_Priu._ Nay, we stand Upon the very brink of gaping ruin. Within this city's formed a dark conspiracy To massacre us all, our wives and children, Kindred and friends; our palaces and temples To lay in ashes: nay, the hour too fixed; The swords, for aught I know, drawn even this moment, And the wild waste begun. From unknown hands I had this warning: but, if we are men, Let's not be tamely butchered, but do something That may inform the world in after-ages Our virtue was not ruined, though we were. [_Voices without_] Room, room, make room for some prisoners! _2nd Senat._ Let's raise the city. _Enter_ Officer _and_ Guard. _Priu._ Speak there, what disturbance? _Offi._ Two prisoners have the guard seized in the streets, Who say they come to inform this reverend Senate About the present danger. _All._ Give them entrance.-- _Enter_ JAFFIER _and_ BELVIDERA, _guarded_. Well; who are you? _Jaff._ A villain. _Ant._ Short and pithy. The man speaks well. _Jaff._ Would every man that hears me Would deal so honestly, and own his title! _Duke._ 'Tis rumoured that a plot has been contrived Against this state; that you've a share in't too. If you're a villain, to redeem your honour, Unfold the truth, and be restored with mercy. _Jaff._ Think not that I, to save my life, come hither; I know its value better; but in pity To all those wretches whose unhappy dooms Are fixed and sealed. You see me here before you, The sworn and covenanted foe of Venice; But use me as my dealings may deserve, And I may prove a friend. _Duke._ The slave capitulates![74] Give him the tortures. _Jaff._ That you dare not do; Your fears won't let you, nor the longing itch To hear a story which you dread the truth of,-- Truth, which the fear of smart shall ne'er get from me. Cowards are scared with threatenings; boys are whipped Into confessions: but a steady mind Acts of itself, ne'er asks the body counsel. Give him the tortures! Name but such a thing Again, by Heaven, I'll shut these lips for ever; Not all your racks, your engines, or your wheels Shall force a groan away that you may guess at. _Ant._ A bloody-minded fellow, I'll warrant; a damned bloody-minded fellow. _Duke._ Name your conditions. _Jaff._ For myself full pardon, Besides the lives of two and twenty friends [_Delivers a list._ Whose names are here enrolled: nay, let their crimes Be ne'er so monstrous, I must have the oaths And sacred promise of this reverend council, That in a full assembly of the Senate The thing I ask be ratified. Swear this, And I'll unfold the secrets of your danger. _All._ We'll swear. _Duke._ Propose the oath.