THOMAS OTWAY    

Venice Preserved, OR, A Plot Discovered. A TRAGEDY.  
As it is Acted at the DUKE'S THEATRE.  
Written by THOMAS OTWAY.  
LONDON, Printed for Jos. Hindmarsh at the Sign of the Black Bull, over against the Royal Exchange in Cornhill. 1682.   

EPISTLE DEDICATORY To Her GRACE the DUCHESS OF PORTSMOUTH.  
MADAM,  
WERE it possible for me to let the World know how entirely your Grace's Goodness has devoted a poor man to your service; were there words enough in speech to express the mighty sense I have of your great bounty towards me; surely I should write and talk of it for ever: But your Grace has given me so large a Theme, and laid so very vast a foundation, that Imagination wants stock to build upon it. I am as one dumb when I would speak of it, and when I strive to write, I want a scale of thought sufficient to comprehend the height of it. Forgive me then, Madam, if (as a poor Peasant once made a Present of an Apple to an Emperor) I bring this small Tribute, the humble growth of my little Garden, and lay it at your feet. Believe it is paid you with the utmost gratitude, believe that so long as I have thought to remember, how very much I owe your generous Nature, I will ever have a heart that shall be grateful for it too: Your Grace, next Heaven, deserves it amply from me; That gave me life, but on a hard condition, till your extended favour taught me to prise the gift, and took the heavy burden it was elogged with from me: I mean hard Fortune: When I had enemies, that with malicious power kept back and shaded me from those Royal Beams, whose warmth is all I have, or hope to live by; Tour noble pity and compassion found me, where I was far cast backward from my blessing; down in the rear of Fortune, called me up, placed me in the shine, and I have felt its comfort. You have in that restored me to my native Right, for a steady Faith, and Loyalty to my Prince, was all the Inheritance my Father left me, and however hardly my ill Fortune deal with me, 'tis what I prise so well that I ne'er pawned it yet, and hope I ne'er shall part with it. Nature and Fortune were certainly in league when you were born, and as the first took care to give you beauty enough to enslave the hearts of all the World, so the other resolved to do its merit Justice, that none but a Monarch, fit to rule that World, should e'er possess it, and in it he had an Empire. The Young Prince you have given him, by his blooming Virtues, early declares the mighty stock he came from; and as you have taken all the pio● care of a dear Mother and a prudent Guardian to give him a noble and generous education; may it succeed according to his merits and your wishes: May he grow up to be a Bulwark to his illustrious Father, and a Patron to his Loyal Subjects, 〈◊〉 Wisdom and Learning to assist him, whenever called to his Councils, to defend his right against the encroachments of Republicans in his Senates, to cherish such men as shall be able to vindicate the Royal Cause, that good and fit servants to the Crown, may never be lost for want of a Protector. May He have courage and conduct, fit to fight his Battles abroad, and terrific his Rebels at home; and that all these may be yet more sure, may He never, during the Springtime of his years, when those growing Virtues ought with care to be cherished, in order to their ripening; may he never meet with vicious Natures, or the tongues of faithless, sordid, insipid Flatterers, to blast'em: To conclude; may He be as great as the hand of Fortune (with his Honour) shall be able to make him: And may your Grace, who are so good a Mistress, and so noble a Patroness, never meet with a less grateful Servant, than,  
Madam, Your Graces entirely Devoted Creature, Thomas Otway.   

PROLOGUE.  
IN these destructed times, when each man dreds  
The bloody stratagems of busy heads;  
When we have feared three years we know not what,  
Till Witnesses begin to die o' th' rot,  
What made our Poet meddle with a Plot?  
Was't that he fansyed, for the very sake  
And name of Plot, his trifling Play might take?  
For there's not in't one Inch-board Evidence,  
But 'tis, he says, to reason plain and sense,  
And that he thinks a plausible defence.  
Were Truth by Sense and Reason to be tried,  
Sure all our Swearers might be laid aside:  
No, of such Tools our Author has no need,  
To make his Plot, or may his Play succeed;  
He, of black Bills, has no prodigious Tales,  
Or Spanish Pilgrims cast ashore in Wales;  
Here's not one murdered Magistrate at least,  
Kept rank like Venison for a City feast,  
Grown four days stiff, the better to prepare  
And fit his pliant limbs to ride in Chair:  
Yet here's an Army raised, though under ground,  
But no man seen, nor one Commission found;  
Here is a Traitor too, that's very old,  
Turbulent, subtle, mischievous and bold,  
Bloody, revengeful, and to crown his part,  
Loves fumbling with a Wench, with all his heart;  
Till after having many changes passed,  
In spite of Age (thanks Heaven) is hanged at last:  
Next is a Senator that keeps a Whore,  
In Venice none a higher office bore;  
To lewdness every night the Lecher ran,  
Show me, all London, such another man,  
Match him at Mother Creswolds if you can.  
Oh Poland, Poland I had it been thy lot,  
T'have heard in time of this Venetian Plot,  
Thou surely chosen hadst one King from thence,  
And honoured them as thou hast England since.   

EPILOGUE,  
THE Text is done, and now for Application,  
And when that's ended pass your Approbation.  
Though the Conspiracy's prevented here,  
Methinks I see another hatching there;  
And there's a certain Faction fain would sway,  
If they had strength enough and damn this Play,  
But this the Author bade me boldly say:  
If any take his plainness in ill part,  
He's glad on't from the bottom of his heart;  
Poets in honour of the Truth should write,  
With the same Spirit brave men for it fight;  
And though against him causeless hatreds rise,  
And daily where he goes of late, he spies  
The scowles of sullen and revengeful eyes;  
'tis what he knows with much contempt to bear,  
And serves a cause too good to let him fear:  
He fears no poison from an incensed Drab,  
No Ruffian's five-foot-sword, nor Rascal's stab;  
Nor any other snares of mischief laid,  
Not a Rose-alley Cudgel-Ambuscade,  
From any private cause where malice reigns,  
Or general Pique all Blockheads have to brains:  
Nothing shall daunt his Pen when Truth does call,  
No not the 
* The Rascal that out the Duke of York's Picture.  Picture-mangler at Guildhall.  
The Rebel-Tribe, of which that Vermin's one,  
Have now set forward and their course begun;  
And while that Prince's figure they deface,  
As they before had massacred his Name,  
D●rst their base fears but look him in the face,  
They'd use his Person as they've used his Fame;  
A face, in which such lineaments they read  
Of that great Martyr's, whose rich blood they shed,  
That their rebellious hate they still retain,  
And in his Son would murder Him again:  
With indignation then, let each brave heart,  
Rouse and unite to take his injured part;  
Till Royal Love and Goodness call him home,  
And Songs of Triumph meet him as he come;  
Till Heaven his Honour and our Peace restore,  
And Villains never wrong his Virtue more.   

Personae Dramatis.  
Duke of Venice, Mr. D. Williams. Priuli, Father to Belvidera, a Senator, Mr. Boman. Antonio, A fine Speaker in the Senate, Mr. Leigh. Jaffeir, Mr. Betterton. Pierre, Mr. Smith. Renault, conspirator, Mr. Wiltshire. Bedamar, conspirator, Mr. Gillo. Spinosa, conspirator, Mr. Percival. Theodore, conspirator, Eliot, conspirator, Revillido, conspirator, Durand, conspirator, Mezzana, conspirator, Bramveil, conspirator, Ternon, conspirator, Brabe, conspirator, Belvidera, Mrs. Barry. Aquilina, Mrs. Currer. Two Women, Attendants on Belvidera. Two Women, Servants to Aquilina. The Council of Ten. Officer. Guards. Friar. Executioner and Rabble.   

VENICE PRESERVED OR A Plot Discovered.  

ACT I.  

Scene I.  Enter Priuli and Jaffeir. Priu. 
NO more! I'll hear no more; begun and leave.  Jaff. 
Not hear me! by my sufferings but you shall!  
My Lord, my Lord, I'm not that 〈◊〉 wretch  
You think me● Patience● where is the distance (throws  
Me back so far, but I may boldly speak  
In right, though proud oppression will not hear me!  Priu. 
Have you not wronged me?  Jaff. 
Could my Nature 〈◊〉  
Have brooked Injustice or the doing wrongs,  
I need not now thus ●ow have bend myself,  
To gain a Hearing from a Cruel father!  
Wronged you?  Priu. 
Yes! wronged me, in the nicest point:  
The Honour of my House; you have done me wrong;  
You may remember (For I now will speak,  
And urge its baseness:) When you first came home  
From Travel, with such hopes, as made you look● on  
By all men's Eyes, a Youth of expectation;  
Pleased with your growing Virtue, I received you;  
Courted, and sought to raise you to your Merits:  
My House, my Table, nay my Fortune too,  
My very self, was yours; you might have used me  
〈◊〉 To your best service; like an open friend,  
I treated, trusted you, and thought you mine;  
When in 〈◊〉 of my best Endeavours,  
You treacherously practised to undo the,  
Seduced the weakness of my Age's Darling,  
My only Child, and stole her from my bosom:  
Oh Belvidera!  Jaff. 
'Tis to me you owe her,  
Childless you had been else, and in the Grave,  
Your name Extinct, nor no more Priuli heard of.  
You may remember, scarce five years are past,  
Since in your Brigandine you sailed to see  
The Adriatic wedded by our Duke,  
And I was with you: Your unskilful Pilot  
Dashed us upon a Rock; when to your Boat  
You made for safety; entered first yourself;  
The affrighted Belvidera following next,  
As she stood trembling on the Vessel side,  
War by a Wave 〈◊〉 off into the Deep,  
When instantly I plunged into the Sea,  
And Bu●ing the Billows to her rescue,  
Redeemed 〈◊〉 Life with half 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of mine,  
Like a rich Conquest in one hand I bore her,  
And with the other 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 Waves,  
That thronged and pressed to rob me of my prize:  
I brought her, gave her to your despairing Arms:  
Indeed you thanked me; but a nobler gratitude  
Rose in her soul: for from that hour she loved me,  
Till for her Life she paid me with herself.  Priu. 
You stole her from me, like a Thief you stole her,  
At dead os night; that cursed hour you chose  
To rifle me of all my Heart hold dear.  
May all your Joys in her prove false like mine;  
A sterile Fortune, and a barren Bed,  
Attend you both: Continual discord make  
Your Days and Nights bitter and grievous: Still  
May the hard hand of a vexatious Need  
Oppress, and grind you; till at last you find  
The Curse of Disobedience all your Portion.  Jaff. 
Half of your Curse you have bestowed in vain,  
Heaven has already crowned our faithful Loves  
With a young Boy, sweet as his mother's Beauty:  
May he live to prove mere Gentle than his 〈◊〉,  
And happier than his Father!  Priu. 
Rather live  
To bait thee for his bread, and din your ears  
With hungry Cries: Whilst his unhappy Mother  
Sits down and weeps in bitterness of want.  Jaff. 
You talk as if it would please you.  Priu. 
'T would by Heaven.  
Once she was dear indeed; the Drops that fell  
From my sad heart, when she forgot her Duty,  
The fountain of my Life was not so precious:  
But she is gone, and if I am a man  
I will forget her.  Jaff. 
Would I were in my Grave.  Priu. 
And she too with thee;  
For, living here, you're but my cursed Remembrancers  
I once was happy.  Jaff. 
You use me thus, because you know my soul  
Is fond of Belvidera: You perceive  
My Life feeds on her, therefore thus you treat me;  
Oh! could my Soul ever have known satiety:  
Were I that Thief, the doer of such wrongs  
As you upbraid me with, what hinders me,  
But I might send her back to you with 〈◊〉,  
And court my fortune where she would be kinder!  Priu. 
You dare not do't.—  Jaff. 
Indeed, my Lord, I dare not.  
My heart that awes me is too much my Master:  
Three years are passed since first our Vows were plighted,  
During which time, the World must bear me witness,  
I have treated Belvidera like your Daughter,  
The Daughter of a Senator of Venice;  
Distinction, Place, Attendance and Observance,  
Due to her Birth, she always has commanded;  
Out of my little Fortune I have done this;  
Because (though hopeless ere to win your Nature)  
The World might see, I loved her for herself,  
Not as the Heiress of the great Priuli.—  Priu. 
No more!  Jaff. 
Yes! all, and then adieu for ever.  
There's not a Wretch that lives on common Charity  
But's happier than me: for I have known  
The Luscious Sweets of Plenty; every night  
Have slept with soft content about my head,  
And never waked but to a joyful morning.  
Yet now must fall like a full Ear of Corn,  
Whose blossom scaped, yet's bloodshed in the ripening.  Priu. 
Home and be humble, study to retrench;  
Discharge the lazy Vermin of thy Hall,  
Those Pageants of thy Folly,  
Reduce the glittering Trappings of thy Wife  
To humble Weeds, fit for thy little state;  
Then to some suburb Cottage both retire;  
Drudge, to feed loathsome life: Get Brats, and Starve—  
Home, home, I say.—  Exit Priuli. Jaff. 
Yes, if my heart would let me—  
This proud, this swelling heart: Home I would go,  
But that my 〈◊〉 are hateful to my eyes,  
Filled and damned up with gaping Creditors,  
Watchful as Fowlers when their Game will spring;  
I have now not 50 Ducats in the World,  
Yet still I am in love, and pleased with Ruin.  
Oh Belvidera! oh she's my Wife—  
And we will be ●● our way ward Fate together,  
But ne'er know Comfort more.  Enter Pierrè. Pierr. 
My Friend good morrow!  
How fares the honest Partner of my Heart?  
What, melancholy! not a word to spare me?  Jaff. 
I'm thinking Pierrè, how that damned starving Quality  
Called Honesty, got footing in the World.  Pierr. 
Why, powerful Villainy first set it up,  
For its own ease and safety: Honest men  
Are the soft easy Cushions on which Knaves  
Repose and satin: Were all mankind Villains,  
They'd starve each other, Lawyers would want practice,  
Cutthroats Rewards: Each man would kill his Brother  
Himself, none would be paid or hanged for Murder:  
Honesty was a Cheat invented first  
To bind the Hands of bold deserving Rogues,  
That Fools and Cowards might sit safe in Power,  
And lord it uncontrolled above their Betters.  Jaff. 
Then Honesty is but a Notion.  Pierr. 
Nothing else,  
Like wit, much talked of, not to be defined:  
He that pretends to most too, has least share in't;  
'Tis a ragged Virtue: Honesty! no more on't.  Jaff. 
Sure thou art Honest?  Pierr. 
So indeed men think me?  
But they're mistaken Jaffeir: I am a Rogue  
As well as they;  
A fine gay bold faced Villain, as thou seest me;  
'Tis true, I pay my debts when they're contracted;  
I steal from no man; would not cut a Throat  
To gain admission to a great man's purse,  
Or a Whore's bed; I'd not betray my Friend,  
To get his Place or Fortune: I scorn to flatter  
A Blown-up Fool above me, or Crush the wretch beneath me,  
Yet, Jaffeir; for all this, I am a Villain!  Jaff. 
A Villain—  Pierr. 
Yes a most notorious Villain:  
To see the suffring of my fellow Creatures,  
And own myself a Man: To see our Senators  
Cheat the deluded people with a show  
Of Liberty, which yet they ne'er must taste of;  
They say, by them our hands are free from Fetters,  
Yet whom they please they lay in basest bonds;  
Bring whom they please to Infamy and Sorrow;  
Drive us like Wracks down the rough Tide of Power,  
Whilst no holds left to save us from Destruction;  
All that bear this are Villains; and I one,  
Not to rouse up at the great Call of Nature,  
And check the Growth of these Domestic spoilers,  
That makes us slaves and tells us 'tis our Charter.  Jaff. 
Oh Aquilina! Friend, to lose such Beauty;  
The Dearest Purchase of thy noble Labours;  
She was thy Right by Conquest, as by Love.  Pierr. 
Oh Jaffeir! I'd so fixed my heart upon her,  
That wheresoever I sramed a Scheme of Life  
For time to come, she was my only Joy  
With which I wished to sweeten future Cares;  
I fancied pleasures, none but one that loves  
And dotes as I did can Imagine like 'em:  
When in the Extremity of all these Hopes,  
In the most Charming hour of Expectation,  
Then when our Eager Wishes soar the highest,  
Ready to stoop and grasp the lovely Game,  
A Haggard Owl, a Worthless Kite of Prey,  
With his foul wings sailed in and spoiled my Quarry.  Jaff. 
I know the Wretch, and scorn him as thou hat'st him.  Pierr. 
Curse on the Common Good that's so protected,  
Where every slave that 〈◊〉 up wealth enough  
To do much Wrong, becomes a Lord of Right:  
ay, who believed no Ill could e'er come near me,  
Found in the Embraces of my Aquilina  
A Wretched old but itching Senator;  
A wealthy Fool, that had bought out my Title.  
A Rogue, that uses Beauty like a Lambskin,  
Barely to keep him warm: That filthy Cuckoo too  
Was in my absence crept into my Nest,  
And spoiling all my Brood of noble Pleasure.  Jaff. 
Didst thou not chase him thence?  Pierr. 
I did, and drove  
The rank old bearded Hirco stinking home:  
The matter was complained of in the Senate,  
I summoned to appear, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉,  
For violating something they call privilege—  
This was the Recompense of my service:  
Would led been rather beaten by a Coward!  
A Soldiers Mistress 〈◊〉 his Religion,  
When that's profaned, all other Ties are broken,  
That even dissolves all former bonds of service,  
And from that hour I think myself as free  
To be the Foe as e'er the Friend of Venice—  
Nay, Dear Revenge, when e'er thou call'st I am ready.  Jaff. 
I think no safety can be here for Virtue,  
And grieve my friend as much as thou to live  
In such a wretched State as this of Venice;  
Where all agree to spoil the Public Good,  
And Villains fatten with the brave man's Labours.  Pierr. 
We have neither safety, Unity, nor Peace,  
For the foundation's lost of Common Good;  
Justice is lame as well as blind amongst us;  
The Laws (corrupted to their ends that make 'em)  
Serve but for Instruments of some new Tyranny,  
That every day starts up to enslave us deeper:  
Now could this glorious Cause but find out friends  
To do it right! oh 〈◊〉! then mightst thou  
Not wear these seals of Woe upon thy Face,  
The proud Priuli should be taught humanity,  
And learn to value such a son as thou art.  
I dare not speak! But my heart bleeds this moment!  Jaff. 
Cursed be the Cause, though I thy friend be part on't:  
Let me partake the troubles of thy bosom,  
For I am used to misery, and perhaps  
May find a way to sweetened to thy spirit.  Pierr. 
Too soon it will reach thy knowledge—  Jaff. 
Then from thee  
Let it proceed. There's Virtue in thy Friendship  
Would make the saddest Tale of sorrow pleasing,  
Strengthen my Constancy, and welcome Ruin.  Pierr. 
Then thou art ruined!  Jaff. 
That I long finee knew,  
I and ill Fortune have been long Acquaintance.  Pierr 
I passed this very moment by thy doors,  
And found them guarded by a Troop of Villains;  
The sons of public Rapine were destroying:  
They told me, by the sentence of the Law  
They had Commission to seize all thy fortune,  
Nay more, Priuli's cruel hand hath signed it.  
Here stood a Ruffian with a horrid face  
Lording it o'er a pile of many Plate,  
Tumbled into a heap for public sale:  
There was another making villainous jests  
At thy undoing; he had ta'en possession  
Of all thy ancient most domestic Ornaments,  
Rich hangings, intermixed and wrought with gold;  
The very bed, which on thy wedding night  
Received thee to the Arms of Belvidera,  
The scene of all thy Joys, was violated  
By the course hands of filthy Dungeon Villains,  
And thrown amongst the common Lumber.  Jaff. 
Now thanks Heaven—  Pierr. 
Thank Heaven! for what?  Jaff. 
That I am not worth a Ducat.  Pierr. 
Curse thy dull Stars, and the worse Fate of Venice,  
Where Brothers, Friends, and Fathers, all are false;  
Where there's no trust, no truth; where Innocence  
Stoop's under vile Oppression; and Vice lords it:  
Hadst thou but seen, as I did, how at last  
Thy Beauteous Belvidera, like a Wretch  
That's doomed to Banishment, came weeping forth,  
Shining through Tears, like April Sun's in showers  
That labour to o'ercome the Cloud that loads ●m,  
Whilst two young Virgins, on whose Arms she leaned,  
Kindly looked up, and at her Grief grew sad,  
As if they catched the Sorrows that fell from her:  
Even the lewd Rabble that were gathered round  
To see the sight, stood mute when they beheld her;  
Governed their roaring throats and grumbled pity:  
I could have hugged the greasy Rogues: They pleased me.  Jaff. 
I thank thee for this story from my soul,  
Since now I know the worst that can befall me:  
Ah Pierre! I have a Heart, that could have born  
The roughest Wrong my Fortune could have done me:  
But when I think what Belvidera feels,  
The bitterness her tender spirit tastes of,  
I own myself a Coward: Bear my weakness,  
If throwing thus my Arms about thy Neck,  
I play the Boy, and blubber in thy bosom.  
Oh! I shall drown thee with my Sorrows!  Pierr. 
Burn!  
First burn, and Levelly Venice to thy Ruin,  
What starve like Beggars Brats in frosty weather,  
Under a Hedge, and whine ourselves to Death!  
Thou, or thy Cause, shall never want assistance,  
Whilst I have blood or Fortune fit to serve thee;  
Command my heart: Thou art every way its master.  Jaff. 
No: there's a secret Pride in bravely dying.  Pierr. 
Rats die in Holes and Corners, Dogs run mad;  
Man knows a braver Remedy for sorrow:  
Revenge! the Attribute of Gods, they stamped it  
With their great Image on our Natures; die!  
Consider well the Cause that calls upon thee:  
And if thou art base enough, die then: Remember  
Thy Belvidera suffers: Belvidera!  
Die— Damn first— what be decently interred  
In a Churchyard, and mingle thy brave dust  
With stinking Rogues that rot in dirty winding sheets,  
Surfeit-slain Fools, the common Dung o'th' Soyl.  Jaff. 
Oh!  Pierr. 
Well said, out with't, Swear a little—  Jaff. 
Swear!  
By Sea and Air! by Earth, by Heaven and Hell,  
I will revenge my Belvidera's Tears!  
Hark thee my Friend— Priuli— is— a Senator!  Pierr. 
A Dog!  Jaff. 
Agreed.  Pierr. 
Shoot him.  Jaff. 
With all my heart.  
No more: Where shall we meet at Night?  Pierr. 
I'll tell thee;  
On the Rialto every Night at Twelve  
I take my Evening's walk of Meditation,  
There we two will meet, and talk of precious  
Mischief—  Jaff. 
Farewell.  Pierr. 
At Twelve.  Jaff. 
At any hour, my plagues  
Will keep me waking. Ex. Pierr.  
Tell me why, good Heaven,  
Thou mad'st me what I am, with all the Spirit,  
Aspiring thoughts and Elegant desires  
That fill the happiest Man? Ah! rather why  
Didst thou not form me fordid as my Fate,  
Base minded, dull, and fit to carry Burdens?  
Why have I sense to know the Curse that's on me?  
Is this just dealing, Nature? Belvidera! Enter Belvidera.  
Poor Belvidera!  Belvid. 
Led me, lead 〈◊〉 my Virgins!  
To that kind Voice. My Lord, my Love, my Refuge!  
Happy my Eyes, when they behold thy 〈◊〉:  
My heavy heart will leave its doleful beating  
At sight of thee, and bound with sprightful joys.  
Oh smile, as when our Loves were in their Spring,  
And cheer my 〈◊〉 Soul.  Jaff. 
As when our Loves  
Were in their Spring 〈◊〉 had then my Fortune changed?  
Art thou not 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 the same,  
Kind, good, and tender, as my Arms first found thee  
If thou art altered, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I have harbour 〈◊〉  
Where ease my loaded Heart? Oh! where complain?  Belu. 
Does this appear like Change, or Love 〈◊〉  
When thus I throw myself into thy bosom,  
With all the 〈◊〉 of a strong Truth:  
Beat's not my heart, as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  
To a new Change of bliss; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉,  
Than did thy Mother when she hugged thee 〈◊〉,  
And blessed the Gods for all her Travel past.  Jaff. 
Can there in Woman be such glorious Faith?  
Sure all ill stories of thy Sex are false●  
Oh Woman! lovely 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  
To temper Man: We had been Brutes without you,  
Angels are Painted fair, to look like 〈◊〉;  
There's in you all that we believe of Heaven,  
Amazing 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 and Truth,  
Eternal Joy, and everlasting Love.  Belu. 
If Love be Treasure, we'll be 〈◊〉 rich:  
I have so much, my heart will surely break with't;  
Vow's cannot express it, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 declare  
How great is my Joy, I am dumb with 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 thought;  
I swell, and fie, and labour with 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  
Oh lead me to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 wide 〈◊〉 〈◊〉,  
Barren as our Misfortunes, where 〈◊〉 Soul  
May have its 〈◊〉, Where I may 〈◊〉 aloud  
To the high Heaven's, 〈◊〉 every 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Planet,  
With what a boundless stock my bosom's fraught,  
Where I may throw my 〈◊〉 Arms about thee,  
Give 〈◊〉 to Love with 〈◊〉, kindling Joy,  
And let off all the Fire that's in my Heart.  Jaff. 
Oh Belvidera! double I am a Beggar,  
Undone by Fortune, and in debt to thee;  
Want! worldly Want! that hungry sneager Fiend  
Is at my heels, and chases me in view;  
Canst thou bear Cold and Hunger? Can these Limbs,  
Framed for the tender Offices of Love,  
Endure the bitter Gripes of smarting Poverty?  
When 〈◊〉 by our miseries abroad,  
(As suddenly we shall be) to seek out  
(In some far Climate where our Names are stranger)  
For charitable 〈◊〉: 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉,  
When in a Bed of straw we 〈◊〉 〈◊〉,  
And the bleak winds shall whistle 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉;  
Wilt thou then talk thus to me? 〈◊〉 thou then  
Hush my 〈◊〉 thus, and shelter me with Love?  Belu. 
Oh I will love thee, even in Madness love thee:  
Tho my distracted Senses should 〈◊〉 〈◊〉,  
I'd find some intervals, when 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  
Should suage itself and be let loose to 〈◊〉  
Though the bare Earth be all our Resting place,  
Its Root's our food, some 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉,  
I'll make this Arm a Pillow for thy Head;  
As thou sighing liest, and swelled with 〈◊〉,  
Creep to thy Bosom, 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of Love  
Into thy Soul, and 〈◊〉 thee to thy 〈◊〉;  
Then praise our God, and watch thee ●till the 〈◊〉.  Jaff. 
Hear this you Heaven's, and wonder how you made her!  
Reign, reign ye money that divide the World,  
Busy Rebellion 〈◊〉 will let you know  
Tranquillity and Happiness like 〈◊〉,  
Like gaudy Ships, th' 〈◊〉 Billows fall  
And rise again, to lift you in your Pride;  
They wait but for a 〈◊〉 and then 〈◊〉 you:  
I, in my private Bark, already 〈◊〉,  
Like a poor Merchant driven on unknown Land,  
That had by chance packed up his 〈◊〉 Treasure  
In one dear Casket, and saved only 〈◊〉:  
Since I must 〈◊〉 further on 〈◊〉 〈◊〉,  
Thus hug my little, but my 〈◊〉 〈◊〉,  
Resolved to 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ex..    

ACT. II.  Enter Plerre and Aquilina. Aquil. 
BY all thy Wrongs, thou art de● to my Arms  
Than all the Wealth of 〈◊〉: Prithee stay,  
And let us love to night.  Peirr. 
No: 〈◊〉 Fool,  
There's Fool about thee: When a Woman sell●  
Her Flesh to Fools, her Beauty's lost to me;  
They leave a Taint, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 where th'ave past,  
There's such a baneful Quality about'em,  
Even spoils Complexions with their own Nauseousness,  
They infect all they touch, I cannot think  
Of tasting any thing a Fool has pulled.  Aquil. 
I loath and 〈◊〉 that Fool thou meanest, as much  
Or more than thou 〈◊〉 But the Beast has Gold  
That makes him necessary: Power too,  
To qualify my Character, and poise me  
Equal with peevish Virtue, that beholds  
My Liberty with 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 In their Hearts  
Are loose as I am, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Power  
Sits in their Faces, and 〈◊〉 Pleasures from'em.  Pierr. 
Much good may't do you, Madam, with your Senator.  Aquil. 
My Senator! why, canst thou think that Wretch  
e'er filled thy 〈◊〉 Arms with Pleasure 〈◊〉  
Think'st thou, because I sometimes give him leave  
To foil himself at what 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for;  
Because I force myself to endure and suffer him,  
Think'st thou I love him? No, by all the Joys  
Thou ever gav'st me, his Presence is my Penance;  
The worst thing an old Man can be's a Lover,  
A mere 〈◊〉 Mori to poor woman.  
I never lay by his decrepit side,  
But all that night I pondered on my Grave.  Pierr. 
Would he 〈◊〉 well sent 〈◊〉  Aquil. 
That'● 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  
For then, my 〈◊〉 I. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with pleasure  
To play the Hypocrite: Oh! how I could weep  
Over the dying Dotard, and kiss him too,  
In hopes to smother him quite; then, when the time  
Was come to pay my Sorrows at his Funeral,  
For he has already made me Heir to Treasures,  
Would make me out-acta real Widows whining:  
How could I frame my face to fit my mourning!  
With wring hands attend him to his Grave,  
Fall swooning on his 〈◊〉: Take mad possession,  
Even of the Dismal Vault, where he lay buried,  
There like the Ephesian Matron dwell, till Thou,  
My lovely Soldier, comest to my Deliverance;  
Then throwing up my Veil, with open Arms  
And laughing Eyes, run to new dawning Joy.  Pierr. 
No more! I have Friends to meet me here to night,  
And must be private. As you prise my Friendship  
Keep up your Coxcomb: Let him not pry nor listen,  
Nor fisk about the House as I have seen him,  
Like a tame mumping Squirrel with a bell on;  
Curs will be abroad to bite him, if you do.  Aquil. 
What Friends to meet? may I not be of your Councils  Pierr. 
How! a Woman ask Questions out of Bed?  
Go to your Senator, ask him what passes  
Amongst his Brethren, he'll hide nothing from you;  
But pump not me for Politics. No more!  
Give order that whoever in my name  
Comes here, receive Admittance: so good night.  Aquil. 
Must we ne'er meet again! Embrace no more!  
Is Love so soon and ulterly forgotten!  Pierr. 
As you henceforward treat your Fool, 〈◊〉 think on't.  Aquil. 
Cursed be all Fools, and doubly cursed myself,  
The worst of Fools— I die if he forsakes me;  
And now to keep him, Heaven or Hell instruct me. Exeunt.  

SCENE The Rialto.  Enter Jaffeir. Jaff. 
I am here, and thus, the Shades of Night around me,  
I look as if all Hell were in my Heart,  
And I in Hell. Nay, surely 'tis so with me;  
For every step I tread, methinks some 〈◊〉  
Knocks at my Breast, and bids it not be quiet,  
I've heard, how desperate Wretches, like myself,  
Have wandered out at this dead time of Night  
To meet the Foe of Mankind in his wall●:  
Sure I am so Cursed, that, tho' of Heaven forsaken,  
No Minister of Darkness cares to Tempt me.  
Hell! Hell! why sleepest thou?  Enter. Pierre. Pierr. 
Sure I have stayed too long:  
The Clock has struck, and I may lose my Proselyte.  
Speak, who goes there?  Jaff. 
A Dog. that comes to howl  
At yonder Moon: What's he that asks the Question?  Pierr. 
A Friend to Dogs, for they are honest Creatures,  
And ne'er betray their Masters; never Fawn  
On any that they love not: Well met, Friend:  
Jaffeir!  Jaff. 
The same. Oh Peirre! Thou art come in season,  
I was just going to Pray.  Pierr. 
Ah that's Mechanic,  
Priests make a Trade on't, and yet starve by it too:  
No Praying, it spoils Business, and time's 〈◊〉:  
Where's Belvidera?  Jaff. 
For a Day or two  
I've lodged her privately, till I see farther  
What Fortune will do with me? Prithee, Friend,  
If thou wouldst have me fit to hear good Council,  
Speak not of Beldivera—  Pierr. 
Speak not of her.  Jaff. 
Oh no!  Pierr. 
Nor name her. May be I wish her well.  Jaff. 
Who well?  Pierr. 
Thy Wife, thy lovely Belvidera,  
I hope a man may wish his Friend's Wife well,  
And no harm done!  Jaff. 
You're merry Pierre!  Pierr. 
I am 〈◊〉:  
Thou shalt smile too, and Belvidera smile;  
We'll all rejoin, here's something to buy Pins,  
Marriage is Chargeable.  Jaff. 
I but half wished  
To see the Devil, and he's here already.  
Well!  
What must this buy, Rebellion, Murder, Treason?  
Tell me which way I must be damned for this.  Pierr. 
When last we parted, we had no qualms like these,  
But entertained each others thoughts like Men,  
Whose Souls were well acquainted. Is the World  
Reformed since our last meeting? What new miracles  
Have happened? Has Priuli's heart relented?  
Can he be honest?  Jaff. 
Kind Heaven! let heavy Curses  
Gall his old Age; Cramps, Aches, rack his Bones;  
And bitterest disquiet wring his Heart;  
Oh let him live till Life become his burden!  
Let him groan under't long, linger an Age  
In the worst Agonies and Pangs of Death;  
And find its ease, but late.  Pierr. 
Nay, couldst thou not  
As well, my Friend, have stretched the Curse to all  
The Senate round, as to one single Villain?  Jaff. 
But Curses stiek not: Could I kill with Cursing,  
By Heaven I know not thirty Heads in Venice  
Should not be blasted; Senators should not  
Like Dogs on Dunghills; but their Wives and Daughters  
Die of their own diseases. Oh for a Curse  
To kill with!  Pierr. 
Daggers, Daggers, are much better!  Jaff. 
Ha!  Pierr. 
Daggers.  Jaff. 
But where are they?  Pierr. 
Oh, a Thousand  
May be disposed in honest hands in Venice.  Jaff. 
Thou talk'st in Clouds.  Pierr. 
But yet a Heart half wronged  
As thine has been, would find the meaning, Jafferr.  Jaff. 
A thousand Daggers, all in honest hands;  
And have not I a Friend will stick one here?  Pier. 
Yes, if I thought thou wert not to be cherished  
To a nobler purpose, led be that Friend.  
But thou hast better Friends, Friends, whom thy Wrong,  
Have made thy Friends; Friends, worthy to be called so;  
I'll trust thee with a secret: There are Spirits  
This hour at work. But as thou art a Man,  
Whom I have picked and chosen from the World,  
Swear, that thou wilt be true to what I utter,  
And when I have told thee, that which only Gods  
And Men like Gods are privy to, then swear,  
No Chance or Change shall wrest it from thy Bosom.  Jaff. 
When thou wouldst bind me, is there need of Oaths?  
(Green-sickness Girls lose Maidenheads with such Counters)  
For thou art so near my heart, that thou may'st see  
Its bottom, sound its strength, and firmness to thee:  
Is Coward, Fool, or Villian, in my face?  
If I seem none of these, I dare believe  
Thou wouldst not use me in a little Cause,  
For I am fit for Honour's toughest task;  
Nor ever yet found fooling was my Province;  
And for a villainous inglorious enterprise,  
I know thy heart so well, I dare lay mine  
Before thee, set it to what Point thou wilt.  Pierr. 
Nay, It's a Cause thou wilt be fond of Jaffeir.  
For it is founded on the noblest Basis,  
Our Liberties, our natural Inheritance;  
There's no Religion, no Hypocrisy in't;  
we'll do the Business, and ne'er fast and pray for't:  
Openly act a deed, the World shall gaze  
With wonder at, and envy when it is done.  Jaff. 
For Liberty!  Pierr. 
For Liberty my Friend:  
Thou shalt be freed from base Priuli's Tyranny,  
And thy sequestered Fortunes healed again.  
I shall be freed from opprobrious Wrongs,  
That press me now, and bend my Spirit downward:  
All Venice free, and every growing Merit  
Succeed toits just Right: Fools shall be pulled  
From Wisdoms Seat; those baleful unclean Birds,  
Those Lazy-Wols, who (〈◊〉 near Fortune's Top)  
Sat only watchful with their heavy Wings  
To cuff down new fledged Virtues, that would rise  
To nobler heights, and make the Grove harmonious,  Jaff. 
What can I do?  Pierr. 
Canst thou not kill a Senator?  Jaff. 
Were there one wise or honest, I could kill him  
For herding with that nest of Fools and Knaves;  
By all my Wrongs, thou talk'st as if revenge  
Were to be had, and the brave Story warms me.  Pierr. 
Swear then!  Jaff. 
I do, by all those glittering Stars,  
And yond great Ruling Planet of the Night!  
By all good Powers above, and ill below!  
By Love and Friendship, dearer than my Life!  
No Power or Death shall make me false to thee.  Pierr. 
Here we embrace, and I'll unlock my Heart.  
A Council's held hard by, where the destruction  
Of this great Empire's hatching: There I'll lead thee!  
But be a Man, for thou art to mix with Men  
Fit to disturb the Peace of all the World,  
And rule it when it's wildest—  Jaff. 
I give thee thanks  
For this kind warning: Yes, I will be a Man,  
And charge thee, Pierre, when ere thou seest my fears  
Betry me less, to rip this Heart of mine  
Out of my Breast, and show it for a Cowards.  
Come, let's begun, for from this hour I chase  
All little thoughts, all tender humane Follies  
Out of my bosom: Vengeance shall have room:  
Revenge!  Pierr. 
And Liberty!  Jaff. 
Revenge! Revenge—  Exeunt. The Scene changes to Aquilina ' s house, the Greek Courtesan. Enter Renault. Renault. 
Why was my choice Ambition, the first ground  
A Wretch can build one it's indeed at distance  
A good Prospect, 〈◊〉 to the View,  
The Height delights as, and the Mountain Top  
Looks beautiful, because it's 〈◊〉 to Heaven,  
But we ne'er think how sandies the Foundation,  
What Storm will better, and what Tempest shake us!  
Who's there?  Enter Spinosa. Spino. 
Renault, good morrow! for by this time  
I think the Scale of Night has turned the balance,  
And weighs up Morning: Has the Clock struck Twelve?  Rena. 
Yes, Clocks will go as they are set: But Man,  
Irregular Man's ne'er constant, never certain:  
I've spent at least three precious hours of darkness  
In waiting dull attendance; 'tis the Curse  
Of diligent Virtue to be mixed like mine,  
With giddy Tempers, Souls but half resolved.  Spin. 
Hell 〈◊〉 but Soul amongst us, it can frighten.  Rena. 
What's then the cause that I am here alone?  
Why are we not together 〈◊〉  Enter Eliot. 
O Sir, welcome!  
You are an Englishman: When Treason's hatching  
One might have thought you'd not have been behind hand.  
In what Whore's lap have you been lolling?  
Give but an Englishman his Whore and ease,  
Beef and a Sea-coal fire, he's yours for ever.  Eliot. 
Frenchman, you are 〈◊〉.  Rena. 
How!  Enter Bedamore the Ambassador, Theodore, Brainveil, Durand, Brabe, Revellido, Mezzana, Ternon, Retrosi, Conspirators. Bedam. 
At difference, fie.  
Is this a time for quarrels? Thiefs and Rogues  
Fall out and brawl: Should Men of your high calling,  
Men separated by the Choice of Providence,  
From the gross heap of Mankind, and set here  
In this great assembly as in one great Jewel,  
T'adorn the bravest purpose it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 on;  
Should you like Boys wrangle for trifles?  Ren. 
Boys!  Beda. 
Renault, thy Hand!  Ren. 
I thought I'd given my Heart  
Long since to every Man that mingles here;  
But grieve to find it trusted with such Tempers,  
That can't forgive my froward Age its weakness.  Beda. 
Eliot, thou once hadst Vertne, I have seen  
Thy stubborn Temper bend with godlike Goodness,  
Not half thus courted: 'Tis thy Nation's Glory,  
To hug the Foe that offers brave 〈◊〉.  
Once more embrace, my Friends— 〈◊〉 all embrace—  
United thus, we are the mighty Engine  
Must twist this rooted Empire from its Basis!  
Totters it not already?  Eliot. 
Would it were tumbling.  Bed. 
Nay it shall down: This Night we Seal its ruin.  Enter Pierre. 
Oh Pierre! thou art welcome!  
Come to my breast, for by its hopes thou look'st  
Lovelily dreadful, and the Fate of Venice  
Seems on thy Sword already. Oh my Mars!  
The Poets that fust 〈◊〉 a God of War  
Sure prophesied of thee.  Pierr. 
Friends! was not Brutus,  
(I mean that Brutus, who in open Senate  
Stabbed the first Caesar that usurped the World)  
A Gallant Man?  Rena. 
Yes, and Cat● too;  
Tho story wrong his Fame: for he conspired  
To prop the reeling Glory of his Country:  
His Cause was good.  Beda. 
And ours as much above it,  
As Renault thou art Superior to Cethegus,  
Or Pierre to Cassius.  Pierr. 
Then to what we aim at  
When do we start? or must we talk for ever?  Beda. 
No Pierre, the Deed's near Birth: Fate seems to have set  
The Business up, and given it to our care,  
I hope there's not a heart nor hand amongst us  
But is firm and ready.  All. 
All!  
we'll die with Bedamore.  Beda. 
Oh Men  
Matchless, as wi● your Glory be hereafter.  
The Game is for a Matchless Prize, if won;  
If lost, disgraceful Ruin.  Ren. 
What can lose it 〈◊〉  
The public Stock's a Beggar; one 〈◊〉  
Trusts not another: Look into their Stores  
Of general safety; Empty Magazines,  
A tattered Fleet, a murmuring unpaid Army,  
Bankrupt Nobility, a harassed Commonalty,  
A Factious, giddy, and divided Senate,  
Is all the strength of Venice: Let's destroy it;  
Let's fill their Magazines with Arms to awe them,  
Man out their Fleet, and make their Trade maintain it;  
Let lose the murmuring Army on their Masters,  
To pay themselves with plunder, Lop their Nobles  
To the base Roots, whence most of 'em first sprung;  
Enslave the Rout, whom smarting will make humble,  
Turn out their droning Senate, and possess  
That Seat of Empire which our Souls were framed for.  Pierr. 
Ten thousand men are Armed at your Nod,  
Commanded all by Leaders fit to guide  
A Battle for the freedom of the World;  
This wretched State has starved them in its service,  
And by your bounty quickened, they be resolved  
To serve your Glory, and revenge their own!  
Th' have all their different Quarters in this City,  
Watch for th' Alarm, and grumble 'tis so tardy.  Beda. 
I doubt not Friend, but thy unwearyed diligence  
Has still kept waking, and it shall have ease;  
After this Night it is resolved we meet  
Nomore, ' ●ll Venice own us for her Lords.  Pierr. 
How lovely the Adriatic Whore,  
Dressed in her Flames, will shine! devouring Flames!  
Such as shall burn her to the watery bottm  
And hiss in her Foundation.  Beda. 
Now if any  
Amongst us that owns this glorious Cause,  
Have friends or Interest, he'd wish to save,  
Let it be told, the general Doom is Sealed;  
But I'd forgo the Hopes of a World's Empire,  
Rather than wound the Bowels of my Friend.  Pierr. 
I must confess you there have touched my weakness,  
I have a Friend; hear it, such a Friend!  
My heart was never shut to him: Nay, I'll tell you,  
He knows the very Business of this Hour;  
But he rejoices in the Cause, and loves it,  
W' have changed a Vow to live and die together,  
And He's at hand to ratify it here.  Ren. 
How! all betrayed?  Pierr. 
No— I've dealt nobly with you;  
I've brought my All into the public Stock;  
I had but one Friend, and him I'll share amongst you;  
Receive and Cherish him: Or if, when seen  
And searched, you find him worthless, as my Tongue  
Has lodged this Secret in his faithful Breast,  
To ease your fears I wear a Dagger here  
Shall rip it out again, and give you rest.  
Come forth, thou only Good I ere could boast of.  Enter Jaffeir with a Dagger. Beda. 
His Presence bears the show of Manly Virtue.  Jaff. 
I know you'● wonder all, that thus uncalled,  
I dare approach this place of fatal Counsels;  
But I am amongst you, and by Heaven it glads me,  
To see so many Virtues thus united,  
To restore Justice and dethrown Oppression.  
Command this Sword, if you would have it quiet,  
Into this Breast; but if you think it worthy  
To cut the Throats of reverend Rogues in Robes,  
Send me into the cursed assembled Senate;  
It shrinks not, though I meet a Father there;  
Would you behold this City Flaming? Here's  
A hand shall bear a lighted Torch at noon  
To the Arsenal, and set its Gates on fire.  Ren. 
You talk this well, Sir.  Jaff. 
Nay— by Heaven I'll do this.  
Come, come, I read distrust in all your faces,  
You fear me a Villain, and indeed it's odd  
To hear a stranger talk thus at first meeting,  
Of matters, that have been so well debated;  
But I come ripe with Wrongs as you with Counsels;  
I hate this Senate, am a Foe to Venice;  
A Friend to none, but Men resolved like me,  
To push on Mischief: Oh did you but know me,  
I need not talk thus!  Beda. 
Pierre! I must embrace him,  
My heart beats to this Man as if it knew him.  Rena. 
I never loved these huggers:  Jaff. 
Still I see  
The cause delights me not. Your Friends survey me,  
As I were dangerous— but I come Armed  
Against all doubts, and to your trust will give  
A Pledge, worth more than all the World can pay for.  
My Belvidera! Ho! my Belvidera!  Bed. 
What wonder next?  Jaff. 
Let me entreat you,  
As I have henceforth hopes to call ye friends,  
That all but the Ambassador, this  
Grave Guide of Counsels, with my friend that owns me,  
Withdraw a while to spare a Woman's blushes.  Ex. all but Bed. Rena. Jaff. Pierr. Beda. 
Pierre, whither will this Ceremony lead us?  Jaff. 
My Belvidera! Belvidera!  Belvid. 
Who? Enter Belvidera.  
Who calls so loud at this late peaceful hour?  
That Voice was wont to come in gentler whispers,  
And fill my Ears with the soft breath of Love:  
Thou hourly Image of my Thoughts, where art thou?  Jaff 
Indeed 'tis late.  Belu. 
Oh! I have slept, and dreamt,  
And dreamt again: Where hast thou been thou Loiterer?  
Tho my Eyes closed, my Arms have still been opened;  
Stretch every way betwixt my broken slumbers,  
To search if thou 〈◊〉 come to crown my Rest;  
There's no repose without thee: Oh the day,  
Too soon will break, and wake us to our sorrow;  
Come, come to bed, and bid thy Cares good Night.  Jaff. 
Oh Belvidera! we must change the Scene  
In which the past Delights of Life were tasted:  
The poor sleep little, we must learn to watch  
Our labours late, and early every Morning,  
Midst winter Frosts, then clad and fed with sparing,  
Rise to our toils, and drudge away the day.  Belu. 
Alas! where am I! whither is't you lead me!  
Methinks I read distraction in your face!  
Something less gentle than the Fate you tell me:  
You shake and tremble too! your blood runs cold!  
Heaven's guard my Love, and bless his heart with Patience.  Jaff. 
That I have Patience, let our Fate bear witness,  
Who has ordained it so, that thou and I  
(Thou the divinest Good man e'er possessed,  
And I the wretched'st of the Race of Man)  
This very hour, without one tear, must part.  Belu. 
Part! must we part? Oh! am I then forsaken?  
Will my Love cast me off? have my misfortunes  
Offended him so highly, that he'll leave me?  
Why drag you from me? whither are you going?  
My Dear! my Life! my Love!  Jaff. 
Oh Friends!  Belu. 
Speak to me.  Jaff. 
Take her from my heart,  
she'll gain such hold else, I shall never get loose.  
I charge thee take her, but with tenderest care,  
Relieve her Troubles and assuage her sorrows.  Ren. 
Rise, Madam! and Command amongst your Servants!  Jaff. 
To you, Sirs, and your Honours, I bequeath her,  
And with her this, when I prove unworthy— Gives a dagger.  
You know the rest:— Then strike it to her heart;  
And tell her, he, who three whole happy years  
Lay in her Arms, and each kind Night repeated  
The passionate Vows of still increasing Love,  
Sent that Reward for all her Truth and Sufferings.  Belu. 
Nay, take my Life, since he has sold it cheaply;  
Or send me to some distant Clime your slave,  
But let it be far off, lest my complain  
Should reach his guilty Bars, and shake his peace.  Jaff. 
No Belvidera, I've contrived thy honour,  
Trust to my Faith, and be but Fortune kind  
To me, as I'll preserve that faith unbroken,  
When next we meet, I'll lift thee to a height,  
Shall gather all the gazing World about thee,  
To wonder what strange Virtue placed thee there.  
But if we never meet more—  Belu. 
Oh thou unkind one,  
Never meet more! have I deserved this from you?  
Look on me, tell me; tell me, speak thou dear deceiver,  
Why am I separated from thy Love?  
If I am false, accuse me; but if true,  
Don't, prithee don't in poverty forsake me.  
But pity the sad heart, that's torn with parting.  
Yet hear me! yet recall me—  Ex. Ren. Bed. and Belu. Jaff. 
Oh my Eyes!  
Look not that way, but turn yourselves a while  
Into my heart, and be weaned all together.  
My Friend, where art thou?  Pierr. 
Here, my Honour's Brother.  Jaff. 
Is Belvidera gone?  Pierr. 
Renault has lead her  
Back to her own Apartment: but, by Heaven!  
Thou must not see her more till our work's over.  Jaff. 
No:  Pierr. 
Not for your life.  Jaff. 
Oh Pierre, wert thou but she,  
How I could pull thee down into my heart,  
Gaze on thee till my Eyestrings cracked with Love,  
Till all my sinews with its fire extended,  
Fixed me upon the Rack of ardent longing;  
Then swelling, sighing, raging to be blessed,  
Come like a panting Turtle to thy Breast,  
On thy soft Bosom, hover, 〈◊〉 and play,  
Confess the cause why last I fled away;  
‛ Own 'twas a fault, but swear to give it o'er,  
And never follow false Ambition more. Ex. Ambo.    

ACT III.  Enter Aquilina and her Maid. Aquil. 
TEll him I am gone to bed: Tell him I am not 〈◊〉 home; tell him I've better Company with me, or anything; tell him in short I will not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 troubles● vexatious Fool: He's worse Company than 〈◊〉 ignorant Phy●an— I'll not be disturbed at these unseasonable hours.  Maid. 
But Madam! He's door already, just entered the doors.  Aq●l. 
Turn him out 〈◊〉, you 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉, giddy● brained Ass! if he will not begun, 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 fire and burn us both: I had rather meet a Toad 〈◊〉 my 〈◊〉 th● 〈◊〉 old hideous Animal in my Chamber to Night. 〈◊〉 Antonio.  〈◊〉. 
Nacky, Nacky, 〈◊〉— how 〈◊〉 do 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. I am come little Nacky● past 〈◊〉 Clock, a 〈◊〉 hour; time in all Conscience 〈◊〉 go to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉— 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I 〈◊〉? Ay Nacky; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Aq●llna Naquilina, Naquilina, 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 Nacky— come let's to bed— you 〈◊〉 you Pugg you— you little Put— 〈◊〉 〈◊〉— I am a 〈◊〉.  Aquil. 
You are Fool, I am sure.  〈◊〉. 
May be so too sweetheart. 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for all that. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  〈◊〉. 
You would do well 〈◊〉 to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 no longer, but leave me to myself, be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 go home, Sir.  A●to. 
Home Madonna!  Aquil. 
Ay home, So Who am I?  Anto. 
Mado● 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 you are my— you are— thou art my little N●cky 〈◊〉— that's all.  Aquil. 
I find you are 〈◊〉 to be troubled 〈◊〉 so 〈◊〉 make short of the matter in 〈◊〉 words. I 〈◊〉 you, 〈◊〉 you, loathe you, 〈◊〉 am 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of you— 〈◊〉 your, you ●re 〈◊〉 Old, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉— 〈◊〉 meddling, with every thing, and if you had not Money 〈◊〉 you are good for nothing.  A●to. 
Good for nothi● Hurry 〈◊〉 I'll 〈◊〉 th● 〈◊〉 sently. Sixty one years' 〈◊〉, and good 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that's brave.  To the Maid. 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 turn you out for a season; go turn out I say, it is our will and pleasure to be private some 〈◊〉— out, out when you are bid too—  〈◊〉 her 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 
Good for nothing you say.  Aquil. 
Why what are you good for?  Anto. 
In the first place, Madam, I am Old, and consequently very wise, very wise, Madonna, 〈◊〉 mark that: in the second place take notice, if you please, that I am a Senator, and when 〈◊〉 think 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 make Speeches Madonna. Hurry durry, I can make a Speech in the Senate-house now and then— would make your hair stand an end, Ma●na.  Aquil. 
What 〈◊〉 I for your Speeches in the Senate-house, if you would be 〈◊〉 here, I should thank you.  Anto. 
Why, I can make Speeches to thee too, my lovely 〈◊〉; for Example— my cruel 〈◊〉 one,  〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Gold, and at every 〈◊〉 shakes it. 
Since it is my 〈◊〉, that you should with your Servant angry prove; though late at Night— I hope 〈◊〉 not 〈◊〉 late with this to gain reception for my Love— there's for 〈◊〉 my little Nicky Nacky— take it, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it— I say take it, or 〈◊〉 throw it 〈◊〉 your head— how now, 〈◊〉  Aquil. 
Truly, my Illum Senator, I must confess your Honour is at present most profoundly 〈◊〉 indeed.  Anto. 
Very well: Come, now let's sit down and think upon't a little— come 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉— sit down by me a little my Nicky 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉—  〈◊〉 〈◊〉 
〈◊〉 durry— good for nothing—  Aquil. 
No Sir, if you please I can know my distance and stand.  〈◊〉. 
Stands How● Nacky, up and I down! Nay then let me exclaim with the Poet.  Show me a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, A 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 
Hurry durry— not sit down— 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉—  
You won't sit down?  〈◊〉. 
No 〈◊〉.  A●to. 
Then look you now, suppose me 〈◊〉 Bull; a 〈◊〉 Bull, the Bull of Bulls, or any 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 up I get 〈◊〉 with my brows this 〈◊〉— 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I say 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. You won't 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 will your— I broo—  〈◊〉 like a 〈◊〉, and drives her about. Aquil. 
Well, Sir, I must 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Now your honour has been a Bull, pray what Beast will your Worship please to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  She 〈◊〉 down. A●to. 
Now I'll be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and thy Lover little Nicky 〈◊〉  He 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉, toad, toad! spit in my Face a little, Nacky— spit in my Face prithee, spit in my Face, never so little: spit but a little bit— spit, spit, spit, spit, when you are bid I say; do, prithee spit— now, now, now, spit: what you won't spit, will you? Then I'll be a Dog.  Aquil. 
A Dog my Lord?  Anto. 
Ay a Dog— and I'll give thee this tother purse to let me be a Dog— and to use me like a Dog a little. Hurry durry— I will— here ' 'tis.—  Gives the Purse. Aquil. 
Well, with all my heart. But let me beseech your Dogship to play your trick's over as fast as you can, that you may come to stinking the sooner, and be turned out of doors as you deserve.  A●to. 
Ay, ay— no matter for that— that shan't move me— Now, bough waugh waugh, bough waugh—  He gets 〈◊〉 the Table. Barks like a Dog. Aquil. 
Hold, hold, hold Sir, I 〈◊〉 you: what is't you do? If Cur's 〈◊〉, they must 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Sir. Do you see, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  Anto. 
Ay with all my heart: do kick, kick on, now I am under the Table, kick 〈◊〉— kick harder— harder yet, bough waugh waugh, waugh, bough— ●odd, 〈◊〉 have a 〈◊〉 at thy shins— bough waugh wow, waugh, bough— ' odd she kicks 〈◊〉.—  Aquil. 
Nay then I'll go another way to work with you: and I think here's an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for the purpose  〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 
What by't your Mistress, 〈◊〉! out, out of 〈◊〉, you Dog, to kennel and behanged— by't your Mistress by the Legs, you rogue.—  She 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Anto. 
Nay pri● 〈◊〉, ●ow thou art too loving: Hurry durry, ' odd I'll be a Dog no longer.  Aquil. 
Nay none of your ●ing and 〈◊〉: But be gone, or here's the 〈◊〉: What 〈◊〉 your Mistress by the Legs you mongrel? out of doors— 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, to kennel 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 go.  Anto. 
This is very 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: Nacky very 〈◊〉 look you, I will not go— I will not stir 〈◊〉 the door, that I resolve— hurry durry, what 〈◊〉 me out●  She 〈◊〉 him out. Aquil. 
Ay, and if you come here any more to night I'll have my Footmen lug you, you 〈◊〉: What 〈◊〉 your poor Mistress Nacky, sirrah!  〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Maid. 
heavens Madam! 〈◊〉 the matter?  He 〈◊〉 at the 〈◊〉 like a 〈◊〉. Aquil. 
Call my Footmen hither ●tly.  Maid. 
They are here 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 all 〈◊〉 with a strange folse, that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of.  Aquil. 
Go all of you and tu● that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 next room out of my house— If I 〈◊〉 so him within these walls again, without my leave for his Admittance, you siking Rogues— I'll have you poisoned all, poisoned, like R●: every Corner of the house shall stink of one of you: 〈◊〉, and lo hereafter to know my pleasure. So now 〈◊〉 my ●tre:  
Thus when Godlike 〈◊〉 〈◊〉,  
We Sacrufuc● 〈◊〉 Fool 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  Exeunt. 

SCENE The Second.  〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Helvid. 
I'm 〈◊〉 I am ●old! betrayed to 〈◊〉!  
〈◊〉 Ruin has enclosed me!  
No sooner was I to my bed re●d,  
To weigh, and (wring) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉,  
But the old ho● 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  
My Peace and Honour 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, c●  
(Like Tarquin) ghastly with 〈◊〉 Lust.  
Oh thou Ro● 〈◊〉 thou couldst find friends to vindica● thy Wrong;  
I never had but one, and he's proved 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 persuade it to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  Relvid. 
I fear the stubborn 〈◊〉 will not own me,  
'Tis grown a Rebel to be 〈◊〉 do long●,  
Scor●ns the Indulge● Bow 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 cries, and sorrows  
Were not de●; when if the chanced to 〈◊〉,  
Or look but ●d; there was indeed a time  
When 〈◊〉 would have 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in his Arms,  
Eased 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 unmoved?  
Against whose root, T●s beat and sighs are 〈◊〉  
In vain have I 〈◊〉 thy Sorrows 〈◊〉!  
Witness against me Heavens, have I done this●  
Then bear me in a Whirl wind back again,  
And let that angry dear one ne'er forgive me!  
Oh thou too rashly 〈◊〉 of my Love!  
Couldst thou but 〈◊〉 ●ow I have 〈◊〉 this night,  
Dark and alone, no p●ow to my Head,  
Rest in my Eyes, nor quiet in my Heart,  
Thou wouldst not Belvidera, sure thou would 〈◊〉  
Talk to me thus, but like a pitying Angel  
Spreading thy 〈◊〉 come settle on my breast,  
And hatch warm comfort there e're sorrows frieze it.  Belu. 
Why, then poor 〈◊〉, in what baleful Corn  
Hast thou been talking with that Witch the Night?  
On what cold stone hast 〈◊〉 been stretched 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 frail and tender.  Jaff. 
Oh 〈◊〉! Porcia! What a Soul was thine?  Belu. 
That 〈◊〉 was a Woman, and when 〈◊〉  
Big with the fate of 〈◊〉, (Heaven guard thy safety!)  
Concealed from her the Labours of his Mind,  
She let him see, h● Blood was great as his,  
Flowed from a Spring as noble, and a Heart  
Fit to partake his Troubles, as his Love:  
〈◊〉, fetch that Dagger back, the 〈◊〉 dower  
Thou gav'st last night in parting with me, stril● it  
Here to my heart, and as the Blood flows from it,  
Judge if it run not 〈◊〉 as 〈◊〉 Daughter's.  Jaff. 
Thou art too good, and I indeed unworthy,  
Unworthy so much 〈◊〉! Teach me how  
I may deserve such matchless Love as thine,  
And see with what attention I'll obey thee.  Belu. 
Do not despise me: that's the All I ask.  Jaff. 
Despise thee! Hear me—  Belu. 
Oh thy charming Tongue  
Is but too well acquainted with my weakness,  
Knows, let it name but Love, my melting heart  
Dissolves within my Breast, till with 〈◊〉 Eyes  
I reel into thy Arms, and all's forgotten.  Jaff. 
What shall I do?  Belu. 
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 wrapped 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 〈◊〉!  
Lest 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●!  Belv. 
Why was I last night delivered to a Villain?  Jaff. 
Ha, a Villain!  Belu. 
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 delivered with such drew Ceremonies?  
`` To you, Sirs, and to your Honour I be ●th ●er,  
`` And with her this: When e'er I prove ●worthy,  
`` You know the rest, then strike it to her Heart?  
Oh! why's that rest concealed from me? must I  
Be made the hostage of a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉?  
For such I know I am; that's all my value!  
But by the Love and Loyalty I owe thee,  
I'll free thee from the Bondage of these Slaves,  
Straight 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'er betrayed her Brutus?  Belu. 
No:  
For Brutus trusted her: Were't thou so kind,  
What would not Belvidera suffer for thee?  Jaff. 
I shall undo myself, and tell thee all.  Belu. 
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  
Studied the Virtues of thy gallant Nature;  
Thy Constancy; thy Courage and thy Truth,  
Have been my daily Lesson! I have learned 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 of  
Into vile tears and despicable sorrows:  
Then if thou shouldst betray me!  Bed. 
Shall 〈◊〉 swear?  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 myself by all the strictest Sacraments,  
Divine and humane—  Belu. 
Speak!—  Jaff. 
To kill thy Father—  Belv. 
My Father!  Jaff. 
Nay the Throats of the whole Senate  
Shall bleed my Belvidera: He amongst 〈◊〉  
That spares his Father, Brother, or his Friend,  
Is Damned: How rich and beauteous will the face  
Of Ruin look, when these wide streets run blood;  
I and the glorious Partner's of my Fortune  
Shouting, and striding o'er 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 receive me.  Belu. 
Oh!  Jaff. 
Have a care, and shrink not even in thought!  
For if thou do 〈◊〉—  Belu. 
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! though his Cruel Nature  
Has persecuted me to my undoing,  
Driven me to basest wants; Can I behold him  
With smiles of Vengeance, butchered in his Age?  
The sacred Fountain of my life destroyed?  
And canst thou shed the blood that gave me being?  
Nay, be a Traitor too, and sell the Count●;  
Can thy great Heart descend so 〈◊〉 low,  
Mix with hired Slaves, Bravoes and Common stabbers,  
Nose-slitters, Ally-lurking villains join  
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, ere Fraud, and Vice were fashions.  Belu. 
What's he, to whose cursed hands last night thou 〈◊〉 me?  
Was that well done? Oh! I could tell a story  
Would rouse thy Lion Heart out of its Den,  
And make it rage with terrifying fury.  Jaff. 
Speak on I 〈◊〉 thee!  Belu. 
Oh my 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  
Thy Belvidera's Peace 〈◊〉 thy Care,  
Remove me from this place: Last night, last night  Jaff. 
Distract me not, but give me all the Truth.  Belu. 
No sooner were't thou 〈◊〉, and I alone,  
Left in the power 〈◊〉 that old Son of Mischief;  
No sooner was I 〈◊〉 on my sad Bed,  
But that vile Wretch approached me; lose, unbuttoned,  
Read for violation, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Heart  
Throbbed with its Tears: Oh how I wept and 〈◊〉,  
And shrunk and trembled; 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 for him  
That should protect me. Thou alas! were gone!  Jaff. 
Patience! sweet Heaven, till I make vengeance sure.  Belu. 
He drew the hideous Dagger forth thou gav'st him,  
And with upbraiding smiles he said, behold it;  
This is the pledge of a false Husband's love:  
And in my Arms then pressed, and would have clasped me;  
But with my Cries I scared his Coward heart,  
Till he withdrew, and muttered vows to Hell.  
These are thy Friends! with these thy Life, thy Honour,  
Thy Love, all's staked, and all will go to ruin.  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'll heal its failings, and deserve thy Love.  Belu. 
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.  Belu. 
When shall we meet again?  Jaff. 
Anon at Twelve!  
I'll steal myself to thy expecting Arms,  
Come like a Travelled Dove and bring thee Peace.  Belu. 
Indeed!  Jaff. 
By all our loves!  Belu. 
'Tis hard to part:  
But sure no falsehood e'er looked so fairly.  
Farewell— Remember Twelve.  Ex 〈◊〉. Jaff. 
Let Heaven forget me  
When I remember not thy Truth, thy Love.  
How cursed is my Condition, tossed and justled  
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 wished  
T'have found thee otherwise employed: what, hunt  
A Wife on the dull Soil! sure a staunch Husband  
Of all Hounds is the dullest? wilt thou never,  
Never be weaned from Candles and Confections?  
What feminine Tale hast thou been listening to,  
Of unaired shirts; Catarrhs and Tooth Ash got  
By thin-soled shoes? Damnation! that a Fellow  
Chosen to be a Sharer in the Destruction  
Of a whole People, should sneak thus in Corners  
To ease his fulsome 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 damned condition: for I'll tell thee,  
That Canker-worm called Lechery has touched it,  
'Tis tainted vilely: wouldst thou think it Renault,  
(That mortified old withered 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 though  
To take the freedom of a Lady's 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 used no Violence?  Jaff. 
No, no! out on't, violence!  
Played with her neck; brushed her with his Graybeard,  
Struggled and towzed, tickled her till she squeaked 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  
Myself 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'er comes too late.  Jaff. 
Fear not, I am cool as Patience:  
Had he completed my dishonour, rather  
Than 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'll put him to some trial,  
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'er fixed; was it not boldly done  
Even at first sight to trust the Thing I loved  
(A 〈◊〉 Treasure too!) with Youth so fierce  
And vigorous as thine? but thou art honest.  Ren. 
Who dares accuse me?  Jaff. 
Cursed be him that doubts  
Thy virtue, I have tried it and declare  
Were I to choose a Guardian of my Honour  
I'd put it into thy keeping: for I know the●.  Ren. 
Know me!  Jaff. 
Ay know thee: There's no falsehood in thee.  
Thou look'st just as thou 〈◊〉: Let us embrace.  
Now wouldst thou cut my Throat 〈◊〉 I cut thine?  Run. 
You dare not do't.  Jaff. 
You 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  Ren. 
How!  Jaff. 
No more.  
'Tis a base World, and must reform, that's all.  Enter Spinosa, 〈◊〉, 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 galled him.  Jaff. 
Damn him, let him 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  
Heaven! 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 prepared!  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  
Decked in your honours are the Soldiers 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: Damned bloody Villain!  Ren. 
During this Execution, Durand, you  
Must in the midst keep your Battalia fast,  
And Theodore be sure to plant the Canon  
That may Command the streets; whilst Revellido,  
Mezzana, Ternon and Retrosi, Guard you.  
(This done!) we'll give the General Alarm,  
Apply 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, though the dullest Rogue  
That ere said nothing, we have lost our ends;  
If possible, le's kill the very Name  
Of Senator, and bury it in blood.  Jaff. 
Merciless, 〈◊〉 slave!— Ay, blood enough!  
Shed blood enough, old Renault: how thou charmest me!  Ren. 
But one thing more, and then farewell till Fate  
Join us again, or separate us ever:  
First, let's embrace, Heaven knows who next shall thus  
Wing ye together: But let's all remember  
We hear no common Cause upon our Swords,  
Let each 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 remember, through what dreadful hazards  
Propitious Fortune hitherto has led us,  
How often on the brink of some discovery  
have we stood tottering, and yet still kept our ground  
So well, the busiest searchers ne'er could follow  
Those subtle Tracks which puzzled all suspicion:  
You droop Sir.  Jaff. 
No: with a most profound attention  
I've hard it all, and wonder at thy virtue.  Ren. 
Though there be yet few hours twixt them and Ruin,  
Are not the Senate lulled in full security,  
Quiet and satisfied, as Fools are always!  
Never did so profound repose foretun  
Calamity so great: Nay our good Fortune  
Has blinded the most piercing of Mankind:  
Strengthened the fearfullest, charmed 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 nursed 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 show 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,  
Stained by the Tears and 〈◊〉 of the Innocent,  
Burning with flames rather from Heaven than ours,  
The raging furious and unpitying Soldier  
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 valued 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 lot, if as here I stand  
Listed by Fate amongst her darling Sons,  
Tho I had one only Brother, dear by all  
The strictest ties of Nature; though one hour  
Had given us birth, one Fortune fed our wants,  
One only love, and that but of each other,  
Still filled our minds: Could I have such a Friend  
Joined 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 stab him to the heart before you: who  
Would not do less? Wouldst 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 Traitor?  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?  Spins. 
He 〈◊〉 the room just now in strange disorder.  Ren. 
Nay, there is danger in him: I observed 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 sadness and surprise,  
All which betrayed a wavering Spirit in him,  
That laboured 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. 
Buried in his heart.  Pierr. 
Away! we're 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'er 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'll tell you a secret,  
Suspition's but at best a Coward's Virtue!  To Ren. Run. 
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.  revel. 
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 Heaven I'll 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,  
Fearest not thou death? fie, there's a knavish itch  
In that salt blood, an utter foe to smarting.  
Had Jaffeir's Wife proved kind, he had still been true.  
Foh— how that stinks?  
Thou die! thou kill my Friend! or thou, or thou,  
Or thou, with that lean withered wretched Face!  
Away! disperse all to your several Charges;  
And meet to morrow where your honour calls you,  
I'll bring that man, whose blood you so much thirst for,  
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 far urged against the man you loved.  Rev. 
Here, take our Swords and 〈◊〉 'em with your feet.  Spino. 
Forgive us, g●liant Friend.  Peir. 
Nay, now you've 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 die if you will take him from me,  
For your repose I'll quit my heart's Jewel;  
But would not have him torn away by Villains  
And spiteful villainy.  Spino. 
No; may you both  
Forever live and fill the world with fame!  Peir. 
Now you are too kind. Whence rose all this discord?  
Oh what a dangerous 〈◊〉 have we 〈◊〉!  
How near a fall was all we had long been building!  
What an eternal blot had stained our glories,  
If one the bravest and the best of men.  
Had fallen a Sacrifice to rash suspicion!  
Butchered 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 would not leave this place till you had seen him;  
Humbled yourselves before him, kissed his feet,  
And gained 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 preserved your Fame, and, saved my Friend.  〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 
The end of the third Act.    

ACT IU.  Enter Jaffeir and Belvidera. Jaff. 
WHere dost thou lead me? Every step I move,  
Methinks I tread upon some mangled Limb  
Of a racked Friend: Oh my dear charming ruin!  
Where are we wand'ring?  Bel. 
To eternal Honour;  
To do a deed shall Chronicle thy name,  
Among the glorious Legends of those few  
That have saved sinking Nations: thy Renown  
Shall be the future Song of all the Virgins,  
Who by thy piety have been preserved  
From horrid violation: Every 〈◊〉  
Shall be adorned with Statues to thy honour,  
And at thy feet this great Inscription written,  
Remember him that propped the fall of Venice.  Jaff. 
Rather, Remember him, who after all  
The sacred Bonds of Oaths and holier Friendship  
In fond compassion to a Woman's team  
Forgot his Manhood, Virtue, truth and Honour,  
To sacrifice the Bosom that relieved him.  
Why wilt thou damn me?  Bel. 
Oh inconstant 〈◊〉  
How will you promise? how will you deceive?  
Do, return back, re-place me in my Bondage,  
Tell all thy Friends how dangerously thou lov'st me;  
And let thy Dagger do its bloudy office.  
Oh that kind Dagger, Jaffeir, how ●will look  
Stuck through my heart, drenched in my blood to th'hilts!  
Whilst these poor dying eyes shall with their tears  
No more torment thee, than thou wilt be free:  
Or if thou think'st it nobler, Let me live  
Till I am a Victim to the hateful lust  
Of that Infernal Devil, that old Fiend  
That's Damned himself and would undo Mankind:  
Last night, my Love!  Jaff. 
Name, name it not again.  
It shows a beastly Image to my fancy;  
Will wake me into madness. Oh the 〈◊〉!  
That durst approach such purity as thine  
On terms so vile: 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 destruction  
Fall on my Coward-head, and make my Name  
The common 〈◊〉 of Fools if I 〈◊〉 him,  
If I forgive him, if I not 〈◊〉  
With utmost 〈◊〉, and most 〈◊〉 〈◊〉,  
Thy sufferings thou dear darling of my life 〈◊〉.  Bel. 
Delay no longer then, but to the Senate;  
And tell the 〈◊〉 story e'er was uttered,  
Tell 'em what bloodshed, 〈◊〉, desolations,  
Have been prepared, how near's the fatal hour!  
Save thy poor Country, save the Reverend blood.  
Of all its Nobles, which to morrows Dawn  
Must else see shed: Save the poor tender lives  
Of all those little Infants which the Swords  
Of 〈◊〉 are whetting for this moment;  
Think thou already hearst their dying 〈◊〉,  
Think that thou seest their sad distracted Mothers  
Kneeling before thy feet, and begging pity  
With torn dishevelled hair and streaming eyes,  
Their naked mangled 〈◊〉 besmeared with blood,  
And even the Milk with which their fondled Babes,  
Softly they hushed, dropping in anguish from 'em.  
Think thou seest this, and then consult thy heart.  Jaff. 
Oh!  Bel. 
Think too, If thou lose this present minute,  
What miseries the next day bring upon thee.  
Imagine all the horrors of that night  
Murder and Rapine, Waste and Desolation,  
Confusedly ranging. Think what then may prove  
My Lot! the Ravisher may then come safe,  
And midst the terror of the public ruin  
Do a damned deed; perhaps to lay a Train  
May catch thy life; then where will be revenge,  
The dear revenge that's due to such a wrong?  Jaff. 
By all Heaven's powers Prophetic truth dwells in thee,  
For every word thou speakest strikes through my heart  
Like a new light, and shows it how't has wandered;  
Just what thoust made me, take me, Belvidera,  
And lead me to the place where I'm to say.  
This bitter Lesson, where I must betray  
My truth, my virtue, constancy and friends:  
Must I betray my friends? Ah take me quickly,  
Secure me well before that thought's renewed;  
If I relapse once more, all's lost for ever.  Bel. 
Hast thou a friend more dear than 〈◊〉?  Jaff. 
No, thouart my Soul itself, wealth, friendship, honour,  
All present joys, and earnest of all future,  
Are summed in thee: 〈◊〉 when in thy 〈◊〉  
Thus leaning on thy breast, one minute's 〈◊〉  
Than a long thousand years of vulgar hours.  
Why was such happiness not given me pure?  
Why dashed with cruel wrongs, and bitter want?  
Come, lead me forward now like a tame Lamb  
To Sacrifice, thus in his fatal Garlands,  
Decked fine and pleased, The wanton skips and plays,  
Trots by the enticing flattering Priestess side,  
And much transported with his little pride,  
Forgets his dear Companions of the 〈◊〉  
Till by Her, bound, he's on the Altar 〈◊〉  
Yet then too hardly bleats, such pleasure's in the pain.  Enter Officer and 6 Guards Offic. 
Stand who goes there?  Bel. 
Friends.  Jaff. 
Friends, Belvidera! hide me from my Friends,  
By Heaven I'd rather see the face of Hell,  
Than meet the man I love.  Offic. 
But what friends are you?  Bel. 
Friends to the Senate and the State of 〈◊〉.  Offic. 
My orders are to seize on all I find  
At this late hour, and bring 'em to the Council,  
Who now are sitting.  Jaff. 
Sir, you shall be obeyed.  
Hold, Brutes, stand off, none of your paws upon me.  
Now the Lot's cast, and Fate do what thou wilt.  Exeunt guarded. 

SCENE The Senate-house,  Where appear sitting, the Duke of Venice, Prinli, Antonio, And Eight other Senators. Duke. 
Antony, Prinli, Senators of Venice,  
Speak; why are we assembled here this night?  
What have you to inform us of, concerns  
The State of Venice, honour, or its safety?  Prin. 
Could words express the story I have to tell you,  
Fathers, these tears were useless, these sad tears  
That fall from my old 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  
We all should weep; tear off these 〈◊〉 〈◊〉,  
And wrap ourselves in Sackcloth, sitting down  
On the sad Earth, and cry aloud to Heaven.  
Heaven knows if yet there be an hour to come  
E'er Venice be no more!  All 〈◊〉. 
How!  Prin. 
Nay we stand  
Upon the Very brink of gaping ruin,  
Within this City's formed a dark Conspiracy,  
To massacre us all, our 〈◊〉 and Children,  
Kindred and Friends, our 〈◊〉 and Temples  
To lay in Ashes: nay the hour too, fixed;  
The Swords, for aught I know, drawn even this moment,  
And the wild Waste begun: from unknown hands  
I had this warning: but if we are men  
Let's not be tamely butchered, but do something  
That may inform the world in after Ages,  
Our Virtue was not ruined though we were. A 〈◊〉 without.  
Room, room, make room for some Prisoners—  
2 Senat. Let's raise the City.  Enter Officer and Guard. Prin. 
Speak there, what diurbance?  Offic. 
Two Prisoners have the Guard seized in the Streets,  
Who say they come to inform this Reverend Senate  
About the present danger.  Enter Jaffeir and Belvidera guarded. All. 
Give 'em entrance—  
Well, who are you?  Jaff. 
A Villain.  Anto. 
Short and pithy.  
The man speaks well.  Jaff. 
Would every man that hears me  
Would deal so honestly, and own his title.  Duke. 
'Tis rumoured that a Plot has been contrived  
Against this State; that you have a 〈◊〉 in't too.  
If you are a Villain, to redeem your honour,  
Unfold the truth and be restored with Mercy.  Jaff. 
Think not that I to save my life come hither,  
I know its value better; but in pity  
To all those 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉  
Are fixed and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 before you  
The sworn and 〈◊〉 foe of 〈◊〉.  
But use me as my 〈◊〉 may deserve  
And I may prove a friend.  Duke. 
The Slave Capitulates,  
Give him the Tortures.  Jaff. 
That you dare not do,  
Your fears won't let you, 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 Itch  
To hear a story which you 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of.  
Truth with the fear 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 shall 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from me.  
Cowards are scared with 〈◊〉 Boys are 〈◊〉  
Into concessions: but a Steady mind  
Acts of its self, ne'er 〈◊〉 the body Counsel.  
Give him the Tortures. Name but such a thing  
Again; by Heaven I'll 〈◊〉 these lips for ever,  
Not all your Racks, your Engines or your Wheels  
Shall force a groan away— that you may guests at.  Anto. 
A bloody 〈◊〉 fellow I'll warrant;  
A damned bloody minded fellow.  Duke. 
Name your Conditions.  Jaff. 
For myself full 〈◊〉.  
Besides the lives of two and twenty friends Delivers a list.  
Whose names are here 〈◊〉: Nay, let their Crimes  
Be ne'er so monstrous, I must have the Oaths  
And sacred promise of this Reverend Council,  
That in a full Assembly of the Senate  
The thing I ask be 〈◊〉. Swear this.  
And I'll unfold the secrets of your danger.  All. 
we'll swear.  Duke. 
Propose the Oath.  Jaff. 
By all the hopes  
Ye have of Peace and Happiness hereafter,  
Swear.  All. 
We all swear.  Jaff. 
To grant me what I've asked,  
Ye swear.  All. 
We swear.  Jaff. 
And as ye keep the Oath,  
May you and your posterity be blessed  
Or cursed for ever.  All. 
Else be cursed for ever.  Jaff. 
— Then here's the list, and with't the Delivers another paper.  
full disclose of all that threatens you.  
Now Fate thou hast caught me.  Anto. 
Why what a dreadful Catalogue of Cutthroats is here! I'll warrant you not one of these fellows but has a face like a Lion. I dare not so much as read their names over.  Duke. 
Give orders that all diligent search be made  
To seize these men, their characters are public,  
The paper intimates their Rendezvouz  
To be at the house of a famed 〈◊〉 Courtesan  
Called Aquilina; see that place secured.  Anto. 
What my Nicky Nacky, Hurry Durry, Nicky Nacky in the Plot— I'll make a Speech. Most noble Senators,  
What headlong apprehension drives you on,  
Right noble, wise and truly solid Senators,  
To violate the Laws and ●ight of 〈◊〉?  
The Lady is a Lady of renown.  
'Tis true, she holds a house of fair Reception,  
And though I say't myself, as many more  
Can say as well as I.  
2 Senat. My Lord, jong Speeches  
Are frivolous here, when dangers are so near us;  
We all well know your Interest in that Lady,  
The world talks loud on't.  Anto. 
Verily I have done,  
I say no more.  Duke. 
But since he has declared  
Himself concerned, Pray, Captain, take great caution  
To treat the fair one, as becomes her Character,  
And let her Bedchamber be searched with decency  
You, Jaffeir, must with patience bear till morning to be our Prisoner.  Jaff. 
Would the Chains of death  
Had bound me fast e'er I had known this minute,  
I've done a deed will make my Story hereafter  
Quoted in competition with all ill ones:  
The History of my wickedness shall run  
Down through the low traditions of the vulgar,  
And Boys be thought to tell the tale of Jaffeir.  Duke. 
Captain, withdraw your Prisoner.  Jaff. 
Sir, if possible,  
Led me where my own thoughts themselves may lose me,  
Where I may dose out what I've left of life,  
Forget myself and this days guilt and falsehood.  
Cruel remembrance how shall 〈◊〉 appease thee!  Ex. guarded. Noise without. 
More Traitors; room, room, make room there.  Duke. 
How's this, Guards?  
Where are our Guards? shut up the Gates, the Treason's already at our Doors.  Enter Officer. Offic. 
My Lords, more 〈◊〉:  
Seized in the very act of Confultation;  
Furnished with Arms and Instruments of mischief,  
Bring in the prisoners.  Enter Peirre, Renault, Theodore, eliot, Revillido and other 〈◊〉, in 〈◊〉, guarded. Peirr. 
You, my Lords and Fathers,  
(As you are pleased to call yourselves) of Venice;  
If you sit here to guide the course of Justice,  
Why these disgraceful chains upon the limbs  
That have so often laboured in your service?  
Are these the wreaths of 〈◊〉 ye bestow  
On those that bring you Conquests home and Honours?  Duke. 
Go on, you shall be heard, Sir.  Auto. 
And be hanged too, I hope.  Peirr. 
Are these the Trophies I've deserved for fight  
Your Battles with confederated Powers,  
When winds and Seas 〈◊〉 to overthrow you?  
And brought the Fleets of Spain to your own Harbours,  
When you, great Duke, 〈◊〉 tumbling in your Palace,  
And saw your Wife, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, ploughed  
Like a lewd Whore by bolder Prows than yours  
Stepped not I forth, and taught your loose Venetians.  
The task of honour and the way to greatness,  
Raised you from your capitulating 〈◊〉  
To stipulate the terms of 〈◊〉 for peace,  
And this my recompense? 〈◊〉 I am a Traitor  
Produce my charge; or show the wretch that's base enough  
And brave enough to tell me I am a Traitor.  Duke. 
Know you one Jaffeir?  All the conspirators murmur. Peirr. 
Yes, and know his Virtue.  
His Justice, Truth, his general Worth and Sufferings  
From a hard father taught me first to love him.  Enter Jaffeir guarded. Duke. 
See him brought forth.  Peirr. 
My friend too bound? nay than  
Our Fate has conquered us, and we must fall,  
Why droops the man whose welfare's so much mine  
They're but one thing? these Reverend Tyrants, Jaffeir,  
Call us all Traitors, art thou one, my Brother?  Jaff. 
To thee I am the falsest, veriest slave  
That e'er betrayed a generous trusting friend,  
And gave up honour to be sure of ruin.  
All our fair hopes which morning was to have crowned  
Has this cursed tongue ●rthrown.  Peirr. 
So, then all's over:  
Venice has lost her freedom; I my life;  
No more, farewell.  Duke. 
Say; will you make confession  
Of your vile deeds and trust the Senate's mercy?  Peirr. 
Cursed be your Sen●: Cursed your Constitution:  
The Curse of growing factions and division  
Still vex your Councils, shake your public sasety,  
And make the Robes of Government, you wear,  
Hateful to you, as these base Chains to me.  Duke. 
Pardon or death?  Peirr. 
Death, honourable death.  〈◊〉. 
Death's the best thing we ask or you can give.  All Conspir. 
No shameful bonds, but honourable death.  Duke. 
Break up the Council: Captain, guard your prisoners.  
Jaffeir, you're free, but these must wait for judgement.  Ex. all the Senators. Peirr. 
Come, where's my Dungeon? lead me to my straw:  
It will not be the first time I've lodged hard  
To do your Senate service.  Jaff. 
Hold one moment.  Peirr. 
Who's he disputes the Judgement of the Senate?  
Presumptuous Rebel— on—  striketh Jaff. Jaff. 
By Heaven you stir not.  
I must be heard, I must have leave to speak:  
Thou hast disgraced me, Peirre, by a vile blow:  
Had not a dagger done thee nobler justice?  
But use me as thou wilt, thou canst not wrong me,  
For I am fallen beneath the basest injuries;  
Yet look upon me with an eye of mercy,  
With pity and with charity behold me;  
Shut not thy heart against a friend's repentance,  
But as there dwells a Godlike nature in thee  
Listen with mildness to my 〈◊〉.  Peirr. 
What whining Monk 〈◊〉 thou? what holy cheat  
That wouldst encroach upon my credulous ears  
And cant'st thus vilely? hence. I know thee not,  
Dissemble and be nasty? leave me, Hippo●.  Jaff. 
Not know 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉  Peirr. 
No, know the not: what art 〈◊〉?  Jaff. 
Jaffeir, thy friend, thy once loved, valued friend,  
Though now deservedly scorned, and 〈◊〉 most hardly.  Peirr. 
Thou Jaffeir! Thou my once loved, valued friend!  
By Heavens thou liest; 〈◊〉 man, 〈◊〉 called, my friend,  
Was generous, honest, 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉,  
Noble in mind, and in his person 〈◊〉,  
Dear to my eyes and 〈◊〉 to my 〈◊〉:  
But thou a wretched base, false, worthless Coward,  
Poor even in Soul, and 〈◊〉 in thy 〈◊〉,  
All eyes must shun th●, and all 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 thee.  
Prithee avoid, nor longer cling thus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉,  
Like something baneful, that my nature's chilled at.  Jaff. 
I have not wronged thee, by these 〈◊〉 I have not.  
But still am honest, true, and hope too, valiant;  
My mind still full of thee: therefore 〈◊〉 noble,  
Let not thy eyes then eat me, nor 〈◊〉 heart  
Detest me utterly: Oh look upon me  
Look back and fee my sad 〈◊〉 sub●on!  
How my heart swells, as even 'twould burst my bosom;  
Fond of its Gaol, and labouring to be at thee!  
What shall I do? what say to make thee hear me?  Peirr. 
Hast thou not wronged me? dar'st thou call thyself  
Jaffeir, that once loved, valued friend of mine,  
And swear thou hast not wronged me? whence these chains?  
Whence the vile death, which I may meet this moment?  
Whence this dishonour, but from thee; thou false one?  Jaff. 
— All's true, yet grant one thing, and I've done ask.  Peirr. 
What's that?  Jaff. 
To take thy life on such conditions  
The Council have proposed: Thou and thy friends  
May yet live long, and to be better treated.  Peirr. 
Life! ask my life! confess! record myself  
A villain for the privilege to breath,  
And carry up and down this cursed City  
A discontented and repining spirit,  
Burdensome to itself a few years longer,  
To lose, it may be, at last in a lewd quarrel  
For some new friend, treacherous and false as thou art!  
No, this vile world and I have long been jangling,  
And cannot 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 better terms than now,  
When only men like thee are fit to live in't.  Jaff. 
By all that's just—  Peirr. 
Swear by some other powers,  
For thou hast broke that sacred Oath too lately.  Jaff. 
Then by that hell I merit, I'll not leave thee,  
Till to thyself at least, thou'rt reconciled,  
However thy resentments deal with me.  Peirr. 
Not leave me!  Jaff. 
No, thou shalt not force me from thee,  
Use me reproachfully, and like a slave,  
Tread on me, buffet me, heap wrongs on wrongs  
On my poor head; I'll bear it all with patience,  
Shall weary out thy most unfriendly cruelty,  
Lie at thy feet and kiss'em though they spurn me,  
Till, wounded by my sufferings, thou relent,  
And raise me to thy arms with dear forgiveness.  Peirr. 
Art thou not—  Jass. 
What?  Peirr. 
A Traitor?  Jaff. 
Yes.  Peirr. 
A Villain?  Jaff. 
Granted.  Peirr. 
A Coward, a most scandalous Coward,  
Spiritless, void of honour, one who has sold  
Thy everlasting Fame, for shameless life?  Jaff. 
All, all, and more, much more: my faults are Numberless.  Peirr. 
And wouldst thou have me live on terms like thine?  
Base as thou art false—  Jaff. 
No, 'tis to me that's granted,  
The safety of thy life was all I aimed at,  
In recompense for faith, and trust so broken.  Peirr. 
I scorn it more because preserved by thee,  
And as when first my foolish heart took pity  
On thy misfortunes, sought thee in thy miseries,  
Relieved thy wants, and raised thee from thy State  
Of wretchedness in which thy fate had plunged thee,  
To rank thee in my list of noble friends;  
All I received in surety for thy truth,  
Were unregarded oaths; and this, this dagger,  
Given with a worthless pledge, thou since hast stolen,  
So I restore it back to thee again,  
Swearing by all those powers which thou hast violated,  
Never from this cursed hour to hold communion,  
Friendship or interest with thee, though our years  
Were to exceed those limited the world.  
Take it— farewell— for now I owe thee nothing.  Jaff. 
Say thou wilt live then.  Peirr. 
For my life, dispose it  
Just as thou wilt, because 'tis what I'm tired with.  Jaff. 
Oh, Peirre!  Peirr. 
No more.  Jaff. 
My eyes won't lose the sight of thee,  
But languish after thine, and ache with gazing.  Peirr. 
Leave me— Nay, then thus, thus, I throw thee from me.  
And curses, great as is thy falsehood, catch thee.  Jaff. 
Amen.  
He's gone, my father, friend, preserver,  
And here's the portion he has left me. Holds the dagger up.  
This dagger, well remembered, with this dagger  
I gave a solemn vow of dire importance,  
Parted with this and Belvidera together;  
Have a care, Memory, drive that thought no farther;  
No, I'll esteem it as a friend's last legacy,  
Treasure it up in this wretched bosom,  
Where it may grow acquainted with my heart,  
That when they meet, they start not from each other;  
So; now for thinking: A blow, called Traitor, Villain,  
Coward, dishonourable coward, faugh!  
Oh for a long sound sleep, and so forget it!  
Down, busy Devil—.  Enter Belvidera. Bel. 
Whither shall I fly?  
Where hide me and my miseries together?  
Where's now the Roman Constancy I boasted?  
Sunk into trembling fears and desperation!  
Not daring now to look up to that dear face  
Which used to smile even on my faults, but down  
Bending these miserable eyes to earth,  
Must move in penance, and implore much Mercy.  Jaff. 
Mercy, kind Heaven has surely endless stores  
Hoarded for thee of blessings yet untasted;  
Let wretches loaded hard with guilt as I am,  
Bow the weight and groan beneath the burden,  
Creep with a remnant of that strength th'have left,  
Before the footstool of that Heaven th'have injured.  
Oh Belvidera! I'm the wretchedst creature  
E'er crawled on earth; now if thou hast Virtue help me,  
Take me into thy Arms, and speak the words of peace  
To my divided Soul, that wars within me,  
And raises every Sense to my confusion;  
By Heaven I am tottering on the very brink  
Of Peace; and thou art all the hold I've left.  Bel. 
Alas! I know thy sorrows are most mighty;  
I know thoust cause to mourn; to mourn, my Jaffeir,  
With endless cries, and never ceasing wail,  
Thou'st lost—  Jaff. 
Oh I have lost what can't be counted;  
My friend too, Belvidera, that dear friend,  
Who, next to thee, was all my health rejoiced in,  
Has used me like a slave; shamefully used me;  
'T would break thy pitying heart to hear the story,  
What shall I do? resentment, indignation,  
Love, pity, fear and memory, how I've wronged him,  
Distract my quiet with the very thought on't,  
And tear my heart to pieces in my bosom.  Bel. 
What has he done?  Jaff. 
thou'dst hate me, should I tell thee.  Bel. 
Why?  Jaff. 
Oh he has used me! yet by Heaven I bear it;  
He has used me, Belvidera, but first swear  
That when I've told thee, thou'lt not loathe me utterly,  
Though vilest blots and stains appear upon me;  
But still at least with charitable goodness,  
Be near me in the pangs of my addiction,  
Not scorn me, Belvidera, as he has done.  Bel. 
Have I then e'er been false that now I am doubted?  
Speak, what's the cause I am grown into distrust,  
Why thought unfit to hear my Love's complain?  Jaff. 
Oh!  Bel. 
Tell me.  Jaff. 
Bear my failings, for they are many,  
Oh my dear Angel! in that friend I've lost  
All my Soul's peace; for every thought of him  
Strikes my Sense hard, and deads' it in my brains;  
Wouldst thou believe it?  Bel. 
Speak.  Jaff. 
Before we parted,  
E'er yet his Guards had led him to his prison,  
Full of severest sorrows for his sufferings,  
With eyes o'rflowing and a bleeding heart,  
Humbling myself almost beneath my nature;  
As at his feet I kneeled, and fued for mercy,  
Forgetting all our friendship, all the dearness,  
In which we've lived so many years together,  
With a reproachful hand, he dashed a blow,  
He struck me, Belvidera, by Heaven, he struck me,  
Buffeted, called me Traitor, Villain, Coward;  
Am I a Coward? am I a Villain? tell me:  
thouart the best Judge, and mad'st me, if I am so.  
Damnation; Coward!  Bel. 
Oh! forgive him, Jaffeir.  
And if his sufferings wound thy heart already,  
What will they do to morrow?  Jaff. 
Ha!  Bel. 
To morrow,  
When thou shalt see him stretched in all the Agonies  
Of a tormenting and a shameful death,  
His bleeding bowels, and his broken limbs,  
Insulted or by a vile butchering villain;  
What will thy heart do then? Oh sure 't will stream  
Like my eyes now.  Jaff. 
What means thy dreadful story?  
Death, and to morrow? broken limbs and bowels?  
Insulted o'er by a vile butchering Villain?  
By all my fears I shall start out to madness,  
With barely guessing if the truth's hid longer.  Bel. 
The 〈◊〉 Senators, 'tis they've decreed it:  
They say according to our friend's request,  
They shall have death, and not ignoble bondage:  
Declare their promised mercy all as forfeited,  
False to their oaths, and deaf to intercession;  
Warrants are passed for public death to morrow.  Jaff. 
Death! doomed to die! condemned unheard! unpleaded!  Bel. 
Nay, cruelest racks and torments are preparing,  
To force confessions from their dying pangs;  
Oh do not look so terribly upon me,  
How your lips shake, and all your face disordered!  
What means my Love?  Jaff. 
Leave me, I charge thee leave me— strong temptation●  
Wake in my heart.  Bel. 
For what?  Jaff. 
No more, but leave me.  Bel. 
Why?  Jaff. 
Oh! by Heaven I love thee with that fondness  
I would not have thee stay a moment longer,  
Near these cursed hands: are they not cold upon thee?  Bel. 
No, everlasting comfort's in thy arms,  
To lean thus on thy breast is softer ease  
Than downy pillows decked with leaves of roses.  Pulls the daggerhalf out of his bo● and 〈◊〉 it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Jaff. 
Alas thou thinkest not of the thorns 'tis filled with,  
Fly e'er they call thee: there's a lurking serpent  
Ready to leap and sting thee to thy heart:  
Art thou not terrified?  Bel. 
No.  Jaff. 
Call to mind  
What thou hast done, and whither thou hast brought me.  Bel. 
Ha!  Jaff. 
Where's my friend? my friend, thou smiling mischief?  
Nay. shrink not, now 'tis too late, thou shouldst have fled  
When thy Gild first had cause, for dire revenge,  
Is up and raging for my friend. He groans,  
Hark how he groans, his screams are in my ears  
Already; see, th'have fixed him on the wheel,  
And now they tear him— Murder! perjured Senate!  
Murder— Oh!— hark thee, Traitress, thou hast done this;  
Thanks to thy tears and false persuading love,  
How her eyes speak! Oh thou bewitching creature! Fumbling for his Dagger.  
Madness cannot hurt thee: Come, thou little trembler,  
Creep, even into my heart, and there lie safe;  
'tis thy own Citadel— hah— yet stand off,  
Heaven must have Justice, and my broken vows  
Will sink me else beneath its reaching mercy;  
I'll wink and then 'tis done—.  Bel. 
What means the Lord  
Of me, my life and love, what's in thy bosom,  
Thou graspst at so? nay, why am I thus treated?  
What wilt thou do? Ah, do not kill me, Jaffeir, Draws the dagger, offers to stab her.  
Pity these panting breasts, and trembling limbs,  
That ●'d to clas● thee when thy looks were milder,  
That yet hang heavy on my unpurged Soul,  
And plunge it not into eternal darkness.  Jaff. 
No, Belvidera, when we parted last  
I gave this dagger with thee as in trust  
To be thy portion, If I e'er proved false.  
On such condition was my truth believed:  
But now 'tis forfeited and must be paid for. Offers to stab her again.  Bel. 
Oh, mercy!  Kneeling. Jaff. 
Nay, no struggling.  Bell. 
Now then kill me. Leaps upon his neck and kisses him.  
While thus I cling about thy cruel neck,  
Kiss thy revengeful lips and die in joys  
Greater than any I can guests hereafter.  Jaff. 
I am, I am a Coward; witnessed, Heaven,  
Witness it, Earth, and every being Witness;  
'Tis but one blow yet: by immortal Love,  
I cannot longer bear a thought to harm thee,  
The Seal of providence is sure upon thee. He throws away the dagger and embraces her.  
And thou wert born for yet unheard of wonders:  
Oh thou wert either born to save or damn me!  
By all the power that's given thee o'er my soul,  
By thy resistless tears and conquering smiles,  
By the victorious love that still waits on thee;  
Fly to thy cruel Father: save my friend,  
Or all our future Quiet's lost for ever:  
Fall at his feet, cling round his reverend knees;  
Speak to him with thy Eyes, and with thy tears,  
Melt thy hard heart, and wake dead nature in him,  
Crush him in th'Arms, and torture him with thy softness:  
Nor, till thy Prayers are granted, set him free,  
But conquer him, as thou hast vanquished me. Ex. ambo.  
The end of the fourth Act.    

ACT V.  Enter Prinli solus. Prin. 
WHY, cruel Heaven, have my unhappy days  
Been lengthened to this sad one? Oh! dishonour  
And deathless infamy is fallen upon me.  
Was it my fault? Am I a traitor? No.  
But then, my only child, my daughter, wedded;  
There my best blood runs foul, and a disease  
Incurable has seized upon my memory,  
To make it rot and stink to after ages.  
Cursed be the fatal minute when I got her;  
Or would that I'd been any thing but man,  
And raised an issue which would ne'er have wronged me.  
The miserablest Creatures (man excepted)  
Are not the less esteemed, though their posterity  
Degenerate from the virtues of their fathers;  
The vilest Beasts are happy in their offsprings,  
While only man gets traitors, whores and villains.  
Cursed be the names, and some swift blow from Fate  
Lay his head deep, where mine may be forgotten.  Enter Belvidera in a long mourning Veil. Bel. 
He's there, my father, my inhuman father,  
That, for three years, has left an only child  
Exposed to all the outrages of Fate,  
And cruel ruin— oh!—  Prin. 
What child of sorrow  
Art thou that comest thus wrapped in weeds of sadness,  
And movest as if thy steps were towards a grave?  Bel. 
A watch, who from the very top of happiness  
Am fallen into the lowest depths of misery,  
And want your pitying hand to raise me up again.  Prin. 
Indeed thou talk'st as thou hadst tasted sorrows;  
Would I could help thee.  Bel. 
'Tis greatly in your power,  
The world too, speaks you charitable, and I,  
Who ne'er asked alms before, in that dear hope  
Am come a begging to you, Sir.  Prin. 
For what?  Bel. 
Oh, well regard me, is this voice a strange one?  
Consider too, when beggars once pretend  
A case like mine, no little will content 'em.  Prin. 
What wouldst thou beg for?  Bel. 
Pity and forgiveness; Throws up her Veil.  
By the kind tender names of child and father,  
Hear my complaints and take me to your love.  Prin. 
My daughter?  Bel. 
Yes, your daughter, by a mother  
Virtuous and noble, faithful to your honour,  
Obedient to your will, kind to your wishes,  
Dear to your arms; by all the joys she gave you,  
When in her blooming years she was your treasure,  
Look kindly on me; in my face behold  
The lineaments of hers you've kissed so often,  
Pleading the cause of your poor cast off Child.  Prin. 
Thou art my daughter.  Bel. 
Yes— And you've oft told me  
With smiles of love and chaste paternal kisses,  
I'd much resemblance of my mother.  Prin. 
Oh!  
Hadst thou inherited her matchless virtues  
I'd been too blessed.  Bel. 
Nay, do not call to memory  
My disobedience, but let pity enter  
Into your heart, and quite deface the impression;  
For could you think how mine's perplexed, what sadness  
Fears and despairs distract the peace within me,  
Oh, you would take me in your dear, dear Arms,  
Hover with strong compassion o'er your young one,  
To shelter me with a protecting wing,  
From the black gathered storm, that's just, just breaking.  Prin. 
Don't talk thus.  Bel. 
Yes, I must, and you must hear too.  
I have a husband.  Prin. 
Damn him.  Bel. 
Oh, do not curse him!  
He would not speak so hard a word towards you  
On any terms, oh! e'er he deal with me.  Prin. 
Ha! what means my child?  Bel. 
Oh there's but this short moment  
'Twixt me and Fate, yet send me not with curses  
Down to my grave, afford me one kind blessing  
Before we part: just take me in your arms  
And recommend me with a prayer to Heaven,  
That I may die in peace, and when I'm dead—  Prin. 
How my Soul's catcht?  Bel. 
Lay me, I beg you, lay me  
By the dear ashes of my tender mother.  
She would have pitied me, had fate yet spared her.  Prin. 
By Heaven, my aching heart forebodes much mischief,  
Tell me thy story, for I'm still thy father.  Bel. 
No, I'm contented.  Prin. 
Speak.  Bel. 
No matter.  Prin. 
Tell me.  
By you, blessed Heaven, my heart runs o'er with fondness.  Bel. 
Oh!  Prin. 
Uttered.  Bel. 
Oh my husband, my dear husband  
Carries a dagger in his once kind bosom  
To pierce the heart of your poor Belvidera.  Prin. 
Kill thee?  Bel. 
Yes, kill me, when he passed his faith  
And covenant, against your State and Senate,  
He gave me up as hostage for his truth,  
With me a dagger and a dire commission.  
When e'er he failed to plunge it through this bosom,  
I learned the danger, chose the hour of love  
T'attempt his heart, and bring it back to honour,  
Great love prevailed and blessed me with success,  
He came, confessed, betrayed his dearest friends  
For promised mercy; now they're doomed to suffer,  
Galled with remembrance of what then was sworn,  
If they are lost, he vows t'appease the Gods  
With this poor life, and make my blood th' atonement.  Prin. 
Heavens!  Bel. 
Think you saw what passed at our last parting;  
Think you beheld him like a raging lion,  
Pacing the earth and tearing up his steps,  
Fate in his eyes, and roaring with the pain  
Of burning fury; think you saw his one hand  
Fixed on my throat, while the extended other  
Grasped a keen threatening dagger, oh 'twas thus,  
We last embraced, when, trembling with revenge,  
He dragged me to the ground, and at my bosom  
Presented horrid death, cried out, my friends,  
Where are my friends? swore, wept, raged, ' threatened, loved,  
For he yet loved, and that dear love preserved me,  
To this last trial of a father's pity.  
I fear, not death, but cannot bear a thought  
That that dear hand should do th' unfriendly office;  
If I was ever then your care, now hear me;  
Fly to the Senate, save the promised lives  
Of his dear friends, e'er mine be made the sacrifice.  Prin. 
Oh, my heart's comfort!  Bel. 
Will you not, my father?  
Weep not but answer me.  Prin. 
By Heaven, I will.  
Not one of 'em but what shall be immortal.  
C●st thou forgive me all my follies past,  
I'll henceforth be indeed a father; never,  
Never more thus expose, but cherish thee,  
Dear as the vital warmth that feeds my life,  
Dear as these eyes that weep in fondness o'er thee,  
Peace to thy heart. Farewell.  Bel. 
Go, and remember,  
'Tis Belvidera's life her father pleads for.  Ex. severally. Enter Antonio. 
Hum, hum, hah,  
Signior Prinli, my Lord Prinli, my Lord, my Lord, my Lord: Now, we Lords love to call one another by our Titles. My Lord, my Lord, my Lord— Pox on him, I am a Lord as well as he, And so let him fiddle— I'll warrant him he's gone to the Senate-house, and I'll be there too, soon enough for somebody. Odd— here's a tickling speech about the Plot, I'll prove there's a Plot with a Vengeance— would I had it without book; let me see—  
Most Reverend Senators,  
That there is a Plot, surely by this time, no man that hath eyes or understanding in his head will presume to doubt, 'tis as plain as the light in the Cowcumber— no— hold there— Cowcumber does not come in yet— 'tis as plain as the light in the Sun, or as the man in the Moon, even at noon day; It is indeed a Pumpkin-Plot, which, just as it was mellow, we have gathered, and now we have gathered it, prepared and dressed it, shall we throw it like a pickled Cowcumber out at the window? no: that it is not only a bloody, horrid, execrable, damnable and audacious Plot, but it is, as I may so say, a saucy Plot: and we all know, most Reverend Fathers, that what is sauce for a Goose is sauce for a Gander: Therefore, I say, as those bloodthirsty Ganders of the conspiracy would have destroyed us Geese of the Senate, let us make haste to destroy them, so I humbly move for hanging— hah, hurry durry— I think this will do, though I was something out, at first, about the Sun and the Cowcumber.  Enter Aquilina. Aquil. 
Good morrow, Senator.  Anto. 
Nacky, my dear Nacky, morrow, Nacky, odd I am very brisk, very merry, very pert, very jovial— haaaaa— kiss me, Nacky; how dost thou do, my little Tory, rory Strumpet, kiss me, I say, hussy, kiss me.  Aquil. 
Kiss me, Nacky, hang you, Sir, Coxcomb, hang you, Sir.  Anto. 
Hayty tayty, is it so indeed, with all my heart, faith— hay then up go we, faith— hay then up go we. dum dum derum dump.  Sings. Aquil. 
Signior.  Anto. 
Madonna.  Aquil. 
Do you intent to die in your bed—?  Anto. 
About threescore years hence, much may be done, my dear.  Aquil. 
You'll be hanged, Signior.  Anto. 
Hanged, sweet heart, prithee be quiet, hanged quo ha', that's a merry conceit, with all my heart, why thou jok'st, Nacky, thou art given to joking, I'll swear; well, I protest, Nacky, nay, I must protest, and will protest that I love joking dearly, man. And I love thee for joking, and I'll kiss thee for joking, and touse thee for joking, and odd, I have a devilish mind to take thee aside about that business for joking too, odd I have, and hay then up go we, dum dum derum dump.  Sings. Aquil. 
See you this, Sir?  Draws a dagger. Anto. 
O Laud, a dagger! Oh Laud! it is naturally my a version, I cannot endure the sight on't, hide it, for Heaven's sake, I cannot look that way till it be gone— hide it, hide it, oh, oh, hide it!  Aquil. 
Yes, in your heart, I'll hide it.  Anto. 
My heart; what, hide a dagger in my heart's blood!  Aquil. 
Yes, in thy heart, thy throat, thou pampered Devil;  
Thou hast helped to spoil my peace, and I'll have vengeance  
On thy cust life, for all the bloody Senate,  
The perjured faithless Senate: Where's my Lord,  
My happiness, my love, my God, my Hero,  
Doomed by thy accursed tongue, amongst the rest,  
T' a shameful wrack? By all the rage that's in me  
I'll be whole years in murdering thee.  Anto. 
Why, Nacky,  
Wherefore so passionate? what have I done? what's the matter, my dear Nacky? am not I thy Love, thy Happiness, the Lord, thy Hero, thy Senator, and every thing in the world. Nacky?  Aquil. 
Thou! thinkst thou, thou art fit to meet my joys;  
To bear the eager clasps of my embraces?  
Give me my Peirre, or—  Anto. 
Why, he's to be hanged, little Nacky,  
Trust up for Treason, and so forth, Child.  Aquil. 
Thou liest, stop down thy throat that hellish sentence,  
Or 'tis thy last: swear that my Love shall live,  
Or thou art dead.  Anto. 
Ah h h h.  Aquil. 
Swear to recall his doom,  
Swear at my feet, and tremble at my fury.  Anto. 
I do, now if she would but kick a little bit, one kick now Ah h h h.  Aquil. 
Swear, or—  Anto. 
I do, by these dear fragrant feet  
And little toes, sweet as, e e e e my Nacky Nacky Nacky.  Aqua. 
How!  Anto. 
Nothing but untie thy shoestring a little faith and troth,  
That's all, that's all, as I hope to live, Nacky, that's all.  Aquil. 
Nay, then—  Anto. 
Hold, hold, thy Love, thy Lord, thy Hero  
Shall be preserved and safe.  Aquil. 
Or may this Poniard  
Rust in thy heart.  Anto. 
With all my soul.  Aquil. 
Farewell—  Ex. Aquil. Anto. 
Adieu. Why what a bloody-minded inveterate, termagant, Strumpet have I been plagued with! oh h h yet more! nay then I die, I die— I am dead already.  Stretches himself out. Enter Jaffeir. Jaff. 
Final destruction seize on all the world:  
Bend down, ye Heavens, and shutting round this earth,  
Crush the Vile Globe into its first confusion;  
Scorch it, with Elemental flames, to one cursed Cindar,  
And all us little creepers in't, called men,  
Burn, burn to nothing: but let Venice burn  
Hotter than all the rest: Here kindle Hell  
Ne'er to extinguish, and let souls hereafter  
Groan here, in all those pains which mine feels now.  Enter Belvidera. Bel. 
My Life—  Meeting him. Jaff. 
My Plague—  Turning from her. Bel. 
Nay then I see my ruin,  
If I must die!  Jaff. 
No, Death's this day too busy,  
Thy Father's ill timeed Mercy came too late,  
I thank thee for thy labours though and him too,  
But all my poor betrayed unhappy friends  
Have Summons to prepare for Fate's black hour;  
And yet I live.  Bel. 
Then be the next my doom.  
I see thou hast passed my sentence in thy heart,  
And I'll no longer weep or plead against it,  
But with the humblest, most obedient patience  
Meet thy dear hands, and kiss 'em when they wound me;  
Indeed I am willing, but I beg thee do it  
With some remorse, and where thou giv'st the blow,  
View me with eyes of a relenting love,  
And show me pity, for 'twill sweeten Justice.  Jaff. 
Show pity to thee?  Bel. 
Yes, and when thy hands,  
Charged with my fate, come trembling to the deed,  
As thou hast done a thousand thousand dear times,  
To this poor breast, when kinder rage has brought thee,  
When our stinged hearts have leaped to meet each other,  
And melting kisses sealed our lips together,  
When joys have left me gasping in thy arms,  
So let my death come now, and I'll not shrink from't.  Jaff. 
Nay. Belvidera, do not fear my cruelty,  
Nor let the thoughts of death perplex thy fancy,  
But answer me to what I shall demand  
With a firm temper and unshaken spirit.  Bel. 
I will when I've done weeping—  Jaff. 
Fie, no more on't—  
How long is't since the miserable day  
We wedded first—  Bel. 
Oh h h.  Jaff. 
Nay, keep in thy tears,  
Lest they unman me too.  Bel. 
Heaven knows I cannot;  
The words you utter sound so very sadly  
These streams will follow—  Jaff. 
Come, I'll kiss 'em dry then.  Bel. 
But, was't a miserable day?  Jaff. 
A cursed one.  Bel. 
I thought it otherwise, and you've oft sworn  
In the transporting hours of warmest love  
When sure you spoke the truth, you've sworn you blessed it.  Jaff. 
'twas a rash oath.  Bel. 
Then why am I not cursed too?  Jaff. 
No, Belvidera; by th' eternal truth,  
I dote with too much fondness.  Bel. 
Still so kind?  
Still then do you you love me?  Jaff. 
Nature, in her workings,  
Inclines not with more ardour to Creation,  
Than I do now towards thee; man ne'er was blessed,  
Since the first pair first met, as I have been.  Bel. 
Then sure you will not curse me.  Jaff. 
No, I'll bless thee.  
I came on purpose, Belvidera, to bless thee.  
'Tis now, I think, three years we've lived together.  Bel. 
And may no fatal minute ever part us,  
Till, reverend grown, for age and love, we go  
Down to one Grave, as our last bed, together,  
There sleep in peace till an eternal morning.  Jaff. 
When will that be?  Sighing. Bel. 
I hope long Ages hence.  Jaff. 
Have I not hitherto (I beg thee tell me  
Thy very fears) used thee with tenderest love?  
Did e'er my Soul rise up in wrath against thee?  
Did I e'er frown when Belvidera smiled,  
Or, by the least unfriendly word, betray  
A bating passion? have I ever wronged thee?  Bel. 
No.  Jaff. 
Has my heart, or have my eyes e'er wandered  
To any other woman?  Bel. 
Never, never— I were the worst of false ones should I accuse thee.  
I own I've been too happy, blessed above  
My Sex's Charter.  Jaff. 
Did I not say I came to bless thee?  Bel. 
Yes.  Jaff. 
Then hear me, bounteous Heaven,  
Pour down your blessings on this beauteous head,  
Where everlasting sweets are always springing.  
With a continual giving hand, let peace,  
Honour and safety always hover round her,  
Feed her with plenty, let her eyes ne'er see  
A sight of sorrow, nor her heart know mourning,  
Crown all her days with joy, her nights with rest,  
Harmless as her own thoughts, and prop her virtue,  
To bear the loss of one that too much loved,  
And comfort her with patience in our parting.  Bel. 
How, parting, parting!  Jaff. 
Yes, for ever parting,  
I have sworn, Belvidera; by yond Heaven,  
That best can tell how much I lose to leave thee,  
We part this hour for ever.  Bel. 
Oh, call back  
Your cruel blessings, stay with me and curse me!  Jaff. 
No, 'Tis resolved.  Bel. 
Then hear me too, just Heaven,  
Pour down your curses on this wretched head  
With never-ceasing Vengeance, let despair,  
Danger or infamy, nay all 〈◊〉 me,  
Starve me with want, let my eyes ne'er see  
A sight of comfort, nor my heart know peace,  
But dash my days with sorrow, nights with horrors  
Wild as my own thoughts now, and let loose fury  
To make me mad enough for what I lose,  
If I must lose him; if I must, I will not.  
Oh turn and hear me!  Jaff. 
Now hold, heart, or never.  Bel. 
By all the tender days we have lived together,  
By all our charming nights, and joys that crowned 'em,  
Pity my sad condition, speak, but speak.  Jaff. 
Oh h h.  Bel. 
By these arms that now cling round thy neck,  
By this dear kiss and by ten thousand more,  
By these poor streaming eyes—  Jaff. 
Murder! unhold me:  
By th'immortal destiny that doomed me Draws his Dagger.  
To this cursed minute, I'll not live one longer,  
Resolve to let me go or see me fall—  Bel. 
Hold, Sir, be patient.  Jaff. 
Hark, the dismal Bell Passing. bell tolls.  
Towles out for death, I must attend its call too,  
For my poor friend, my dying Peirre expects me,  
He sent a message to require I'd see him  
Before he died, and take his last forgiveness.  
Farewell for ever.  Bel. 
Leave thy dagger with me.  
Bequeath me something— Not one kiss at parting? Going out looks back at her.  
Oh my poor heart, when wilt thou break?  Jaff. 
Yet stay,  
We have a Child, as yet, a tender Infant.  
Be a kind mother to him when I am gone,  
Breed him in virtue and the paths of Honour,  
But let him never know his father's story;  
I charge thee guard him from the wrongs my Fate  
May do his future fortune or his name.  
Now— nearer yet— Approaching each other.  
Oh that my arms were riveted  
Thus round thee ever! But my friends, my oath!  
This and no more.  Kisses her. Bel. 
Another, sure another,  
For that poor little one you've ta'en care of,  
I'll give't him truly.  Jaff. 
So, now farewell.  Bel. 
For ever?  Jaff. 
Heaven knows for ever; all good Angels guard thee.  Bel. 
All ill ones sure had charge of me this moment,  
Cursed be my days, and doubly cursed my nights,  
Which I must now mourn out in widowed tears;  
Blasted be every herb and fruit and tree,  
Cursed be the rain that falls upon the earth,  
And may the general Curse reach man and beast;  
Oh give me daggers, fire or water,  
How I could bleed, how burn, how drown the waves  
Huzzing and booming round my sinking head,  
Till I descended to the peaceful bottom!  
Oh there's all quiet, here all rage and fury,  
The Air's too thin, and pierces my weak brain,  
I long for thick substantial sleep: Hell, Hell,  
Burst from the Centre, rage and roar aloud,  
If thou art half so hot, so mad 〈◊〉 I am.  Enter Prinli and Servants. 
Who's there?  They seize her. Prin. 
Run, seize and bring her safely home,  
Guard her as you would life: Alas poor creature!  Bel. 
What? to my husband then conduct me quickly,  
Are all things ready? shall we die most gloriously?  
Say not a word of this to my old father,  
Murmuring streams, soft shades, and springing flowers,  
Lutes, Laurels, Seas of Milk, and ships of Amber.  Ex. Scene opening discovers a Scaffold and a Wheel prepared for the executing of Peirre, then enter Officers, Peirre and Guards, a Friar, executioner and a great Rabble. Offic. 
Room room there— stand all by, make room for the Prisoner.  Peir. 
My friend not come yet?  Father. 
Why are you so obstinate?  Peirr. 
Why you so troublesome, that a poor wretch cannot die in peace?  
But you, like Ravens will be croaking round him—  Fath. 
Yet, Heaven—  Peir. 
I tell thee Heaven and I are friends,  
I ne'er broke Peace with't yet, by cruel murders,  
Rapine, or perjury, or vile deceiving,  
But lived in moral Justice towards all men,  
Nor am a foe to the most strong believers:  
How e'er my own unbiased Faith confine me.  Fath. 
But an allseeing Judge—  Peir. 
You say my conscience  
Must be mine accuser: I have searched that Conscience,  
And find no records there of crimes that sc●e me.  Fath. 
'Tis strange you should want faith.  Peir. 
You want to lead  
My Reason blindfold, like a hampered Lion,  
Checked of its nobler vigour then, when baited,  
Down to obedient tameness, make it couch,  
And show strange tricks which you call signs of Faith.  
So silly Souls are gulled and you get money.  
Away, no more: Captain, I would hereafter  
This fellow write no lies of my conversion,  
Because he has crept upon my troubled hours.  Enter Jaffeir. Jaff. 
Hold: Eyes, be dry;  
Heart, strengthen me to bear  
This hideous sight, and humble me, take  
The last forgiveness of a dying friend,  
Betrayed by my vile falsehood, to his ruin.  
Oh Peirre!  Peir. 
Yet nearer.  Jaff. 
Crawling on my knees,  
And prostrate on the earth, let me approach thee,  
How shall I look up to thy injured face,  
That always used to smile, with friendship, on me?  
It darts an air of so much manly virtue,  
That I, methinks, look little in thy sight,  
And stripes are fitter for me than embraces.  Peir. 
Dear to my Arms, though thou hast undone my fame,  
I cannot forget to love thee: prithee, Jaffeir,  
Forgive that filthy blow my passion dealt thee;  
I am now preparing for the land of peace,  
And fain would have the charitable wishes  
Of all good men, like thee, to bless my journey.  Jaff. 
Good! I am the vilest creature, worse than e'er  
Suffered the shameful Fate thou art going to taste of,  
Why was I sent for to be used thus kindly?  
Call, call me villain, as I am, describe  
The foul complexion of my hateful deeds,  
Led 〈◊〉 to the Rack, and stretch me in thy stead,  
I've crimes enough to give it its full load,  
And do it credit: Thou wilt but spoil the use on't,  
And honest men hereafter bear its figure  
About 'em, as a charm from treacherous friendship.  Offic. 
The time grows short, your Friends are dead already.  Jaff. 
Dead!  Peir. 
Yes, dead, Jaffeir, they've all died like men too,  
Worthy their Character.  Jaff. 
And what must I do?  Peir. 
Oh, Jaffeir!  Jaff. 
Speak, aloud thy burdened Soul;  
And tell thy troubles to thy tortur'd friend.  Peir. 
Friend! Couldst thou yet be a Friend, a generous friend,  
I might hope Comfort from thy noble sorrows,  
Heaven knows I want a Friend.  Jaff. 
And I a kind one,  
That would not thus scorn my repenting Virtue.  
Or think when he is to die, my thoughts are idle.  Peirr. 
No! live, I charge thee, Jaffeir.  Jaff. 
Yes, I will live,  
But it shall be to see thy fall revenged  
At such a rage, as Venice long shall groan for.  Peirr. 
Wilt thou?  Jaff. 
I will, by Heaven.  Peirr. 
Then still thou'rt noble,  
And I forgive thee, oh— yet— shall I trust thee?  Jaff. 
No: I've been false already.  Peir. 
Dost thou love me?  Jaff. 
Rip up my heart, and satisfy thy doubtings.  Peir. 
Curse on this weakness.  He weeps. Jaff. 
Tears! Amazement! Tears!  
I never saw thee melted thus before;  
And know there's something ●'ring in thy bosom  
That must have vent: Though I'm a Villain, tell me.  Peir. 
Seest thou that Engine?  Pointing to the Wheel. Jaff. 
Why?  Peir. 
Is't fit a Soldier, who h● lived with Honour,  
Fought Nations Quarre●, and been Crowned with Conquest,  
Be exposed a common Can on a Wheel?  Jaff. 
Ha!  Peir. 
Speak! is't fitting?  Jaff. 
Fitting?  Peir. 
Yes, Is't 〈◊〉?  Jaff. 
What's to be done?  Peir. 
I'd have thee 〈◊〉  
Something that's Noble, to preserve my Memory  
From the disgrace that's ready to attaint it.  Offic. 
The day grows late, Sir.  Peir. 
I'll make haste! oh Jaffeir,  
Though thou'st betrayed me, do me some way Justice.  Jaff. 
No more of that: Thy wishes shall be ●tisfi'd,  
I have a Wife, and she shall bleed, my Child too  
Yield up his little Throat, and all t'appea● 〈◊〉—  Going away Peir. holds him. Peir. 
No— this— no more!  He whispers Jaffeir. Jaff. 
Ha! is't then so?  Peir. 
Most certainly.  Jaff. 
I'll do't.  Pier. 
Remember.  Offic. 
Sir.  Pier. 
Come, now I'm ready. He and Jaffeir ascend the Sciffold.  
Captain, you should be a Gentleman of honour,  
Keep off the Rabble, that I may have room  
To entertain my Fate, and die with Decency.  
Come!  Takes off his Gown. Executioner prepares to bind him. Fath. 
Son!  Peir. 
Hence, Tempter.  Offic. 
Stand off, Priest.  Peir. 
I thank you, Sir,  
You'll think on't.  To Jaffeir. Jaff. 
'Twon't grow stale before to morrow.  Pier. 
Now, Jaffeir! now I am going, Now;—  Executioner ●ving bound him. Jaff. 
Have at thee,  
Thou honest heart, then— here— Sibs him.  
And this is well too.  Then stabs himself. Fath. 
Damnable Deed!  Peir. 
Now thou hast indeed been faithful.  
This was done Nobly— We have deceived the Senate.  Jaff. 
Bravely.  Peir. 
Ha ha ha— oh oh—  Dies. Jaff. 
Now, ye cursed Rulers,  
Thus of the blood you've shed I make Libation,  
And sprinkled mingling: May it rest upon you,  
And all your Race: Be henceforth Peace a 〈◊〉  
Within your Walls; let Plagues and Famine waste  
Your Generations— oh poor Belvidera!  
Sir, I have a Wife, bear this in safety to her.  
A Token that with my dying breath I blessed her,  
And the dear little Infant left behind me.  
I am sick— I'm quiet—  Jaff. dies. Offic. 
Bear this news to the Senate,  
And guard their Bodies till there's farther order:  
Heaven grant I die so well—  Scene shuts upon them, Soft Music. Enter Belvidera distracted, led by two of her Women, Prinli and Servants. Prin. 
Strengthen her heart with Patience, pitying Heaven.  Belu. 
Come come come come come. Nay, come to bed!  
Prithee my Love. The Winds! hark how they whistle!  
And the Rain beats: oh how the weather shrinks me!  
You are angry now, who cares? pish, no indeed.  
Choose then, I say you shall not go, you shall not;  
Whip your ill nature; get you gone then! oh, nng Gho● rises.  
Are you rined? See, Father, here he's come again,  
Am I to blame to love him! oh thou dear one. Ghost sinks.  
Why do you fly me? are you angry still then?  
Jaffeir! where art thou? Father, why do you do thus?  
Stand off, don't hide him from me. He's here somewhere.  
Stand off I say! what gone? remember't, Tyrant!  
I may revenge myself for this trick one day. Enter Officer and others.  
I'll do't— I'll do't. Renaulis a nasty fellow.  
Hang him, hang him, hang him.  Prin. 
News, what news?  Offic. whispers Prinli. Offic. 
Most sad, Sir.  
Jaffeir upon the Scaffold, to prevent  
A shameful death, stabbed Peirre, and next himself:  
Both fell together.  Prin. 
Daughter.  The Ghosts of Jaff. and Peir. rise together both bloody. Bel. 
Ha, look there 〈◊〉  
My Husband bloody, and his friend too! Murder!  
Who has done this? speak to me thou sad Vision, Ghosts sink.  
On these poor trembling Knees I beg it, Vanished—  
Here they went down; Oh I'll dig, dig the Den up.  
You shan't delude me thus. 〈◊〉, Jaffeir, Jaffeir.  
Peep up and give me but a look. I have him!  
I've got him, Father: Oh now how I'll smuggle him!  
My Love! my Dear! my Blessing! help me, help me!  
They have hold on me, and drag me to the bottom.  
Nay— now they pull so hard— farewell—  She dies. Maid. 
She's dead.  
Breathless and dead.  Prin. 
Then guard me from the sight on't:  
Led me into some place that's fit for mourning;  
Where the free Air, Light and the cheerful Sun  
May never enter: Hang it round with Black;  
Set up one Taper that may last a day  
As long as l've to live: And there all leave me.  
Sparing no Tears when you this Tale relate,  
But bid all Cruel Fathers dread my Fate.  Curtain falls, Ex. omnes. 
FINIS.