And now by that advantage thinks, belike,
To seize upon the town; ay, that he seeks.
Howe'er the world go, I'll make sure for one,
And seek in time to intercept the worst,
Warily guarding that which I ha' got:
Ego mihimet sum semper proximus:<31>
Why, let 'em enter, let 'em take the town.
[Exit.]<32>

Enter FERNEZE governor of Malta, KNIGHTS, and OFFICERS;
met by CALYMATH, and BASSOES of the TURK.

FERNEZE. Now, bassoes,<33> what demand you at our hands?

FIRST BASSO. Know, knights of Malta, that we came from Rhodes,
>From Cyprus, Candy, and those other isles
That lie betwixt the Mediterranean seas.

FERNEZE. What's Cyprus, Candy, and those other isles
To us or Malta? what at our hands demand ye?

CALYMATH. The ten years' tribute that remains unpaid.

FERNEZE. Alas, my lord, the sum is over-great!
I hope your highness will consider us.

CALYMATH. I wish, grave governor,<34> 'twere in my power
To favour you; but 'tis my father's cause,
Wherein I may not, nay, I dare not dally.