_Jaff._ Oh! by Heaven, I love thee with that fondness, I would not have thee stay a moment longer Near these cursed hands; are they not cold upon thee? _Belv._ No, everlasting comfort's in thy arms. [_Pulls the dagger half out of his bosom,_ _and puts it back again._ To lean thus on thy breast is softer ease Than downy pillows decked with leaves of roses. _Jaff._ Alas! thou think'st not of the thorns 'tis filled with; Fly ere they gall thee: there's a lurking serpent Ready to leap and sting thee to thy heart: Art thou not terrified? _Belv._ No. _Jaff._ Call to mind What thou hast done, and whither thou hast brought me. _Belv._ Ha! _Jaff._ Where's my friend? my friend, thou smiling mischief? Nay, shrink not, now 'tis too late; thou shouldst have fled When thy guilt first had cause; for dire revenge Is up, and raging for my friend. He groans! Hark how he groans! his screams are in my ears Already! see, they've fixed him on the wheel, And now they tear him--Murder! perjured Senate! Murder--Oh!--hark thee, traitress, thou'st done this; Thanks to thy tears and false-persuading love, [_Fumbling for his dagger._ How her eyes speak! O thou bewitching creature! Madness can't hurt thee: come, thou little trembler, Creep even into my heart, and there lie safe; 'Tis thy own citadel--ha!--yet stand off: Heaven must have justice, and my broken vows Will sink me else beneath its reaching mercy; I'll wink, and then 'tis done-- _Belv._ What means the lord Of me, my life and love? what's in thy bosom, Thou grasp'st at so? Nay, why am I thus treated? [_He draws the dagger, and offers to stab her._ What wilt thou do? Ah, do not kill me, Jaffier! Pity these panting breasts, and trembling limbs, That used to clasp thee when thy looks were milder,[76] That yet hang heavy on my unpurged soul, And plunge it not into eternal darkness. _Jaff._ No, Belvidera; when we parted last, I gave this dagger with thee as in trust To be thy portion, if I e'er proved false. On such condition was my truth believed; But now 'tis forfeited, and must be paid for. [_Offers to stab her again._ _Belv._ Oh, mercy! [_Kneeling._ _Jaff._ Nay, no struggling. _Belv._ Now then kill me; [_Leaps upon his neck, and kisses him._ While thus I cling about thy cruel neck, Kiss thy revengeful lips, and die in joys Greater than any I can guess hereafter. _Jaff._ I am, I am a coward; witness it, Heaven; Witness it, earth; and every being, witness! 'Tis but one blow; yet, by immortal love, I cannot longer bear a thought to harm thee.