envy when 'tis done.

_Jaf._ For liberty!

_Pierre._ For liberty, my friend. _[Jaffier crosses, L._

Thou shalt be freed from base Priuli's tyranny,
And thy sequestered fortunes healed again;
I shall be free from those opprobrious wrongs
That press me now, and bend my spirit downward;
All Venice free, and every growing merit
Succeed to its just right; fools shall be pulled
From wisdom's seat; those baleful unclean birds,
Those lazy owls, who, perched near fortune's top,
Sit only watchful with their heavy wings
To cuff down new-fledged virtues, that would rise
To nobler heights, and make the grove harmonious.

_Jaf._ What can I do? _[Crosses to R. D._

_Pierre._ Canst thou not kill a senator?

_Jaf._ By all my wrongs, thou talk'st as if revenge
Were to be had! and the brave story warms me.

_[Crosses, L._

_Pierre._ Swear, then!

_Jaf._ I do, _[Kneels, L. C.]_ by all those glittering stars,
And yon great ruling planet of the night!
By all good spirits above, and ill below!
By love and friendship, dearer than my life,
No power, nor death, shall make me false to thee!

_Pierre._ Here we embrace, and I'll unlock my heart.
A council's held hard by, where the destruction
Of this great empire's hatching; there I'll lead thee.
But be a man; for thou'rt to mix with men
Fit to disturb the peace of all the world,
And rule it when tis wildest.

_Jaf._ I give thee thanks
For this kind warning. Yes, I'll be a man;
And charge thee, Pierre, whene'er thou see'st my fears
Betray me less, to rip this heart of mine
Out of my breast, and show it for a coward's.
Come, let's be gone, for from this hour I chase
All little thoughts, all tender human follies,
Out of my bosom: vengeance shall have room--
Revenge! _[Going, R._

_Pierre._ And liberty!

_Jaf._ Revenge! revenge! _[Exeunt, r_

_Scene II.--A Room in the House of Aquilina._
_Enter Renault, L. S. E._

_Ren._ (C.) Why was my choice ambition
The worst ground
A wretch can build on! 'tis, indeed, at distance,
A goodly prospect, tempting to the view;
The height delights us, and the mountain top
Looks beautiful, because 'tis nigh to heaven;
But we ne'er think how sandy's the foundation,
What storm will batter, a