_Pierre._ (L.) Friends, was not Brutus (I mean that Brutus, who, in open senate, Stabbed the first Caesar that usurped the world), A gallant man? _Ren._ (R. C.) Yes, and Catiline too; Though story wrong his fame; for he conspired To prop the reeling glory of his country, His cause was good. _Beda._ (L. C.) And ours as much above it, As, Renault, thou'rt superior to Cethegus, Or Pierre to Cassius. _Pierre._ Then to what we aim at! When do we start? Or must we talk forever? _Beda._ (C.) No, Pierre, the deed's near birth: fate seems to have set The business up, and given it to our care; I hope there's not a heart or hand amongst us, But what is firm and ready. _Elliot._ (L. C.) All. We'll die with Bedamar. _Beda._ Oh, men, Matchless, as will your glory be hereafter: The game is for a matchless prize, if won; If lost, disgraceful ruin. _Pierre._ Ten thousand men are armed at your nod, Commanded all by leaders fit to guide A battle for the freedom of the world: This wretched state has starved them in its service; And, by your bounty quickened, they're resolved To serve your glory, and revenge their own: They've all their different quarters in this city, Watch for the alarm, and grumble 'tis so tardy. _Beda._ I doubt not, friend, but thy unwearied diligence Has still kept waking, and it shall have ease; After this night, it is resolved, we meet No more, till Venice owns us for her lords. _Pierre._ How lovelily the Adriatic, then, Dressed in her flames, will shine! Devouring flames! Such as shall burn her to the watery bottom, And hiss in her foundation! _Beda._ Now, if any Amongst us here, that own this glorious cause, Have friends or int'rest he would wish to save, Let it be told--the general doom is sealed; But I'd forego the hopes of a world's empire, Rather than wound the bowels of my friend. _Pierre._ I must confess, you there have touched my weakness. I have a friend--hear it; and such a friend! My heart was ne'er shut to him. Nay, I'll tell you, He knows the very business of this hour; _[All start_ But he rejoices in the cause, and loves it: We've changed a vow to live and die together, And he's at hand, to ratify it here. _Ren._ How! all betrayed! _Pierre._ (C.) No; I've dealt nobly with you. I've brought my all into the public stock: I'd but one friend, and him I'll share amongst you: Receive, and cherish him; or if, when seen And searched, you find him worthless--as my tongue Has lodged this secret in his faithful breast, To ease your fears, I wear a dagger here, Shall rip it out again, and give you rest, Come forth, thou only good I e'er could boast of. _Enter Jaffier, with a Dagger in his hand. L. D._