How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)
Quote #4
Ay, policy? That's their profession,
And not simplicity, as they suggest. (1.2.159-60)
Barabas is super offended that Ferneze even thinks he's buying the whole "we're fulfilling our duty to God by taking your stuff" spiel. He knows Ferneze's got a political angle, and that his business is in politics, not the "simplicity" of religious principle.
Quote #5
Everyone's price is written on his back,
And so much must they yield or not be sold. (2.3. 3-4)
And here we are in the slave market again, where everybody is assigned a particular value, which determines how much have to "yield." So, is politics just like a big old slave market?
Quote #6
Thus hast thou gotten, by thy policy,
No simple grace, no small authority;
I now am Governor of Malta. True,
But Malta hates me, and in hating me
My life's in danger, and what boots it thee,
Poor Barabas, to be the governor
Whenas thy life shall be at their command?
No, Barabas, this must be looked into.
And since by wrong thou got'st authority,
Maintain it bravely by firm policy;
At least unprofitably lose it not.
For he that liveth in authority,
And neither gets him friends nor fills his bags,
Lives like the ass that Aesop speaketh of… (5.2.38-40)
What good is a badge that says "Governor" if everyone hates Barabas? Until now, his power has come from his ingenuity and cunning. But political power is different: it depends totally on other people. Too bad for Barabas.