grove harmonious. Jaf. What can I do? [Crosses to R. D. Pierre. Canst thou not kill a senator? Jaf. By all my wrongs, thou talk'st as if revenge Were to be had! and the brave story warms me.       [Crosses, L. Pierre. Swear, then! Jaf. I do, [Kneels, L. C.] by all those glittering stars, And yon great ruling planet of the night! By all good spirits above, and ill below! [20]     By love and friendship, dearer than my life, No power, nor death, shall make me false to thee! Pierre. 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'rt to mix with men Fit to disturb the peace of all the world, And rule it when tis wildest. Jaf. I give thee thanks For this kind warning. Yes, I'll be a man; And charge thee, Pierre, whene'er thou see'st my fears Betray me less, to rip this heart of mine Out of my breast, and show it for a coward's. Come, let's be gone, for from this hour I chase All little thoughts, all tender human follies, Out of my bosom: vengeance shall have room—      Revenge! [Going, R. Pierre. And liberty! Jaf. Revenge! revenge! [Exeunt, r 

[17]

[18]

[19]

[20]

      Scene II.—A Room in the House of Aquilina. Enter Renault, L. S. E. Ren. (C.) Why was my choice ambition The worst ground A wretch can build on! 'tis, indeed, at distance, A goodly prospect, tempting to the view; The height delights us, and the mountain top Looks beautiful, because 'tis nigh to heaven; But we ne'er think how sandy's the foundation, What storm will batter, and what tempest shake us. Who's there ]       Enter Spinosa, L. Spin. (L. C.) 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? Ren. (R.) 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, [21]     With giddy tempers, souls but half resolved. Spin. (L.) Hell seize that soul amongst us it can frighten! Ren. (C.) What's then the cause that I am here alone? Why are we not together? Enter Elliot, L. Oh, sir, welcome! You are an Englishman: when treason's 

 Prev. P 16/42 next