SCENE III.

_Enter_[115] Friar JACOMO.

_F. Jac._ This is the hour wherein I shall proceed; O happy hour,[116] 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: 10 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. [_Strikes him and he falls._

_Enter_ BARABAS _and_ ITHAMORE.

_Bar._ Why, how now, Jacomo, what hast thou done?

_F. Jac._ Why, stricken him that would have struck at me.

_Bar._ Who is it? Barnardine? now out, alas! he's slain.

_Itha._ I, master, he's slain; look how his brains drop out on's nose.

_F. Jac._ Good sirs, I have done't, but nobody knows it but you two--I may escape. 21

_Bar._ So might my man and I hang with you for company.

_Itha._ No, let us bear him to the magistrates.

_F. Jac._ Good Barabas, let me go.

_Bar._ No, pardon me; the law must have its 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, 30 And give my goods and substance to your house, Was up thus early; with intent to go Unto your friary, because you stayed.

_Itha._ Fie upon 'em, master; will you turn Christian when holy friars turn devils and murder one another?

_Bar._ 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?

_Itha._ Why, a Turk could ha' done no more.

_Bar._ To-morrow is the sessions; you shall to it. 40 Come, Ithamore, let's help to take him hence.

_F. Jac._ Villains, I am a sacred person; touch me not.

_Bar._ 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._