Left in the pow'r of that old son of mischief;  
No sooner was I lain on my sad bed,  
But that vile wretch approach'd me, loose, unbutton'd,  
Ready for violation. Then my heart  
Throbb'd with its fears: Oh, how I wept and sigh'd,  
And shrunk and trembled! wish'd in vain for him  
That should protect me! Thou, alas! wert gone.  
_Jaf._ Patience, sweet heav'n, 'till I make vengeance sure.  
_Bel._ He drew the hideous dagger forth, thou gav'st him,  
And with upbraiding smiles, he said, Behold it:  
This is the pledge of a false husband's love:  
And in my arms then press'd, and would have clasp'd me;  
But with my cries I scar'd his coward heart,  
'Till he withdrew, and mutter'd vows to hell.  
These are thy friends! with these thy life, thy honour,  
Thy love, all stak'd, and all will go to ruin.  
_Jaf._ No more: I charge thee keep this secret close.  
Clear up thy sorrows; look as if thy wrongs  
Were all forgot, and treat him like a friend,  
As no complaint were made. No more; retire,  
Retire, my life, and doubt not of my honour;  
I'll heal its failings, and deserve thy love.  
_Bel._ Oh! should I part with thee, I fear thou wilt  
In anger leave me, and return no more.  
_Jaf._ Return no more! I would not live without thee  
Another night, to purchase the creation.  
_Bel._ When shall we meet again?  
_Jaf._ Anon, at twelve  
I'll steal myself to thy expecting arms:  
Come like a travell'd dove, and bring thee peace.  
_Bel._ Indeed!  
_Jaf._ By all our loves.  
_Bel._ 'Tis hard to part:  
But sure no falsehood ever look'd so fairly.  
Farewell; remember twelve. [_exit.__Jaf._ Let heav'n forget me,  
When I remember not thy truth, thy love.  
_Enter Pierre._  
_Pier._ Jaffier!  
_Jaf._ Who calls?  
_Pier._ A friend, that could have wish'd  

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