_Beda._ (C.) His presence bears the show of manly virtue! _Jaf._ (L.) I know you'll wonder all, that, thus uncalled I dare approach this place of fatal councils; But I'm amongst you, and, by Heaven, it glads me To see so many virtues thus united To restore justice, and dethrone oppression. Command this steel, if you would have it quiet, Into this breast; but, if you think it worthy To cut the throats of reverend rogues in robes, Send me into the cursed assembled Senate: It shrinks not, though I meet a father there. Would you behold the city flaming? here's A hand, shall bear a lighted torch at noon To th' arsenal, and set its gates on fire! _Ren._ (C.) You talk this well, sir. _Jaf._ Nay, by Heaven, I'll do this! Come, come, I read distrust in all your faces! You fear me villain, and, indeed, 'tis odd To hear a stranger talk thus, at first meeting, Of matters that have been so well debated: But I come ripe with wrongs, as you with counsels. I hate this senate--am a foe to Venice; A friend to none but men resolved like me To push on mischief Oh, did you but know me, I need not talk thus! _Beda._ Pierre, I must embrace him; My heart beats to this man, as if it knew him. _Ren._ I never loved these huggers. _Jaf._ Still, I see The cause delights me not. Your friends survey me, As I were dangerous. But I come armed Against all doubts, and to your trusts will give A pledge, worth more than all the world can pay for. My Belvidera! Hoa! my Belvidera! _[Calls at L._ _Beda._ (L. C.) What wonder next? _Jaf._ Let me entreat you, sirs, As I have henceforth hope 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, Jqffier, and Pierre who stand back on L._ _Beda._ Pierre, whither will this ceremony lead us? _Jaf._ My Belvidera! Belvidera! _[ Calling_ _Bel._ _[ Within, L. D.]_ 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. _Enter Belvidera, L._ 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,-- 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. _[Join hands._ Who has ordained it so, that thou and I, (Thou, the divinest good man e'er possessed, And I, the wretched'st of the race of man,) This very hour, without one tear, must part.