_Jaff._ Nay--by Heaven, I'll do this! Come, come, I read distrust in all your faces; You fear me a villain, and indeed 'tis odd To hear a stranger talk thus at first meeting Of matters that have been so well debated; But I come ripe with wrongs, as you with counsels; I hate this Senate, am a foe to Venice; A friend to none but men resolved, like me, To push on mischief. Oh, did you but know me, I need not talk thus! _Bed._ Pierre, I must embrace him. My heart beats to this man as if it knew him. _Ren._ I never loved these huggers. _Jaff._ Still I see The cause delights me not. Your friends survey me As I were dangerous; but I come armed Against all doubts, and to your trust will give A pledge, worth more than all the world can pay for. My Belvidera! Ho! my Belvidera! _Bed._ What wonder next? _Jaff._ Let me entreat you, As I have henceforth hopes to call ye friends, That all but the ambassador, and this Grave guide of counsels, with my friend that owns me, Withdraw awhile, to spare a woman's blushes. [_Exeunt all but_ BEDAMAR, RENAULT, JAFFIER, _and_ PIERRE. _Bed._ Pierre, whither will this ceremony lead us? _Jaff._ My Belvidera! Belvidera! _Enter_ BELVIDERA. _Belv._ Who, Who calls so loud at this late peaceful hour? That voice was wont to come in gentle whispers, And fill my ears with the soft breath of love. Thou hourly image of my thoughts, where art thou? _Jaff._ Indeed 'tis late. _Belv._ Oh! I have slept, and dreamt, And dreamt again. Where hast thou been, thou loiterer? Though my eyes closed, my arms have still been opened, Stretched every way betwixt my broken slumbers, To search if thou wert come to crown my rest; There's no repose without thee. Oh, the day Too soon will break, and wake us to our sorrow; Come, come to bed, and bid thy cares good-night. _Jaff._ O Belvidera! we must change the scene In which the past delights of life were tasted: The poor sleep little; we must learn to watch Our labours late, and early every morning, 'Midst winter frosts, thin clad and fed with sparing, Rise to our toils, and drudge away the day. _Belv._ Alas! where am I? whither is't you lead me? Methinks I read distraction in your face, Something less gentle than the fate you tell me. You shake and tremble too; your blood runs cold! Heavens guard my love, and bless his heart with patience! _Jaff._ That I have patience, let our fate bear witness, Who has ordained it so, that thou and I-- Thou the divinest good man e'er possessed, And I the wretched'st of the race of man-- This very hour, without one tear, must part.