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,— [25]     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 

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