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The Works of Christopher Marlowe

The Jew of Malta

Act: 1 Scene: 2

Why how now Don Mathias, in a dump?

What west I prethe?

But say, what was she?

What, Barabas, whose goods were lately seiz'd?

Is she so faire?

And if she be so faire as you report,

'Twere time well spent to goe and visit her:

How say you, shall we?

And so will I too, or it shall goe hard.— [Aside.]

Farewell Mathias.

Act: 2 Scene: 3

I heare the wealthy Jew walked this way;

I'le seeke him out, and so insinuate,

That I may have a sight of Abigall;

For Don Mathias tels me she is faire.

Yond walks the Jew, now for faire Abigall.

Barabas, thou know'st I am the Governors sonne.

Whither walk'st thou, Barabas ?

Well, Barabas, canst helpe me to a Diamond?

What sparkle does it give without a foile?

Is it square or pointed, pray let me know.

I like it much the better.

How showes it by night?

And what's the price?

No, Barabas, I will deserve it first.

No doubt your soule shall reape the fruit of it.

Good Barabas glance not at our holy Nuns.

And, Barabas, I'le beare thee company.

Ratest thou this Moorebut at two hundred plats?

Oh Barabas well met;

Where is the Diamond you told me of?

Barabas, is not that the widowes sonne?

My death? what, is the base borne peasant mad?

Why, loves she Don Mathias?

Barabas, thou know'st I have lov'd thy daughter long.

And now I can no longer hold my minde.

This is thy Diamond, tell me, shall I have it?

'Tis not thy wealth, but her that I esteeme,

Yet crave I thy consent.

Then gentle Abigal plight thy faith to me.

Now have I that for which my soule hath long'd.

Why on the sudden is your colour chang'd?

Mute a the sudden; here's a sudden change.

Oh, is't the custome, then I am resolv'd:

But rather let the brightsome heavens be dim,

And Natures beauty choake with stifeling clouds,

Then my faire Abigal should frowne on me.

There comes the villaine, now I'le be reveng'd.

Well, let him goe.

Act: 3 Scene: 2

What, dares the villain write in such base terms?