That Rhodes is dressed in. If we make thought of this
30
We must not think the Turk is so unskillful
To leave that latest which concerns him first,
Neglecting an attempt of ease and gain
To wake and wage a danger profitless.
FIRST SENATOR
They can't have changed; there's no way this
could be true. It's a trick to confuse us. Think about
how important Cyprus is to the Turks, and remember that they could
capture Cyprus more easily, since it isn't as well
protected as Rhodes is. If we keep these things in mind, we
can't possibly imagine that the Turks would be so
incompetent as to put off for last what they want to achieve first,
setting aside something easy and profitable to do something
dangerous and pointless.
DUKE
Nay, in all confidence, he's not for Rhodes.
DUKE
No, I think we can be confident that the Turks aren't
really headed for Rhodes.
OFFICER
35
Here is more news.
OFFICER
Here's some more news coming in.
Enter a MESSENGER
A MESSENGER
enters.
MESSENGER
The Ottomites, reverend and gracious,
Steering with due course toward the isle of Rhodes,
Have there injointed them with an after fleet.
MESSENGER
Sir, the Turks sailed to Rhodes, where they joined with another
fleet.
FIRST SENATOR
Ay, so I thought. How many, as you guess?
FIRST SENATOR
That's just what I thought. How many, can you
guess?
MESSENGER
40
Of thirty sail. And now they do re-stem
Their backward course, bearing with frank appearance
Their purposes toward Cyprus. Signior Montano,
Your trusty and most valiant servitor,
With his free duty recommends you thus,
45
And prays you to believe him.
MESSENGER
Thirty ships. Now they've turned around and are clearly
heading for Cyprus. Signor Montano, your brave and loyal servant,
gives you this information and asks you to send reinforcements to
relieve him.
