_Bar._ Haply for neither, but to pass along Towards Venice by the Adriatic Sea; With whom they have attempted many times, But never could effect their stratagem. _3 Jew._ And very wisely said. It may be so. 170 _2 Jew._ But there's a meeting in the senate-house, And all the Jews in Malta must be there. _Bar._ Hum; all the Jews in Malta must be there? I, like enough, why then let every man Provide him, and be there for fashion-sake. If anything shall there concern our state, Assure yourselves I'll look--unto myself. [_Aside._ _1 Jew._ I know you will; well, brethren, let us go. _2 Jew._ Let's take our leaves; farewell, good Barabas. _Bar._ Farewell,[19] Zaareth; farewell, Temainte. 180 [_Exeunt Jews._ And, Barabas, now search this secret out; Summon thy senses, call thy wits together: These silly men mistake the matter clean. Long to the Turk did Malta contribute; Which tribute, all in policy I fear, The Turks have let increase to such a sum As all the wealth in Malta cannot pay; And now by that advantage thinks belike To seize upon the town: I, that he seeks. Howe'er the world go, I'll make sure for one, 190 And seek in time to intercept the worst, Warily guarding that which I ha' got. _Ego mihimet sum semper proximus._[20] Why, let 'em enter, let 'em take the town. [_Exit._ SCENE II. _Enter_[21] _Governor of_ Malta, Knights, _and_ Officers; _met by_ Bassoes _of the_ Turk, CALYMATH. _Gov._ Now, Bassoes, what demand you at our hands? _1 Bas._ Know, Knights of Malta, that we come from Rhodes, From Cyprus, Candy, and those other Isles That lie betwixt the Mediterranean seas. _Gov._ What's Cyprus, Candy, and those other Isles To us, or Malta? What at our hands demand ye? _Cal._ The ten years' tribute that remains unpaid. _Gov._ Alas! my lord, the sum is over-great, I hope your highness will consider us. 10 _Cal._ I wish, grave governor, 'twere in my power To favour you, but 'tis my father's cause, Wherein I may not, nay, I dare not dally. _Gov._ Then give us leave, great Selim Calymath. [_Consults apart with the_ Knights. _Cal._ Stand all aside, and let the Knights determine, And send to keep our galleys under sail, For happily we shall not tarry here; Now, governor,[22] [say,] how are you resolved? _Gov._ Thus: since your hard conditions are such That you will needs have ten years' tribute past, 20 We may have time to make collection Amongst the inhabitants of Malta for't. _1 Bas._ That's more than is in our commission.