_F. Jac._ Sisters, we now are almost at the new-made nunnery.

_Abb._[33] The better; for we love not to be seen: 'Tis thirty winters long since some of us Did stray so far amongst the mult.i.tude.

_F. Jac._ But, madam, this house And waters[34] of this new-made nunnery Will much delight you. 310

_Abb._[35] It may be so; but who comes here?

[ABIGAIL _comes forward._ _Abig._ Grave abbess, and you, happy virgins' guide, Pity the state of a distressed maid.

_Abb._ What art thou, daughter?

_Abig._ The hopeless daughter of a hapless Jew, The Jew of Malta, wretched Barabas; Sometimes[36] the owner of a goodly house, Which they have now turned to a nunnery.

_Abb._ Well, daughter, say, what is thy suit with us?

_Abig._ Fearing the afflictions which my father feels 320 Proceed from sin, or want of faith in us, I'd pa.s.s away my life in penitence, And be a novice in your nunnery, To make atonement for my labouring soul.

_F. Jac._ No doubt, brother, but this proceedeth of the spirit.

_F. Barn._ I, and of a moving spirit too, brother; but come, Let us intreat she may be entertained.

_Abb._ Well, daughter, we admit you for a nun.

_Abig._ First let me as a novice learn to frame My solitary life to your strait laws, 330 And let me lodge where I was wont to lie, I do not doubt, by your divine precepts And mine own industry, but to profit much.

_Bar._ As much, I hope, as all I hid is worth. [_Aside._

_Abb._ Come, daughter, follow us.

_Bar._ Why, how now, Abigail, What makest thou amongst these hateful Christians?

_F. Jac._ Hinder her not, thou man of little faith, For she has mortified herself.

_Bar._ How! mortified?

_F. Jac._ And is admitted to the sisterhood.

_Bar._ Child of perdition, and thy father's shame! 340 What wilt thou do among these hateful fiends?

I charge thee on my blessing that thou leave These devils, and their d.a.m.ned heresy.

_Abig._ Father, give[37] me-- [_She goes to him._

_Bar._ Nay, back, Abigail, (_And think upon the jewels and the gold_, [_Whispers to her.

The board is marked thus that covers it._) Away, accursed, from thy father's sight.

_F. Jac._ Barabas, although thou art in misbelief, And wilt not see thine own afflictions, Yet let thy daughter be no longer blind. 350

_Bar._ Blind friar, I reck not thy persuasions, (_The board is marked thus[38] that covers it_.)

For I had rather die than see her thus.

Wilt thou forsake me too in my distress, Seduced daughter? (_Go, forget not, go._[39]) Becomes it Jews to be so credulous?

(_To-morrow early I'll be at the door._) No, come not at me; if thou wilt be d.a.m.ned, Forget me, see me not, and so be gone.

(_Farewell, remember to-morrow morning._) 360 Out, out, thou wretch!

[_Exeunt, on one side_ Barabas, _on the other side_ Friars, Abbess, Nun _and_ Abigail; _as they are going out_,

_Enter_ MATHIAS.

_Math._ Who's this? fair Abigail, the rich Jew's daughter, Become a nun! her father's sudden fall Has humbled her and brought her down to this: Tut, she were fitter for a tale of love, Than to be tired out with orisons: And better would she far become a bed, Embraced in a friendly lover's arms, Than rise at midnight to a solemn ma.s.s.

_Enter_ LODOWICK.

_Lod._ Why, how now, Don Mathias! in a dump? 370

_Math._ Believe me, n.o.ble Lodowick, I have seen The strangest sight, in my opinion, That ever I beheld.

_Lod._ What was't, I prythee?

_Math._ A fair young maid, scarce fourteen years of age, The sweetest flower in Cytherea's field, Cropt from the pleasures of the fruitful earth, And strangely metamorphos'd to a nun.

_Lod._ But say, what was she?

_Math._ Why, the rich Jew's daughter.

_Lod._ What, Barabas, whose goods were lately seized?

Is she so fair?

_Math._ And matchless beautiful; 380 As had you seen her 'twould have moved your heart, Though countermined with walls of bra.s.s, to love, Or at the least to pity.

_Lod._ And if she be so fair as you report, 'Twere time well spent to go and visit her: How say you, shall we?

_Math._ I must and will, sir; there's no remedy.

_Lod._ And so will I too, or it shall go hard.

Farewell, Mathias.

_Math._ Farewell, Lodowick.

[_Exeunt severally._

ACT THE SECOND.

SCENE I.

_Enter_[40] BARABAS _with a light._