I am sure, is sent for.
BRABANTIO
How! the duke in council!
In this time of the night! – Bring him away:
Mine's not an idle cause: the duke himself,
Or any of my brothers of the state,
Cannot but feel this wrong as 'twere their own;
For if such actions may have passage free,
Bond slaves and pagans shall our statesmen be.
[Exeunt.]
SCENE III. Venice. A council chamber
[The Duke and Senators sitting at a table; Officers attending.]
DUKE
There is no composition in these news
That gives them credit.
FIRST SENATOR
Indeed, they are disproportion'd;
My letters say a hundred and seven galleys.
DUKE
And mine a hundred and forty.
SECOND SENATOR
And mine two hundred:
But though they jump not on a just account, —
As in these cases, where the aim reports,
'Tis oft with difference, – yet do they all confirm
A Turkish fleet, and bearing up to Cyprus.
DUKE
Nay, it is possible enough to judgement:
I do not so secure me in the error,
But the main article I do approve
In fearful sense.
SAILOR
[Within.] What, ho! what, ho! what, ho!
FIRST OFFICER
A messenger from the galleys.
[Enter a Sailor.]
DUKE
Now, – what's the business?
SAILOR
The Turkish preparation makes for Rhodes;
So was I bid report here to the state
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;
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
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.
DUKE
Nay, in all confidence, he's not for Rhodes.
FIRST OFFICER
Here is more news.
[Enter a Messenger.]
MESSENGER