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, [23]     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 [24]     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 

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