greazy Rogues They pleas'd 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 tasts of I own my self a Coward Bear my weakness If throwing thus my Arms about thy Neck I play the Boy and blubber in thy bosome Oh! I shall drown thee with my Sorrows Pierr Burn Fiâ—st burn and Level Venice to thy Ruin What starve like Beggars Brats in frosty weather Under a Hedge and whine our selves 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 stampt it With their great Image on our Natures dye Consider well the Cause that calls upon thee And if thou art base enough dye then Remember Thy Belvidera suffers Belvidera Dye Damn first what be decently interr'd In a Church-yard and mingle thy brave duâ—t 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 Heark 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 'l tell thee On the Ryalto every Night at Twelve I take my Evening's walk of Meditation There we two will meet and talk of pretious Mischief Jaff. Farewell Pierr At Twelve Jaff. At any hour my plagues Will keep me waking Ex. Pierr Tell me why good Heav'n Thou mad'st me what I am with all the Spirit Aspiring thoughts and Elegant desires That fill the happiest Man Ah! rather why Did'st thou not form me fordid as my Fate Base minded dull and fit to carry Burdens Why have I sence to know the Curse that 's on me Is this just dealing Nature Belvidera Enter Belvidera Poor Belvidera Belvid Lead 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 chang'd Art thou not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the same Kind good and tender as my Arms first found thee If thou art alter'd 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I have harbour 〈◊〉 Where ease my loaded Heart Oh! where complain Belv. Does this appear like Change or Love 〈◊〉 When thus I throw my self 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 hugg'd thee 〈◊〉 And bless'd the Gods for all her Travel past Jaff. Can there in Woman be such glorious Faith Sure all ill stories of thy Sex are falseâ— 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 Heav'n Amazing 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Truth Eternal Joy and everlasting Love Belv. If Love be Treasure wee 'l 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 figh 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 Begger Undone by Fortune and in debt to thee Want worldly Want that hungry sneager Fiend Is at my heels and chaces me in view Can'st thou bear Cold and Hunger Can these Limbs Fram'd 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 strangeâ— 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 Belv. Oh I will love thee even in Madness love thee Tho my distracted Senses should 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I 'd find some intervals when 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Should swage it self and be let loose to 〈◊〉 Though the bare Earth be all our Resting place It's Root 's our food some 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I 'l make this Arm a Pillow for thy Head As thou sighing ly'st and swell'd with 〈◊〉 Creep to thy Bosom 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of Love Into thy Soul and 〈◊〉 thee to thy 〈◊〉 Then praise our God and watch thee â—till the 〈◊〉 Jaff. Hear this you Heaven's and wonder how you made her Reign reign ye Monâ— that dâ—vide the World Busy Rebellion 〈◊〉 will let you knâ—w Tranquility and Happiness like 〈◊〉 Like gawdy 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 packt up his 〈◊〉 Treasure In one dear Casket and sav'd only 〈◊〉 Since I must 〈◊〉 further on 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Thus hug my little but my 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Resolv'd to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Exâ— ACT. II. Enter Plerre and Aquilina Aquil. BY all thy Wrongs thou art deâ— 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 sellâ— 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 spoâ—ls Complexions with their own Nauseousness They infect all they touch I cannot think Of tasting any thing a Fool has pâ—ll'd Aquil. I loath and 〈◊〉 that Fool thou mean'st as much Or more than thou 〈◊〉 But the Beast has Gold That makes him necessary Power too To qualifie 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
Amongst us that owns this glorious Cause Have friends or Interest hee 'd wish to save Let it be â—old the general Doom is Seal'd But I 'de forgo the Hopes of a Worlds Empire Rather than wound the Bowels of my Friend Pierr I must confess you there have toucht my weakness I have a Friend hear it such a Friend My heart was ner'e shut to him Nay I 'l tell you He knows the very Business of this Hour But he rejoyces in the Cause and loves it W' have chang'd a Vow to live and die together And He 's at hand to ratify it here Ren. How all betray'd Pierr No I 've dealt nobly with you I 've brought my All into the publick Stock I had but one Friend and him I 'l share amongst you Receive and Cherish him Or if when seen And searcht you find him worthless as my Tongue Has lodg'd 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 er'e could boast of Enter Jaffeir with a Dagger Beda His Presence bears the show of Manly Vertue Jaff. I know you'â— wonder all that thus uncall'd I dare approach this place of fatal Councels But I am amongst you and by Heav'n it glads me To see so many Vertues 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 curs'd assembl'd Senate It shrinks not tho 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 Gaâ—es on fire Ren. You talk this well Sir Jaff. Nay by Heav'n I 'l 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 Councels I hate this Senate am a Foe to Venice A Friend to none but Men resolv'd 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 lov'd these huggers Jaff. Still I see The cause delights me not Your Friends survey me As I were dang'rous but I come Arm'd 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 Councels with my friend that owns me Withdraw a while to spare a Womans 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 lowd at this late peacefull 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 't is late Belv. Oh! I have slept and dreamt And dreamt again Where hast thou been thou Loyterer Tho my Eyes clos'd my Arms have still been open'd 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 Mid'st winter Frosts then clad and fed with sparing Rise to our toils and drudge away the day Belv. 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 ordain'd it so that thou and I Thou the divinest Good man e're possest And I the wretched'st of the Race of Man This very hour without one tear must part Belv. Part must we part Oh! am I then forsaken Will my Love cast me off have my misfortunes Offended him so highly that hee 'l leave me Why dragg you from me whither are you going My Dear my Life my Love Jaff. Oh Friends Belv. Speak to me Jaff. Take her from my heart Shee 'l gain such hold else I shall ner'e get loose I charge thee take her but with tender'st care Relieve her Troubles and asswage 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 encreasing Love Sent that Reward for all her Truth and Sufferings Belv. 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 least my complainings Should reach his guilty Bars and â—â—â—ke his peace Jaff. No Belvidera I 've contriv'd thy honour Trust to my Faith and be but Fortune kind To me as I 'l preserve that faith unbroken When next we meet I 'l lift thee to a height Shall gather all the gazing VVorld about thee To wonder what strange Virtue plac'd thee there But if we ner'e meet more Belv. Oh thou unkind one Never meet more have I deserv'd this from you Look on me tell me tell me speak thou dear deceiver VVhy 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 pitty the sad heart that 's torn with parting Yet hear me yet recall me Ex. Ren. Bed and Belv. Jaff. Oh my Eyes Look not that way but turn your selves a while Into my heart and be wean'd 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 Heav'n 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 Eye-strings craâ—kt with Love Till all my sinews with its fire extended Fixt me upon the Rack of ardent longing Then swelling sighing raging to be blest Come like a panting Turtle to thy Breast On thy soft Bosom hovering 〈◊〉 and play Confess the cause why
nightâ— Which I must now mourn out in widdow'd tears Blasted be every herb and fruit and tree Curst 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 heâ—d Till I descended to the peacefull bottome 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 â—er 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 dye most gloriously Say not a word of this to my old father Murmuring streams soft shades and springing flowers Lutes Laurells Seas of Milk and ships of Amber Ex. Scene opening discovers a Scaffold and a Wheel prepar'd 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 yeâ— Father Why are you so obstinate Peirr. Why you so troublesome that a poor wretch cannot dye 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'r broke Peace with 't yet by cruel murthers Rapine or perjury or vile deceiving But liv'd in moral Justice towards all men Nor am a foe to the most strong believers How e'r my own short-sighted Faith confine me Fath. But an all-seeing Judge Peir You say my conscience Must be mine accuser I have search'd that Conscience And find no records there of crimes that scâ—e me Fath. 'T is strange you should want faith Peir You want to lead My Reason blindfold like a hamper'd Lion Check'd of its nobler vigour then when baited Down to obedient tameness make it couch And shew strange tricks which you call signs of Faith So silly Souls are gull'd and you get money Away no more Captain I would hereafter This fellow write no lyes 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 Betray'd by my vile falsehood to his ruine 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 injur'd face That always us'd 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 Armes 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 journy Jaff. Good I am the vilest creature worse than e'r Suffer'd the shamefull Fate thou art going to taste of Why was I sent for to be us'd thus kindly Call call me villain as I am describe The foul complexion of my hatefull deeds Lead 〈◊〉 to the Rack and stretch me in thy stead I 've crimes enough to give it its full load And doe 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 â—riends are dead already Jaff. Dead Peir Yes dead Jaffeir they 've all dy'd like men too Worthy their Character Jaff. And what must I doe Peir Oh Jaffeir Jaff. Speak aloud thy burthen'd Soul And tell thy troubles to thy torâ—ur'd friend Peir Friend Could'st thou yet be a Friend a generous friend I might hope Comfort from thy noble sorrows Heav'n knows I want a Friend Jaff. And I a kind one That would not thus scorâ— my repenting Vertue Or think when he is to dye my thoughts are idle Peirr. No! live I charge thee Jaffeir Jaff. Yes I will live But it shall be to see thy fall reveng'd At such a raâ—e as Venice long shall groan for Peirr. Wilt thou Jaff. I will by Heav'n 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 satisfie thy doubtings Peir Curse on this weakness He weeps Jaff. Tears Amazement Teaâ—s I never saw thee melted thus â—efore And know there 's something â—'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 Souldier who hâ— liv'd with Honour Fought Nations Quarreâ— and bin Crown'd with Conquest Be expos'd a common Caâ— on a Wheel Jaff. Hah 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 â—o 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 betray'd me doe me some way Justice Jaff. No more of that Thy wishes shall be â—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. Hah 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 dye 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 â—ving bound him Jaff. Have at thee Thou honest heart then here Sâ—bs 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 deceiv'd the Senate Jaff. Bravely Peir Ha ha ha oh oh Dies Jaff. Now ye curs'd Rulers Thus of the blood y'have shed I make Libation And sprinkl't mingling May it rest upon you And all your Race Be henceâ—orth 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 blest her And the dear little Infant left behind me I am sick I 'm quiet Jaff. dyes Offic. Bear this news to the Senate And guard their Bodies till there 's farther order Heav'n grant I dye so well Scene shuts upon them Soft Musick Enter Belvidera distracted led by two of her Women Prinli and Servants Prin. Strengthen her heart with Patience pitying Heav'n Belv. 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 shallnot Whip your ill nature get you gone then oh Jaffeir'â— Ghoâ— rises Are you râ—n'd See Father here he 's come agen Am I to blame to love him oh thou dear one Ghost sinks Why do you fly me are you angry still then Jafâ—eir where art thou Father why do you doe 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 my self 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 shamefull death stab'd Peirre and next himself Both fell together Prin. Daughter The Ghosts of Jaff. and Peir rise together both bloody Bel. Hah look there 〈◊〉 My Husband bloody and his friend too Murther Who has done this speak to me thou sad Vision Ghosts sink On these poor trembling Knees I beg it Vanisht 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 dyes Maid She 's dead Breathless and dead Prin. Then guard me from the sight on 't Lead me into some place that 's fit for mourning Where the free Air Light and the chearfull 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 * The Rascal that out the Duke of York's Picture
to spare me Jaff. I 'm thinking Pierrè how that damn'd starving Quality Call'd Honesty got footing in the World Pierr Why pow'rfull Villainy first set it up For its own ease and safety Honest men Are the soft easy Cushions on which Knaves Repose and satten Were all mankind Villains They 'd starve each other Lawyers wou'd want practice Cut-Throats Rewards Each man would kill his Brother Himself none would be paid or hang'd 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 uncontroul'd above their Betters Jaff. Then Honesty is but a Notion Pierr Nothing else Like wit much talkt of not to be defin'd He that pretends to most too has least share in 't 'T is 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 fac'd Villain as thou seest me 'T is true I pay my debts when they 'r contracted I steal from no man would not cut a Throat To gain admission to a great man's purse Or a Whores bed I 'de 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's of my fellow Creatures And own my self a Man To see our Senators Cheat the deluded people with a shew Of Liberty which yet they ne'r 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 hold's 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 Domestick spoilers That makes us slaves and tells us 't is 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 'de so fixt my heart upon her That wheresoe're I sram'd a Scheme of Life For time to come she was my only Joy With which I wish't to sweeten future Cares I fancy'd 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 sayl'd in and spoyl'd 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 I who beleiv'd no Ill could e're 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 Lambâ—kin Barely to keep him warm That filthy Cuckoo too Was in my absence crept into my Nest And spoyling all my Brood of noble Pleasure Jaff. Didst thou not chace him thence Pierr I did and drove The rank old bearded Hirco stinking home The matter was complain'd of in the Senate I summon'd to appear and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 For violating something they call priviledge This was the Recompence of my service Would l'd been rather beaten by a Coward A Souldier's Mistress 〈◊〉 his Religion When that 's prophan'd all other Tyes are broken That even dissolves all former bonds of service And from that hour I think my self as free To be the Foe as e're the Friend of Venice Nay Dear Revenge when e're 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 Publick 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 might'st 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. Curst be the Cause though I thy friend be part on 't Let me partake the troubles of thy bosom For I am us'd to misety and perhaps May find a way to sweeten't to thy spirit Pierr Too soon it will reach thy knowledg Jaff. Then from thee Let it proceed There 's Virtue in thy Friendship Would make the saddest Tâ—le of sorrow pleasing Strengthen my Constâ—ncy and welcome Ruin Pierr Then thou art ruin'd Jaff. That I long finee knew I and ill Fortune have been long Acquaintance Pierr I past this very moment by thy dores 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 sign'd it Here stood a Ruffian with a horrid face Lording it o're a pile of maâ—y Plate Tumbled into a heap for publick sale There was another making villainous jests At thy undoing he had ta'ne possession Of all thy antient most domestick Ornaments Rich hangings intermixt and wrought with gold The very bed which on thy wedding night Receiv'd 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 Heav'n Pierr Thank Heav'n 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 doom'd to Banishment came weeping forth Shining through Tears like April Sun 's in showers That labour to orecome the Cloud that loads â—m Whilst two young Virgins on whose Arms she lean'd Kindly lookt up and at her Grief grew sad As if they catch't the Sorrows that fell from her Even the lewd Rabble that were gather'd round To see the sight stood mute when they beheld her Govern'd their roaring throats and grumbled pity I cou'd have hugg'd the
〈◊〉 Pleasures from 'em Pierr Much good may 't do you Madam with your Senator Aquil. My Senator why can'st thou think that Wretch E're fill'd thy 〈◊〉 Arms with Pleasure 〈◊〉 Think'st thou because I sometimes give him leave To foyle himself at what 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for Because I force my self 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 Pennance The worst thing an old Man can be 's a Lover A meer 〈◊〉 Mori to poor woman I never lay by his decrepit side But all that night I ponder'd 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 wringing hands attend him to his Grave Fall swooning on his 〈◊〉 Take mad possession Even of the Dismal Vault where he lay bury'd There like the Ephesian Matron dwell till Thou My lovely Soldier comest to my Deliverance Then throwing up my Veil with open Armes 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 prize 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 Currs will be abroad to bite him if you do Aquil. What Friends to meet may I not be of your Council◠Pierr How a Woman ask Questions out of Bed Go to your Senator ask him what passes Amongst his Brethren hee 'l hide nothing from you But pump not me for Politicks No more Give order that whoever in my name Comes here receive Admittance so good night Aquil. Must we ne're meet again Embrace no more Is Love so soon and ulterly forgotten Pierr As you hence-forward treat your Fool 〈◊〉 think on 't Aquil. Curst be all Fools and doubly curst my self The worst of Fools I die if he forsakes me And now to keep him Heav'n or Hell instruct me Exeunt SCENE The Ryalto 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 't is 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 my self Have wander'd out at this dead time of Night To meet the Foe of Mankind in his wall◠Sure I am so Curst that tho' of Heav'n forsaken No Minister of Darkness cares to Tempt me Hell Hell why sleepest thou Enter Pierre Pierr Sure I have stay'd too long The Clock has struck and I may lose my Proselyt◠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're 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 Mechanick 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 lodg'd her privately 'till I see farther What Fortune will do with me Prithee Friend If thou would'st 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 Friends Wife well And no harm done Jaff. Y' are merry Pierre Pierr I am 〈◊〉 Thou shalt smile too and Belvidera smile We 'll all rejoy◠here 's something to buy Pins Marriage is Chargeable Jaff. I but half wisht To see the Devil and he 's here already Well! What must this buy Rebellion Murder Treason Tell me which way I must be damn'd for this Pierr When last we parted we had no qualms like these But entertain'd each others thoughts like Men Whose Souls were well acquainted Is the World Reform'd since our last meeting What new miracles Have happen'd Has Priuli's heart relented Can he be honest Jaff. Kind Heav'n 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 could'st thou not As well my Friend have stretcht the Curse to all The Senate round as to one single Villain Jaff. But Curses stiek not Could I kill with Cursing By Heav'n I know not thirty Heads in Venice Should not be blasted Senators should not Like Dogs on Dunghills but their Wives and Daughters Dye 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 dispos'd in honest hands in Venice Jaff. Thou talk'st in Clouds Pierr But yet a Heart half wrong'd As thine has bin 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 cherisht To a nobler purpose l'd be that Friend But thou hast better Friends Friends whom thy Wrong Have made thy Friends Friends worthy to be call'd so I 'l trust thee with a secret There are Spirits This hour at work But as thou art a Man Whom I have pickt 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 would'st bind me is there need of Oaths Green-sickness Girls lose Maiden-heads 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 would'st 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 enterprize 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
Hypocrisie in 't Wee 'l do the Business and ne'r 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 sequestred Fortunes heal'd again I shall be freed from opprobrious Wrongs That press me now and bend my Spirit downward All Venice free and every growing Merit Succeâ—d toits just Right Fools shall be pull'd From Wisdoms Seat those baleful unclean Birds Those Lazy-Wols who 〈◊〉 near Fortunes Top Sit only watchful with their heavy Wings To cuff down new fledg'd Virtues that would rise To nobler heights and make the Grove harmonious Jaff. What can I do Pierr Cans't 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 Pow'rs above and ill below By Love and Friendship dearer than my Life No Pow'r or Death shall make me false to thee Pierr Here we embrance and I 'l unlock my Heart A Councel's held hard by where the destruction Of this great Empire's hatching There I 'l 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 er'e thou see'st my fears Betry me less to rip this Heart of mine Out of my Breast and shew it for a Cowards Come let 's begone 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 Curtezan Enter Renault Renault Why was my choice Ambition the first ground A Wretch can build onâ— 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 Heav'n But we ne're think how sandy's 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 turn'd the ballance And weighs up Morning Has the Clock struck Twelve Rena Yes Clocks will go as they are set But Man Irregular Man 's ne're constant never certain I 've spent at least three prâ—tious hours of darkness In waiting dull attendance 't is the Curse Of diligent Virtue to be mixt like mine With giddy Tempers Souls but half resolv'd 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 Embassador Theodore Brainveil Durand Brabe Revellido Mezzana Ternon Retrosi Conspirators Bedam At difference fy Is this a time for quarrels Thieves 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 Haâ—d 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 had'st Vertne I have seen Thy stubborn Temper bend with godlike Goodness Not half thus courted 'T is thy Nations Glory To hugg the Foe that offers brave 〈◊〉 Once more embrace my Friends 〈◊〉 all embrace United thus we are the mighty Engin 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 ruine 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 prophesy'd of thee Pierr Friends was not Brutus I mean that Brutus who in open Senate Stabb'd the first Caesar that usurp'd the World A Gallant Man Rena Yes and Catâ— too Tho story wrong his Fame for he conspir'd 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 Wee 'l die with Bedamorâ— Beda Oh Men Matchless as wiâ— your Glory be hereafter The Game is for a Matchless Prize if won If lost disgraceful Ruine Ren. What can lose it 〈◊〉 The publick Stock 's a Beggar one 〈◊〉 Trusts not another Look into their Stores Of general safety Empty Magazines A tatter'd Fleeâ— a murmuring unpaid Army Bankrupt Nobility a harrast 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 loose 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 Rowt whom smarting will make humble Turn out their droning Senate and possess That Seat of Empire which our Souls were fram'd 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 starv'd them in its service And by your bounty quicken'd they 're resolv'd To serve your Glory and revenge their own Th' have all their different Quarters in this City Watch for th' Alarm and grumble 't is so tardy Beda I doubt not Friend but thy unweary'd diligence Has still kept waking and it shall have ease After this Night it is resolv'd we meet Nomore ' â—ll Venice own us for her Lords Pierr How lovely the Adriatique Whore Drest 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
wâ—lls again without my leave for his Admittaâ—ce you sâ—king Rogues I 'l have you â—oison'd all poison'd like Râ— every Corner of the house shall stink of one of you 〈◊〉 and lâ— hereafter to â—now my pleasure So now 〈◊〉 my â—tre Thus when Godlike 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 We Sacrufuc◠〈◊〉 Fool 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Exeunt SCENE The Second 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—elvid I 'm 〈◊〉 I am â—old betray'd to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ruin has inclos'd me No sooneâ— was I to my bed reâ—d To weigh and wâ—ing 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 But the old ho◠〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 My Peace and Honou◠〈◊〉 〈◊〉 câ— Like Tarqâ—in gastely with 〈◊〉 Lust. Oh thou Ro◠〈◊〉 thou could'st find friends to vindicaâ— thy Wrong I never had but one and he 's prov'd false He that should gâ—d 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 me undone me Oh tâ— I 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 him Where shall I go Oh 〈◊〉 whither 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Jaff. Can â—lvidera want a resting place When these poor 〈◊〉 are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Oh 't is in vain to struggle with Dâ— Strong as my Love to thee 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 moment I am from thy sight the Hâ—rt 〈◊〉 my 〈◊〉 Moans like a tender Inâ—t iâ— i◠〈◊〉 Whose Nurse had lâ— it 〈◊〉 and wâ— the Songs Of gentle Love perswade iâ— to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Relvid I fear the stubborn 〈◊〉 will not own me 'T is grown a Rebel to be 〈◊〉 do longâ— Scorâ—ns the Indulgeâ— Boâ— that 〈◊〉 â—ll'd it And like a Disobedieâ— Child â—dains The soft Authority of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 There was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Yes yes thâ— wasâ— time When 〈◊〉 's tears her crys and sorrows Were not deâ— when if the chanc'd to 〈◊〉 Or look but â—d there was indeed a time When 〈◊〉 would have 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in his Arms Eas'd her declining Head upon his Breast And never left her 'till he found the Cause But let her now w◠〈◊〉 Cry 'till she rend the Earth sigh 'till she burst Her heart asunder still he bears it all Deaf as the Wind and as the Rocks unshaken Jaff. Have I been deaf am I that Rock unmov'd Against whose root Tâ—s beat and sighes aâ—e 〈◊〉 In vain have I 〈◊〉 thy Sorrows 〈◊〉 Witness against me Heav'â—s have I done thisâ— Then bear me in a Whirl wind back agen And let that angry dear one ne're forgive me Oh thou too rashly 〈◊〉 of my Love Could'st thou but 〈◊〉 â—ow I have 〈◊〉 this night Dark and alone no pâ—ow to my Heâ—d Rest in my Eyes nor quiet in my Heart Thou would'st not Belvidera sure thou would◠〈◊〉 Talk to me thus but like a pâ—tying Angel Spreading thy 〈◊〉 come settle on my breast And hatch warm comfort there eâ—re sorrows freeze it Belv. Why then poor 〈◊〉 in what baleful Corâ— Hast thou been talking with that Witch the Night On what cold stone hast 〈◊〉 been stretcht along Gathering the grumbling â—ds about thy Head To mix with theirs the Accents of thy Woes Oh now I â—d the Cause my Love forsakes me I am no longer fit to bear a share In his Concernments My weak female Viâ—ue Must not be trusted 'T is too â—ail and tendâ—r Jaff. Oh 〈◊〉 Porcia What a Soul was thine Belv. That 〈◊〉 was a Woman and when 〈◊〉 Big with the fate of 〈◊〉 Heav'n guard thy safety Conceal'd from her the Labours of his Mind She let him see hâ— Blood was great as his Flow'd from a Spring as noble and a Heart Fit to partake his Troubles as his Lâ—ve 〈◊〉 fetch that Dâ—gger back the 〈◊〉 dower Thou gav'st last night in parting with me strilâ— it Here to my heart and as the Blood flows from iâ— Judge if it run not 〈◊〉 as 〈◊〉 Daâ—ghter's Jaff. Thou â—rt too good and I indeed unworthy Unworthy so much 〈◊〉 Teach me how I may deserve such matcâ—less Love as thine And see with what attention I 'l obey thee Belv. Do not despise me that 's the All I ask Jaff. Despise thee Hear me Belv. Oh thy charming Tongue Is but too well acquainted with my weakness Knows let it name but Love my melting heart Dissolves within my Breâ—st 'till with 〈◊〉 Eyes I reel into thy Arms and all 's forgotten Jaff. What shall I do Belv. Tell me be just and tell me Why dwells that busy Cloud upon thy face Why am I made a 〈◊〉 why that 〈◊〉 And I not know the Cauâ— Why when the World Is wrapt in Rest why chooses then my Love To wander up and down in horrid darkness Loathing his bed and these desiring Arms Why are those Eyâ— Blood shot with tedious watching Why starts 〈◊〉 now and looks as if he 〈◊〉 His Fate were 〈◊〉 ' Tell me ease my 〈◊〉 Least when we next time meet I want the power To search into the sickness of thy Mind But talk as wildly then as thou look'st now Jaff. Oh Betviderâ— â—elv Why was I last night deliver'd to a Villain Jaff. Hah a Villain Belv. Yes to a Villain Why at such an hour Meets that assembly all made up of Wretches That look as Helâ—ad had drawn 'em into League Why I in this hand and in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Dagger Was I deliver'd with such dreâ— Ceremonies `` To you Sirs and to your Honour I be â—th â—er `` And with her this When e're I prove â—worthy `` You know the rest then strike it to her Heart Oh! why 's that rest conceal'd from me must I Be made the hostage oâ— a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 For such I know I am that 's all my value But by the Love and Loyalty I owe thee I 'l free thee from the Bondage of these Slaves Strait to the Senate tell 'em all I know All that I think all that my fears inform me Jaff. Is this the Roman Virtue this the Blood That boasts its purity with Cato's Daughter Would she have e're betray'd her Brutus Belv. No For Brutus trusted her Wer't thou so kind What would not Belvidera suffer for thee Jaff. I shall undo my self and â—ell thee all Belv. Look not upon me as I am a Woman But as a Bone thy Wife thy Friend who long Has had admission to thy heart and there Study'd the Virtues of thy gallant Nature Thy Constancy thy Courage and thy Truth Have been my daily â—esson I have learnt them Am bold as thou can suffer or despise The worst of Fates for thee and with thee share them Jaff. Oh you divinest Powers look down and hear My Prayers instruct me to reward this Virtue Yet think a litt◠〈◊〉 thou tempt me further Think I have a Tale to tell will shake thy Nature Melt all this boasted Constancy thou talk'st oâ— Into vile tears and despicable sorrows Then if thou should'st betray me Beâ— Shall 〈◊〉 â—wear Jaff. No do not swear I would not violate Thy tender Nature with so rude a Bond But as thou hop'st to see me live my days And love thee long lock this within thy Breast I 've bound my self by all the strictest Sacraments Divine and humane Belv. Speak Jaff. To kill thy Father Beâ—v My
Father Jaff. Nay the Throats of the whole Senate Shall bleed my Beâ—videra He amongst 〈◊〉 That spares his Father Brother or his â—riend Is Damn'd How rich and beauteous will the face Of Ruin look when these wide streetâ— run blood I and the glorious Partner's of my Fortune Shouting and striding o're the prostrate Dead Still to new waste whilst thou far off in safety Smiling shalt see the wonders of our daring And when night comes with Praise and Love recâ—ive me Belv. Oh! Jaff. Have a care and shrink not even in thought For if thou do 〈◊〉 Belv. I know it thou wilt kill me Do strike thy Sword into this bosom Lay me Dead on the Earth and then thou wilt be safe Murder my Father tho his Cruel Nature Has persecuted me to my undoing Driven me to basest wants Can I behold him With smiles of Vengeance butcher'd in his Age The sacred â—ountain of my life destroy'd And canst thou shed the blood â—hat gave me being Nay be a Traitor too and sell thâ— Countâ— Can thy great Heart deâ—cend so 〈◊〉 low Mix with hired Slaves â—ravoes and Common stabbers Nose-slitters Ally-lurking Villians joyn With such a Crew and take a 〈◊〉 Wages To cut the Throâ— of 〈◊〉 as they 〈◊〉 Jaff. Thou wrong 〈◊〉 me 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 With Men of Souls 〈◊〉 to reform the ills Of all Mankind There 's not a Heart 〈◊〉 them But 's as stout as Death yet honest as the Nature Of Man first made e're Fraud and Vice were fashions Belv. What 's he to whose curst hands last night thou 〈◊〉 me Was that well done Oh! I could tell a story Would rowse thy Lyon Heart out of its Den And make it rage with terrifying fury Jaff. Speak on I 〈◊〉 tâ—ee Belv. Oh my 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Thy Belvidera's Peace 〈◊〉 thy Care Remove me from this place Last nighâ— last night Jaff. Distract me not but give me all the Truth Belv. No sooner wer't thou 〈◊〉 and I alone Left in the pow'r 〈◊〉 that old Son of Mischief No sooner was I 〈◊〉 on my sad Bed But that vile Wretch approacht me loose unbutton'd Read for violation 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Heart Throbb'd with its â—ears Oh how I wept and 〈◊〉 And shrunk and trembled 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 for him That should protect me Thou alas were gone Jaff. Patience sweet Heav'n 'till I make vengeance sure Belv. He drew the hideous Dagger forth thou gav'st him And with upbraâ—ding smiles he said behold it This is the pledge of a false Husbands love And in my Arms then prest and wou'd have clasp'd me But with my Cries I scar'd his Coward heart 'Till he withdrew and mutter'd vows to Hell These are thy Friends with these thy Life thy Honour Thy Love all 's stak't and all will go to ruine Jaff. No more I charge thee keep this secret close Clear up thy sorrows look as if thy wrongs Were all forgot and treat him like a Friend As no complaint were made No more retire Retire my Life and doubt not of my Honour I 'l heal its failings and deserve thy Love Belv. Oh should I part with thee I fear thou wilt In Anger leave me and return no more Jaff. Return no more I would not live without thee Another Night to purchase the Creation Belv. When shall we meet again Jaff. Anon at Twelve I 'l steal my self to thy expecting Arms Come like a Travell'd Dove and bring thee Peace Belv. Indeed Jaff. By all our loves Belv. 'T is hard to part But sure no falsehood e're lookt so fairly Farewell Remember Twelve Ex 〈◊〉 Jaff. Let Heav'n forget me When I remember not thy Truth thy Love How curst is my Condition toss'd and justl'd From every Corner Fortune's Common Fool The jest of Rogues an Instrumental Ass For Villains to lay loads of Shame upon And drive about just for their ease and scorn Enter Pierre Pierr Jaffeir Jaff. Who calls Pierr A Friend that could have wisht T' have found thee otherwise imploy'd what hunt A Wife on the dull â—oil sure a stanch Husband Of all Hounds is the dullest wilt thou never Never be wean'd from Câ—â—dles and Confections What feminine Tale hast thou been listening to Of unayr'd shirts Catharrs and Tooth Ash got By thin-sol'd shoos Damnation that a Fellow Chosen to be a Sharer in the Destruction Of a whole People should sneak thus in Corners To ease his fulsom Lusts and Fool his Mind Jaff. May not a Man then trifle out an hour With a kind Woman and not wrong his calling Pierr Not in a Cause like ours Jaff. Then Friend our Cause Is in a damn'd condition for I 'l tell thee That Canker-worm call'd Letchery has toucht it 'T is tainted vilely would'st thou think it Renault That mortify'd old wither'd Winter Rogue Loves simple Fornication like a Priest I found him out for watering at my Wife He visited her last night like a kind Guardian Faith she has some Temptations that 's the truth on 't Pierr He durst not wrong his Trust Jaff. 'T was something late tho To take the freedome of a Ladies Chamber Pierr Was she in bed Jaff. Yes faith in Virgin sheets White as her bosom Pierre disht neatly up Might tempt a weaker appetite to taste Oh how the old Fox stunk I warrant thee When the rank fit was on him Pierr Patience guide me He us'd no Violence Jaff. No no! out on 't violence Play'd with her neck brusht her with his Gray-beard Struggl'd and towz'd tickl'd her 'till she squeak'd a little May be or so but not a jot of Violence Pierr Damn him Jaff. Ay so say I but hush no more on 't All hitherto is well and I believe My self no Monster yet Tho no Man knows What Fate he 's born to sure 't is near the hour We all should meet for our concluding 〈◊〉 Will the Ambassador be here in person Pierr No he has sent Commission to that Villain 〈◊〉 To give the 〈◊〉 Charge I 'd have thee be a Man if 〈◊〉 And keep thy temper 〈◊〉 a brave 〈◊〉 Ne're comes too late Jaff. Fear not I am cool as Patience Had he compleated my dishonour rather Then hazard the 〈◊〉 our hopes are ripe for I 'd bear it all 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Pierr He 's 〈◊〉 coming this way through the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 seem full Jaff. Prithee retire and leave me With him alone I 'l put him to some tryal See how his rotten part will bear the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Be careful then Ex. 〈◊〉 Jaff. Nay never doubt but trust me What be a Devil take a Damning Oath For shedding 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 can there be a 〈◊〉 In merciful repentance 〈◊〉 this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Renault Renault 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 what a slave is Man To let his itching flesh thus get the better of him Dispatch the Tool her Husband that we 're well Who 's there 〈◊〉 A Man Ren. My Friend my near Ally The hostage of your faith my beauteous Charge is very well Jaff. Sir are you sure of that Stands she in perfect
Captain withdraw your Prisoner Jaff. Sir if possible Lead me where my own thoughts themselves may lose me Where I may doze out what I 've left of life Forget my self and this days guilt and falsehood Cruel remembrance how shall 〈◊〉 appeaâ—e 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 Dores Enter Officer Offic. My Lords more 〈◊〉 Seiz'd in the very act of Confultation Furnish'd with Arms and Instruments of mischief Bring in the prisoners Enter Peirre Renault Theodore Elliot Revillido and other 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 guarded Peirr. You my Lords and Fathers As you are pleas'd to call your selves of Venice If you sit here to guide the course of Justice Why these disgracefull chains upon the limbs That have so often labour'd 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 hang'd too I hope Peirr. Are these the Trophies I 've deserv'd for fighting Your Battels with confederated Powers When winds and Seas 〈◊〉 to overthrow you And brought the Fleets of Spain to your own Harbours When you great Duke 〈◊〉 tâ—mbling in your Palace And saw your Wiâ—e 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 plough'd Like a lew'd Whore by bolder Prows than yours Stept not I forth and taught your loose Venetians The task of honour and the way to greatness Rais'd you from your capitulating 〈◊〉 To stipulate the terms of 〈◊〉 for peace And this my recompence 〈◊〉 I am a Traitor Produce my charge or shew 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 Vertue 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 then Our Fate has conquer'd us and we must fall Why droops the man whose welfare's so much miâ—e 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 veryest slave That e'r betray'd a generous trusting friend And gave up honour to be sure of ruine All our fair hopes which morning was to have crown'd Has this curst tongue â—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 Senates mercy Peirr. Curst be your Senâ— Curst your Constitution The Curse of growing factions and division Still vex your Councils shake your publick sasety And make the Robes of Government you wear Hatefull 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 shamefull bonds but honourable death Duke Break up the Council Captain guard your prisoners Jaffeir y' are free but these must wait for judgment Ex. all the Senators Peirr. Come where 's my Dungeon lead me to my straw It will not be the first time I 've lodg'd hard To doe your Senate service Jaff. Hold one moment Peirr. Who 's he disputes the Judgment of the Senate Presumptuous Rebel on Strikes Jaff. Jaff. By Heaven you stir not I must be heard I must have leave to speak Thou hast disgrac'd 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 injurâ—s 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 God-like nature in thee Listen with mildness to my 〈◊〉 Peirr. What whining Monk 〈◊〉 thou what holy cheat That wou'dst encroach upon my credulous ears And cant'st thus vilely hence I know thee not Dissemble and be nasty leave me Hippoâ— Jaff. Not know 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Peirr. No know the not what art 〈◊〉 Jaff. Jaffeir thy friend thy once lov'd valu'd friend Though now deservedly scorn'd and 〈◊〉 most hardly Peirr. Thou Jaffeir Thou my once lov'd valu'd friend By Heavens thou ly'st 〈◊〉 man 〈◊〉 call'd 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 thâ— and all 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 thee Prithee avoid nor longer cling thus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Like something banefull that my nature 's chill'd at Jaff. I have not wrong'd 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 shun me nor 〈◊〉 heart Detest me utterly Oh look upon me Look back and fee my sad 〈◊〉 subâ—on How my heart swells as even 't would burst my bosom Fond of its Gaol and labouring to be at thee What shall I doe what say to make thee hear me Peirr. Hast thou not wrong'd me dar'st thou call thy self Jaffeir that once lov'd valued friend of mine And swear thou hast not wrong'd 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 asking Peirr. What 's that Jaff. To take thy life on such conditions The Council have propos'd Thou and thy friends May yet live long and to be better treated Peirr. Life ask my life confess record my self A villain for the privilege to breath And carry up and down this cursed City A discontented and repining spirit Burthensome to it self 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 onely 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 thy self at least thou' rt reconcil'd 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 Ly at thy feet and kiss'em though they spurn me Till wounded by my sufferings thou relent And raise me to thy armes 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 't is to me that 's granted The safety of thy life was all I aim'd at In recompence for faith and trust so broken Peirr. I scorn it more because preserv'd by thee And as when first my foolish heart took pity On thy misfortunes sought thee in thy miseries Reliev'd thy wants and rais'd thee from thy State Of wretchedness in which thy fate had plung'd thee To rank thee in my list of noble friends All I receiv'd in surety for thy truth Were unregarded oaths and this this dagger Given with a worthless pledge thou since hast stoln So I restore it back to thee again Swearing by all those powers which thou hast violated Never from this curs'd 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 t is what I 'm tir'd with Jaff. Oh Peirre Peirr. No more Jaff. My eyes won't lose the sight of thee But languish after thine and ake 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 remembred with this dagger I gave a solemn vow of dire importance Parted with this and Belvidera together Have a care Mem'ry 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 call'd Traitor Villain Coward dishonourable coward fogh Oh for a long sound sleep and so forget it Down busie 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 us'd 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 burthen Creep with a remnant of that strength th'have left Before the footstool of that Heaven th'have injur'd Oh Belvidera I 'm the wretchedst creature E'r crawl'd on earth now if thou hast Vertue help me Take me into thy Armes and speak the words of peace To my divided Soul that wars within me And raises every Sense to my confusion By Heav'n I am tottering on the very brink Of Peace and thou art all the hold I 've left Bel. Alass I know thy sorrows are most mighty I know th' hast cause to mourn to mourn my Jaffeir With endless cries and never ceasing wailings Th' hast 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 rejoyc'd in Has us'd me like a slave shamefully us'd me 'T would break thy pitying heart to hear the story What shall I doe resentment indignation Love pity fear and mem'ry how I 've wrong'd him Distract my quiet with the very thought on 't And tear my heart to pieces in my bosome Bel. What has he done Jaff. thou 'dst hate me should I tell thee Bel. Why Jaff. Oh he has us'd me yet by Heaven I bear it He has us'd me Belvidera but first swear That when I 've told thee thou 'lt not loath 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 aâ—iction Not scorn me Belvidera as he has done Bel. Have I then e'r 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 complainings 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'r yet his Guards had led him to his prison Full of severest sorrows for his suff'rings With eyes o'rflowing and a bleeding heart Humbling my self almost beneath my nature As at his feet I kneel'd and fu'd for mercy Forgetting all our friendship all the dearness In which w'have liv'd so many years together With a reproachfull hand he dash'd a blow He struck me Belvidera by Heaven he struck me Buffeted call'd me Traitor Villain Coward Am I a Coward am I a Villain tell me Th' art 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 doe to morrow Jaff. Hah Bel. To morrow When thou shalt see him stretch'd in all the Agonies Of a tormenting and a shamefull death His bleeding bowels and his broken limbs Insulted or by a vile butchering villain What will thy heart doe then Oh sure 't will stream Like my eyes now Jaff. What means thy dreadfull story Death and to morrow broken limbs and bowels Insulted o'r 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 't is they 've decree'd it They say according to our friends request They shall have death and not ignoble bondage Declare their promis'd mercy all as forfeited False to their oaths and deaf to intercession Warrants are pass'd for publick death to morrow Jaff. Death doom'd to die condemn'd unheard unpleaded Bel. Nay cruel'st 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 disorderd What means my Love Jaff. Leave me I charge thee leave me strong temptationâ— 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 curst hands are they not cold upon thee Bel. No everlasting comfort 's in thy armes To lean thus on thy breast is softer ease Than downy pillows deck'd with leaves of roses Pulls the daggerhalf out of his boâ— and 〈◊〉 it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Jaff. Alas thou thinkest not of the thorns 't is fill'd with Fly e'r they call thee there 's a lurking serpent Ready to leap