aste of.

_Capt._ (R.) The time grows short; your friends are dead
already.

_Jaf._ (L. C.)Dead!

_Pierre._ Yes, dead, Jaffier! they've all died like men,
too,
Worthy their character.

_Jaf._ And what must I do?

_Pierre._ Oh, Jaffier!

_Jaf._ Speak aloud thy burdened soul,
And tell thy troubles to thy tortured friend.

_Pierre._ Friend! Couldst thou yet be a friend,
a generous friend,
I might hope comfort from thy noble sorrows.
Heaven knows, I want a friend!

_Jaf._ And I a kind one,
That would not scorn thus my repenting virtue,
Or think, when he's to die, my thoughts are idle.

_Pierre._ No! live, I charge thee, Jaffier.

_Jaf._ Yes, I will live:
But it shall be to see thy fall revenged,
At such a rate, as Venice long shall groan for

_Pierre._ Wilt thou?

_Jaf._ I will, by Heaven!

_Pierre._ Then still thou'rt noble,
And I forgive thee. Oh!--yet--shall I trust thee?

_Jaf._ No; I've been false already.

_Pierre._ Dost thou love me?

_Jaf._ Rip up my heart, and satisfy thy doubtings.

_Pierre._ Curse on this weakness! _[ Weeps._

_Jaf._ Tears! Amazement! Tears!
I never saw thee melted thus before;
And know there's something labouring in thy bosom,
That must have vent; though I'm a villain, tell me.

_Pierre._ See'st thou that engine? _[Pointing to the Wheel._

_Jaf._ Why?

_Pierre._ (R. C.) Is't fit a soldier, who has lived with honor,
Fought nations' quarrels, and been crowned with, conquest,
Be exposed, a common carcase, on a wheel?

_Jaf._ Hah!

_Pierre._ Speak! is't fitting?

_Jaf._ Fitting!

_Pierre._ I'd have thee undertake
Something that's noble, to preserve my memory
From the disgrace that's ready to attaint it.

_Capt._ The day grows late, sir.

_Pierre._ I'll make haste. Oh, Jaffier!
Though thou'st betrayed me, do me some way justice.

_Jaf._ What's to be done?

_Pierre._ This and no more. _[Whispers Jaffier._

_Jaf._ Hah! is't then so?

_Pierre._ Most certainly.

_Jaf._ I'll do't.

_Pierre._ Remember.

_Capt._ Sir--

_Pierre._ Come, now I'm ready.

_[Captain Crossing to him]_

You should be a gentleman of honour;
Keep off the rabble, that I may have room
To