to call you friends,
That all but the ambassador, and this
Grave guide of councils, with my friend, that owns me,
Withdraw awhile, to spare a woman's blushes.

_[Exeunt all but Bedamar, Renault, Jqffier, and Pierre
who stand back on L._

_Beda._ Pierre, whither will this ceremony lead us?

_Jaf._ My Belvidera! Belvidera! _[ Calling_

_Bel._ _[ Within, L. D.]_ Who,
Who calls so loud, at this late peaceful hour?
That voice was wont to come in gentle whispers,
And fill my ears with the soft breath of love.

_Enter Belvidera, L._

Thou hourly image of my thoughts, where art thou?

_Jaf._ Indeed, 'tis late.

_Bel._ Alas! where am I? whither is't you lead me?
Methinks I read distraction in your face,--
You shake and tremble, too! your blood runs cold!
Heav'ns guard my love, and bless his heart with patience!
_Jaf._ That I have patience, let our fate bear witness.

_[Join hands._

Who has ordained it so, that thou and I,
(Thou, the divinest good man e'er possessed,
And I, the wretched'st of the race of man,)
This very hour, without one tear, must part.

_Bel._ Part! must we part? Oh! am I then forsaken!
Why drag you from me? _[Draunng to the R.]_ whither are
you going?
My dear! my life! my love!

_Jaf._ (C.) Oh, friends! _[To Renault, &c_.

_Bel._ (C.) Speak to me! _[To Jaffier_

_Jaf._ Take her from my heart,
She'll gain such hold else, I shall ne'er get loose.
I charge you, take her, but with tenderest care
Relieve her troubles and assuage her sorrows.

_[She leans on Jaffier._

_Ren._ _[Advancing to her.]_ Rise, madam, and command
among your servants--

_Jaf._ To you, sirs, and your honours, I bequeath her,

_[They lay hold of her._

And with her, this; whene'er I prove unworthy--

_[Gives a Dagger to Renault._

You know the rest. Then strike it to her heart;
And tell her, he, who three whole happy years,
Lay in her arms, and each kind night repeated
The passionate vows of still increasing love,
Sent that reward, for all her truth and sufferings.

_Bel._ _[Held between Bed. & Ren.]_ Oh, thou unkind one!
Have I deserved this from you?
Look on me, tell me, speak, thou dear deceiver,
Why am I separated from thy love?
If I am false, accuse m