_Pierre._ (R. C.) No, he has sent commission to that villain.

_Ren._ To give the executing charge:
I'd have thee be a man, if possible,
And keep thy temper: for a brave revenge
Ne'er comes too late.

_Jaf._ (C.) Fear not; I'm cool as patience.

_Pierre._ He's yonder, coming this way, through the hall:
His thoughts seem full.

_Jaf._ Pr'ythee, retire, and leave me
With him alone; I'll put him to some trial;
See how his rotten part will bear the touching.

_Pierre._ Be careful, then.

_Jaf._ Nay, never doubt, but trust me.

_[Exit Pierre, R. U. E._

What! be a devil, take a damning oath
For shedding native blood? Can there be sin,
In merciful repentance? Oh, this villain! _[Retires up, C._

_Enter Renault, L. U. E._

_Ren._ (L. C.) Perverse and peevish: What a slave is man,
To let his itching flesh thus get the better of him!
Despatch the tool, her husband--that were well.--
Who's there?

_Jaf._ A man. _[Advancing_

_Ren._ My friend, my near ally,
The hostage of your faith, my beauteous charge, is very
well.

_Jaf._ (R. C.) Sir, are you sure of that!
Stands she in perfect health? Beats her pulse even?
Neither too hot nor cold?

_Ren._ What means that question!

_Jaf._ Oh! women have fantastic constitutions,
Inconstant in their wishes, always wavering,
And never fixed. Was it not boldly done,
Ev'n at first sight, to trust the thing I loved
(A tempting treasure, too,) with youth so fierce
And vigorous as thine? but thou art honest.

_Ren._ Who dares accuse me!

_Jaf._ Cursed be he that doubts
Thy virtue! I have tried it, and declare,
Were I to choose a guardian of my honour,
I'd put it in thy keeping; for I know thee.

_Ren._ Know me!

_Jaf._ Ay, know thee.--There's no falsehood in thee;
Thou look's just as thou art. Let us embrace.--
Now, wouldst thou cut my throat, or I cut thine!

_Ren._ You dare not do't!

_Jaf._ You lie, sir!

_Ren._ How!

_Jaf._ No more.--
'Tis a base world, and must reform; that's all.

_Enter Spinosa, Elliot, Theodore, Durand,
and Mezzana._

_Ren._ Spinosa, Theodore, you are welcome.

_Spin._ You are trembling, sir.

_Ren._ 'Tis a cold night, indeed; and I am aged;
Full of decay, a