_Jaf._ (R.) When thou wouldst bind me, is there need of oaths? Is coward, fool, or villain, in my face? If I seem none of these, I dare believe Thou wouldst not use me in a little cause; For I am fit for honour's toughest task, Nor ever yet found fooling was my province: And, for a villainous, inglorious enterprize, I know thy heart so well, I dare lay mine Before thee, set it to what point thou wilt. _Pierre._ Nay, 'tis a cause thou wilt be fond of, Jaffier For it is founded on the noblest basis; Our liberties, our natural inheritance! We'll do the business, and ne'er fast and pray for't; Openly act a deed, the world shall gaze With wonder at, and envy when 'tis done. _Jaf._ For liberty! _Pierre._ For liberty, my friend. _[Jaffier crosses, L._ Thou shalt be freed from base Priuli's tyranny, And thy sequestered fortunes healed again; I shall be free from those opprobrious wrongs That press me now, and bend my spirit downward; All Venice free, and every growing merit Succeed to its just right; fools shall be pulled From wisdom's seat; those baleful unclean birds, Those lazy owls, who, perched near fortune's top, Sit only watchful with their heavy wings To cuff down new-fledged virtues, that would rise To nobler heights, and make the grove harmonious. _Jaf._ What can I do? _[Crosses to R. D._ _Pierre._ Canst thou not kill a senator? _Jaf._ By all my wrongs, thou talk'st as if revenge Were to be had! and the brave story warms me. _[Crosses, L._ _Pierre._ Swear, then! _Jaf._ I do, _[Kneels, L. C.]_ by all those glittering stars, And yon great ruling planet of the night! By all good spirits above, and ill below! By love and friendship, dearer than my life, No power, nor death, shall make me false to thee! _Pierre._ Here we embrace, and I'll unlock my heart. A council's held hard by, where the destruction Of this great empire's hatching; there I'll lead thee. But be a man; for thou'rt to mix with men Fit to disturb the peace of all the world, And rule it when tis wildest. _Jaf._ I give thee thanks For this kind warning. Yes, I'll be a man; And charge thee, Pierre, whene'er thou see'st my fears Betray me less, to rip this heart of mine Out of my breast, and show it for a coward's. Come, let's be gone, for from this hour I chase All little thoughts, all tender human follies, Out of my bosom: vengeance shall have room-- Revenge! _[Going, R._ _Pierre._ And liberty! _Jaf._ Revenge! revenge! _[Exeunt, r_ _Scene II.--A Room in the House of Aquilina._ _Enter Renault, L. S. E._