The Works of Christopher Marlowe

The Jew of Malta

Act: 5 Scene: 1
Barabas
I'le goe alone, dogs, do not hale me thus.
Barabas
One dram of powder more had made all sure.
[Aside.]
What a damn'd slave was I?
Barabas
Confesse; what meane you, Lords, who should confesse?
Barabas
Who carried that challenge?
Barabas
For what? you men of Malta, heare me speake;
Shee is a Curtezane and he a theefe,
And he my bondman, let me have law,
For none of this can prejudice my life.
Barabas
Devils doe your worst, I'le live in spite of you.
As these have spoke so be it to their soules:—
I hope the poyson'd flowers will worke anon.
Barabas
What, all alone? well fare sleepy drinke.
I'le be reveng'd on this accursed Towne;
For by my meanes Calymath shall enter in.
I'le helpe to slay their children and their wives,
To fire the Churches, pull their houses downe,
Take my goods too, and seize upon my lands:
I hope to see the Governour a slave,
And, rowing in a Gally, whips to death.
Barabas
Yes, my good Lord, one that can spy a place
Where you may enter, and surprize the Towne:
My name is Barabas; I am a Jew.
Barabas
The very same, my Lord:
And since that time they have hir'd a slave my man
To accuse me of a thousand villanies:
I was imprison'd, but escap'd their hands.
Barabas
No, no:
I dranke of Poppy and cold mandrake juyce;
And being asleepe, belike they thought me dead,
And threw me o're the wals: so, or how else,
The Jew is here, and rests at your command.
Barabas
Feare not, my Lord, for here, against the sluice,
The rocke is hollow, and of purpose digg'd,
To make a passage for the running streames
And common channels of the City.
Now whilst you give assault unto the wals,
I'le lead five hundred souldiers through the Vault,
And rise with them i'th middle of the Towne,
Open the gates for you to enter in,
And by this meanes the City is your owne.
Barabas
And if it be not true, then let me dye.