_Itha._ How, master? _Bar._ Thus, Ithamore. This even they use in Malta here,--'tis called Saint Jacques' Even,--and then I say they use To send their alms unto the nunneries: Among the rest bear this, and set it there; There's a dark entry where they take it in, 80 Where they must neither see the messenger, Nor make inquiry who hath sent it them. _Itha._ How so? _Bar._ Belike there is some ceremony in't. There, Ithamore, must thou go place this pot![97] Stay, let me spice it first. _Itha._ Pray do, and let me help you, master. Pray let me taste first. _Bar._ Prythee do: what say'st thou now? _Itha._ Troth, master, I'm loth such a pot of pottage should be spoiled. 90 _Bar._ Peace, Ithamore, 'tis better so than spared. Assure thyself thou shalt have broth by the eye.[98] My purse, my coffer, and myself is thine. _Itha._ Well, master, I go. _Bar._ Stay, first let me stir it, Ithamore. As fatal be it to her as the draught Of which great Alexander drunk and died: And with her let it work like Borgia's wine, Whereof his sire, the Pope, was poisoned. In few,[99] the blood of Hydra, Lerna's bane: 100 The juice of hebon,[100] and Cocytus' breath, And all the poisons of the Stygian pool Break from the fiery kingdom; and in this Vomit your venom and invenom her That like a fiend hath left her father thus. _Itha._ What a blessing has he given 't! was ever pot of rice porridge so sauced! What shall I do with it? _Bar._ O, my sweet Ithamore, go set it down, And come again so soon as thou hast done, For I have other business for thee. 110 _Itha._ Here's a drench to poison a whole stable of Flanders mares: I'll carry 't to the nuns with a powder. _Bar._ And the horse pestilence to boot; away. _Itha._ I am gone. Pay me my wages, for my work is done. [_Exit._ _Bar._ I'll pay thee with a vengeance, Ithamore. [_Exit._ SCENE V. _Enter_[101] Governor, DEL BOSCO, Knights, Basso. _Gov._ Welcome, great Basso;[102] how fares Calymath, What wind thus drives you into Malta Road? _Bas._ The wind that bloweth all the world besides, Desire of gold. _Gov._ Desire of gold, great sir? That's to be gotten in the Western Ind: In Malta are no golden minerals. _Bas._ To you of Malta thus saith Calymath: The time you took for respite is at hand, For the performance of your promise passed, And for the tribute-money I am sent. 10