_Pier._ Here we embrace, and I'll unlock my heart. A council's held hard by, where the destruction Of this great empire's hatching: there I'll lead thee. But be a man, for thou'rt to mix with men Fit to disturb the peace of all the world, And rule it when it's wildest-- _Jaff._ I give thee thanks For this kind warning: yes, I will be a man, And charge thee, Pierre, whene'er thou seest my fears Betray me less, to rip this heart of mine Out of my breast, and show it for a coward's. Come, let's be gone, for from this hour I chase All little thoughts, all tender human follies Out of my bosom: vengeance shall have room-- Revenge! _Pier._ And liberty! _Jaff._ Revenge! Revenge! [_Exeunt._ [Illustration] SCENE III.--_A Room in_ AQUILINA'S _House_. _Enter_ RENAULT. _Ren._ Why was my choice ambition, the worst ground A wretch can build on? 'Tis indeed at distance A goodly prospect, tempting to the view; The height delights us, and the mountain-top Looks beautiful, because 'tis nigh to Heaven; But we ne'er think how sandy's the foundation, What storm will batter, and what tempest shake us. Who's there? _Enter_ SPINOSA. _Spin._ Renault, good-morrow! for by this time I think the scale of night has turned the balance, And weighs up morning: has the clock struck twelve? _Ren._ Yes; clocks will go as they are set; but man, Irregular man's ne'er constant, never certain. I've spent at least three precious hours of darkness In waiting dull attendance; 'tis the curse Of diligent virtue to be mixed, like mine, With giddy tempers, souls but half resolved. _Spin._ Hell seize that soul amongst us it can frighten! _Ren._ What's then the cause that I am here alone? Why are we not together? _Enter_ ELIOT. O sir, welcome! You are an Englishman: when treason's hatching, One might have thought you'd not have been behind-hand. In what whore's lap have you been lolling? Give but an Englishman his whore and ease, Beef, and a sea-coal fire, he's yours for ever. _Eliot._ Frenchman, you are saucy. _Ren._ How! _Enter_ BEDAMAR the Ambassador, THEODORE, BRAINVILLE, DURAND, BRABE, REVILLIDO, MEZZANA, TERNON, _and_ RETROSI, Conspirators. _Bed._ At difference? fie! Is this a time for quarrels? Thieves and rogues Fall out and brawl: should men of your high calling, Men separated by the choice of Providence From the gross heap of mankind, and set here In this assembly, as in one great jewel, To adorn the bravest purpose it e'er smiled on;-- Should you, like boys, wrangle for trifles? _Ren._ Boys! _Bed._ Renault, thy hand!