If your keen royal wit pierce the gross web
Of common superstition — be not wroth
At your poor vassal's loyal ignorance.
Remember, too, Susskind retains your bonds.
The old fox will not press you ; he would bleed
Against the native instinct of the Jew,
Rather his last gold doit and so possess
Your ease of mind, nag, chafe, and toy with it ;
Abide his natural death, and other Jews
Less devilish-cunning, franklier Hebrew-viced,
Will claim redemption of your pledge.
LANDGRAVE.
How know yon
That Siisskind holds my bonds ?
SCHNETZEN.
You think the Jews
Keep such things secret ? Not a Jew but knows
Your debt exact — the sum and date of interest,
And that yon visit Susskind, not for love,
But for his shekels.
LANDGRAVE.
Well, the Jews shall die.
This is the will of Grod. Whom shall I send
To bear my message to the council ?
SCHNETZEN.
I
Am ever at your 'best. To-morrow mom
Sees me in Nordhausen.
