For he can counsel best in these affairs:
And here he comes.

BARABAS. Why, how now, countrymen!
Why flock you thus to me in multitudes?
What accident's betided to the Jews?

FIRST JEW. A fleet of warlike galleys, Barabas,
Are come from Turkey, and lie in our road:
And they this day sit in the council-house
To entertain them and their embassy.

BARABAS. Why, let 'em come, so they come not to war;
Or let 'em war, so we be conquerors.--
Nay, let 'em combat, conquer, and kill all,
So they spare me, my daughter, and my wealth.
[Aside.]

FIRST JEW. Were it for confirmation of a league,
They would not come in warlike manner thus.

SECOND JEW. I fear their coming will afflict us all.

BARABAS. Fond<27> men, what dream you of their multitudes?
What need they treat of peace that are in league?
The Turks and those of Malta are in league:
Tut, tut, there is some other matter in't.

FIRST JEW. Why, Barabas, they come for peace or war.