_Bar._ What, bring you scripture to confirm your wrongs? 110 Preach me not out of my possessions. Some Jews are wicked, as all Christians are: But say the tribe that I descended of Were all in general cast away for sin, Shall I be tried by their transgression? The man that dealeth righteously shall live: And which of you can charge me otherwise?
_Gov._ Out, wretched Barabas! Sham'st thou not thus to justify thyself, As if we knew not thy profession? 120 If thou rely upon thy righteousness, Be patient and thy riches will increase. Excess of wealth is cause of covetousness: And covetousness, O, 'tis a monstrous sin.
_Bar._ I, but theft is worse: tush! take not from me then, For that is theft! and if you rob me thus, I must be forced to steal and compass more.
_1 Knight._ Grave governor,[25] listen not to his exclaims. Convert his mansion to a nunnery; His house will harbour many holy nuns. 130
_Off._ I, my lord, we have seized upon the goods And wares of Barabas, which being valued, Amount to more than all the wealth in Malta, And of the other we have seizèd half.
_Gov._[26] Then we'll take order for the residue.
_Bar._ Well then, my lord, say, are you satisfied? You have my goods, my money, and my wealth, My ships, my store, and all that I enjoyed; And, having all, you can request no more; 140 Unless your unrelenting flinty hearts Suppress all pity in your stony breasts, And now shall move you to bereave my life.
_Gov._ No, Barabas, to stain our hands with blood Is far from us and our profession.
_Bar._ Why, I esteem the injury far less To take the lives of miserable men Than be the causes of their misery. You have my wealth, the labour of my life, The comfort of mine age, my children's hope, 150 And therefore ne'er distinguish of the wrong.
_Gov._ Content thee, Barabas, thou hast naught but right.
_Bar._ Your extreme right does me exceeding wrong: But take it to you, i' the devil's name.
_Gov._ Come, let us in, and gather of these goods The money for this tribute of the Turk.
_1 Knight._ 'Tis necessary that be looked unto: For if we break our day, we break the league, And that will prove but simple policy. [_Exeunt, all except_ BARABAS _and the_ Jews.
_Bar._ I, policy! that's their profession, 160 And not simplicity, as they suggest. The plagues of Egypt, and the curse of Heaven, Earth's barrenness, and all men's hatred Inflict upon them, thou great _Primus Motor_! And here upon my knees, striking the earth, I ban their souls to everlasting pains And extreme tortures of the fiery deep, That thus have dealt with me in my distress.