_Enter Jaffier, L._

_Jaf._ (L. C.) I'm here; and thus the shades of light
around me,
I look as if all hell were in my heart.
And I in hell. Nay, surely 'tis so with me!--
For every step I tread, methinks some fiend
Knocks at my breast, and bids me not be quiet.
I've heard how desperate wretches like myself,
Have wandered out at this dead time of night,
To meet the foe of mankind in his walk.
Sure I'm so cursed, that, though of Heav'n forsaken,
No minister of darkness cares to tempt me.
Hell! hell! why sleep'st thou? _[Turns, L._

_Enter Pierre, R. S. E._

_Pierre._ Sure I've staid too long: _[Coming forward._
The clock has struck, and I may lose my proselyte.
Speak, [_Seeing Jaffier,]_ who goes there?

_Jaf._ (L.) A dog, that comes to howl
At yonder moon. What's he, that asks the question?

_Pierre._ A friend to dogs, for they are honest creatures,
And ne'er betray their masters; never fawn
On any that they love not. Well met, friend.

_[Advancing toward, R. C.]_

Jaffier!

_Jaf._ The same.

_Pierre._ (R. C.) Where's Belvidera?

_Jaf._For a day or two,
I've lodged her privately, till I see farther
What fortune will do with me. Pry'thee, friend,
If thou wouldst have me fit to hear good counsel,
Speak not of Belvidera--

_Pierre._ (C.) Speak not of her?

_Jaf._ Oh, no! nor name her?

_Pierre._ May be, I wish her well.

_Jaf._Whom well?

_Pierre._ Thy wife; thy lovely Belvidera!
I hope a man may wish his friend's wife well,
And no harm done?

_Jaf._ _[Retiring, L.]_ You're merry, Pierre.

_Pierre._ _[Following.]_ I am so:
Thou shalt smile, too, and Belvidera smile:
We'll all rejoice, Here's something to buy pins;
Marriage is chargeable. _[Gives him a purse._

_Jaf._ (L.) I but half wished
To see the devil, and he's here already! Well!
What must this buy? Rebellion, murder, treason?
Tell me _[Turning R.]_ which way I must be damned for
this.

_Pierre._ (L. C.) When last we parted, we'd no qualms
like these,
But entertained each other's thoughts, like men
Whose souls were well acquainted. Is the world
Reformed since our last meeting? What new miracles
Have happened? Has Priuli's heart relented?
Can he be honest?