_Priuli._ Nay, we stand Upon the very brink of gaping ruin. Within this city's formed a dark conspiracy To massacre us all, our wives and children, Kindred and friends; our palaces and temples To lay in ashes: nay, the hour, too, fixed; The swords, for aught I know, drawn ev'n this moment, And the wild waste begun. From unknown hands I had this warning: but, if we are men, Let's not be tamely butchered, but do something That may inform the world in after ages, Our virtue was not ruined, though we were. _[A noise within, L._ _Capt._ _[Within]_ Room, room, make room there for some prisoners! _Enter Officer, L._ _Duke._ Speak, speak, there! What disturbance? Officer. A prisoner have the guards seized in the street, Who says, he comes to inform this reverend council About the present danger. _Enter Officer, Jaffier Captain, and Guards, L._ _All._ Give him entrance.--_[Exit Officer.]_ Well, who ate you? _Jaf._ (L.) A villain! Would, every man that hears me, Would deal so honestly, and own his title! _Duke._ 'Tis rumored, that a plot has been contrived Against the state, and you've a share in't, too. If you're a villain, to redeem your honour, Unfold the truth, and be restored with mercy. _Jaf._ Think not, that I to save my life came hither; I know its value better; but in pity To all those wretches, whose unhappy dooms Are fixed and sealed. You see me here before you, The sworn and covenanted foe of Venice: But use me as my dealings may deserve, And I may prove a friend. _Duke._ The slave capitulates; Give him the tortures. _Jaf._ That, you dare not do: Your fears won't let you, nor the longing itch To hear a story, which you dread the truth of: Truth, which the fear of smart shall ne'er'get from me. Cowards are scared with threat'nings; boys are whipped Into confessions: but a steady mind Acts of itself, ne'er asks the body counsel. Give him the tortures!--name but such a thing Again, by heav'n, I'll shut these lips forever! Nor all your racks, your engines, or your wheels, Shall force a groan away, that you may guess at! _[Crosses, M._ _Duke._ Name your conditions. _Jaf._ (R.) For myself, full pardon, Besides, the lives of two-and-twenty friends, Whose names I have enrolled--Nay, let their crimes Be ne'er so monstrous, I must have the oaths, And sacred promise, of this reverend council, That, in a full assembly of the senate, The thing I ask be ratified. Swear this, And I'll unfold the secrets of your danger. _Duke._ Propose the oath. _Jaf._ (C.) By all the hopes You have of peace and happiness hereafter, Swear! _Duke._ We swear.