swords, for aught I know, drawn ev'n this moment, And the wild waste begun. From unknown hands I had this warning: but, if we are men, Let's not be tamely butchered, but do something That may inform the world in after ages, Our virtue was not ruined, though we were.       [A noise within, L. Capt. [Within] Room, room, make room there for some prisoners! Enter Officer, L. Duke. Speak, speak, there! What disturbance? Officer. A prisoner have the guards seized in the street, Who says, he comes to inform this reverend council About the present danger. Enter Officer, Jaffier Captain, and Guards, L. All. Give him entrance.—[Exit Officer.] Well, who ate you? Jaf. (L.) A villain! Would, every man that hears me, Would deal so honestly, and own his title! Duke. 'Tis rumored, that a plot has been contrived [40]     Against the state, and you've a share in't, too. If you're a villain, to redeem your honour, Unfold the truth, and be restored with mercy. Jaf. Think not, that I to save my life came hither; I know its value better; but in pity To all those wretches, whose unhappy dooms Are fixed and sealed. You see me here before you, The sworn and covenanted foe of Venice:      But use me as my dealings may deserve, And I may prove a friend.       Duke. The slave capitulates; Give him the tortures. Jaf. That, you dare not do:      Your fears won't let you, nor the longing itch To hear a story, which you dread the truth of:      Truth, which the fear of smart shall ne'er'get from me. Cowards are scared with threat'nings; boys are whipped Into confessions: but a steady mind Acts of itself, ne'er asks the body counsel. Give him the tortures!—name but such a thing Again, by heav'n, I'll shut these lips forever! Nor all your racks, your engines, or your wheels, Shall force a groan away, that you may guess at!       [Crosses, M. Duke. Name your conditions. Jaf. (R.) For myself, full pardon, Besides, the lives of two-and-twenty friends, Whose names I have enrolled—Nay, let their crimes Be ne'er so monstrous, I must have the oaths, And sacred promise, of this reverend council, That, in a full assembly of the senate, The thing I ask be ratified. Swear this, And I'll unfold the secrets of your danger. Duke. Propose the oath. Jaf. (C.) By all the hopes You have of peace and happiness hereafter, Swear! Duke. We swear. Jaf. And, as ye keep the oath, May you and your posterity be blessed, Or cursed, forever! Duke. Else be cursed forever  [41]     Jaf. Then here's the list, and 

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