_Bar._ This shall follow then; There have I hid, close underneath the plank That runs along the upper chamber floor, The gold and jewels which I kept for thee. But here they come; be cunning, Abigail. _Abig._ Then, father, go with me. _Bar._ No, Abigail, in this 300 It is not necessary I be seen: For I will seem offended with thee for't: Be close, my girl, for this must fetch my gold. [_They draw back_. _Enter_ Friar[32] JACOMO, Friar BERNARDINE, Abbess, _and a_ Nun. _F. Jac._ Sisters, we now are almost at the new-made nunnery. _Abb._[33] The better; for we love not to be seen: 'Tis thirty winters long since some of us Did stray so far amongst the multitude. _F. Jac._ But, madam, this house And waters[34] of this new-made nunnery Will much delight you. 310 _Abb._[35] It may be so; but who comes here? [ABIGAIL _comes forward._ _Abig._ Grave abbess, and you, happy virgins' guide, Pity the state of a distressèd maid. _Abb._ What art thou, daughter? _Abig._ The hopeless daughter of a hapless Jew, The Jew of Malta, wretched Barabas; Sometimes[36] the owner of a goodly house, Which they have now turned to a nunnery. _Abb._ Well, daughter, say, what is thy suit with us? _Abig._ Fearing the afflictions which my father feels 320 Proceed from sin, or want of faith in us, I'd pass away my life in penitence, And be a novice in your nunnery, To make atonement for my labouring soul. _F. Jac._ No doubt, brother, but this proceedeth of the spirit. _F. Barn._ I, and of a moving spirit too, brother; but come, Let us intreat she may be entertained. _Abb._ Well, daughter, we admit you for a nun. _Abig._ First let me as a novice learn to frame My solitary life to your strait laws, 330 And let me lodge where I was wont to lie, I do not doubt, by your divine precepts And mine own industry, but to profit much. _Bar._ As much, I hope, as all I hid is worth. [_Aside._ _Abb._ Come, daughter, follow us. _Bar._ Why, how now, Abigail, What makest thou amongst these hateful Christians? _F. Jac._ Hinder her not, thou man of little faith, For she has mortified herself. _Bar._ How! mortified? _F. Jac._ And is admitted to the sisterhood. _Bar._ Child of perdition, and thy father's shame! 340 What wilt thou do among these hateful fiends? I charge thee on my blessing that thou leave These devils, and their damnèd heresy. _Abig._ Father, give[37] me-- [_She goes to him._