Venice Preserved | Page 9

a world's empire, Rather than wound the bowels of my friend.
Pierre. I must confess, you there have touched my weakness. I have a friend--hear it; and such a friend! My heart was ne'er shut to him. Nay, I'll tell you, He knows the very business of this hour; [All start But he rejoices in the cause, and loves it: We've changed a vow to live and die together, And he's at hand, to ratify it here.
Ren. How! all betrayed!
Pierre. (C.) No; I've dealt nobly with you. I've brought my all into the public stock: I'd 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 e'er could boast of.
Enter Jaffier, with a Dagger in his hand. L. D.
Beda. (C.) His presence bears the show of manly virtue!
Jaf. (L.) I know you'll wonder all, that, thus uncalled I dare approach this place of fatal councils; But I'm amongst you, and, by Heaven, it glads me To see so many virtues thus united To restore justice, and dethrone oppression. Command this steel, 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 the city flaming? here's A hand, shall bear a lighted torch at noon To th' arsenal, and set its gates on fire!
Ren. (C.) You talk this well, sir.
Jaf. Nay, by Heaven, I'll do this! Come, come, I read distrust in all your faces! You fear me villain, and, indeed, 'tis 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.
Ren. I never loved these huggers.
Jaf. 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 trusts will give A pledge, worth more than all the world can pay for. My Belvidera! Hoa! my Belvidera! [Calls at L.
Beda. (L. C.) What wonder next?
Jaf. Let me entreat you, sirs, As I have henceforth hope to call you friends, That all but the ambassador, and this Grave guide of councils, with my friend, that owns me, Withdraw awhile, to spare a woman's blushes.
[Exeunt all but Bedamar, Renault, Jqffier, and Pierre who stand back on L.
Beda. Pierre, whither will this ceremony lead us?
Jaf. My Belvidera! Belvidera! [ Calling
Bel. [ Within, L. D.] Who, Who calls so loud, at this late peaceful hour? That voice was wont to come in gentle whispers, And fill my ears with the soft breath of love.
Enter Belvidera, L.
Thou hourly image of my thoughts, where art thou?
Jaf. Indeed, 'tis late.
Bel. Alas! where am I? whither is't you lead me? Methinks I read distraction in your face,-- You shake and tremble, too! your blood runs cold! Heav'ns guard my love, and bless his heart with patience! Jaf. That I have patience, let our fate bear witness.
[Join hands.
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.
Bel. Part! must we part? Oh! am I then forsaken! Why drag you from me? [Draunng to the R.] whither are you going? My dear! my life! my love!
Jaf. (C.) Oh, friends! [To Renault, &c.
Bel. (C.) Speak to me! [To Jaffier
Jaf. Take her from my heart, She'll gain such hold else, I shall ne'er get loose. I charge you, take her, but with tenderest care Relieve her troubles and assuage her sorrows.
[She leans on Jaffier.
Ren. [Advancing to her.] Rise, madam, and command among your servants--
Jaf. To you, sirs, and your honours, I bequeath her,
[They lay hold of her.
And with her, this; whene'er I prove unworthy--
[Gives a Dagger to Renault.
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.
Bel. [Held between Bed. & Ren.] Oh, thou unkind one! Have I deserved this from you? Look on me, tell