Venice Preserved | Page 9

We'll die with Bedamar.
Beda. Oh, men, Matchless, as will your glory be hereafter: The game is
for a matchless prize, if won; If lost, disgraceful ruin.
Pierre. 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're resolved To serve your glory, and revenge their own: They've
all their different quarters in this city, Watch for the alarm, and grumble
'tis so tardy.
Beda. I doubt not, friend, but thy unwearied diligence Has still kept
waking, and it shall have ease; After this night, it is resolved, we meet
No more, till Venice owns us for her lords.
Pierre. How lovelily the Adriatic, then, Dressed in her flames, will
shine! Devouring flames! Such as shall burn her to the watery bottom,
And hiss in her foundation!
Beda. Now, if any Amongst us here, that own this glorious cause, Have
friends or int'rest he would wish to save, Let it be told--the general
doom is sealed; But I'd forego the hopes of 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,