_Belv._ And may no fatal minute ever part us, Till reverend grown, for age and love, we go Down to one grave, as our last bed, together; There sleep in peace till an eternal morning! _Jaff._ When will that be? [_Sighing._ _Belv._ I hope long ages hence. _Jaff._ Have I not hitherto--I beg thee tell me Thy very fears--used thee with tenderest love? Did e'er my soul rise up in wrath against thee? Did I e'er frown when Belvidera smiled, Or, by the least unfriendly word, betray Abating passion? have I ever wronged thee? _Belv._ No. _Jaff._ Has my heart, or have my eyes e'er wandered To any other woman? _Belv._ Never, never. I were the worst of false ones, should I accuse thee. I own I've been too happy, blest above My sex's charter. _Jaff._ Did I not say I came To bless thee? _Belv._ Yes. _Jaff._ Then hear me, bounteous Heaven! Pour down your blessings on this beauteous head, Where everlasting sweets are always springing: With a continual-giving hand, let peace, Honour, and safety always hover round her; Feed her with plenty; let her eyes ne'er see A sight of sorrow, nor her heart know mourning: Crown all her days with joy, her nights with rest Harmless as her own thoughts, and prop her virtue To bear the loss of one that too much loved; And comfort her with patience in our parting! _Belv._ How, parting, parting! _Jaff._ Yes, for ever parting; I have sworn, Belvidera, by yon Heaven, That best can tell how much I lose to leave thee, We part this hour for ever. _Belv._ Oh, call back Your cruel blessing; stay with me and curse me! _Jaff._ No; 'tis resolved. _Belv._ Then hear me too, just Heaven! Pour down your curses on this wretched head, With never-ceasing vengeance; let despair, Danger or infamy, nay, all surround me. Starve me with wantings; let my eyes ne'er see A sight of comfort, nor my heart know peace; But dash my days with sorrow, nights with horrors Wild as my own thoughts now, and let loose fury To make me mad enough for what I lose, If I must lose him--if I must! I will not.-- Oh, turn and hear me! _Jaff._ Now hold, heart, or never. _Belv._ By all the tender days we have lived together, By all our charming nights, and joys that crowned them, Pity my sad condition; speak, but speak! _Jaff._ Oh! _Belv._ By these arms that now cling round thy neck, By this dear kiss, and by ten thousand more, By these poor streaming eyes-- _Jaff._ Murder! unhold me! By the immortal destiny that doomed me [_Draws his dagger._ To this cursed minute, I'll not live one longer. Resolve to let me go, or see me fall-- _Belv._ Hold, sir, be patient.