_Enter Belvidera in a Mourning Veil, L._ _Bel._ _[Speaking as she enters.]_ He's there, my father, my inhuman father, That, for three years, has left an only child, Exposed to all the outrages of fate, And cruel ruin!--Oh!-- _Priuli._ What child of sorrow Art thou, that com'st, wrapt up in weeds of sadness, And mov'st as if thy steps were towards a grave? _Bel._ (L. C.) A wretch, who, from the very top of happiness, Am fallen into the lowest depths of misery, And want your pitying hand to raise me up again. _Priuli._ (R. C.) What wouldst thou beg for? _Bel._ Pity and forgiveness. _[Throws up her Veil._ By the kind, tender names of child and father, Hear my complaints, and take me to your love. _[Kneels._ _Priuli._ My daughter! _Bel._ Yes, your daughter; and you've oft told me, With smiles of love, and chaste paternal kisses, I'd much resemblance of my mother. _Priuli._ Don't talk thus. _Bel._ Yes, I must: and you must hear, too. I have a husband. _Priuli._ Damn him! _Bel._ Oh, do not curse him! He would not speak so hard a word towards you, On any terms, howe'er he deal with me. _Priuli._ Ah! what means my child? _Bel._ Oh! my husband, my dear husband, Carries a dagger in his once kind bosom, To pierce the heart of your poor Belvidera! _Priuli._ Kill thee! _Bel._ Yes, kill me. When he passed his faith And covenant against your state and senate, He gave me up a hostage for his truth: With me a dagger, and a dire commission, Whene'er he failed, to plunge it through this bosom I learnt the danger, chose the hour of love T' attempt his heart, and bring it back to honour. Great love prevailed, and blessed me with success! He came, confessed, betrayed his dearest friends, For promised mercy. Now, they're doomed to suffer! Galled with remembrance of what then was sworn, If they are lost, he vows t' appease the gods With this poor life, and make my blood th' atonement. _Priuli._ Heavens! _Bel._ If I was ever then your care, now hear me! Fly to the senate, save the promised lives Of his dear friends, ere mine be made the sacrifice. _Priuli._ Oh, my heart's comfort! _Bel._ Will you not, my father? Weep not, but answer me. _Priuli._ By Heav'n, I will! Not one of them but what shall be immortal! Canst thou forgive me all my follies past? I'll henceforth be indeed a father! never, Never more, thus expose, but cherish thee, Dear as the vital warmth that feeds my life: Dear as these eyes, that weep in fondness o'er thee: Peace to thy heart. Farewell! _Bel._ Go, and remember, 'Tis Belvidera's life her father pleads for! _[Exeunt Priuli, R., Belvidera, L._ _Scene II.--The Rialto._