In graving, with Pygmalion to contend; Or painting, with Apelles; doubtless the end Must be disgrace: our actor did not so, He only aimed to go, but not out-go. Nor think that this day any prize [5] was played; Here were no bets at all, no wagers laid; [6] All the ambition that his mind doth swell, Is but to hear from you (by me), 'twas well.
PERSONS REPRESENTED. Ferneze, Governor of Malta.
Selim Calymath, Son of the Grand Seignior.
Don Lodowick, the Governor's Son, in love with
Abigail.
Don Mathias, also in love with her.
Martin del Bosco, Vice-Admiral of Spain.
Barabas, the Jew of Malta.
Ithamore, Barabas' slave.
Barnardine, a Friar
Jacomo, a Friar
Pilia-Borsa, a Bully.
Two Merchants.
Three Jews.
Bassoes, Knights, Officers, Reader, Messengers,
Slaves, and Carpenters.
Katharine, mother of Don Matthias
.
Abigail, the Jew's Daughter.
Abbess.
Two Nuns.
Bellamira, a Courtesan.
Machiavel, the Prologue. Scene—Malta.
THE JEW OF MALTA.
Enter Machiavel. Machiavel. Albeit the world thinks Machiavel is dead, Yet was his soul but flown beyond the Alps; And now the Guise [7] is dead, is come from France, To view this land, and frolic with his friends. To some perhaps my name is odious, But such as love me guard me from their tongues; And let them know that I am Machiavel, And weigh not men, and therefore not men's words. Admired I am of those that hate me most. Though some speak openly against my books,10 Yet they will read me, and thereby attain To Peter's chair: and when they cast me off, Are poisoned by my climbing followers. I count religion but a childish toy, And hold there is no sin but ignorance. Birds of the air will tell of murders past! I am ashamed to hear such fooleries. Many will talk of title to a crown: What right had CÆsar to the empery? [8] Might first made kings, and laws were then most sure20 When like the Draco's [9] they were writ in blood. Hence comes it that a strong-built citadel Commands much more than letters can import; Which maxim had [but [10]] Phalaris observed, He had never bellowed, in a brazen bull, Of great one's envy. Of the poor petty wights Let me be envied and not pitiÈd! But whither am I bound? I come not, I, To read a lecture hear in Britainy, [11] But to present the tragedy of a Jew,30 Who smiles to see how full his bags are crammed, Which money was not got without my means. I crave but this—grace him as he deserves, And let him not be entertained the worse Because he favours me. [Exit.
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