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       ACT V.     

      Scene I.—An Apartment in Priuli's House. Enter Priuli, L. Priuli. (L.) Why, cruel Heav'n, have my unhappy days Been lengthened to this sad one? Oh! dishonour, And deathless infamy have fall'n upon me. Was it my fault? Am I a traitor? No. (C.)      But then, my only child, my daughter wedded; [50]     There my best blood runs foul, and a disease Incurable has seized upon my memory. Enter Belvidera in a Mourning Veil, L. Bel. [Speaking as she enters.] He's there, my father, my      inhuman father, That, for three years, has left an only child, Exposed to all the outrages of fate, And cruel ruin!—Oh!—       Priuli. What child of sorrow Art thou, that com'st, wrapt up in weeds of sadness, And mov'st as if thy steps were towards a grave? Bel. (L. C.) A wretch, who, from the very top of happiness, Am fallen into the lowest depths of misery, And want your pitying hand to raise me up again. Priuli. (R. C.) What wouldst thou beg for? Bel. Pity and forgiveness. [Throws up her Veil. By the kind, tender names of child and father, Hear my complaints, and take me to your love. [Kneels. Priuli. My daughter!       Bel. Yes, your daughter; and you've oft told me, With smiles of love, and chaste paternal kisses, I'd much resemblance of my mother. Priuli. Don't talk thus. Bel. Yes, I must: and you must hear, too. I have a husband. Priuli. Damn him! Bel. Oh, do not curse him! He would not speak so hard a word towards you, On any terms, howe'er he deal with me. Priuli. Ah! what means my child? Bel. Oh! my husband, my dear husband, Carries a dagger in his once kind bosom, To pierce the heart of your poor Belvidera! Priuli. Kill thee! Bel. Yes, kill me. When he passed his faith And covenant against your state and 

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