_Jaff._ By all the hopes Ye have of peace and happiness hereafter, Swear. _All._ We all swear. _Jaff._ To grant me what I've asked, Ye swear? _All._ We swear. _Jaff._ And as ye keep the oath, May you and your posterity be blessed, Or cursed for ever! _All._ Else be cursed for ever! _Jaff._ Then here's the list, and with it the full disclose Of all that threatens you. Now, fate, thou'st caught me. [_Delivers another paper._ _Ant._ Why, what a dreadful catalogue of cut-throats is here! I'll warrant you, not one of these fellows but has a face like a lion. I dare not so much as read their names over. _Duke._ Give order that all diligent search be made To seize these men; their characters are public: The paper intimates their rendezvous To be at the house of a famed Grecian courtesan, Called Aquilina; see that place secured. _Ant._ What, my Nicky Nacky, hurry durry, Nicky Nacky in the plot?--I'll make a speech.-- Most noble senators, What headlong apprehension drives you on, Right noble, wise, and truly solid senators, To violate the laws and right of nations? The lady is a lady of renown. 'Tis true, she holds a house of fair reception, And though I say it myself, as many more Can say as well as I-- _2nd Senat._ My lord, long speeches Are frivolous here, when dangers are so near us. We all well know your interest in that lady; The world talks loud on't. _Ant._ Verily, I have done, I say no more. _Duke._ But, since he has declared Himself concerned, pray, captain, take great caution To treat the fair one as becomes her character, And let her bed-chamber be searched with decency. You, Jaffier, must with patience bear till morning To be our prisoner. _Jaff._ Would the chains of death Had bound me fast ere I had known this minute! I've done a deed will make my story hereafter Quoted in competition with all ill ones: The history of my wickedness shall run Down through the low traditions of the vulgar, And boys be taught to tell the tale of Jaffier. _Duke._ Captain, withdraw your prisoner. _Jaff._ Sir, if possible, Lead me where my own thoughts themselves may lose me; Where I may doze out what I've left of life, Forget myself, and this day's guilt and falsehood. Cruel remembrance, how shall I appease thee! [_Exeunt_ JAFFIER _and_ BELVIDERA, _guarded_. [_Voices without_] More traitors; room, room, make room there. _Duke._ How's this! Guards! Where are our guards? Shut up the gates; the treason's Already at our doors. _Enter_ Officer.