_Lord G._ Vengeance! Ample, final vengeance! Draw, sir. _Cliff._ No, my lord; my sword is reserved for more becoming purposes: It is not the instrument of passion; and has yet been untried in a dispute with my friend. _Lord G._ But why is it not ready for a different trial, the vindication of perfidy, the blackest species of perfidy, that ever the malignant enemy of mankind infused into the human breast--perfidy to the friend who loved and trusted you, and in the nearest interests of his heart. _Cliff._ Take care, my lord; should my blood boil like yours, and it is rising fast, you know not the punishment that awaits you. I came temperate, your gross provocation and thirst of blood make temperance appear disgrace--I am tempted to take a revenge-- _Lord G._ [_Draws._] The means are ready. Come, sir, you are to give an example of qualities generally held incompatible--bravery and dishonour. _Cliff._ Another such a word, and by Heaven!--How have I deserved this opinion? _Lord G._ Ask your conscience--Under the mask of friendship you have held a secret intercourse with the woman I adore; you have supplanted me in her affections, you have robbed me of the very charm of my life--can you deny it? _Cliff._ I avow it all. _Lord G._ Unparalleled insolence of guilt! _Cliff._ Are you sure there is nothing within the scope of possibility that would excuse or atone-- _Lord G._ Death--Death only--no abject submission--no compromise for infamy--chuse instantly--and save yourself from the only stretch of baseness left--the invention of falsehood to palliate.-- _Cliff._ [_In the utmost Agitation, and drawing his Sword._] Falsehood!--You shall have no other explanation.--[_After a Struggle within himself, CLIFFORD drops the Point, and exposes his Breast._] _Lord G._ Stand upon your defence, sir--What do you mean? _Cliff._ You said nothing but my life would satisfy you, take it, and remember me. _Lord G._ I say so still--but upon an equal pledge--I am no assassin. _Cliff._ [_With great Emotion._] If to strike at the heart of your friend, more deeply than that poor instrument in your hand could do, makes an assassin, you have been one already. _Lord G._ That look, that tone, how like to innocence! Had he not avowed such abominable practices-- _Cliff._ I avow them again: I have rivalled you in the love of the woman you adore--her affections are riveted to me. I have removed her from your sight; secured her from your recovery-- _Lord G._ Damnation! _Cliff._ I have done it to save unguarded beauty; to save unprotected innocence; to save--a sister. _Lord G._ A sister! _Cliff._ [_With Exultation._] Vengeance! Ample, final vengeance! [_A Pause._] It is accomplished--over him--and over myself--my victory is complete. _Lord G._ Where shall I hide my shame! _Cliff._ We'll share it, and forget it here. [_Embraces._ _Lord G._ Why did you keep the secret from me?