_[To Jaffier._

_Jaf._ (L. C.) No: with most profound attention
I've heard it all, and wonder at thy virtue.

_Ren._ Let's consider,
That we destroy oppression--avarice;
A people nursed up equally with vices
And loathsome lusts, which nature most abhors,
And such as, without shame, she cannot suffer.

_Jaf._ (L.) _[Aside,]_ Oh, Belvidera! take me to thy arms,
Ard show me where's my peace, for I have lost it.

_[Exit, L. D._

_Ren._ (L. C.) Without the least remorse, then, let's resolve
With fire and sword t'exterminate these tyrants,
Under whose weight this wretched country labours.

_Pierre._ (R.) And may those Powers above, that are propitious
To gallant minds, record this cause, and bless it!

_Ren._ (L.) Thus happy, thus secure of all we wish for,
Should there, my friends, be found among us one
False to this glorious enterprise, what fate,
What vengeance, were enough for such a villain!

_Elliot._ (R. C.) Death here, without repentance--hell
hereafter!

_Ren._ (C.) Let that be my lot, if, as here I stand,
Listed by fate among her darling sons,
Tho' I had one only brother, dear by all
The strictest ties of nature,
Joined in this cause, and had but ground to fear
He meant foul play; may this right hand drop from me,
If I'd not hazard all my future peace,
And stab him to the heart before you! Who,
Who would do less! Would'st thou not, Pierre, the same?

_Pierre._ You've singled me, sir, out for this hard question,
As if 'twere started only for my sake:
Am I the thing you fear? Here, here's my bosom;
Search it with all your swords. Am I a traitor?

_Ren._ No: but I fear your late commended friend
Is little less. Come, sirs, 'tis now no time
To trifle with our safety. Where's this Jaffier?

_Spin._ (R. C.) He left the room just now, in strange disorder.

_Ren._ Nay, there is danger in him: I observed him;
During the time I took for explanation,
He was transported from most deep attention
To a confusion, which he could not smother.
What's requisite for safety, must be done
With speedy execution; he remains
Yet in our power; I, for my own part, wear
A dagger--

_Pierre._ Well? _[Goes to Renault_

_Ren._ And I could wish it--

_Pierre._ Where?

_Ren