_Pier._ A coward, a most scandalous coward, Spiritless, void of honour, one who has sold Thy everlasting fame for shameless life? _Jaff._ All, all, and more, much more: my faults are numberless. _Pier._ And wouldst thou have me live on terms like thine? Base as thou'rt false-- _Jaff._ No; 'tis to me that's granted. The safety of thy life was all I aimed at, In recompense for faith and trust so broken. _Pier._ I scorn it more, because preserved by thee: And as when first my foolish heart took pity On thy misfortunes, sought thee in thy miseries, Relieved thy wants, and raised thee from thy state Of wretchedness in which thy fate had plunged thee, To rank thee in my list of noble friends, All I received in surety for thy truth Were unregarded oaths; and this, this dagger, Given with a worthless pledge thou since hast stolen, So I restore it back to thee again; Swearing by all those powers which thou hast violated, Never from this cursed hour to hold communion, Friendship, or interest with thee, though our years Were to exceed those limited the world. Take it--farewell!--for now I owe thee nothing. _Jaff._ Say thou wilt live then. _Pier._ For my life, dispose it Just as thou wilt, because 'tis what I'm tired with. _Jaff._ O Pierre! _Pier._ No more. _Jaff._ My eyes won't lose the sight of thee, But languish after thine, and ache with gazing. _Pier._ Leave me.--Nay, then thus, thus I throw thee from me, And curses, great as is thy falsehood, catch thee!' [Sidenote: Nathaniel Lee (1653-1691).]