Page 1427 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

What ho! what ho! what ho!

OFFICIAL
A messenger from the galleys.

Enter Sailor.

DUKE
Now, the business?

SAILOR
The Turkish preparation makes for Rhodes,
So was I bid report here, to the state, [15]

By Signior Angelo.

DUKE
How say you by this change?

FIRST SENATOR
This cannot be
By no assay of reason... ’tis a pageant,
To keep us in false gaze: when we consider

The importancy of Cyprus to the Turk; [20]
And let ourselves again but understand,
That as it more concerns the Turk than Rhodes,
So may he with more facile question bear it,

For that it stands not in such warlike brace,
But altogether lacks the abilities [25]
That Rhodes is dress’d in. If we make thought of this,
We must not think the Turk is so unskilful

To leave that latest, which concerns him first,
Neglecting an attempt of ease, and gain,
To wake and wage a danger profitless. [30]

DUKE
Nay, in all confidence, he’s not for Rhodes.