_Jaf._ And, as ye keep the oath, May you and your posterity be blessed, Or cursed, forever! _Duke._ Else be cursed forever _Jaf._ Then here's the list, and with't, the full disclosure _[Delivers two papers to the Officer, who delivers them to the Duke._ Of all that threaten you. Now, Fate, thou hast caught me! _Duke._ Give order, that all diligent search be made To seize these men--their characters are public. The paper intimates their rendezvous To be at the house of the famed Grecian courtesan, Called Aquilina; see that place secured. You, Jaffier, must with patience bear till morning To be our prisoner. _Jaf._ Would the chains of death Had bound me fast, ere I had known this minute! _Duke._ Captain, withdraw your prisoner. _Jaf._ Sir, _[To Officer,]_ if possible, Lead me where my own thoughts themselves may lose me; Where I may doze out, what I've left of life;-- Forget myself, and this day's guilt and falsehood. Cruel remembrance! how shall I appease thee? _ [Exit, guarded, R_ Officer. _[Without.]_ More traitors! room, room, room, make room there! _Duke._ How's this? The treason's Already at the doors! _Enter Officer and Captain, L._ Officer. My lords, more traitors! Seized in the very act of consultation: Furnished with arms and instruments of mischief.-- Bring in the prisoners! _Enter Spinosa, Elliot, Theodore, Durand, Mezzana, Renault, and Pierre, in Chains, L._ _Pierre._ (L.) You, my lords and fathers, (As you are pleased to call yourselves,) of Venice; If you set here to guide the course of justice, Why these disgraceful chains upon the limbs That have so often laboured in your service? Are these the wreaths of triumph you bestow On those that bring you conquest home, and honours? _Duke._ Go on! you shall be heard, sir. _Pierre._ (L. C.) Are these the trophies I've deserved for fighting Your battles with confederated powers? When winds and seas conspired to overthrow you, And brought the fleets of Spain to your own harbours, When you, great duke, shrunk trembling in your palace: Stepped not I forth, and taught your loose Venetians The task of honour, and the way to greatness? Raised you from your capitulating fears To stipulate the terms of sued-for peace? And this my recompence! If I'm a traitor, Produce my charge; or show the wretch that's base, And brave enough to tell me, I'm a traitor! _[Goes to the table_. _Duke._ Know you one Jaffier? _Pierre._ Yes, and know his virtue. His justice, truth, his general worth, and sufferings From a hard father, taught me first to love him. _Duke._ See him brought forth. _Enter Captain, with Jaffier in Chains, R._