_Jaf._ Let me entreat you, As I have henceforth hopes to call you friends, That all but the ambassador, and this Grave guide of councils, with my friend that owns me, Withdraw awhile, to spare a woman's blushes. [_exeunt all but Bedamar, Renault, Jaffier, and Pierre._ _Enter Belvidera._ _Bed._ Pierre, whither will this ceremony lead us? _Jaf._ My Belvidera! Belvidera! _Bel._ 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? _Jaf._ Indeed 'tis late. _Bel._ 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! Heav'ns guard my love, and bless his heart with patience. _Jaf._ That I have patience, let our fate bear witness, Who has ordain'd it so, that thou and I (Thou, the divinest good man e'er possess'd, And I, the wretched'st of the race of man) This very hour, without one tear, must part. _Bel._ Part! must we part? Oh, am I then forsaken? Why drag you from me? Whither are you going? My dear! my life! my love! _Jaf._ Oh, friends! _Bel._ Speak to me. _Jaf._ Take her from my heart, She'll gain such hold else, I shall ne'er get loose. I charge thee take her, but with tender'st care Relieve her troubles, and assuage her sorrows. _Ren._ Rise, madam, and command amongst your servants. _Jaf._ To you, sirs, and your honours, I bequeath her; And with her this; when I prove unworthy-- [_gives a dagger._ You know the rest----then strike it to her heart; And tell her, he who three whole happy years Lay in her arms, and each kind night repeated The passionate vows of still increasing love, Sent that reward for all her truth and sufferings. _Bel._ Nay, take my life, since he has sold it cheaply. O! thou unkind one; Never meet more! have I deserv'd this from you; Look on me, tell me, speak, thou fair deceiver. Why am I separated from thy love? If I am false, accuse me; but if true, Don't, pr'ythee don't, in poverty forsake me, But pity the sad heart that's torn with parting. Yet hear me, yet recall me-- [_ex. Ren. Bed. and Bel._ _Jaf._ Oh! my eyes, Look not that way, but turn yourselves awhile Into my heart, and be wean'd altogether. My friend, where art thou? _Pier._ Here, my honour's brother. _Jaf._ Is Belvidera gone? _Pier._ Renault has led her Back to her own apartment; but, by heav'n, Thou must not see her more, till our work's over. _Jaf._ No! _Pier._ Not for your life.