The Jew of Malta
goodly house, Which they have now turn'd to a nunnery. ABBESS. Well, daughter, say, what is thy suit with us? ABIGAIL. Fearing the afflictions which my father feels Proceed from sin or want of faith in us, I'd pass away my life in penitence, And be a novice in your nunnery, To make atonement for my labouring soul. FRIAR JACOMO. No doubt, brother, but this proceedeth of the spirit. FRIAR BARNARDINE. Ay, and of a moving spirit too, brother:  but come, Let us entreat she may be entertain'd. ABBESS. Well, daughter, we admit you for a nun. ABIGAIL. First let me as a novice learn to frame My solitary life to your strait laws, 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. BARABAS. As much, I hope, as all I hid is worth.           [Aside.]       ABBESS. Come, daughter, follow us. BARABAS. [coming forward] Why, how now, Abigail! What mak'st thou 'mongst these hateful Christians? FRIAR JACOMO. Hinder her not, thou man of little faith, For she has mortified herself. BARABAS. How! mortified! FRIAR JACOMO. And is admitted to the sisterhood. BARABAS. Child of perdition, and thy father's shame! What wilt thou do among these hateful fiends? I charge thee on my blessing that thou leave These devils and their damned heresy! ABIGAIL. Father, forgive me— 50 BARABAS. Nay, back, Abigail, And think upon the jewels and the gold; The board is marked thus that covers it.—           [Aside to ABIGAIL in a whisper.]      Away, accursed, from thy father's sight! FRIAR JACOMO. Barabas, although thou art in misbelief, And wilt not see thine own afflictions, Yet let thy daughter be no longer blind. BARABAS. Blind friar, I reck not thy persuasions,—      The board is marked thus 51 that covers it—           [Aside to ABIGAIL in a whisper.]      For I had rather die than see her thus.—      Wilt thou forsake me too in my distress, Seduced daughter?—Go, forget not.— 52           [Aside to her in a whisper.]      Becomes it Jews to be so credulous?—      To-morrow early I'll be at the door.—           [Aside to her in a whisper.]      No, come not at me; if thou wilt be damn'd, Forget me, see me not; and so, be gone!—      Farewell; remember to-morrow morning.—           [Aside to her in a whisper.]      Out, out, thou wretch!           [Exit, on one side, BARABAS. Exeunt, on the other side, FRIARS, ABBESS, NUN, and ABIGAIL:  and, as they are going out,]            Enter MATHIAS. MATHIAS. Who's this? fair Abigail, the rich Jew's daughter, Become a nun! her father's 
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