Venice Preserved: A Tragedy
To lose it, may be at last, in a lewd quarrel
For some new friend, treacherous and false as thou art!
No, this vile world and I have long been jangling,
And cannot part on better terms than now,
When only men, like thee, are fit to live in't.

_Jaf._ By all that's just--

_Pier._ Swear by some other power,
For thou hast broke that sacred oath too lately.

_Jaf._ Then, by that hell I merit, I'll not leave thee,
Till, to thyself, at least thou'rt reconciled,
However thy resentment deal with me.

_Pier._ Not leave me!

_Jaf._ No; thou shalt not force me from thee.
Use me reproachfully, and like a slave;
Tread on me, buffet me, heap wrongs on wrongs
On my poor head; I'll bear it all with patience
Shall weary out thy most unfriendly cruelty:
Lie at thy feet, and kiss 'em, though they spurn me;
Till, wounded by my sufferings, thou relent,
And raise me to thy arms, with dear forgiveness.

_Pier._ Art thou not--

_Jaf._ What?

_Pier._ A traitor?

_Jaf._ Yes.

_Pier._ A villain?

_Jaf._ Granted.

_Pier._ A coward, a most scandalous coward;
Spiritless, void of honour; one who has sold

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