Venice Preserved: A Tragedy in Five Acts
senate, He gave me up a hostage for his truth:      With me a dagger, and a dire commission, Whene'er he failed, to plunge it through this bosom I learnt the danger, chose the hour of love [51]     T' attempt his heart, and bring it back to honour. Great love prevailed, and blessed me with success! He came, confessed, betrayed his dearest friends, For promised mercy. Now, they're doomed to suffer! Galled with remembrance of what then was sworn, If they are lost, he vows t' appease the gods With this poor life, and make my blood th' atonement. Priuli. Heavens! Bel. If I was ever then your care, now hear me! Fly to the senate, save the promised lives Of his dear friends, ere mine be made the sacrifice. Priuli. Oh, my heart's comfort! Bel. Will you not, my father? Weep not, but answer me. Priuli. By Heav'n, I will! Not one of them but what shall be immortal! Canst thou forgive me all my follies past? I'll henceforth be indeed a father! never, Never more, thus expose, but cherish thee, Dear as the vital warmth that feeds my life:      Dear as these eyes, that weep in fondness o'er thee:      Peace to thy heart. Farewell! Bel. Go, and remember,      'Tis Belvidera's life her father pleads for!       [Exeunt Priuli, R., Belvidera, L. 

[50]

[51]

      Scene II.—The Rialto. Enter Captain—Muffled Drums—Guards—Executioner with Axe—Renault—Spinosa—-Elliot—Theodore—      Durand—Mezzana—Pierre—Officer—Guards—      They all pass over the Stage, R. to L., and exeunt. 

      Scene III.—A Street. Enter Jaffier, R. Jaf. Final destruction seize on all the world! Bend down, ye Heav'ns, and, shutting round this earth Crush the vile globe into its first confusion! Enter Belvidera, L. Bel. (C.) My life!—  [52]     Jaf. (R. C.) My plague!—       Bel. Ney, then, I see my ruin. If I must die! Jaf. (C.) No, death's this day too busy; Thy father's ill-timed mercy came too late.      ( thank thee for thy labours, though; and him too, But all my poor, betrayed, unhappy friends, Have summons to prepare for fate's black hour. Yet, Belvidera, do not fear my cruelty, Nor let the the thoughts of death perplex thy fancy:      But answer me to what I shall demand, With a firm temper and unshaken spirit. Bel. (L. C.) I will, when I've done weeping—       Jaf. Fie, no more on't! How long is't since the miserable day We wedded first? Bel. Oh! oh! Jaf. Nay, keep in thy tears, Lest 
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