sword already. Oh, my Mars!
The poets that first feigned a god of war,
Surely prophesied of thee!

_Pierre._ (L.) Friends, was not Brutus
(I mean that Brutus, who, in open senate,
Stabbed the first Caesar that usurped the world),
A gallant man?

_Ren._ (R. C.) Yes, and Catiline too;
Though story wrong his fame; for he conspired
To prop the reeling glory of his country,
His cause was good.

_Beda._ (L. C.) And ours as much above it,
As, Renault, thou'rt superior to Cethegus,
Or Pierre to Cassius.

_Pierre._ Then to what we aim at!
When do we start? Or must we talk forever?

_Beda._ (C.) No, Pierre, the deed's near birth: fate seems
to have set
The business up, and given it to our care;
I hope there's not a heart or hand amongst us,
But what is firm and ready.

_Elliot._ (L. C.) All.
We'll die with Bedamar.

_Beda._ Oh, men,
Matchless, as will your glory be hereafter:
The game is for a matchless prize, if won;
If lost, disgraceful ruin.

_Pierre._ Ten thousand men are armed at your nod,
Commanded all by leaders fit to guide
A battle for the freedom of the world:
This wretched state has starved them in its service;
And, by your bounty quickened, they're resolved
To serve your glory, and revenge their own:
They've all their different quarters in this city,
Watch for the alarm, and grumble 'tis so tardy.

_Beda._ I doubt not, friend, but thy unwearied diligence
Has still kept waking, and it shall have ease;
After this night, it is resolved, we meet
No more, till Venice owns us for her lords.

_Pierre._ How lovelily the Adriatic, then,
Dressed in her flames, will shine! Devouring flames!
Such as shall burn her to the watery bottom,
And hiss in her foundation!

_Beda._ Now, if any
Amongst us here, that own this glorious cause,
Have friends or int'rest he would wish to save,
Let it be told--the general doom is sealed;
But I'd forego the hopes of a world's empire,
Rather than wound the bowels of my friend.

_Pierre._ I must confess, you there have touched my
weakness.
I have a friend--hear it; and such a friend!
My heart was ne'er shut to him. Nay, I'll tell you,
He knows the very business of this hour; _[All start_
But he rejoices in