Scene
IV
Enter Calymath and Bassoes.
Calymath
Thus have we viewed the city, seen the sack,
And caused the ruins to be new-repaired,
Which with our bombards’ shot and basilisks
We rent in sunder at our entry:
And now I see the situation,
And how secure this conquered island stands
Environed with the Mediterranean sea,
Strong-countermined with other petty isles;
And, toward Calabria, backed by Sicily,
(Where Syracusian Dionysius reigned),
Two lofty turrets that command the town;
I wonder how it could be conquered thus.
Enter a Messenger.
Messenger
From Barabas, Malta’s governor, I bring
A message unto mighty Calymath;
Hearing his sovereign was bound for sea,
To sail to Turkey, to great Ottoman,
He humbly would entreat your majesty
To come and see his homely citadel,
And banquet with him ere thou leav’st the isle.
Calymath
To banquet with him in his citadel?
I fear me, messenger, to feast my train
Within a town of war so lately pillaged,
Will be too costly and too troublesome:
Yet would I gladly visit Barabas,
For well has Barabas deserved of us.
Messenger
Selim, for that, thus saith the governor,
That he hath in his store a pearl so big,
So precious, and withal so orient,
As, be it valued but indifferently,
The price thereof will serve to entertain
Selim and all his soldiers for a month;
Therefore he humbly would entreat your highness
Not to depart till he has feasted you.
Calymath
I cannot feast my men in Malta-walls,
Except he place his tables in the streets.
Messenger
Know, Selim, that there is a monastery
Which standeth as an outhouse to the town:
There will he banquet them; but thee at home,
With all thy bassoes and brave followers.
Calymath
Well, tell the governor we grant his suit,
We’ll in this summer evening feast with him.
Messenger
I shall, my lord.
Exit.
Calymath
And now, bold bassoes, let us to our tents,
And meditate how we may grace us best
To solemnize our governor’s great feast.
Exeunt.