should go?
Bel.
Yes, yes 'tis honorable;
And to encourage his forward spirit,
The Generall is my kinsman Giovanni,
37
My letters to entreat, and at my charge
You shall be furnish'd like a Gentleman,
Attend me at my lodgings.
Gio.
You bind all
My services; why this will make a shew yet.
Ro.
Nay, then take my consent and blessing too.
Urs.
And mine: the Duke.
Exeunt.
Enter Duke and Marino.
Du.
Bellaura, I must speak to you.
Bel.
I attend.
Du.
You have my purpose, and return me clearly
How he bestowes himself, and what society
Withdrawes him from his duty thus.
Mar.
I shall
With my best care.
Du.
I fear that Malipiero,
[with Bellaura]
But let me find your diligence: Bellaura.
Exit.
The Scene adorn'd with Pictures amongst the rest Claudiana's
Enter Bravos with the Englishman, they unbind him and Exeunt.
Flo.
I am all wonder: shall I trust my sences,
A fair and pleasant gallery; was I
Surpriz'd for this? or doe I dream, I did
Expect the end of my conveyance should
Have been more fatal,
No tract appears, or signe of those that brought me,
The place is rich in ornament, sure these
Are Pictures, all things silent as the Images,
And yet these speak, some do inhabit here,
This room was not ordain'd onely for air
And shadowes, 'tis some flattering Prologue to
My death, some plot to second the affront
38
Enter Cornari with a case of Pistolls.
What art?
Cor.
A friend.
Flo.
That posture and presentment
Promise no great assurance, yet there's something
Within that noble frame would tempt me to
Believe thou art.
Cor.
What?
Flo.
A black murderer.
Point not thy horrid messengers of death
Upon a man disarm'd, my bosome is
No proof against those fiery Executioners.
How came I to deserve from thee unknown
So black a purpose, as thy lookes present me?
I never saw thy face, nor am I conscious
Of any act, in whose revenge, thou hast
Put on this horror, let me know my guilt
Before I die, although I never liv'd
At that poor rate to fear a noble death;
Yet unprepar'd, and thus to die, doth something
Stagger my soul, and weaken my resolve
To meet thy Execution, thou hast
Too good a face to be a Mercenary
Cut-throat, and Malipiero would become
The hangmans office better.
Cor.
You believe then,
How easily I can command your destine,
I have no plot with any Malipiero,
And thus remove thy fear.
He carries in the Pistolls and returnes.
Flo.
Is he gone?
Cor.
Y'are still within
My power, but call your selfe my guest, not prisoner,
And if you be not dangerous to your self
39
Flo.
This does amaze me more; but do Italians
Compell men to receive their courtesies?
Cor.
I must not give you reasons; yet for your
Surprize, you may receive a timely knowledge
And not repent. I am a Gentleman,
And by that name secure thee, if you can
Fancie a peace with this restraint, 'tis none
But something that may please you above freedom,
If your unruly thoughts tempt a resistance,
Death is let in, at every thing you look at.
Flo.
I'le leave my wonder and believe, what now
Must I obey?
Cor.
First walk away your fright.
Flo.
'Tis off.
Cor.
How do you like this gallery?
Flo.
'Tis very handsome.
Cor.
And these pictures.
Flo.
Wel.
Cor.
Your eyes are yet too carelesse, pray examine 'em.
Flo.
They cannot answer.
Cor.
Now your opinion.
Flo.
Very good faces.
Cor.
Have your eyes ever
Met with a substance that might reflect
On any of these shadowes sir in Venice?
Flo.
Never.
Cor.
Look a little better, is there nothing
Of more then common curiosity,
In any of these beauties.
Flo.
I have seen
Fair ones, what should this mean?
Cor.
But pray tel me,
Of these (which some have prais'd for handsomness)
Which doth affect you most? I guesse you have
By frequent view, and the converse with Ladies
40
Flo.
I did not
Expect this Dialogue, yet i'le be free,
I profess stranger to 'em all, but this
[pointing to Claudiana]
I should elect the fairest and most worthy
A masculine Embrace. I build upon
The promise of your Honour, I should else
Be nice in my opinion.
Cor.
You are just,
And I prefer that too, what will you say
To call that Lady Mistris, and enjoy her?
Shee's noble to my knowledge, but enough
At this time. I must pray your kind excuse
If (whilst) you walk into this room.
Opening the hanging.
Flo.
A fair one.
Cor.
Which is design'd your lodging, I become
Your jailour, and make sure this Gallery
Til my return; be constant to your temper,
There shall be nothing wanting to procure
You safe, and pleasant hours.
Flo.
Distrust falles off.
I will expect to find you noble, though
My faith bind not to all, and enter.
Exit.
Cor.
So.
I tread a maze too, but must not resign
My office, till I perfect my design
Exit.
Enter Malipiero with Rosabella dancing, Bernardo, Marcello.
[Dance]
Ber.
Active Malipiero.
Mar.
Excellent
They move as they had nothing else but soul.
Mal.
So, drink, we are not merry, here's a health
To my hen sparrow.
Mar.
Let it walk round.
Ber.
What Rosabella's health? before the states—
41
Hang States, and Commonwealths we will be Emperors;
And laugh, and drink away whole Provinces.
Shall we not dydapper?
Ro.
What you please, but will Signior
Thomazo be here presently, and bring—
Mal.
The golden Fleece, thou Lady Guinever,
And he shall mount thy little modesty,
And ride like Agamemnon, and shall pay for't,
While we, like valiant Greekes in lusty wine,
Drench the remembrance that we are mortall,
More wine, my everlasting Marmoset.
Ber.
Brave Malipiero still! our grand Signiors health,
[Drinkes]
Signior Thomazo.
Mal.
Let it come squirrells,
And then a song my pretty Rosabella,
Which of the Senators were here last night
To court thee with a draught of dissolv'd pearle?
Be supple to thy friends, and let thy men
Of state, who hide their warp't leggs in long gowns,
And keep their wisdom warm in furrs like agues,
Most grave and serious follies, wait, and want
The knowledge of thy fidle, my dear Dowsabel.
Ro.
What hath advanc'd your brain thus Malipiero?
You were not wont to talk at such a height,
There is some mighty fortune drpoping, is
Your Uncle sick, whose heir you hope to be?
Mal.
Hang Uncles, there's a damp in's very name.
Wine, or I sink,—so now thy song, come sit.
Rosabella sings.
Enter Thomazo with Marino.
Tho.
Nay you shall enter, Gentlemen, my friend,
Salute him, Malipiero, he is one
42
Mar.
sir! i'le take my leave.
Tho.
That were a jest, you shall stay by this hand,
Who ha's the wine, drink to my noble friend,
Whilst I embrace my Queen of Carthage.
Ro.
Welcome.
Mal.
I have seen this Gentleman wait nere your Father.
Tho.
Right in his bedchamber, a sober Coxcombe,
We met by chance, let's make him drunk, I have
The brave devices here boy.
Mal.
Good: y'are welcome,
Fill me a tun of wine.
Mari.
How Signior!
Mal.
It is too too little for a friend.
Mari.
They'l drown me, here's a pretious knot
Tho.
I hugge thee Cleopatra, Gentlemen,
Am not I behind half a score glasses, fil,
Come charge me home, i'le take it here
He takes the bottle.
Mari.
What will become of me? they mean to drench
Me for the sullens, I am like to have
A very fine time, and employment here.
Tho.
But ha' you nere a banquet?
Ros.
'Tis preparing.
Tho
Let it be as rich as the Egyptian Queen
Made for Mark Anthony; in the mean time
What limb of wantonnesse have you ready for
My noble friend here, get him a fine flesh saddle,
Or where's thy mother, now I think upon't,
He loves to ride upon a pad.
Mari.
Not I sir.
Mal.
Oh by all meanes Signior.
He shall go to the price of any Ladyware.
Mari.
Who I? alas my tilting daies are done, nay, nay, then
I'le drink w'ee gentlemen, but I cannot tumble
43
Why then here's to thee.
Mari.
No Lady ware for me sweet Mistris,
I blush to say I cannot mount at this time.
Would I were off agen, polecats for me?
Tho.
Now gentlemen wipe your eyes
Shewes a Cabinet.
Mari.
A Cabinet of rich Jewels.
Tho.
And how, and how shew things?
Is't fit we want to revell, while my father
Ha's these toyes idle, we grope in the dark
And lose our way, while such bright starres as these
May light us to a wench?
Mari.
There is no conscience in't.
But what shall we do with 'em? there's a lustre
Hath struck me into a flame.
Mal.
Drink half, and tumble out the rest
In featherbeds.
Tho.
Where's Rosabella, to lend money?
Mari.
Stay, sir,
She never can disburse to half their valew,
Beside I know their slie and costive natures.
I am acquainted with a Jew, are we
All faithfull? are there no traitors here?
I am acquainted with a Jew shal furnish you
To purpose, & transport these, where they shannot
Betray from whence they came: trust her? 'tis dangerous,
Besides the scanting of your mirth, by a
Penurious Son, give me the Cabinet—
Y'are sure all these are friends, & will say nothing?
Tho.
I warrant thee; what luck had I to meet him.
Mal.
Will you trust him?
Tho.
Hee's one of us, make hast, a mighty summe.
Mari.
I'le bring a storme of Duccats instantly.
Exit.
Tho.
So, so to'th wine agen.
Mal.
You need not spend the total here, I have use
44
Tho.
S'hat have fifty.
Mal.
These gentlemen are out of fig leaves too.
Some fresher robes would shew well.
Tho.
They shall have
New skins my Holofernes.
Mal.
I'le have half.
B. M.
A match.
Mal.
Wine, to our Generalissimo.
Tho.
That's I, I understand the Metaphor.
It shall have law, oh for some trumpets now.
Mal.
Tantarra rara boyes, outrore the winds
And drink the sun into Eclipse, hang miching,
But where's my wanton Pinnace?
Ber.
Boorded by
Some man of war by this time.
Mar.
She is spoon'd away.
Mal.
My top and top gallant gone? ha! are there Pirates
Upon these Coasts; give fire upon the water-rats,
And shoot pell mell, fight as a whirlewind flinges,
Disordering all, what man of Menaces
Dare look awry upon my Cattamountaine?
Tho.
Not I: now hee's got rampant, heel kill some body.
Ber.
You must not be affrighted, to'ther lift
And be a Giant eke, and talk of terrors
With words Olympus high.
Tho.
Will that do't?
Ber.
Oh sir.
Tho.
Give me the bottle then?
Mal.
Suppose thou wert my Uncle now, come hither,
Hold thy head fair, that I may whip it off.
Mar.
Mine's nothing like, Bernardo has been taken
45
Mal.
How dare you be like
The rogue my Uncle sirra?
Ber.
I sir? 'tis
Signior Thomazo that he means, and see
For very fear his head fales off
Thomazo was drinking and here sets down the bottle.
Mal.
Reach it me,
I'le drink a health, then in his skull.
Tho.
Who talkes of me, who dares mention
A thought of me? where be the dainty duccats?
Enter Marino.
Mari.
The moneie's coming sir, six men are laden,
And will be here immediately.
Mal.
Thou shalt drink
A health, kneel venerable sir.
Tho.
Be humble,
Thou man of Malligo, or thou dyest
Mari.
I do sir.
[Kneeles]
Mal.
To the Town, a fire.
Mar.
What dee mean Signior.
Tho.
He has a very good meaning, never doubt it.
Mal.
That you shall pledge, or forfeit your sconce to me,
None shall have the honor to pledge this health,
But this whay bearded Signior.
Tho.
Now do my braines tumble, tumble, tumble—
Mal.
give it him,
And drink it with devotion as I did.
Tho.
I long to see these double, double—hickets
But where's the Cockatrice, this whirligigge?
Is my head fast?
Mar.
The scrue is firm, suspect not.
Mari.
I dare not pray nor ask forgivenesse here.
Tho.
Do not my braines now turn upon the toe.
46
Do you hear my doughty Signior Thomazo,
Wo'not you kil the Duke, your graceless father now?
Tho.
Yes marry will I.
Mal.
You shall let him into the Chamber one night,
Where he shall strangle him.
Tho.
Or I can play upon his windpipe rarely.
Mal.
Wee'l set (d'ee mark) some corner of the Palace
A fire, at the same time, and in that hurry
Break into the Treasury, take what we think fit,
And steal away by Sea into another Country.
Mari.
Most admirably contriv'd; the men are come.
Enter Officers.
Tho.
Hey, the money boyes?
Mari.
Disarme the traitors.
Mal.
Plots, ambuscadoes, are these your Jew tricks.
Mari.
I'l wait til you have slept away your surfeit,
Here in the house.
Tho.
Which is the Jew of all these?
Mal.
We are cheated by a Court-nap.
Tho:
My friend, are you the Jew? where be the Jewells.
Mari.
Truth is, I have sent the Jewels to your Father,
And he will lend no money.
Tho.
No money?
Mal.
But must we go to prison?
Tho.
I'le to prison with e'm spight o' your teeth.
Mari.
Not, till you have slept, this way.
Exit. with Tho.
Enter Rosabella.
Ro.
The Banquet's ready gentlemen.
Mal.
A rescue.
We are snatch'd up for traitors, we are betraid,
And going to prison.
Ro.
Who paies for the wine and banquet?
47
Why any living body, that has a scruple
In's Conscience, for the losse of thy dear Comfits,
And Carrawaies, away, lead me ye rogues.
I'le not march else, and let us make a shew,
My fine officious rascalls, on afore,
I follow in fit state, so farewell firelock.
Ros.
I shall be undone.
Mal.
Undoing is thy trade,
March on I say.
Exeunt.
The Gentleman of Venice | ||