_Bel._ Oh! I will love thee, even in madness love thee! Though my distracted senses should forsake me, I'd find some intervals when my poor heart Should 'suage itself, and be let loose to thine. Though the bare earth be all our resting place, Its roots our food, some cliff our habitation, I'll make this arm a pillow for thine head; And, as thou sighing liest, and swelled with sorrow, Creep to thy bosom, pour the balm of love Into thy soul, and kiss thee to thy rest; _[Part._ Then praise our God, and watch thee till the morning. _Jaf._ Hear this, you Heav'ns, and wonder how you made her! Reign, reign, ye monarchs, that divide the world; Busy rebellion ne'er will let you know Tranquillity and happiness like mine; Like gaudy ships, the obsequious billows fall, And rise again, to lift you in your pride; They wait but for a storm, and then devour you: _[Belvidera crosses, R._ I, in my private bark already wrecked, Like a poor merchant, driven to unknown land, That had, by chance, picked up his choicest treasure, In one dear casket, and saved only that, _[Returns to Jaffier_ Since I must wander farther on the shore, Thus _[Taking her arm,]_ hug my little, but my precious store, Resolved to scorn, and trust my fate no more. _[Exeunt, L._ END OF ACT I. ACT II. _Scene I.--The Rialto._ _Enter Jaffier, L._ _Jaf._ (L. C.) I'm here; and thus the shades of light around me, I look as if all hell were in my heart. And I in hell. Nay, surely 'tis so with me!-- For every step I tread, methinks some fiend Knocks at my breast, and bids me not be quiet. I've heard how desperate wretches like myself, Have wandered out at this dead time of night, To meet the foe of mankind in his walk. Sure I'm so cursed, that, though of Heav'n forsaken, No minister of darkness cares to tempt me. Hell! hell! why sleep'st thou? _[Turns, L._ _Enter Pierre, R. S. E._ _Pierre._ Sure I've staid too long: _[Coming forward._ The clock has struck, and I may lose my proselyte. Speak, [_Seeing Jaffier,]_ who goes there? _Jaf._ (L.) A dog, that comes to howl At yonder moon. What's he, that asks the question? _Pierre._ A friend to dogs, for they are honest creatures, And ne'er betray their masters; never fawn On any that they love not. Well met, friend. _[Advancing toward, R. C.]_ Jaffier! _Jaf._ The same. _Pierre._ (R. C.) Where's Belvidera? _Jaf._For a day or two, I've lodged her privately, till I see farther What fortune will do with me. Pry'thee, friend, If thou wouldst have me fit to hear good counsel, Speak not of Belvidera-- _Pierre._ (C.) Speak not of her? _Jaf._ Oh, no! nor name her? _Pierre._ May be, I wish her well. _Jaf._Whom well?