SCENE II.
Reading edition
Enter [113] Barabas and Ithamore. Bar. Ithamore, tell me, is the friar asleep? Itha. Yes; and I know not what the reason is, Do what I can he will not strip himself, Nor go to bed, but sleeps in his own clothes; I fear me he mistrusts what we intend. Bar. No, 'tis an order which the friars use: Yet, if he knew our meanings, could he 'scape? Itha. No, none can hear him, cry he ne'er so loud. Bar. Why true, therefore did I place him there: The other chambers open towards the street.10 Itha. You loiter, master, wherefore stay we thus? O how I long to see him shake his heels. Bar. Come on, sirrah. Off with your girdle, make a handsome noose; [Ithamore makes a noose in his girdle. They put it round the Friar's neck. Friar, awake! F. Barn. What, do you mean to strangle me? Itha. Yes, 'cause you use to confess. Bar. Blame not us but the proverb, confess and be hanged; pull hard. F. Barn. What, will you have[114] my life?20 Bar. Pull hard, I say; you would have had my goods. Itha. I, and our lives too, therefore pull amain. [They strangle him. 'Tis neatly done, sir, here's no print at all. Bar. Then it is as it should be; take him up.
Itha. Nay, master, be ruled by me a little [Stands up the body]; so, let him lean upon his staff; excellent! he stands as if he were begging of bacon.
Bar. Who would not think but that this friar lived? What time o' night is't now, sweet Ithamore? Itha. Towards one.30 Bar. Then will not Jacomo be long from hence. [Exeunt.