Page:The Jew of Malta - Marlowe (1633).pdf/58

 2 Fry. The Abbasse sent for me to be confest: Oh what a sad confession will there be?

1 Fry. And so did faire Maria send for me: I'le to her lodging; hereabouts she lyes.

2 Fry. What, all dead save onely Abigall?

Abig. And I shall dye too, for I feele death comming. Where is the Fryar that converst with me?

2 Fry. Oh he is gone to see the other Nuns.

Abig. I sent for him, but seeing you are come Be you my ghostly father; and first know, That in this house I liv'd religiously, Chast, and devout, much sorrowing for my sinnes, But e're I came

2 Fry. What then?

Abig. I did offend high heaven so grievously, As I am almost desperate for my sinnes: And one offence torments me more then all. You knew Mathias and Don Lodowicke?

2 Fry. Yes, what of them?

Abig. My father did contract me to 'em both: First to Don Lodowicke, him I never lov'd; Mathias was the man that I held deare, And for his sake did I become a Nunne.

2 Fry. So, say how was their end?

Abig. Both jealous of my love, envied each other: And by my father's practice, which is there Set downe at large, the Gallants were both slaine.

2 Fry. Oh monstrous villany:

Abig. To worke my peace, this I confesse to thee: Reveale it not, for then my father dyes.

2 Fry. Know that Confession must not be reveal'd, The Canon Law forbids it, and the Priest That makes it knowne, being degraded first, Shall be condemn'd, and then sent to the fire,

Abig. So I have heard; pray therefore keepe it close, Death seizeth on my heart, ah gentle Fryar