University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

A Platform.
Enter Marcellus, supporting Manoa; Attendants behind.
MARCELLUS.
Look up, sir; you are safe. The tempest's wildness
Seems hush'd on shore. Where was your vessel bound?

MANOA.
Ancona was her port; the hurricane
Baffled our pilot's skill, and drove us headlong
(Just as your ship made good her anchorage,)
On the sharp rock, where you beheld her split.
All my companions, fifty luckless men,
Sunk in my sight; and I had shar'd their fate,
Had not your strong arm sav'd me. But, alas,
We are in Genoa, if mine eyes deceive not.

MARCELLUS.
The same.

MANOA.
Too well I know it. Shield me Heaven!
For what am I reserv'd?

MARCELLUS.
I hope, to lose
The memory of your grief, and find peace here.

MANOA.
O no! to lose my life, if I'm found here.

MARCELLUS.
Pray, let me know your story. By your habit
I guess you are not of our faith or nation.

MANOA.
I am by birth of Syria; but here sojourn'd
Twice twenty years in wealth and fair repute,
Till Christian malice, or my nation's curse,
Or both combining, turn'd me forth a wanderer.
Look there, that very mansion once was mine.

MARCELLUS.
I now recall some traces of that face:
Your name is Manoa?

MANOA.
Ay, that wretch am I.
Thou hast an aspect so benign and noble,
Thou could'st not injure me.

MARCELLUS.
Myself much sooner.

MANOA.
This state, for its late levies 'gainst the Turk,
Call'd on all traffickers for sums of gold;
Our tribe, at my persuasion, furnish'd them,
On rates so easy to the borrowers,
The native merchants' offers were refus'd,
And publick clamour, and disgrace, pursued them:
Thence grew their hate. Of black and monstrous crimes,
Avouch'd on oath by witnesses suborn'd,
They charg'd me guiltless: flight alone was left,
To save my hunted life.

MARCELLUS.
And I remember,
'Twas rumour'd you had perish'd by the sea,
Attempting your escape; and so believ'd:
Knaves call'd your fate a judgment.

MANOA.
To prevent
A hot pursuit, the Hebrews here in Genoa
By common concert spread abroad that rumour.
The death they feign'd, this morning, but for thee,
My brave preserver, had indeed o'erta'en me.

MARCELLUS.
I can do more to serve you. Name your wish.

MANOA.
At present, this. Not far from hence resides
The lord Durazzo, whose great wealth and power,
As heaven sends dews and sunshine, are dispens'd
To gladden every humble thing beneath them.
Let your men help me there, for I am feeble;
And this disguise may save me from the note
Of those who pass,—though in this slothful city
Few leave their down so early.

MARCELLUS.
Sir, farewel!
You shall hear more of me.

MANOA.
Accept my prayers!
My heart's too full to speak the thanks I owe you.

[Exit Manoa, with Attendants.
MARCELLUS.
He has been sorely wrong'd.—But who goes there?
[Camillo passes over the stage.
I cannot sure mistake him: 'Tis Camillo.
Good kinsman, turn, and own a friend who loves you.

[Camillo returns.