The Jew of Malta · Act IV · Scene III

Scene III
Enter Friar Jacomo.69
Friar Jacomo This is the hour wherein I shall proceed;70 O happy hour wherein I shall convert An infidel, and bring his gold into our treasury! But soft, is not this Barnardine? it is; And, understanding I should come this way, Stands here a purpose, meaning me some wrong, And intercept my going to the Jew.⁠— Barnardine! Wilt thou not speak? thou think’st I see thee not; Away, I’d wish thee, and let me go by: No, wilt thou not? nay, then, I’ll force my way; And see, a staff stands ready for the purpose: As thou lik’st that, stop me another time. Takes the staff, and strikes down the body, which falls down.
Enter Barabas and Ithamore.
Barabas Why, how now, Jacomo, what hast thou done?
Friar Jacomo Why, stricken him that would have struck at me.
Barabas Who is it? Barnardine! now out, alas, he’s slain!
Ithamore Ay, master, he’s slain; look how his brains drop out on’s nose.
Friar Jacomo Good sirs, I have done’t, but nobody knows it but you two⁠—I may escape.
Barabas So might my man and I hang with you for company.
Ithamore No, let us bear him to the magistrates.
Friar Jacomo Good Barabas, let me go.
Barabas No, pardon me; the law must have his course I must be forced to give in evidence, That being importuned by this Barnardine To be a Christian, I shut him out, And there he sat: now I, to keep my word, And give my goods and substance to your house, Was up thus early, with intent to go Unto your friary, because you stayed.
Ithamore Fie upon ’em! master; will you turn Christian, when holy friars turn devils and murder one another?
Barabas No, for this example I’ll remain a Jew: Heaven bless me! what, a friar a murderer? When shall you see a Jew commit the like?
Ithamore Why, a Turk could ha’ done no more.
Barabas To-morrow is the sessions; you shall to it. Come, Ithamore, let’s help to take him hence.
Friar Jacomo Villains, I am a sacred person; touch me not.
Barabas The law shall touch you, we’ll but lead you, we: ’Las, I could weep at your calamity! Take in the staff too, for that must be shown: Law wills that each particular be known.
Exeunt.