ve,
Let it be told: the general doom is seal'd;
But I'd forego the hopes of a world's empire,
Rather than wound the bowels of my friend.

_Pier._ I must confess, you there have touch'd my weakness.
I have a friend; hear it! such a friend,
My heart was ne'er shut to him. Nay, I'll tell you:
He knows the very business of this hour;
But he rejoices in the cause, and loves it;
We've chang'd a vow to live and die together,
And he's at hand to ratify it here.

_Ren._ How! all betray'd!

_Pier._ No--I've nobly dealt with you;
I've brought my all into the public stock:
I've but one friend, and him I'll share among you:
Receive and cherish him; or if, when seen
And search'd, you find him worthless,--as my tongue
Has lodg'd 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._

_Bed._ His presence bears the show of manly virtue.

_Jaf._ I know you'll wonder all, that, thus uncall'd,
I dare approach this place of fatal councils;
But I'm amongst you, and by heav'n it glads me
To see so many virtues thus united
To restore justice, and dethrone oppression.
Command this sword, 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 curs'd assembled senate:
It shrinks not, though I meet a father there.
Would you behold this city flaming? here's
A hand shall bear a lighted torch at noon
To th' arsenal, and set its gates on fire.

_Ren._ 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, it's 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 councils.
I hate this senate, am a foe to Venice;
A friend to none, but men resolv'd like me
To push on mischief. Oh! did you but know me,
I need not talk thus!

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

_Ren._ I never lov'd these huggers.

_Jaf._ Still I see
The cause delights ye not. Your friends survey me
As I were dangerous--But I come arm'd
Against all doubts, and to your trust will give
A pledge, worth more than all the world can pay for.
My Belvidera. Hoa; my Belvidera!

_Bed._ What wonder's next?

_Jaf._ Let me entr