the cause, and loves it:
We've changed a vow to live and die together,
And he's at hand, to ratify it here.

_Ren._ How! all betrayed!

_Pierre._ (C.) No; I've dealt nobly with you.
I've brought my all into the public stock:
I'd but one friend, and him I'll share amongst you:
Receive, and cherish him; or if, when seen
And searched, you find him worthless--as my tongue
Has lodged this secret in his faithful breast,
To ease your fears, I wear a dagger here,
Shall rip it out again, and give you rest,
Come forth, thou only good I e'er could boast of.

_Enter Jaffier, with a Dagger in his hand. L. D._

_Beda._ (C.) His presence bears the show of manly virtue!

_Jaf._ (L.) I know you'll wonder all, that, thus uncalled
I dare approach this place of fatal councils;
But I'm amongst you, and, by Heaven, it glads me
To see so many virtues thus united
To restore justice, and dethrone oppression.
Command this steel, if you would have it quiet,
Into this breast; but, if you think it worthy
To cut the throats of reverend rogues in robes,
Send me into the cursed assembled Senate:
It shrinks not, though I meet a father there.
Would you behold the city flaming? here's
A hand, shall bear a lighted torch at noon
To th' arsenal, and set its gates on fire!

_Ren._ (C.) You talk this well, sir.

_Jaf._ Nay, by Heaven, I'll do this!
Come, come, I read distrust in all your faces!
You fear me villain, and, indeed, 'tis odd
To hear a stranger talk thus, at first meeting,
Of matters that have been so well debated:
But I come ripe with wrongs, as you with counsels.
I hate this senate--am a foe to Venice;
A friend to none but men resolved like me
To push on mischief Oh, did you but know me,
I need not talk thus!

_Beda._ Pierre, I must embrace him;
My heart beats to this man, as if it knew him.

_Ren._ I never loved these huggers.

_Jaf._ Still, I see
The cause delights me not. Your friends survey me,
As I were dangerous. But I come armed
Against all doubts, and to your trusts will give
A pledge, worth more than all the world can pay for.
My Belvidera! Hoa! my Belvidera! _[Calls at L._

_Beda._ (L. C.) What wonder next?

_Jaf._ Let me entreat you, sirs,
As I have henceforth hope