_Enter Jaffier._

_Jaf._ I'm here; and thus, the shades of night around me, I look as if all hell were in my heart, And I in hell. Nay surely 'tis so with me! — For every step I tread, methinks some fiend Knocks at my breast, and bids me not be quiet. I've heard how desperate wretches, like myself, Have wander'd out at this dead time of night, To meet the foe of mankind in his walk. Sure I'm so curs'd that, though of heaven forsaken, No minister of darkness cares to tempt me. Hell, hell! why sleep'st thou?

_Enter Pierre._

_Pier._ Sure I've staid too long: The clock has struck, and I may lose my proselyte. Speak, who goes there?

_Jaf._ A dog, that comes to howl At yonder moon. What's he that asks the question?

_Pier._ A friend to dogs, for they are honest creatures, And ne'er betray their masters: never fawn On any that they love not. Well met, friend: Jaffier!

_Jaf._ The same.

_Pier._ Where's Belvidera? —

_Jaf._ For a day or two I've lodg'd her privately, till I see further What fortune will do for me. Pr'ythee, friend, If thou wouldst have me fit to hear good counsel, Speak not of Belvidera —

_Pier._ Not of her?

_Jaf._ Oh, no!

_Pier._ Not name her! May be I wish her well.

_Jaf._ Whom well?

_Pier._ Thy wife; thy lovely Belvidera. I hope a man may wish his friend's wife well, And no harm done?

_Jaf._ Y' are merry, Pierre.

_Pier._ I am so: Thou shalt smile too, and Belvidera smile: We'll all rejoice. Here's something to buy pins; Marriage is chargeable. [_gives him a purse._

_Jaf._ I but half wish'd To see the devil, and he's here already. Well! What must this buy? Rebellion, murder, treason? Tell me, which way I must be damn'd for this.

_Pier._ When last we parted, we'd no qualms like 

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