Act 4 — [Scene III.][559]
Reading edition
[Scene III.][559]
Enter Friar Jacomo.
F. Jac. This is the hour wherein I shall proceed;[560] O happy hour wherein I shall convert An infidel, and bring his gold into Our treasury! But soft, is not this Barnardine? It is;5 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;10 Away, I ’d wish thee, and let me go by. 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. [Takes the staff and] strikes the body, which falls down.
Enter Barabas [and Ithamore].
Bar. Why, how now, Jacomo, what hast thou done?15
F. Jac. Why, stricken him that would have struck at me.
Bar. Who is it? Barnardine! Now out, alas, he’s slain!
Itha. Ay, master, he’s slain; look how his brains drop out ou ’s nose. 19
F. Jac. Good sirs, I have done’t, but nobody knows it but you two; I may escape.
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. 25
Bar. No, pardon me; the law must have its course. I must be forc’d to give in evidence, That being importun’d 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 stay’d.[561]
Itha. Fie upon ’em, master; will you turn Christian when holy friars turn devils and 35 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.40 Bar. To-morrow is the sessions; you shall to it. 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!45 Take in the staff too, for that must be shown: Law wills that each particular be known. Exeunt.