Venice preserv'd, or, A plot discover'd a tragedy as it is acted at the Duke's Theatre / written by Thomas Otway.

SCENE The Second.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

••elvid.

I'm 〈◊〉〈◊〉 I am ••old! betray'd to 〈◊〉〈◊〉! 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Ruin has inclos'd me! No soone•• was I to my bed re••d, To weigh, and (w••ing) 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉, But the old ho•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 My Peace and Honou•• 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, c•• (Like Tarq••in) gastely with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Lust. Oh thou Ro•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thou could'st find friends to vindica•• thy Wrong; I never had but one, and he's prov'd false; He that should g••d 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 me! undone me! Oh t•• I 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 him! Where shall I go! Oh 〈◊〉〈◊〉 whither 〈◊〉〈◊〉?

〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉

Jaff.

Can, ••lvidera want a resting place When these poor 〈◊〉〈◊〉 are 〈◊◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊◊〉? Oh 'tis in vain to struggle with D•• Strong as my Love to thee, 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 moment I am from thy sight, the H••rt 〈◊〉〈◊〉 my 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Moans like a tender In••t i•• i•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Whose Nurse had l•• it: 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and w•• the Songs Of gentle Love perswade i•• to 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉

Relvid.

I fear the stubborn 〈◊〉〈◊〉 will not own me, 'Tis grown a Rebel to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 do long••, Scor••ns the Indulge•• Bo•• that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••ll'd it, And like a Disobedie•• Child ••dains The soft Authority of 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

〈◊〉〈◊〉.

There was 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉

〈◊〉〈◊〉.

Yes, yes, th•• was•• time,

When 〈◊〉〈◊〉's tears, her crys, and sorrows Were not de••; when if the chanc'd to 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Or look but ••d; there was indeed a time When 〈◊〉〈◊〉 would have 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 in his Arms, Eas'd her declining Head upon his Breast, And never left her 'till he found the Cause, But let her now w•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Cry, 'till she rend the Earth; sigh 'till she burst Her heart asunder; still he bears it all; Deaf as the Wind, and as the Rocks unshaken.

Jaff.

Have I been deaf? am I that Rock unmov'd? Against whose root, T••s beat and sighes a••e 〈◊〉〈◊〉 In vain have I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thy Sorrows 〈◊〉〈◊〉! Witness against me Heav'••s, have I done this•• Then bear me in a Whirl wind back agen, And let that angry dear one ne're forgive me! Oh thou too rashly 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of my Love! Could'st thou but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••ow I have 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this night, Dark and alone, no p••ow to my He••d, Rest in my Eyes, nor quiet in my Heart, Thou would'st not Belvidera, sure thou would•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Talk to me thus, but like a p••tying Angel Spreading thy 〈◊〉〈◊〉 come settle on my breast, And hatch warm comfort there e••re sorrows freeze it.

Belv.

Why, then poor 〈◊〉〈◊〉, in what baleful Cor•• Hast thou been talking with that Witch the Night? On what cold stone hast 〈◊〉〈◊〉 been stretcht along, Gathering the grumbling ••ds about thy Head, To mix with theirs the Accents, of thy Woes! Oh now I ••d the Cause my Love forsakes me! I am no longer fit to bear a share In his Concernments: My weak female Vi••ue Must not be trusted; 'Tis too ••ail and tend••r.

Jaff.

Oh 〈◊〉〈◊〉! Porcia! What a Soul was thine?

Belv.

That 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was a Woman, and when 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Big with the fate of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, (Heav'n guard thy safety!) Conceal'd from her the Labours of his Mind, She let him see, h•• Blood was great as his, Flow'd from a Spring as noble, and a Heart Fit to partake his Troubles, as his L••ve: 〈◊〉〈◊〉, fetch that D••gger back, the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 dower

Thou gav'st last night in parting with me, stril•• it Here to my heart, and as the Blood flows from i••, Judge if it run not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Da••ghter's.

Jaff.

Thou ••rt too good, and I indeed unworthy, Unworthy so much 〈◊〉〈◊〉! Teach me how I may deserve such matc••less Love as thine, And see with what attention I'l obey thee.

Belv.

Do not despise me: that's the All I ask.

Jaff.

Despise thee! Hear me —

Belv.

Oh thy charming Tongue Is but too well acquainted with my weakness, Knows, let it name but Love, my melting heart Dissolves within my Bre••st, 'till with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Eyes I reel into thy Arms, and all's forgotten.

Jaff.

What shall I do?

Belv.

Tell me! be just, and tell me Why dwells that busy Cloud upon thy face? Why am I made a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 why that 〈◊〉〈◊〉, And I not know the Cau••? Why when the World Is wrapt in Rest, why chooses then my Love To wander up and down in horrid darkness, Loathing his bed, and these desiring Arms? Why are those Ey•• Blood shot, with tedious watching? Why starts 〈◊〉〈◊〉 now? and looks as if he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 His Fate were 〈◊〉〈◊〉? 'Tell me, ease my 〈◊〉〈◊〉! Least when we next time meet, I want the power To search into the sickness of thy Mind, But talk as wildly then as thou look'st now.

Jaff.

Oh Betvider••!

••elv.

Why was I last night deliver'd to a Villain?

Jaff.

Hah, a Villain!

Belv.

Yes! to a Villain! Why at such an hour Meets that assembly all made up of Wretches That look as Hel••ad had drawn 'em into League? Why, I in this hand, and in 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 Dagger, Was I deliver'd with such dre•• Ceremonies? ``To you, Sirs, and to your Honour I be ••th ••er, ``And with her this: When e're I prove ••worthy, ``You know the rest, then strike it to her Heart? Oh! why's that rest conceal'd from me? must I Be made the hostage o•• a 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉?

For such I know I am; that's all my value! But by the Love and Loyalty I owe thee, I'l free thee from the Bondage of these Slaves, Strait to the Senate, tell'em all I know, All that I think, all that my fears inform me!

Jaff.

Is this the Roman Virtue! this the Blood, That boasts its purity with Cato's Daughter! Would she have e're betray'd her Brutus?

Belv.

No: For Brutus trusted her: Wer't thou so kind, What would not Belvidera suffer for thee?

Jaff.

I shall undo my self, and ••ell thee all.

Belv.

Look not upon me, as I am a Woman, But as a Bone, thy Wife, thy Friend; who long Has had admission to thy heart, and there Study'd the Virtues of thy gallant Nature; Thy Constancy; thy Courage and thy Truth, Have been my daily ••esson! I have learnt them, Am bold as thou, can suffer or despise The worst of Fates for thee; and with thee share them.

Jaff.

Oh you divinest Powers! look down and hear My Prayers! instruct me to reward this Virtue! Yet think a litt••, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thou tempt me further: Think I have a Tale to tell, will shake thy Nature, Melt all this boasted Constancy thou talk'st o•• Into vile tears and despicable sorrows: Then if thou should'st betray me!

Be••.

Shall 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••wear?

Jaff.

No: do not swear: I would not violate Thy tender Nature with so rude a Bond: But as thou hop'st to see me live my days, And love thee long, lock this within thy Breast; I've bound my self by all the strictest Sacraments, Divine and humane —

Belv.

Speak! —

Jaff.

To kill thy Father —

Be••v.

My Father!

Jaff.

Nay the Throats of the whole Senate Shall bleed my Be••videra: He amongst 〈◊〉〈◊〉 That spares his Father, Brother, or his ••riend, Is Damn'd: How rich and beauteous will the face Of Ruin look, when these wide street•• run blood; I and the glorious Partner's of my Fortune

Shouting, and striding o're the prostrate Dead: Still to new waste; whilst thou, far off in safety Smiling, shalt see the wonders of our daring; And when night comes, with Praise and Love rec••ive me.

Belv.

Oh!

Jaff.

Have a care, and shrink not even in thought! For if thou do 〈◊〉〈◊〉 —

Belv.

I know it, thou wilt kill me. Do, strike thy Sword into this bosom: Lay me Dead on the Earth, and then thou wilt be safe: Murder my Father! tho his Cruel Nature Has persecuted me to my undoing, Driven me to basest wants; Can I behold him With smiles of Vengeance, butcher'd in his Age? The sacred ••ountain of my life destroy'd? And canst thou shed the blood ••hat gave me being? Nay, be a Traitor too, and sell th•• Count••; Can thy great Heart de••cend so 〈◊〉〈◊〉 low, Mix with hired Slaves, ••ravoes and Common stabbers, Nose-slitters, Ally-lurking Villians joyn With such a Crew, and take a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Wages, To cut the Thro•• of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as they 〈◊〉〈◊〉

Jaff.

Thou wrong 〈◊〉〈◊〉 me, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 With Men of Souls: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to reform the ills Of all Mankind: There's not a Heart 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them, But's as stout as Death, yet honest as the Nature Of Man first made, e're Fraud, and Vice were fashions.

Belv.

What's he, to whose curst hands last night thou 〈◊〉〈◊〉 me? Was that well done? Oh! I could tell a story Would rowse thy Lyon Heart out of its Den, And make it rage with terrifying fury.

Jaff.

Speak on I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 t••ee!

Belv.

Oh my 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 Thy Belvidera's Peace 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thy Care, Remove me from this place: Last nigh••, last night

Jaff.

Distract me not, but give me all the Truth.

Belv.

No sooner wer't thou 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and I alone, Left in the pow'r 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that old Son of Mischief; No sooner was I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 on my sad Bed, But that vile Wretch approacht me; loose, unbutton'd, Read for violation, 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 Heart

Throbb'd with its ••ears: Oh how I wept and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, And shrunk and trembled; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for him That should protect me. Thou alas! were gone!

Jaff.

Patience! sweet Heav'n, 'till I make vengeance sure.

Belv.

He drew the hideous Dagger forth thou gav'st him, And with upbra••ding smiles he said, behold it; This is the pledge of a false Husbands love: And in my Arms then prest, and wou'd have clasp'd me; But with my Cries I scar'd his Coward heart, 'Till he withdrew, and mutter'd vows to Hell. These are thy Friends! with these thy Life, thy Honour, Thy Love, all's stak't, and all will go to ruine.

Jaff.

No more: I charge thee keep this secret close; Clear up thy sorrows, look as if thy wrongs Were all forgot, and treat him like a Friend, As no complaint were made. No more, retire, Retire my Life, and doubt not of my Honour; I'l heal its failings, and deserve thy Love.

Belv.

Oh should I part with thee, I fear thou wilt In Anger leave me, and return no more:

Jaff.

Return no more! I would not live without thee Another Night to purchase the Creation.

Belv.

When shall we meet again?

Jaff.

Anon at Twelve! I'l steal my self to thy expecting Arms, Come like a Travell'd Dove and bring thee Peace.

Belv.

Indeed!

Jaff.

By all our loves!

Belv.

'Tis hard to part: But sure no falsehood e're lookt so fairly. Farewell — Remember Twelve.

Ex 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

Jaff.

Let Heav'n forget me When I remember not thy Truth, thy Love. How curst is my Condition, toss'd and justl'd From every Corner; Fortune's Common Fool The jest of Rogues, an Instrumental Ass For Villains to lay loads of Shame upon, And drive about just for their ease and scorn.

Enter Pierre.

Pierr.

Jaffeir!

Jaff.

Who calls!

Pierr.

A Friend, that could have wisht

T'have found thee otherwise imploy'd: what, hunt A Wife on the dull ••oil! sure a stanch Husband Of all Hounds is the dullest? wilt thou never, Never be wean'd from C••••dles and Confections? What feminine Tale hast thou been listening to, Of unayr'd shirts; Catharrs and Tooth Ash got By thin-sol'd shoos? Damnation! that a Fellow Chosen to be a Sharer in the Destruction Of a whole People, should sneak thus in Corners To ease his fulsom Lusts, and Fool his Mind.

Jaff.

May not a Man then trifle out an hour With a kind Woman and not wrong his calling?

Pierr.

Not in a Cause like ours.

Jaff.

Then Friend our Cause Is in a damn'd condition: for I'l tell thee, That Canker-worm call'd Letchery has toucht it, 'Tis tainted vilely: would'st thou think it Renault, (That mortify'd old wither'd Winter Rogue) Loves simple Fornication like a Priest, I found him out for watering at my Wife: He visited her last night like a kind Guardian: Faith she has some Temptations, that's the truth on't.

Pierr.

He durst not wrong his Trust!

Jaff.

'Twas something late tho To take the freedome of a Ladies Chamber.

Pierr.

Was she in bed?

Jaff.

Yes faith in Virgin sheets White as her bosom, Pierre, disht neatly up, Might tempt a weaker appetite to taste. Oh how the old Fox stunk I warrant thee When the rank fit was on him.

Pierr.

Patience guide me! He us'd no Violence?

Jaff.

No, no! out on't, violence! Play'd with her neck; brusht her with his Gray-beard, Struggl'd and towz'd, tickl'd her 'till she squeak'd a little May be, or so — but not a jot of Violence —

Pierr.

Damn him.

Jaff.

Ay, so say I: but hush, no more on't; All hitherto is well, and I believe My self no Monster yet: Tho no Man knows

What Fate he's born to? sure 'tis near the hour We all should meet for our concluding 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Will the Ambassador be here in person?

Pierr.

No: he has sent Commission to that Villain, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, To give the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Charge; I'd have thee be a Man if 〈◊〉〈◊〉 And keep thy temper; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a brave 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Ne're comes too late.

Jaff.

Fear not, I am cool as Patience: Had he compleated my dishonour, rather Then hazard the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 our hopes are ripe for, I'd bear it all 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉.

Pierr.

He's 〈◊〉〈◊〉 coming this way through the 〈◊〉〈◊〉; 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 seem full,

Jaff.

Prithee retire, and leave me With him alone: I'l put him to some tryal, See how his rotten part will bear the 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

〈◊〉〈◊〉.

Be careful then.

Ex. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

Jaff.

Nay never doubt, but trust me. What, be a Devil! take a Damning Oath For shedding 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉! can there be a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 In merciful repentance? 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 Renault.

Renault.

〈◊〉〈◊〉! and 〈◊〉〈◊〉! what a slave is Man! To let his itching flesh thus get the better of him! Dispatch the Tool her Husband — that we're well. Who's there?

〈◊〉〈◊〉.

A Man.

Ren.

My Friend, my near Ally! The hostage of your faith, my beauteous Charge, is very well.

Jaff.

Sir, are you sure of that? Stands she in perfect health? beats her pulse even? Neither too hot nor cold?

Ren.

What means that question?

Jaff.

Oh Women have fanta stick Constitutions, Inconstant as their Wishes, always wavering, And ne're fixt; was it not boldly done Even at first sight to trust the Thing I lov'd (A 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Treasure too!) with Youth so fierce And vigorous as thine? but thou art honest.

Ren.

Who dares accuse me?

Jaff.

Curst be him that doubts

Thy virtue, I have try'd it and declare Were I to choose a Guardian of my Honour I'd put it into thy kee••ing: for I ••now the••.

Ren.

Know me!

Jaff.

Ay know thee: There's no falsehood in thee. Thou look'st just as thou 〈◊〉〈◊〉: Let us embrace. Now would'st thou cut my Throat 〈◊〉〈◊〉 I cut thine?

R••n.

You dare not do't.

Jaff.

You 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉.

Ren.

How!

Jaff.

No more.

'Tis a ba••e World, and must reform, that's all.

Enter Spinos••, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Eliot, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Durand Brainveil, and the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

Ren.

〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉

〈◊〉〈◊〉.

The same

〈◊〉〈◊〉.

You are welcome!

Spin.

You are 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉

Ren.

'Tis a cold Night indeed, I am Aged, Full of decay and natural infirmities,

〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉

We shall be 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 Friend, I 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉.

〈◊〉〈◊〉.

'Twas not well done, thou 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 have 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him and not have gall'd him.

Jaff.

Damn him, let him 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉. Heav'n! where am I? 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Fiends. That wait to Damn me. What Devil's 〈◊〉〈◊〉 When he forgets his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 — 〈◊〉〈◊〉 my heart.

Ren.

My Friends, 'tis late: are we assembled all. Where's Theodore?

〈◊〉〈◊〉.

At hand.

Ren.

Spinosa.

Spin.

〈◊〉〈◊〉.

Ren.

Brainveil.

〈◊〉〈◊〉.

I am ready.

Ren.

Durand and Brabe.

Dur.

Command us, We are both prepar'd!

Ren.

Mezzana, Revellido, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Retrosi; Oh you are Men I find 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to behold your Fate, and meet her Summons, To morrow's rising Sun must see you all Deckt in your honours are the Souldiers ready?

Omn.

All, all.

Ren.

You, Durand, with your thousand must possess St. Marks; You, Captain, know your charge already; 'Tis to secure the Ducal Palace: you Brabe with a hundred more 〈◊〉〈◊〉 gain the 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

With the like number Brainveil to the Procuralle. 'Be all this done with the least tumult possible, 'Till in each place you post sufficient guards: Then sheath your Swords in every breast you meet.

Jaff.

Oh reverend Cruelty: Damn'd bloody Villain!

Ren.

During this Execution, Durand, you Must in the mid'st keep your Battalia fast, And ••heodore be sure to plant the Canon That may Command the streets; whilst Revellido, M••zzana, Ternon and Retrosi, Guard you. (This done!) weel give the General Alarm, App••y Petards, and force the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Gates; Then fire the City round in several places, Or with our Canon (if it dare resist) Batte••'t to Ruin. But above all I charge you Shed blood enough, spare neither Sex nor Age, Name nor Condition; if there live a Senator After to morrow, tho the dullest Rogue That er'e sa••d nothing, we have lost our ends; If possible, lets kill the very Name Of Senator, and bury it in blood.

Jaff.

Merciless, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 slave! — Ay, blood enough! Shed blood enough, old Renault: how thou charm'st me!

Ren.

But one thing more, and then farewell till Fate Join us again, or separate us ever: First, let's embrace, Heav'n knows who next shall thus Wi••g ye together: But let's all remember We ••ear no common Cause upon our Swords, Let ea••h Man think that on his single Virtue Dep••ds the Good and Fame of all the rest; Eter••l Honour or perpetual Infamy. Let's rem••mber, through what dreadful hazards Propitious Fortune hitherto has led us, How ••ft••n on the brink of some discovery have we stood tottering, and yet still kept our ground So w••ll, the busiest searchers ne'r could follow T••ose subtle Tracks which puzzled all suspition: You droop Sir.

Jaff.

No: with a most profound attention I've hard it all, and wonder at thy vertue.

Ren.

Though there be yet few hours twi••t them and Ruin, Are not the Senate lull'd in full security, Quiet and satisfy'd, as Fools are always! Never did so profound repose foretun Calamity so great: Nay our good Fortune Has blinded the most piercing of Mankind: Strengthen'd the fearfull'st, charm'd the most suspectful, Confounded the most subtle: for we live, We live my Friends, and quickly shall our Life Prove fatal to these Tyrants: Let's consider That we destroy Oppression, Avarice, A People nurst up equally with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 And loathsome Lusts, which Nature most abhors, And such as without shame she cannot suffer.

Jaff.

Oh Belvidera, take me to thy Arms And shew me where's my Peace, for I've lost it.

Ex. Jaff.

Ren.

Without the least remorse then let's resolve With Fire and Sword 〈◊〉〈◊〉 these Tyrants, And when we shall behold those 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Tribunals, Stain'd by the Tears and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Innocent, Burning with flames rather from Heav'n than ours, The raging furious and unpitying Souldier Pulling his reeking Dagger from the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Of gasping Wretches; Death in every 〈◊〉〈◊〉, With all that sad disorder can produce, To make a Spectacle of horror: Then, Then let's call to mind, my dearest Friends, That there's nothing pure upon the Earth, That the most valu'd things have most allays, And that in change of all those vile Enormities, Under whose weight this wretched Country labours, The Means are only in our hands to Crown them.

Pierr.

And may those Powers above that are propitious To gallant minds record this Cause, and bless it.

Ren.

Thus happy, thus secure of all we wish for, Should there my Friends be found amongst us one False to this glorious Enterpr••e, what Fate, What Vengeance were enough for such a Villian?

Eliot.

Death here without repentance, Hell hereafter.

Ren.

Let that be my lott, if as here I stand Listed by Fate amongst her darling Sons,

Tho I had one only ••rother, dear by all The strictest ties of Nature; tho one hour Had given us birth, one Fortune fed our wants, One only love, and that but of each other, Still fill'd our minds: Could I have such a Friend Joyn'd in this Cause, and had but ground to fear Meant fowl play; may this right hand drop from me, If I'd not hazard all my future peace, And stabb him to the heart before you: who Would not do less? Would'st not thou Pierre the same?

Pierr.

You have singled me, Sir, out for this hard question, As if 'twere started only for my sake! Am I the thing you fear? Here, here's my bosom, Search it with all your Swords! am I a Traytor?

Ren.

No: but I fear your late commended Friend Is little less: Come Sirs, 'tis now no time To trifle with our safety. Where's this Jaffeir?

Spin••.

He 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the room just now in strange disorder.

Ren.

Nay, there is danger in him: I observ'd him, During the time I took for Explanation, He was transported from most deep attention To a confusion which he could not smother. His looks grew full of s••dness and surprize, All which betray'd a wavering Spirit in him, That labour'd with reluctancy and sorrow; What's requisite for safety must be done With speedy Execution: he remains Yet in our power: I for my own part wear A Dagger.

Pierr.

Well.

Ren.

And I could wish it!

Pierr.

Where?

Ren.

Bury'd in his heart.

Pierr.

Away! w'are yet all friends; No more of this, 'twill Breed ill blood amongst us.

Spin.

Let us all draw our Swords, and search the house, Pull him from the dark hole where he sits brooding O're his cold fears, and each man kill his share of him.

Pierr.

Who talks of killing? who's he'll shed the blood That's dear to me? is't you? or you? or you Sir?

What not one speak 〈◊〉〈◊〉 how you stand 〈◊〉〈◊〉 all On your grave Oracle, your wooden God there, Yet not a word: Then Sir I'l tell you a secret, Suspition's but at best a Cowards Virtue!

To Ren.

R••n.

A Coward —

Handles his Sword.

Pier.

Put, put up thy Sword, old Man, Thy hand shakes at it; come let's heal this breach, I am too hot: we yet may live Friends.

Spino.

'Till we are safe, our Friendship cannot be so.

Pierr.

Again: who's that?

Spino.

'Twas I.

Theo.

And I.

Revell.

And I.

Eliot.

And all.

Ren.

Who are on my side?

Spinos.

Every honest Sword, Let's die like men and not be sold like Slaves.

Pierr.

One such word more, by Heav'n I'l to the Senate And hang ye all, like Dogs in Clusters, Why peep your Coward Swords half out their shells? Why do you not all brandish them like min••? You fear to die, and yet dare talk of Killing?

Ren.

Go to the Senate and betray us, haster, Secure thy wretched life, we fear to die Less than thou dar'st be honest.

Pierr.

That's rank falsehood, Fear'st not thou death? fy, there's a knavish itch In that salt blood, an utter foe to smarting. Had Jaffeir's Wife prov'd kind, he had still been true. Foh — how that stinks? Thou dy! thou kill my Friend! or thou, or thou, Or thou, with that lean wither'd wretched Face! Away! disperse all to your several Charges; And meet to morrow where your honour calls you, I'l bring that man, whose blood you so much thirst f••r, And you shall see him venture for you fairly — Hence, hence, I say.

Ex. Renault angrily.

Spino.

I fear we have been too blame, And done too much.

Spino.

'T was too farr urg'd against the man you lov'd.

Rev.

Here, take our Swords and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 'em with your feet.

Spino.

Forgive us, g••liant Friend.

Peir.

Nay, now y'have found The way to melt and cast me as you will: I'll fetch this Friend and give him to your mercy: Nay he shall dye if you will take him from me, For your repose I'll quit my hearts Jewel; But would not have him torn away by Villains And spitefull villany.

Spino.

No; may you both For••ver live and fill the world with fame!

Peir.

Now you are too kind. Whence rose all this discord? Oh what a dangerou•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 have we 〈◊〉〈◊〉! How near a fall was all we had long been building! What an eternal blot had stain'd our glories, If one the bravest and the best of men. Had fallen a Sacrifice to rash suspicion! Butcher'd by those whose Cause he came to cherish: Oh could you know him all 〈◊〉〈◊〉 I have known him, How good he is, how just, how true, how brave, You wou'd not leave this place till you had seen him; Humbled your selves before him, kiss'd his feet, And gain'd remission for the worst of follies; Come but to morrow all your doubts shall end, And to your Loves me better recommend, That I've preserv'd your Fame, and, sav'd my Friend.

〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉.

The end of the third Act.