If you set here to guide the course of justice,
Why these disgraceful chains upon the limbs
That have so often laboured in your service?
Are these the wreaths of triumph you bestow
On those that bring you conquest home, and honours?

_Duke._ Go on! you shall be heard, sir.

_Pierre._ (L. C.) Are these the trophies I've deserved for
fighting
Your battles with confederated powers?
When winds and seas conspired to overthrow you,
And brought the fleets of Spain to your own harbours,
When you, great duke, shrunk trembling in your palace:
Stepped not I forth, and taught your loose Venetians
The task of honour, and the way to greatness?
Raised you from your capitulating fears
To stipulate the terms of sued-for peace?
And this my recompence! If I'm a traitor,
Produce my charge; or show the wretch that's base,
And brave enough to tell me, I'm a traitor!

_[Goes to the table_.

_Duke._ Know you one Jaffier?

_Pierre._ Yes, and know his virtue.
His justice, truth, his general worth, and sufferings
From a hard father, taught me first to love him.

_Duke._ See him brought forth.

_Enter Captain, with Jaffier in Chains, R._

_Pierre._ My friend, too, bound! nay, then,
Our fate has conquered us, and we must fall.
Why droops the man, whose welfare's so much mine,
They're but one thing? These reverend tyrants, Jaffier
Do call us traitors. Art thou one, my brother?

_Jaf._ (R. C.) To thee I am the falsest, veriest slave.
That e'er betrayed a generous, trusting friend,
And gave up honour to be sure of ruin.
All our fair hopes, which morning was to've crowned,
Has this cursed tongue o'erthrown.

_Pierre._ (C.) So, then, all's over:
Venice has lost her freedom, I my life.
No more! _[Crosses, L._

_Duke._ Say; will you make confession
Of your vile deeds, and trust the senate's mercy!

_Pierre._ _[Returns to C.]_ Cursed be your senate, cursed
your constitution!
The curse of growing factions, and divisions,
Still vex your councils, shake your public safety,
And make the robes of government you wear
Hateful to you, as these base chains to me!

_Duke._ Pardon, or death?

_Pierre._ Death! honourable death!

_Ren._ (L.) Death's the best thing we ask, or you can
give.