hush, no more on't! Sure it is near the hour We all should meet for our concluding orders:      Will the ambassador be here in person? Pierre. (R. C.) No, he has sent commission to that villain.  [31]     Ren. To give the executing charge:      I'd have thee be a man, if possible, And keep thy temper: for a brave revenge Ne'er comes too late. Jaf. (C.) Fear not; I'm cool as patience. Pierre. He's yonder, coming this way, through the hall:      His thoughts seem full. Jaf. Pr'ythee, retire, and leave me With him alone; I'll put him to some trial; See how his rotten part will bear the touching. Pierre. Be careful, then. Jaf. Nay, never doubt, but trust me.       [Exit Pierre, R. U. E. What! be a devil, take a damning oath For shedding native blood? Can there be sin, In merciful repentance? Oh, this villain! [Retires up, C. Enter Renault, L. U. E. Ren. (L. C.) Perverse and peevish: What a slave is man, To let his itching flesh thus get the better of him! Despatch the tool, her husband—that were well.—      Who's there? Jaf. A man.  [Advancing Ren. My friend, my near ally, The hostage of your faith, my beauteous charge, is very well. Jaf. (R. C.) Sir, are you sure of that! Stands she in perfect health? Beats her pulse even? Neither too hot nor cold? Ren. What means that question! Jaf. Oh! women have fantastic constitutions, Inconstant in their wishes, always wavering, And never fixed. Was it not boldly done, Ev'n at first sight, to trust the thing I loved       (A tempting treasure, too,) with youth so fierce And vigorous as thine? but thou art honest. Ren. Who dares accuse me! Jaf. Cursed be he that doubts Thy virtue! I have tried it, and declare, Were I to choose a guardian of my honour, I'd put it in thy keeping; for I know thee.  [32]     Ren. Know me! Jaf. Ay, know thee.—There's no falsehood in thee; Thou look's just as thou art. Let us embrace.—      Now, wouldst thou cut my throat, or I cut thine! Ren. You dare not do't! Jaf. You lie, sir! Ren. How! Jaf. No more.—      'Tis a base world, and must reform; that's all. Enter Spinosa, Elliot, Theodore, Durand, and Mezzana. Ren. Spinosa, Theodore, you are welcome. Spin. You are trembling, sir. Ren. 'Tis a cold night, indeed; and I am aged; Full of decay, and natural infirmities. We shall be warm, my friends, I hope, to-morrow.       [Renault and Conspirators retire and confer. Enter Pierre, r. Pierre. [To Jaffier.] 'T was not well done; thou shouldst have stroked him, And not have galled him. [Retires to the 

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