very man, that hears me,
Would deal so honestly, and own his title.

_Duke._ 'Tis rumour'd, that a plot has been contriv'd
Against this state; and you've a share in't too.
If you are a villain, to redeem your honour
Unfold the truth, and be restor'd with mercy.

_Jaf._ Think not, that I to save my life came hither;
I know its value better; but in pity
To all those wretches whose unhappy dooms
Are fix'd and seal'd. You see me here before you,
The sworn and covenanted foe of Venice:
But use me as my dealings may deserve,
And I may prove a friend.

_Duke._ The slave capitulates;
Give him the tortures.

_Jaf._ That you dare not do;
Your fear won't let you, not the longing itch
To hear the story which you dread the truth of:
Truth, which the fear of smart shall ne'er get from me.
Cowards are scar'd with threat'nings; boys are whipt
Into confessions; but a steady mind
Acts of itself, ne'er asks the body counsel.
Give him the tortures! Name but such a thing
Again, by heav'n I'll shut these lips for ever.
Not all your racks, your engines, or your wheels,
Shall force a groan away, that you may guess at.

_Duke._ Name your conditions.

_Jaf._ For myself full pardon,
Besides the lives of two-and-twenty friends,
Whose names are here enroll'd. Nay, let their crimes
Be ne'er so monstrous, I must have the oaths
And sacred promise of this reverend council,
That, in a full assembly of the senate,
The thing I ask be ratify'd. Swear this,
And I'll unfold the secret of your danger.

_Duke._ Propose the oath.

_Jaf._ By all the hopes
Ye have of peace and happiness hereafter,
Swear.--Ye swear?

_All Sen._ We swear.

_Jaf._ And, as ye keep the oath,
May you and your posterity be bless'd,
Or curs'd for ever.

_All Sen._ Else be curs'd for ever.

_Jaf._ Then here's the list, and with't the full disclose
Of all that threatens you. [_delivers a paper._
Now, fate, thou hast caught me.

_Duke._ Give order that all diligent search be made
To seize these men, their characters are public;
The paper intimates their rendezvous
To be at the house of a fam'd Grecian courtezan,
Call'd Aquilina; see that place secur'd.
You, Jaffier, must with patience bear till morning
To be our prisoner.

_Jaf._ Would the chains of death
Had bound me safe, ere I had known this minute.

_Duke._ Captain, withdraw your prisoner.

_Jaf._ Sir, if possible,
Lead me where my own thoughts themselves may lose me;
Where I may doze out what